New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-05
NO PROGRESS IN CUBA.
INSURGENTS SHOW NO DISPOSITION TO
YIELD INDEPENDENCE.
SPANISH AUTHORITY STRENGTHENED BIZ lhH
wARsHIPs FROM sPArN-sENAToR PROC

WARSHIPS FROM SPAlN-SENAloH H"o~
TORS OBSERVATIONS.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrBUSE.1
Havana, March 3. via Port Tampa Fia-'
March 4-Spanish authority In Cuba Is
strengthened little against attacks from WIN
in by the presence OF warships. They give Cap
tain General Blanco means OF REFRESHING IN
ternal disorder that has heretofore been lacking
10 the Government The Volunteers and the
populace who have been rejoicing over the COM
Ing OF the ships because Of the supposed erect
on the United States. have not thought OF IL IN
this light. They may see It's bearing later II
they attempt n hostile demonstration
But while Banco is measurably treasured
against attacks from his own people. no progress
Is made in preventing assaults from without.
nor are the insurgents showing Willingness 10
yield any Of the advantages they have gained.
While recruits for the Spanish Army con-
tinue to arrive from Spain. their coming seems
TO Inspire no dread In the insurgents, VINO
are alike Indifferent TO persuasion and to force
The efforts at persuasion by the Autonomist
Cabinet are proceeding yet. 1t cannot be said
they are making progress. Gown and DOLE
dominate the Cabinet. for It is known that they
represent the Sagasta Mlnistry's willingness to
make further concessions. The Conservatives
in Cuba growl at this further weakening OF
Spanish sovereignty. just they growled at the
original concession Of autonomy. but tney 90
not openly repudate It, The censorship Is TOO
strict to allow much expression OF opinion on
their part What the Intransigentes think or
what they might do is OF little consequence so
long as the insurgents are not entertaining the
propositions which the Autonomist Cabinet is
willing to make on behalf of the Sagasta Min
lsry Gomez is In Santa Clara Province, nearer
communication with the outside world than he
has been for months His answer. which VIII
he a rejection Of every proposition that is not
based on absolute independence. may be re-
ceived at any time. After that nothing remains
for Spain except the mediation Of the United
States or. n not mediation, Intervention.
Senator Proctor who has been looking into
the situation finds a condition ripe for media
ton but how II Is TO come unless Spain Is
willing he does not know In common with
other observers he finds grounds for believing
that little friction would be experienced In Cuba
in making the arrangements. The Senator has
studied the political complications In Havana.
He understands the embarrassments OF Captain
General Blanco and the Government. He has
also made a short trip into the country and
Will make other Journeys. both into the tobacco
districts and among the sugar plantations. 1t
is not his purpose to hurry back to Washing
ton, but to do what he can at any time indi-
viduay to bring the present destructive state
Of affairs 10 an end. Senator Proctors observa-
lions will be thorough and he will be able to
inform 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 improved showing Is
made because the insurgents are permitting
plantations TO grind that heretofore have been
idle. But this improvement Is local. Taken gen.
orally. the agricultural prospects are growing
worse and the era Of desolaton broadens.
Moreover. the people in the interior are recev
ing none Of the food and medicines contributed
by the American people. The distribution Is
limited to Havana and the towns and villages
close to II.