The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-02
SITUATION At SANTIAGO
Panicky Feeling Among
Business Men.
THEY FEAR CUBAN RULE
Mercantile Confidence Destroyed by
Apprehension Of the City Being
Turned Over 10 Cubans for Home
Rule-General ShafIer Repudia ties
Alleged Interview as TO Garcia's At
titude-CviI Governor Ros Resents
Military Supervision.


Copyright by Associated PressD
Santiago de Cuba, July 2S, $40 p. m.
delayed in ransmission.) "A panicky
feeling prevails in business circles here,
owing to a fear that the Americans
will turn the city over TO the Cubans
for self government. No confidence
exists, owing to the uncertainties OF the
future. Orders that were given during
the first days of the American occu-
patton have been countermanded by
cable. Even European merchandise on
through bills of lading via New York
has been ordered unshipped and sold in
New York even at a sacrifice.
The same feeling extends to the Gu
ban merchants themselves who seem
to have lost faith in the ability of
their own people to control affairs. The
rebels demand independence; but the
better classes, the merchants and land
owners, dread such a possibility and
hope fervently that the United States
will retain the island, as the only guar
antee of stability and prosperity.
SenOr Julian Cendoja, agent of the
Ward Line of steamers, says that 100
Spanish merchants have applied for
cabin and baggage room on the return
trip of the steamer Philadelphia, which
is expected today, and they will leave
the city unless there is some assurance
from the American government that it
intends to control the administration
of public affairs in Cuba.
This is the question upDermost in
everybody's mind. Spanish, foreigners
and natives are all alike anxious for
a definite expression from Washington
of the policy of the United States with
regard to Cuba and until that express
sion is made no resumption of trade
or commerce can be expected in Santi-
ago, where today, both are in a de-
moralized and choatic state.
Major General Shafter is desirous
that it should be known that the Unit
ed States war department has in no
way interfered with the conduct of the
campaign. The general adds that he
was never hampered by the war de-
partment and that if the campaign in
this vicinity had failed the fault would
have been all his own. The depart
ment's only participation in the opera
tions was in ratifying the terms of
surrender of the Spanish forces.
General Shafter has requested that
these statements be published in view
has been criticised for faulty manage
ment.
General Shafter has received advices
that two Spanish transports, one of
them being a hospital ship, have left
the island of Martinique. They are
expected here tomorrow. In addition
three Spanish transports left Cadiz
yesterday and four others are to leave
CadiZ on July Goth. These vessels are
capable of carrying about $1,000 troops
and the embarkation will begin when
all the vessels are here. 1t is expected
that all the Spanish prisoners of war
will be embarked by August 18th.
The American commander has au-
thorized the Spanish officers who COM
manded the troops that came to San
| tiago during the siege from ManZanillo.
to send for their wives and families. in
order that they may be able to take
them back to Spain at the gevorn-
| ment's expense. In all, there are about
! $50 women and children.
Major General Shafter says he has
| not made certain statements attributed
| to him in an interview on the subject
of the attitude assumed by General
| Garcia, and he explains that the alleg-
| ed trouble between himself and Senior
| Ros, the civil governor Of Santiago. is
a very small matter indeed. Senior Ros
| considers himself the supreme civil au-
| thority, basing his claims upon the
| state paper issued by President Nc
Kinley on July 18th and providing in
! general terms for the government Of
! the province Of Santiago de Cuba.
Senor Ros, il is understood, resents
General Skaters so-called interference
| with his duties. A little cloud arose
| over the fact that Senior Ros discharg-
ed three employees and substituted for
| them three Of his own friends. The
| discharged employees complained &c
| General Shafter. who ordered their re-
| instatement. Since then. Senior Ros
! has been slightly ruffied but he is con
| tinuing TO discharge his duties as Gen.
| eral Skaters subordinate Senior Ros
| obeyed General Skaters orders with.
out protest, though he may have mur-
| INJURED behind his back.
The work OF cleaning the city is be.
| IL pushed with great activity. Over
} carts are employed in transporting
| t the outskirts Of Santiago the dir
| a-d refuse removed from the houses
| This work, however. will take some
| time. as before every house door lies
a great pile Of rubbish which has beer
| dumped into the street by General
| Woods orders. The rubbish is being
| collected and burned in huge bonfires
The steamer Philadelphia has arriv-
| ed here. She is the first regular mail
passenger and freight steamer to reach
here since the city surrendered. She
| belongs TO the Ward Line.