The herald., 1898-11-18
Time for Action

the Herald from Havana says: WIN the ue
parture of the greater number OF the Orden
Publico for Spain, one of the principal ele
ments of disorder is removed from the city
This body of picked men, better trained
and more intelligent than the ordinary
Spanish soldier and with the bitterest feel
ing against the government, fell naturally
into the place of the leaders of the move
ment which for the last week has kept the
city in a state of constant anxiety. From
them have come the directions to be fol
lowed in attempting to force the govern
ment to accede to the soldiers wishes, and
while the other camps implicated have been
as anxious as the Orden Publico to bring
matters to crisis the initiative has been left
entirely to the latter. Their prompt re-
uoval from the island was a step hardly con-
templated by the mutineers, and has checked
for the moment any immediate action on the
part of other regiments. The government
apparently believes that the trouble has
been averted in the meantime, and that the
danger of an uprising at any moment has
passed.
Streets which for weeks had presented the
appearance of besieged town have resumed
almost normal aspect. Soldiers camped at
various points, who slept under arms and
were ready to march at the bugle call have
been withdrawn to the outskirts, leaving
only sentries and those on picket duty. The
city is still policed by soldiers and municipal
guards, the Guardia Civil not having been
allowed to resume its functions. This re-
manning element of danger, the Guardia
Civil, is still in an unsatisfactory condition.
Prompt action of the military authorities in
checking the outbreak has stamped out the
spirit of the men to some extent, but causes
their discomfort still to remain, and the flame
may burst out at any moment. Isolated and
unarmed in their quarters in Dragones
street, they are powerless for the moment,
but the day will only be postponed in order
that other opportunities may be taken ad-
vantage of. This spirit existing among the
men is very bitter. If only the opportunity
arises it will not be wasted. The principal
object of their hatred is General Arolas. His
stern, effective measures in checking the out
break on Thursday night, together with his
implacable methods of dealing with ndivid
ual revoters, has earned for him the fercest
dislike of those effected. His life only will
appease them and one of the first acts of
the men, should they have the opportunity,
will be to murder Arolas. This was the plot
of Saturday night, but it fell through.
The situation still presents an unsettled
aspect. 1t has been discovered that many
members of the Orden Publico, especially of
the Fourth Company, escaped deportation
by deserting and flying into the country.
Several bands of these are now outside the
city and soldiers are employed in hunting
them down.
Another element of danger is the Cubans.
Menocal's camp is situated about two hours
march or a half hours ride by rail from
Havana. On reports of the disturbances
reaching him, he held his men in readiness
to march on Havana with view to protect
American and other foreign residents A
special detail has been provided to guard the
Salon Trocha, the residence of the American
Commissioners. In two hours, Menocal says
he would have 5000 men in the city, and in
twenty-four hours 10000
The consequences of such a movement
would have been of grave character. The
Spanish authorities would never have agreed
to the use OF Cuban troops and the result
would have been triangular fighting in the
streets. Spanish troops and mutineers
against each other and both against the
Cubans. Complications arriving from such
situation would have been inexcusable.
This contemplated step by Menocal is one of
the keenest criticisms that could be passed
on the American policy of delay in occupy
ing Cuba.
American residents in Havana protected
from riotous Spanish soldiers by insurgents
almost three months after the peace protocol
had been signed, would make us the laughing
stock of Europe.
Americans here express mitigation at the
situation which renders such a proposal
possible.