The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-06
THEY ARE In FEAR
OF THE CUBANS
SANTIAGO MERCHANTS FANCY
THEY WILL CONTROL CITY.
Meanwhile They Are Doing Thriv-
ing Business with General shaf-
ter's Troops--The Men Anxious to
Purchase Souvenirs of Their Ca,n-
paign-The City Quiet.

fCorrespondence Of the Associated Press.)
Santiago, July 21.-There is a. pre-
yailjng fear among merchants and
others doing business in Santiago that
the protection of the United States
over Santiago de Cuba is not to last
and that the Cubans will come in. No
one expects the Cubans will substitute
a better and more secure government
than the Spaniards. The fairness and
firmness of General McKibben during
the few days he has been in charge
of the city has raised hopes for a last
ing municipal control that will permit
and foster the growth of business and
prosperity. Seven of the most promi-
nent merchants ~ the city are N
on General McKibben today and learn
from him, If possible, whether they
can count with confidence on the con-
tinuation of American rule in order
that they may decide as to the placing
of orders for the replenishing of their
stock.
The Santiago storekeepers are reap
ing a good harvest from our soldiers
and officers. The men are supplying
the needs "a requirements of n any
weeks, and it is surprising to see how
mehy of our officers and not a few of
our common soldiers are familiar with
the Spanish tongue. A sood interpre-
ter is always in demand, however, and
the heart of the storekeeper warns to
the man who .straightens out his per-
pleXities with J customer who shouts
IN English evidently believing the
loudness of his voice will carry under
standing TO the men addressed.
And how the shopkeepers do rob the
Americans on exchange. An American
dollar is worth two Spanish dollars. In
the beginning our men did not know
this, and American gold was given for
Spanish silver values. Our paper
money is already circulating in the
town. 1t is much sought after. The
Spaniards know we are honest. a GER
tain tailor discovered that he was Civ
ing gold values for paper money call
ing for redemption in silver. He gath
cred up almost $500 worth of silver cer-
tlfcates, hurried to "A banker, and his
relief was beyond the power of words
to express when he learned they were
worth as much as gold. His confidence
and faith in America cannot be equal
led in Santiago.
THE PAWNSHOPS.
The city pawnshops are overstocked,
and many a souvenir of the Cuban
campaign that goes back to the United
States has come from those places. Old
Spanish silver and jewelry, watches,
and even magnificently carved leather
chairs, made centuries ago in old Spain
and worked by deft Spanish fingers,
are to remind certain Americans of
Santiago de Cuba and of the days they
possessed it. But of the many souven-
irs that are to be carried away good
machete, bought from the side of
Spanish officer, is the most popular,
but they must be old and worn. New
ones with the makers label stuck to
the blade are of no value. Many of
the souvenirs acquired with so much
trouble will never reach the United
States. The owners have still many
weary marches before them, maybe,
and what is bought and well paid for
today may be thrown away later on.
There is but one restaurant in town
where the Americans have been able
to find food. 1t is on the main plaza,
in front of the American flag on the
palace, and it's bill of fare, up to to-
day. has been limited~to fish, meat, cam
ned green peas and coffee. A meal
costs So in gold and the restaurant
is coming money. Drinkables have al
ways been plentiful, however, and by
simply saying that he had no other
wine in the house, champagne was
sold in large quantities one evening,
for the men who have conquered a
town are free and willing spenders.
The restaurant is the principal rendez-
vous for the foreigners of the city,
and, in default of any hotel in opera
tion, it's prestige will continue.
The Americans are in the strange
position of conquerors of a foreign
city. The liberality of their methods
of local restriction and proper safe
guards for the preservation of order
are noticeable, and there are up to
this writing no records Of an abuse
of the power they have acquired The
people of Santiago are we'll pleased
with us in that respect and draw COM
parsons unfavorable to the Cubans
If those people had been in our posi-
ton since July II.