The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-09-28
AUTONOMLSTS ARE
ACTIVE IN HABANA.
They May Cause Slight Hitch
IN Peace Negotiations.

Washington, Sept. 22.-Accosdiag
to official dispatches from Habana, re-
eeived by one Of the em bassies here,
the colonial government Of the island
is taking hand in shaping the terms
on which the evacuation shall be ex-
pected. This. it is believed here, will
develop some pew phases 10 the situa-
ton 10 Cuba. The colonial govern
nens was formed By Spain at Habana
before the war broke out, there being
cabinet of FIVE officers at aabana aod
a Legislative bod dy with two beuses.
It carried out in measure the long
pending plan Of giving Cuba home rule
by means Of an autonomous govern
ment. but while 10 name autonomous,
it was conteuded by the insurgent ele-
mens that genuine home rule was lack.
Jog. and that this colonial regime was
continuance of Spanish dominion. It
appears, however, that these colonial
authorities ere taking very active
part in the present negotiations and
that there is more or less cooperation
between them and the Spanish govern
ment.
This creates a condition 10 which the
United States must deal not only with
Spain bot with those who claim to
represent the island itself, free from
Spanish control. The colonial, OF au.
economist, administration is very thor.
oughly organized. and can exert much
Influence 1t established regular le-
CATION 10 Washington prior to the war
With several prominent public men OF
Habana on the staff. It numbers in its
ranks much Of the wealth of Cuba and
claims to stand for the educated classes
as against the insurgents and illiserate.
This makes two distinct Cuban classee
the sntonomists, who are co.ope.
rating with Spain, and the insurgents,
whe are opposed to Spain.
It now seems clear, from the official
as we'll as the press reports from Ha-
baas aud Madrid, that the autooomist
element is taking up the claim fret ad-
vance by Spain that many incidental
questions as to Cuba must be settled
before the evacuation begins. But the
view among government officials here is
that the Cuban antonomists, as we'll as
the Spaoiards, have no questions to
advance or settle before evacuation is
determined upoo TIE time and place
of evacuation is looked upon by the
authorities here as the only point iu-
volved. aud there is likely to be rude
awakening if the pro.Spanish elemeot,
either as autonomists OF as native Span
iards, insist upon bringing in the de-
termination Of the Cuban debt, future
forms Of government, rates Of tariff for
Spain, and many other subjects, as a
preliminary to evacuation. The Amer
lean commissioners. according to the
understanding here, will insist 90 a
strict adherence to the proffer for an
immediate evacuation Of the island. aud
If need be will submit an ultimatum
against taking up subsidiary questions
on Cuba's future.
While tbe Cuban colonial govern
meut is thus combining with the Span
ish government in bringing forward
these incidental questions, the opinion
was expressed to-day by high diplo-
matte officer, based on recent advices
from Habana. that serious issue
would be averted and that the actual
evacuation Of the Spanish troops from
Cuba will begin within the next month.
But it appears that the evacuation will
cover much longer time than has
been inteuded. There are some 100.
600 Spanish troops 10 the island
Allowing 1000 meu on transport,
and a vessel leaving every day. it would
take 100 days. or over three months,
for tte evacuation. Bo: the vessels
are not available for trip every day
for 100 consecutive days, so that the
time for departure will probobly far
exceed three mouths.