The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-01-18
HOSTILITY TO AUTONOMY
The Riots In Havana Are Of Much
Importance.
CRIES FOR wfYLER WERE NUMEROUS
hyershods seems to Fear the Inau-
cncc OF the Atmy--Americau In
tcrvcntion Is Looked For.

New York. January ia dispatch to
the Tribune from Havana says
Spanish power In cuba now rests on its
ability to maintain order in Havana. Until
the government shows itself muster OF the
city no other question can be considered.
Military operations against the Insurgents
are forgotten.
| II Is possible to review the events OF
the last few days and anaiyxc their sig
\ nificance The presence OF 5000 or 6ouV req
ular troops gives promise that the calm will
last icas enough ;cr u review OF the pros
poets.
A single week has given Havana a more
vivid idea OF what war is than all the
events of three years of insurrection. The
rioting has not been one OF destruction or
bloodshcd. y dozen cavalry attacks and
countless hayonet charges on the mob
without anybody being killed-this is lit
tie short OF marvellous; but 1t went OH In
the streets o. Havana for three days and
nights, II could not 10 on indefinitely
without bloodshod.
The tact and forbearancs with which the
authorities carried out their orders UNI
doubtedly have helped TO bring the goyern-
ment temporarily through the crisis. When
the mob was crying death 10 Bianco and 10
| autonomy, self-restraint was necessary.
The cries for Weyler were the most pro-
many partisans in the city who are de-
termined TO proclaim themselves
The authorities for months have been
taking precautions against a hostile DEM
onsNation. They did not expect that It
would be encouraged and precspitatod by
officers, acting in unison and under pre-
concerted schemes. Until these officers can
be properly disciplined respect for the gov
eminent can not be restored, and General
Blanco does not seem powerful enough 10
cashier them. Everybody fears the army
Some of the people who suffered by the
riot endeayor TO excuse it because the off
GERS were ostensibly avengiug reflections
made by the autonomist newspapers on the
army. But in their destruction OF la Dis
cussion they struck n blow ut autonomy as
well as Mt conservative paper. The rot
ers followed UP the blow bv their repeated
attempts on the office of FL Rio. which sup
ports the government.
General Blanco tried to assure tho Sa-
gas,a ministry and the peope Of The United
States that riots have no Significance. II
would be well for the government II this
were so Tho ultra loyal Spaniards are
taking Off their hats to Bauco. The army
is hereafter dominant political force in
Cuba. is officers may start no more riots.
but the spirit which pervades would in
tluence other classes, and that spirit is one
Of hostility to autonomy. Tho nrmness
with which the iron hand OF military re-
precision is stretched over the city may
keep down further outbreaks, though the
tension will not loosen for a long time TO
come.
The property owners. who are mostly
against the political policy of the govern
ment. have every reason to Join with 1t in
maintaining order. They can afford TO be
satisfied with what has already been dons
The volunteers are certain TO continue IN
a state OF ferment. but they are nat likely
n hi.on N hall
TO he fixing their minds on securing Cen
eral Blanco's recall. The demonstrations
they make are likely to he for effect in
Spain
with that end in view the disturbances
which have occurred are bringing the ques-
ton OF American intervention to head.
Its advisabiiiy has been suggested by
Consul General Lee bv Spanish merchants.
but they are slow TO commit themselves 10
paper or to take formal action. General
Lees advices 10 the state department ara
conscrva tive, but set forth the present Sit
uation clearly. He does not recommend
immediate intervention, but does not take
q hopeful view OF the ability OF the Span
ish authorities to restore public order per
manenty.
The government newspapers deplore the
rioting and say II has done more for the
insurrsction than Calixto Garcia could do,
They also say that 1t Will have a had effect
in the United States.
The question OF sending war ships VIII
have 10 be determined definitely soon. No
American demonstration has vet occurred
The trouble at present is among Spanish
factions and apparently their minds are
fully occupied with destroying autonomy
II further roting should break out II is
possible that feeling would be aroused
against Americans which would he hard to
restrain. No one Is In any personal danger