The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-22

streets are as filthy and as i'll paved as
when Spanish power was supreme in
the island.
There is one change, however, I OBJ
served. The starving, dying reconoen-
trados are now conspicuous by their abb
sence. Before they haunted the obscure
streets and lanes of the city or lay by
the roadside in the suburbs, too weak to
walk or even to beg for food to save
them from death. Pathetic in their
wretchedness, pale, pinohed faced, sad
eyed human specters, their very appear
ance was a mute appeal for pity and
charity. Where they have gone is hard
to tell. Most Of them probably found
relief in death, and others doubtless re-
turned to their old homes as soon as
the war ceased. But, though the recon-
oentrados have disappeared, there is no
lack of evidences of want and suffering.
The work of the American commits
siOners is proceeding as rapidly as pos
sible, though it is not likely that the
island will be- evacuated by the Spanish
troops before the end of Novem Der, if
even then. General Blanco wants q
much longer time and claims that four
months will be necessary for the re-
patriation of the whole army from Cuba
and the conveyance to Spain of the war
material in the island. He appears to
be very loath to leave Cuba. 1t is not
improbable that the possible failure of
the peace negotiations in Paris may
have something TO do with his desire to
delay the departure Of the Spanish SOL
diers. In the event of such a contin-
genoy their presence in the island would
be, to say the least Of it, embarrassing.
The work of the American commits
sion involves much more than the evao-
uation of the Spanish troops. Though
so far it has been apparently the policy
of the United States government to in
terfere as little as possible with the
laws and administrative machinery of
the country, there are certain changes
and reforms imperatively necessary for
the welfare of the island. Those SEQ
tions of the penal code which punish
severely attacks on the Spanish govern
ment must be changed, as also those
which establish race and class priv
ileges, and many articles in the civil
code granting special rights to the
church. As appeals to the superior
court Of justice at Madrid will be hence
forth out of the question Cuban jurists
must arrange for some other final court
"a JAO4ChsuG0s
As soon as Havana is in the possession
of the American troops measures will
be taken to improve the sanitary oondi-
ton of the city. Colonel Waring, who
gained a well deserved reputation as
street commissioner of New York city,
is now here with a corps of expert en-
gineers making Investigations and sur
veya At present their efforts are prin-
oipally devoted to the construction of
healthful camps for American soldiers,
but as soon as possible they will at
tempt to make Havana a more health
full city than it has ever been under
Spanish rule. One Of the most essential
prerequisites to the attainment of this
object is the construction of a proper
system of sewerage. 1t is now proposed
to construct large sewer from the city
under the bay and thence to the sea by
a tunnel under the eastern headland.
Thus far there are but few Americans
in Havana After the Spanish troops
have gone and the city has been formally
taken possession of by the United States
authorities there will doubtless be an
influx of them. For those with money
there will be many openings and enter
prises in which to invest their capital
Those without means 1 would advise to
stay at home. There are thousands in
Havana and many thousands through
out the island who are willing to work,
bnt can get nothing to do. What Cuba
wants at present is capital to enable
the ruined planters to resume work on
their plantations. I imagine there are
but few openings for business men in
Havana. Even after trade has recovered
from the state of collapse which has
prevailed here for some time past there
are enough of clever headed, sharp wit
ted, alert men Of business in Havana
prepared for such desiI able emergency
and ready to take advantage of it.
JOHN ROBERTSON.