The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-09-20
NO STRAINED RELATIONS
Between Commissions
at Havana.
INDEPENDENCE OR WAR

IncreasinS-The "ueat Ring. In Ha.
Sana Fessered by the authorities
spanish Omcer~ Anxious so Join
American Army -Numeer OF Resgau
Increased by Closing Soup Kitchen.
Havana, September IL. via Key West.
Fla. September 15-The rumors to
the effect that strained relations exist
between the Spanish commission and
the United States Cuban evacuation
commission are absolutely unfounded.
There have been little incidents. but no
real bitches.
The Spanish steamer Alfonso NH.
which left Porto Rico for this port
yesterday. is expected TO have on board
the instructions from the Spanish gov
eminent. The reason that the first
formal session OF the commissioners
o place on Sunday was the under
standing that the commissioners must
meet within thirty days after signing
the protocol, Sunday being the last
day.
Two free soup kitchens in this city
were closed yesterday and the closing
OF others will follow. These kitchens
have been distributing TO the really
needy over 80. 600 rations daily. Their
discontinuance, based, according To
the civil government circular, on the
assumption that distress and want
have disappeared from the city. will
have the effect of throwing thousands
of unfortunate people on public char
ity. Beggars are again infesting the
streets and carrying filth and disease
germs all over Havana. Immediate
arrangements for the distribution OF
the Comal r%ations, now that the Span
lsh government refuses to continue To
feed the hungry, is imperative.
h meat ring continues keeping
the price of meat at from so To 60 cents
per pound, in spite of the protests and
offers by large and responsible firms
to the government, Offering TO import
cattle and place meat onthe market at
% cents per pound.
Hundreds OF Spanish officers have
asked TO be discharged from the army.
They refuse to return to Spain. where
starvation stareS them in the face.
Many Of them have formed classes TO
study English, hoping to succeed in OBJ
tanning commissions in the United
States army as Don as they are pro-
ficient in the language.
1t will be interesting to watch the
course pursued by the host OF counts
| and ~marQuises, holding titles of nobil-
ity in Spain and here. The ~aristocracy
of Cuba are all Spanish grandees hold
ing Castilian titles. OF which they are
very proud and which they will re-
nounce with great reluctance. These
grandees, who have been holding their
titles for generations, formerly owning
vast properties in the island. are the
most rabid Cubanists here. They will
be forced either to remain loyal Span
ish subjects and continue enjoying the
privilege Of rank and title, or relin-
quish all claims to this honor and be-
come plain Tom, Dick and Harry.
The same will happen TO a long list
of Cubans widows and orphans OF
Spanish officers, drawing pensions
from Spain. which is their only
of support today. The list of such pen
sioners foots up over 1000.
The situation here may be summed
up as choatic. 1t Is impossible To tell
exactly that the future may develop.
even regarding the commission It's
powers appear to be very limited, the
members having TO submit every trifie.
to Washington for consideration, be-
fore acting.
The mayor OF Havana. the Marquis
Estaban, an ~autonomist, has sent a
gift Of a magnificent saddle horse to the
insurgent chief Mayia Rodriguez. At
the same time gifts were sent to him
from a well known councilman. A
former aide Of General Pando has also
presented a horse TO the insurgent
chief, Andres Hernandez. There Is an
evident desire upon the part OF Cubans
holding Office under Spanish rule to
conciliate the extreme Cuban element,
especially insurgent army circles.
While these gifts are purely personal.
as between old friends, the conduct OF
the donors has been adversely crlti-
cised and commented upon In many
official circles.
The predominant feature OF the sit
uation Is the feverish and widespread
agitation Of the Cubans in favor of
the absolute independence of the island
at all costs. Manifestos are being cir
culated inviting the cooperation OF
Spanish residents and merchants To
this end and pointing out that either
annexation OF an American protector
ate would mean death to all trade with
Spain in a couple of years.
General Maxine Gomez who only a
fortnight ago. gave expression TO ex-
tremely moderate views, couDselling
harmony and patience. o expresses
himself as strongly infavor of "abso-
lutte independence or nothing" Gen
eral Gomez says, IL reports speak truly
that those who fear independence be-
long TO the same family OF cowardly
ours who fed from Havana at the frs;
rumor of bombardment-"
Aberdeen Telegram: we are glad III
| see that Mr. T-nhoIse. who had his leg