The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-09-27

received by one Of the embassies here,
the colonial government of the island
is taking a hand in shaping the terms
on which the evacuation will be pur-
sued. This, it is believed here, may
develop some new phases in the stu
alton in Cuba. The colonial govern
ment was established by Spain short
Iy before the war broke out, there be-
ing a cabinet Of five officers at Havana
and a legislative body with two houses.
It carried out in a measure the long
pending plan Of giving Cuba home rule
by means Of an autonomous govern
ment, but, while in name autonomous,
it was contended by the insurgent ele-
ment that genuine home rule was lack
ing and that this colonial regime was
a continuance of Spanish domination.
It appears, however, that these coloni-
al authorities are taking a very active
part in the present negotiations, and
Ahat there is more or less cooperation
-betWeen them and the Spanish gov
eminent. This creates a condition in
which the United States must deal,
not only with Spain, but with those
who claim to represent the island itself
free from Spanish control. The colOni-
al, or autOnOmiSt, administration is
very thoroughly organized, and can
exert much influence. 1t established a
regular legation in Washington prior
to the war with several prominent pub
lie men of Havana IN the staff. 1t
numbers in it's ranks much of the
wealth of Cuba and claims to stand
for the educated classes as against the
insurgents and illiterate. This makes
two distinct Cuban classes-the auton-
OmiSts, who are cooperating with
Spain, and the insurgents, who are OPP
posed to Spain.
1t now seems clear, from the official
as we'll as the press reports from Ha-
yaha and Madrid, that the autOnO-
mist element is taking up the claim
first advanced by Spain that many in
Cidental questions as to Cuba must be
settled before the evacuation begins
but the view among government Oft1-
Gals here is that the Cuban autOnO-
Hntsts, as we'll as the Spaniards, have
10 questions to advance or settle be-
fore evacuation is determined upon.
The time and place of vacuatiO is
looked upon by the authorities here as
the only point involved, and there is
likely to be a rude awakening if the
prO-Spanish element, either as autOnO-
mistS or as native SpaniardS, insist
upon bringing in the determination of
llic NupdI uCpl, 1 LIS ~ SoN
eminent, rates of tariff for Spain, and
many other subjects, as a preliminary,
to evacuation. The American commits
siOners, according to the understand
ing here, will insist on a strict adher-
ence to the protocol for an immediate
evacuation of the iSland, and, if need
be, will submit an ultimatum against
taking up subsidiary questions on Gu
ba'S future.
While the Cuban colonial government
is thus combining with the Spanish
government in bringing rWa these
incidental questions, get the opinion
was expressed today by a high diplO-
matte officer, based On recent advices
from Havana, that a serious issue
would be aVerted, and that the actual
evacuation of the Spanish troops from
Cuba would begin within the next
month; but it appears that the evacu-
alton will cover much longer time than
has been anticipated. There are some
WOO, 900 Spanish troops N the island. AL
lowing LOCO men on a transport, and a
vessel leaving every lay it would take
100 days, or over three months for the
evacuation; but the vessels are not
avilable for a trip every day for 100
consecutive days, so that the time for
departure will probably far exceed
three months.
PLANS FOR REORGANIZING THE
ARMY.
Major General Miles, commanding
the army, has completed his plan for
the reorganization of the volunteer
forces into corps, divisions and bri-
gades. This plan has been submitted
to the war department for approval.
The plan cOntemplateS a reorganization
of the volunteer force which has not
been ordered mustered out and designat
ed as an army of occupation for Cuba,
provides for the relief of the army in
Porto Rico and establishes a reserve to
relieve the troops in the various is
lands which will be occupied by the
United States. 1t is known that the
troops of the Seventh corps, now under
General Lee. will be designated to go
81 to Cuba and that troops from the
camps at Lexington, Knoxville and
Middletown will be selected for Cuba
duty. 1t is understood that General
Miles deals only with organizations
such as corps, divisions, brigades and
regiments. The matter of command
ing and staff officers will be settled at
ter the mastering out of general and
staff officers has been determined.
REVENUES OF SANTIAGO.
y Santiago. September ply the
courtesy of General Lawton, the AS
ISOLATED Press correspondent was to-
day afforded an opportunity to peruse
the report issued by customs collector
Donaldson, covering the transaction
of the custom house at Santiago dur
ing the period between uly 18th anC
September LIST.
After reviewing the various sources
or revenue Collector Donaldson estl'
mates the annual income of the prov
ince of Santiago at 81, $50, 900.
The report closes with a manifest o.
the numerous sources of public reve
Ii The sums au~thoritatively collect
ed and duly accounted for would more
than suffice to support in an adequate
manner all the expenses of administer
ing the province, even if the rates Of
assessment were reduced in view of thu
poverished conditions Of this portion
of the island.
HVice President Capote, in the cours,
81 an interview with the Associated
Press correspondent said: