Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-10-21
sPANIARDs PAY No HEED TO AMER
ICAN PROTESTS.
A FEW WARSHIPs NEEDED
SELLING WAR SUPPLIES AT HAVANA
OR SHIPPING THEM AWAY.
American Commission Without Power
to Rack Up It's Demnnds-Banco
EspanoI viii BE Glad When
Spanish Sovereignty Is
at nm End.

HAVANA Oct. 2O-Through no weakness
or mistake of its own, the American COM
mission occupies a position humiliating in
the extreme. II has made several demands
upon the Spanish authorities, only 10 have
them ignored and 10 see affairs shape
themselves as they would were Spain die
tating terms of peace instead OF accepting
them.
To this matter emphasis was given on
Monday when. in the face of repeated pro-
tests from General Wade and his asso-
ciates, General Bianco proceeded with an
auction sale of what should be considered
trophies of war-brass and bronze cannon.
Captain Brooks has learned that the milf
tary machine shop was being partially dis
mantled. The costliest shafting and the
latest pattern of lathes were being packeu
for shipment TO Spain.
Another matter that has been annoying
to the commission is the calm manner in
which the protests against the dismountinS
of guns taken from the Alfonso MI. was
ignored. General Wade announced to Cen
eral Blanco that, though the guns original
ly belonged to the cruiser Alfonso AlL-,
having only been used in the defenses OF
Havana, they became part OF these de-
fenses and must accordingly be turned over
to the United States. the Spanish commits
sion communicated with Madrid and re-
discussion by the Paris commission. and
that it in no manner concerned the COM
mission appointed to arrange the evacua-
ton of Cuba. Since then the work OF re-
placing the cannon on the Alfonso XII. has
proceeded without interruption. though fre-
quent protests have been made by General
Wade, Admiral Sampson and General But
Ter. One of the commissioners said:
Unless we have authority and power to
back up our demands, We are of no more
use in Havana than three schoolboys would
be. We ,telLthe Spaniards what should tie
done, and they proceed as they please.
.When- we FIRST arrived in Havana, we
announced that the island must be evac-
uated by December. The Spaniards replied
they would need till April to get out. Nei-
ther side has yet receded, though last week
reached. They will hold on to the customs
receipts. as long as possible. When they
lose them, they will move.
IF l had my way, l would bring down
the warshipS and take possession of the
custom house and other branches OF the
government
the sooner Cuba will be rid of the yellow
fever epidemic. In the wooden barracks
in Regla over 400 soldiers died last week.
There exist there ali sorts of fever.
I'VE have registered at the commission
the names of many Spanish lieutenantS
and Of four captains who wish to remain
IN CuDd, WOThlnS Win tHe <AHeiicau po-
lice
One institution which above all others
will welcome the REIMBURSEMENT of Spanish
sovereignty over Cuba is the Banco Espan-
oil. Because of its Semi-official connection
with the government, the Banco ESpanol
has been mucted of milliors of dollars.
No longer ago than last Thursday the gov
ernment called for $4,000 in gold. The
bank protested and did not give the cash
until 1t received notice that force would
be used if necessary. To-day another $780,.
Goo was advanced, but in this case the city
revenues were pledged as security.
All arrangements have been made for re-
organization as soon as the American flag
floats over the city. Shares have alredy
been subscribed to the amount of IS. 900 go.
and 100000 more will probably be issued
While official relations with Madrid vii.
be severed absolutely, the bank will repre-
sent principally all the Spanish interests
public and individual, remaining in the
island.
1t is believed that Cuban silver coin will
soon circulate with a ratio with gold Of
two to one. Cuban scrip. which was is
practically worthless and this represents
the only profit which the Banco Espanol
derived from its connection with the gov
ernment. When this scrip was issued sill
yer to the amount of S5eJ1.010 was de-
posted as a guarantee fund. Later 5000
coo of the paper was withdrawn from cir
culation and the silver guarantee taken u-
by Spain.s- This left si3 900 90 of paper al
soiutely without intrinsic value, which was
for a time forced upon the people. As soor
as Spain withdraws. the Banco Espano'
will issue a limited amount of paper. with
an equal amount of gold on deposit rs
a guarantee TO-