The record-union., 1898-07-30

| coated men were strange figures among
the slipshod and hungry looking innabi-
tantS OF Santiago, who wondered at
| their healthy appearance and at the
| fact that men would campaign dressed
in the heavy uniform of our army. Ci-
! gars and rum We're plentiful and could
| be had for the asking. Spanish soldiers
attached themselves to groups of Amer
| lean soldiers and guided them through
| confusing streets.
The Spaniards produced rum and ci-
garettes for their guests in mysterious
| manner, which the soldiers could not
account for until one trooper noticed
that friends of the Spaniards handed
about the refreshments as the men
passed along the street Persons in the
streets bowed pleasantly to the Ameri-
cans, and pleasant word to a group cf
Spanish soldiers always brought forth
responsive smiles and friendly COM
ment. Now and then a sullen face
could be seen, perhaps on some junior
officer whose war pride was SUFFERING.
or soldier still limping from a wound
would scowl at the men who had in
Jured him. But apathy to the whole
proceeding was notable except, where
rejoicing was evident
The townspeople are glad that the
days of suffering are over, and TO many
OF the lower classes it is a matter Of
lndlHerence that the American flag
Hoats over the palace instead of the
red and yellow insignia of Spain and
that American soldiers sit at their pal
ace door opposite the necessary Span
ish guard. They will soon learn that
the American flag means food and then
feelings will bring them for the time
being to our side. The storekeepers re-
gret that our army will not enter the
city. The needs Of a thousand men in
the way of clothing and refreshments
would bring acceptable trade and pro
vide work for the many thousand peo-
pie crowding in from the country. re-
turning sick and hopeless to homes
desolated, looted or sold out during
their absence, for the Spanish soldiers.
pressed by gnawing stomachs, have not
respected empty houses and family pos
sessions, supposedly in safety during
their owners absence have been sold
Tor tobacco and such food as could be
obtained.
Inc same feeling extends 20 the Gu
pai merchants themselves, who seem to
nave lost faith in the ability of their
O"h POOplS W COUlFOl d1alrS. The rab-
els demand independence, but the be-
ter classes, the merchants and land
owners, dread such a possibility and
IerVently hope that the United States
VIII retain the reins of government in
the island as a guarantee of stability
of prosperity
Senor Julian Cendoja, agent CT the
Ward line of steamers says that hun
dred Spanish merchants have applied
for cabin and baggage room on the re-
turn trip of the steamer PHILADELPHIA.
which is expected to-day and they will
Ieave the city, unless there is some as
surance from the American Govern
ment that it intends to control the a5
mlnistration of public affairs in Cuba.
Ih1s is the question uppermost IN ey-
erybody's mind. Spanish foreigners
ana natives are all alike anxious for a
dennlte expression from Washington of
the policy of the United States with
regard to Cuba, and until the express
sion is made, no resumption of trade
or commerce can be expected in Santi-
ago, where, to-day both are in a de-
snioraiized and chaotic state.