The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-10-18
IN CUBA.
Situation Is
CONFUSING.
TROUBLE AHEAD.
Interview with a Merchant
Of Havana.

Correspondence of Associated Press.)
Havana. Oct. Ia prominent mer-
chant of this city whose name is neces-
sarily withheld, in an interview on the
Cuban situation, said:
THE delays in the evacuation of the
islands by the Spanish troops and the
uncertainty as to the definite policy OF
the United States which prevails here
together with the different versions as
to the part which will be played by the
Cubans in the coming occupation OF
Cuba, tend to render the situation here
most intricate and confusing.
THE American commissioners natu-
rally keep their plans to themselves,
and nothing definite can be ascertained
by the business community. which is
most anxious to know something of the
future prospects of the island. Con-
flicting reports are also in circulation
regarding the policy adopted by the in
surgent chiefs.
For instance, it is said that Calixto
Garcia has agreed to cooperate with
the Americans, and is exhorting the
Cubans to lay down their arms and ac-
cept the conditions imposed by the
Americans. but the friends of these
chiefs say the insurgent leaders are all
earnest advocates and unfiinching
champions of the absolute independ-
ence of Cuba, and that they will listen
to no compromise.
Therefore, trouble is to be feared in
that quarter. Indeed, some Of the
prominent Cubans go so far as to say
that the DETECTION from the original
resolution of congress regarding Cuba
viii be met by open protest and armed
opposition, which, however suicidal to
Cuban aspirations, would mean much
further trouble, loss of life, privations
and expense for the Americans. The
climatic perils are likely to cause CON
siderable loss Of life among the Ameri-
cans. Whether from hidden motives or
otherwise, the Spaniards encourage
the Cubans in these ideas, and it is
claimed that the Spanish delay in evac-
natlnS Cuba has much to do with this
situation.
The Spaniards in event of hostiiities
between the Americans and Cubans
would join with the latter against the
American forces.
There is already considerable abuse
in the distribution of rations, and it
would be well to stop that work as
soon as the Spaniards evaeuate the is
lands, for those who know Cubang best
are well aware that they viii not go to
work so long as they can obtain free
rations. As it is the planters dread
to resume work, fearing that the inde-
pendence of the island will bring about
a state Of anarchy. There win be no
sugar crops this year. and the cane
fields will be in such a bad state next
year that no crop may be expected in
1899
1T is said around the American
headquarters that Gen. Parade and
Admiral Monterola of the Spanish com
mission recently admitted in private
conversation their dissatisfaction with
the result of the war, and expressed the
hope that something would occur before
the final evacuation of the island to
warrant renewal of hostilities. as
the Spanish army could not accept The
humiliation, which they have been sub
jected to without an emphatic protest
and an opportunity to rehabilitate
themselves. This conversation was
later repeated to Rear Admiral Samp-
son, who is said to have replied that
two months more of the war would
have suited him admirably.
The admiral, by the way, is deeply
affected and disturbed by the adverse
criticism to which he has been sub
jected. He appears to brood over It
constantly