New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-09
PROSPERITY or SANTIAGO.
MERCHANTS FEAR IT WILL BE INTER-
FERED WITH IF CUBANS ARE
ALLOWED TO GOVERN.


Santiago July 21.-There is a prevailing feaf
among merchants and others doing business In
Santiago that the protection OF the United
States over Cuba will not last, and that the
Cubans will come in in stead. No one exc
poets the Cubans to substitute better and
more secure government than the Spaniards.
The fairness and firmness OF General McKib-
ben during the few days he has been in charge
Of the city have raised hopes for lasting munic.
ipal control that will permit and foster the
growth Of business and prosperity
Seven Of the most prominent merchants OF the
city are to wait upon General McKibben to-day
to learn from him. II possible. II they can.
with confidence in the continuation OF American
rule. place orders for the replenishng OF their
stocks. the amounts OF which will run up into
millions OF dollars. 1t is said that unless these
men are assured OF protection they will take no
steps In this direction
The Santiago storekeepers are reaping a good
harvest from the American soldiers The men
supplying the needs and requirements Of
many weeks. and It is surprising TO see how
many OF the officers and not few Of the men
are familiar with the Spanish tongue. A good
interpreter is always in demand. however. and
the heart OF the storekeeper warns up to the
with a customer who shouts in English. evi-
IDENTIFY believing the loudness Of his words win
carry understanding
STOREKEEPERS ROB AMERICANS.
And how the shopkeepers do rob the Ameri-
cans on exchange! An American dollar Is worth
two Spanish dollars. but, In the beginning. the
soldiers did not know this. and American gold
was given for Spanish silver values. American
paper money is already circulating In the town.
1t Is much sought after.
certain tailor discovered that he was giving
gold values for paper money calling for
demption in silver. He gathered up nearly $500
worth Of silver certificates. hurried to a banker.
and his relief was great beyond words when no
learned that they were worth as much gold.
and his confidence and faith in America cannot
be equalled in Santiago.
The city pawnshops are overstocked. ana
many a souvenir Of the Cuban campaign that
goes back to the United States has come from
these places. Old Spanish silver and jeweiry.
watches. and magnificent carved leather
chairs. made centuries ago in old Spain and
worked by deft Spanish fingers. will remind
certain Americans OF Santiago de Cuba and Of
the days they possessed 1t.
But OF the many souvenirs that will be car
ried away a good machete. bought from the
side Of Spanish officer is most popular.
THE MACHETE AS SOUVENIR.
And they must be old and worn; new ones
with the makers label still stuck to the blade
ore OF value. Many OF the souvenirs now
acquired with so much trouble will never ceach
the United States The owners have still many
weary marches before them. maybe. and what
is bought and we'll paid for to-day will, perhaps,
be later thrown gladly away.
There has been but one restaurant in town
where the American officers have been able to
find food 1t is on the main plaza. in front OF
the American flag on the palace, and its bill Of
fare has, up to to-day. been limited to fsn.
meat. canned green peas and coffee. meal
costs 50 in gold. and the restaurant is coming
money.
Drnkables have always been plentiful. how
ever. and by simply stating that me has rrj
| other wine in the house. the proprietor seils
champagne in large quantities. This restau-
rant is the principal rendezvous for the for
eigners OF the cry. and in default OF any hotel
In operation It's prestige will continue
The liberality Of American methods Of local
restriction and proper safeguards for the preser-
walton Of order is noticeable. and there are up
to this writing no records Of an abuse Of tho
power the Americans have acquired. and tho
people Of Santiago we'll pleased and draw
comparisons unfavorable to the Cubans