The record-union., 1897-10-30

WASHINGTON, Oct. %. - It is the
present situation in Cuba, and not
SpaGns reply, that is just now causing
the Administration concern. Private
information which reached Washington
confirms the dispatches from Havana
describing the serious condition of af-
fairs that confronts Spain there. The
most important feature of this inIor-
nation is that indicating that the Lib
eral Ministry viii find it a difficult
matter to induce even the autonomists
in Cuba to accept the reforms which
General Blanco is authorized to inaug-
urate upon his arrival in Havana.
In General Weyler lies the chief OBJ
stacle in the way of acceptance of the
new policy. The statement that Gen
eral Weyler received an order from
Madrid directing the disbandment of
the volunteers and that such action
had not been taken is confirmed by id
vices received here. These state that
General Weyler is unanimously sup
ported by the volunteers, who may op-
pose General Blancos landing. Gen
eral Blanco's supporters are only found
among the poorer classes, for whom
any change is for the better. IF the
autonomists in Cuba are chary about
accepting the autonomy proposed by
the Liberal Ministry. Administration
officials ask, what is the feeling among
the Cubans? It is needless to say that
they are not making predictions. They
are awaiting with the keenest interest
developments within the next fortnight
which, in their opinion, will determine
the success or failure Of Spain's new
policy.
It is because of this situation that the
Administration is cOngratulating itself
over the failure of Spain to accept out
right the good offices of the United
States. In diplomatic language, Spain's
note thanks the United States for the
tender of good offices, but there it
rests.
Contrary to general expectations, no
me%-ion is made of the new policy 10
be inaugurated in Cuba by General
Blanco on his arrival, but the inference
indicates that the concentration order
viii be revoked and that everything ;
viii be done by Spain to ameliorate the
condition of affairs in Cuba that the
American Government desires. Con-
siderable attention is devoted to
schemes of reform which the Liberal
Ministry Will push through the Cortes
and which have already been described
The one feature of the note upon
which the Administration will take is
sue with Spain is the reference to f1-
clustering. But, while there may be a
diplomatic controversy over this point
there is no reason at present to fear
that it will precipitate crisis
It has all along been understood that
Spain contemplated a claim against
this country for damages growing cat
of the flibustering expeditions. This IS
regarded in the light of an additional
argument in support of her prospective
claim rather than for the purpose Of
provoking a quarrel with the United
States.
The next dispatch of instructions to
Minister Woodford will direct him to
lay before the Madrid authorities
statement of what the United States
has done to suppress flibustering.
CRUELTY OF SPANISH.
HAVANA. Oct. % A Herald cor
respondent in Havana Province, under
date of October 18th, writes that the
Spanish soldiers since the new Min
istrv have come into power are COM
hitting many QeGQS u u uS4ty. 40 ca
example. he cites a case he witnessed
in the mountains near FL Carmen,
where several families who had lied
from the towns to seek food had con-
gregated.
A hut where lived Jose Gonzales and
his family was attacked by small
BODY of Spanish troops. The husband
was tied and dragged by the neck un-
til unconscious and then macheted
Two sons were also tortured to death
The wife and two daughters were then
killed. On the same day hospital es-
tablished by Juan Delgado's command
was raided and all the inmates ma
cheted and burned with the house
wherever Cuban is found whether
under arms or not, he is killed.
All the Cuban leaders are strong IN
their assertion that they will never ac-
cent any form of autonomy. Many OF
tho soldiers are tired of war and would
ike TO see peace, but at the same time
+bav are loyal to their leaders and VIII
egbt as long as advised to do so. Pc
rez Diaz with a small force attacked
iOnf