The evening times., 1896-08-25
SWEEPING CUBA.

as. he gets his re c-enforcements from Spain,
next month. he will sweep the island"
from one end TO the other, and thus sup
press thefusurrection. on the other hand.
the insurgents are reported 10 have de.
tided upon policy OF absolute destruc-
lion. They propose to sweep the island"
with torch and dynamite: TO raZe cities
and towns. and destroy plantations and
crops, in order 10 deprive Spain of all
revenue and make 1t impossible for the
Spanish troops to remain in the wilder
ness thus created Whichever sweep
lag" process we contemplate, it is horrify
ing 10 the Thought, though 4. must he con.
Weyier's declarations than on those OF
the insurgents. His promises aud pre-
dictions as TO his own performances have
SO far been nothing but sound and fury
and IL is altogether likely that a COM
filander who has been unable to keep his
enemy from crossing and recrossing at
will n short line of strong Notifications
will likewise be unable 10 end war by
such a coup de force as he now thinks
lie is going 10 execute.
The contingency, therefore, which is much
more likely to aeitatc peoples minds is the
reported intention of the insurgents 10
make u howlinG desert of the Queen OF the
Antilles" There is little TO prevent them
they have virtually control OF the whole
island, except two or three provinces and
the city OF Havana. 1t Itisprobable, ofcoursc
that they wori start their destructive op-
crations in these latter and lay waste tn,
country ising back of them only as they
themselves might be compelled to give
way before the enemy. At first they would
undoubtedly seek 10 destroy that section of
the isian from which Spain is still able tc
draw Some revenue. The fearful loss OF
lie which such policy would entail is ap
pallinr, and it is to lie hoped that othe.
counsel may prevail and other means be
found to offer effective resistance to tn,
spaniards. and Ultimately work the latter's
expulsion from the island.
RUNAWAY TROLLEY CARS.
The trolley lire accident near Frederick.
Md. Il few days ago. by which over a hun
derd persons cane near being dashed TO
death. calls attention to The frequency o +
happenings OF this kind and Ia the urgent
necessity of additional safety appliances.
and. above all things. greater caution in
running down steep grades. Although the
trolley cars around Washington have to
descend no mountain sides. there are on
some of the lircs inclinc3. the descent OF
possible care and under the most favorable
condition reglniing the safety of the pas
sengers. II will lie remembered that there
have already heen one or two narrow es-
-capes FROM serious disa ster; in one Instance
Il car being deraiIrd and Ecariy precipit ated
down a high enibankment Th. motive
and brake power On these cars should be so
perfected that IL will he impossible for
the motormep 10 lCse control.
Ii is TO the interest of every road whose
manag gers are not hopelessiy afflicted with
incapaciiy for business. to be so equipped
as 10 attract the largest possible amount
OF patronage. II happens frequently, how
ever. that managers pay more attention 1,
external appearances than to internal safe
guards and thus sacrifices safety to showi-
ness. Probably II would be well if Con
gress Were To empower the Comm is>ioneEs
10 make an examination of the brake ap-
paratus of the variolS rapid transit lines.
and to cause them Ia be equipped with he
latest and best. Life and limb should not
-ne jeopa rdized if perfected machinery can
prevent or II inimizc the danger.
Upon another point. also. official reguIa-
ton, both on suburban and city lines, is de-
s.rable. The ovsrcrowding of cars is no
only q nuisance and "A disregard of th'
rights of tie travelling public. hut one oi
the causes winch net infrequently contrib
ute TO precipitate disaster. To require tft
street railway companies TO provide every
passenger with a seat. as in Germany
France and other countries of Europe
might, perc,iance, WORK hardship here
but there is no reason whv a regulation
should not he made directing how man,
persons shall be permitted 10 stand in eaci
car and upon either platform.