The Politics of Intervention

Restoration and Withdrawal 249

The Provisional Governor readily admitted that, for several

reasons, neither party politics nor Americanization contributed

to governmental stability. One reason was "the racial char­

acteristics of the inhabitants of the Island." Magoon described

the Cubans as "like all other people of Spanish origin...

hot blooded, high strung, nervous, excitable and pessimistic

... suspicious of every one." Cuba's colonial past had "in­
tensified" these characteristics, particularly the war against
Spain when antisocial behavior was to a large degree the
key to survival. Magoon wrote:

We cannot change these racial characteristics by administering their

Government for two or twenty years, nor would they be changed by a

military occupation. The changes, if made, will be effected by forces

and influences of altogether different kind and character. All we can do

is wait the progress of events, doing what is practicable to keep the

progress orderly.

Magoon believed two developments "would make the
Government of Cuba stable" and change the nature of party
politics. The first would be the "cessation of the constant,
senseless and trouble-breeding criticism with which the Gov­
ernment is surrounded as by a circle of perpetual fire." Any
governmental act was criticized as favoritism, and there was
no public confidence or desire to participate in "good gov­
ernment." "The second great accomplishment would be to
induce the property owning and commercial classes to engage
in active politics, assume and discharge the obligations of
Cuban citizenship." Magoon was disheartened that the private
associations and businesses did not "exercise their political
influence." "With a modicum of interest and organization,"
they "could absolutely control the political situation." He
realized that the "non-politicos" looked to the United States
to protect their interests. Yet the participation of the business
elite was essential:

The stability of all governments comes from the business element and
property owners and if those of Cuba would overcome their present
inertia and go into politics, not to hold office, but establish good gov­
ernment, the question of further guarantees would be solved. How to