The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1898-03-11
Cubans Holding Their Own.


NEW YORK, March spanish au-
thority in Cuba is strengthened lit
tie against attacks from within by the
presence of war ships, says the Hava-
ma correspondent of the Tribune. They
give Captain General Blanco a means
Of repressing internal disorder that
has heretofore been lacking to the
government. The volunteers and the
populace, who have been rejoicing
over the coming of the ships because
of the supposed effect on the United
States, have not thought of it in this
light. They will see its bearings later
if they attempt q hostile demonstra-
tion.
But, while Blanco is measurably re-
assured against attacks from his own
people, no progress is made in pre-
venping assaults from without, nor
are the insurgents showing willing
ness to yield any of the advantages
they have gained. While the recruits
for the Spanish army continue to ar
rive from Spain, their coming seems
to inspire no dread in the insurgents,
who are alike Indifferent to persuasion
and to force. The efforts at per-
suasion by the autonomist cabinet are
proceeding, yet it cannot be said they
are making progress. Gown 3nd Dolz
dominate the cabinet, for it is known
they represent the Sagasta ministrys
| willingness to make further conces-
sions The conservatives in Cuba
| growl at this further weakening OF
| Spanish sovereignty, just as they
! growled at the original concession OF
autonomy, but they do not openly re-
pudiate it. The censorship is too strict
| to allow much expression on their
| part. What the intransigentes think
or what they might do is of little con-
sequence so long as the insurgents are
| not entertaining the propositions
which the autonomist cabinet is will
ing to make on behalf of the Sagasta
1 ministry. Gomez is in Santa Clara
province, nearer communication with
the outside world than he has been
for months. His answer, which will
be rejection of every proposition not
based on absolute independence, may
be received at any time. After that
nothing remains for Spain except the
mediation of the United States or, II
not mediation, Intervention.
Senator Proctor, who has been look
ing into the situation, finds condi-
| ton ripe for mediation, but how it is
to come unless Spain is willing he
does not know. In common with
others he finds grounds for believing
that little friction would be expert
enced in Cuba by making the arrange
ments The senator has studied the
political complications in Havana. He
understands the embarrassments OF
Captain General Blanco and the gov
ernment. He has also made short
trip into the tobacco districts and
among the sugar plantations. He says
it is his purpose to do what he can at
any time, individually, to bring the
present destructive state of affairs to
an end.
Senator Proctor's observations will
be thorough and he will be able to in
form himself fully of what Cuba needs
in the future. The present need of
the island is peace and food for its
starving inhabitants. In some places
in the interior an improved showing
is made because the insurgents are
permitting plantations to begin work
that heretofore have been idle. But
this improvement is local. Taken gen
orally, the agricultural prospects are
growing worse, and the era of desola-
ton broadens. Moreover. the people
in the interior are receiving none of
the food and medicines contributed by
the American people. The distribu-
ton is limited to Havana and the
towns and villages close to it.