The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-04-28
cUBA's CIVIL AFFAIRS.

The latest news Of the struggle in Gina
shows that both sides are waging the var
with increased bitterness. Gen Weyler -
carrying ous his threats % show no mercy.
and II begins to look as Y Maxine Comes
was terribly in earnest when he declared
that the Insurgents would rather wreck
the island than submit to Spain. Il 10 sup
posed. although there IL no ossc.al infor-
nation On the subject. mat President
Cleveland has intimated willingness to
act as mediator. but II Is very evident that
neither Spain nor Cuba - In the humor to
listen to terms. The mere rumor that the
government ~ Mldrid intended TO propose
reforms In the island Infatuated the Span
ish people and they have brutaily de-
not ballots. The cubans are equally de-
termined 10 accept nothing short OF hide
pendence and they are gradually building
up . system Of civil authority upon which
to base their demand for recognition a.
belligeren.s-
Although II Is nearly year since the
republic was declared, all civil proceedings
seem 20 have been conducted by the pa
triot committee in this country. The
reason probably Is mat those persons who
have been selected to set up the standard
of the republic In the various cities and
provinces Of Cuba. have mad to receive
their instructions secretly. and their reia-
tons to the central authority viii not be
known until preconcerted signal is given.
when the Independents Of the country will
Be formally proclaimed from one end OF
the island to the other. One reason for
this. obviously. u that while the insur-
gents range throughout the island they
leave no garrison force. but retreat when
ever a battle seems imminent, their policy
being to harass and wear out the opposing
army. 1t would be death to any man
known to be In collision with the Cuban
leaders. and as their success win depend
upon having trusted men at every Inn
portant point when proclamation Is made.
the utmost caution il necessary.
While Gomez and Maceo have been car
rying out the military plans with wonder
full fortitude and almost invariable sue
Cisneros- Betancourt, has been forming .
system Of civil administration. and when
the time IL ripe Cuba will stand forth with
. fully formed republican government.
The harmony which has been apparent
throughout the entire struggle is the best
evidence OF the patriotism and determine
ton OF the leaders. There has been no
suggestion OF jealousy. rivalry or insub-
ordination. and the accord of action has
often been proved by the boasts OF both
commanders who have so frequently pro-
claimed their purpose. and which they
have symmetricaily accomplished. Di-
vided as they often have been by long dis
tances and separated by Spanish troops,
1t is marvellous that they should have been
able TO keep informed as to the others
movements and to carry out threats OF
operations which must have been planned
far ahead.
Tho president OF the republic belongs
to a noble family and bore the title OF
Marquis OF Santa Lucia until he volun-
tariiy discarded IT when he threw OF ALE
glance TO the Spanish crown. He has been
trained In the science OF government and
has the implicit confidence OF his people.
The success Of tho civil government is as
much matter Of interest to the United
States as the military success OF the Gu
bans. Should they succeed in driving the
Spanish out Of the island. a great army
would have to be transformed rapidly and
judiciously into q peaccable population
II will be task calling for the highest
powers OF statesmanship TO restore order
and to fnd employment for thousands Of
men who are now helpless. many of them
homeless. and without means OF livelihood
except what they can pick up on their
rapid marches through the country. Many
Of the great plantations are ruined or win
h Unfit for operation without capital,
which must come from abroad. ana the
task Of providing for between 5000 and
COCO men win he hevcu,esn.