The record-union., 1898-10-21
SPANISH DO AS THEY WISH.
CARRY ON THINGS WITH A
HIGH HAND AT HAVANA,
Pay No Attention Whatever to the
Protests of American Evacua-
ton Commission.

L l.. OlSDdlCn
the Herald" from Havana says:
One institution which above all 9TH
ers will welcome the REIMBURSEMENT of
Spanish sovereignty over Cuba is the
Banco ESpano. Because of its semi
official connection with the Govern
ment, the Banco Espano has been
mulcted out of millions of dollars. No
longer ago than last Thursday the
Government called for $500, 600 in gold
The bank protested, and did not give
the cash until it received a notice that
force would be used if necessary An
other 100000 was advanced to-day.
but in this case the city revenues were
pledged as security.
All arrangements have been made for
reorganization as soon as the Ameri-
can flag floats over the city. Shares
nave already been subscribed to the
amount of eight millions, and two mill
ions more will probably be issued. MAX
ing total capital Of ten millions on
the old basis. While official relations
with Madrid will be severed absolutely
the bank Will represent principally all
the Spanish interests, public and indi-
Vldual, remaining in the island.
II is believed Cuban silver coin will
soon circulate at a ratio with gold of
10 L. Cuban scrip. which was issued
TO the amount of $20,O00,00O, is now
practically worthless, and this repre-
sents the only profit which the Banco
Espanol derived from its connection
with the Government When this
scrip was issued, silver to the amount
OF s6,C00,OOO was deposited as a guar
antee fund. Later S7,000,O0O of the
paper was Withdrawn from circulation
and the silver guarantee taken up by
Spain. This left $13,O00,O0O of paper
absolutely without intrinsic value.
which was for time forced upon the
people. AS soon as Spain withdraws
the Banco Espanol will issue a limited
amount of paper with an equal amount
of gold on deposit as a guarantee.
through no weakness of mistake of
its own, the American Commission oc-
cupies position humiliating in the ex-
treme. 1t has made several demands
upon the Spanish authorities, only to
have them ignored and to see affairs
shape themselves as they would were
Spain debating terms of peace instead
OF accepting them. To this matter
emphasis was given on Monday, when
in the face of repeated protests made
from General Wade and his associates.
General Blanco proceeded with an auc-
ton sale of what should be considered
trophies of war-brass and bronze can
non. Captain Brooks also learned
that the military machine shop was be-
ing partially dismantled The costli-
est shafting and the latest pattern of
lathes were being packed for shipment
to Spain.
Another matter that has been annoy
ing the commission is the calm manner
in which the protest against the dis
of guns taken from the AL
fonso XIII. was ignored. General
Wade announced to General Blanco
that though the guns originally be-
longed to the cruiser Alfonso XIII,
having once been used In the defenses
of Havana, they became part of these
defenses and must accordingly be
turned over to the United States.
The Spanish commission communi-
Gated with Madrid. and received a reply
that this was a matter for discussion
by the Paris Commission, and that it in
no manner concerned the commission
to arrange the evacuation of
Cuba. Since then the work of replac-
ing the cannon on the Alfonso XIII.
has proceeded without interruption,
though frequent protests have been
made by General Wade, Admiral Samp-
son and General Butler
One of the Commissioners said: "Un-
less we have authority and power to
back up our demands, we are no more
use in Havana than three school boys
would be. We tell the Spaniards what
should be done, and they proceed as
they please.
when we first arrived in Havana We
that the island must be
evacuated by December. The Span
iards replied that they would have 20
Neither side has yet receded, though |
last week it did appear that an agree
ment might be reached. They will hoLl |
onto the customs receipts as long as |
possible. When they lose them they |
will move.
IF / had my way I would bring down |
and take possession of the |
custom house and other branches of |
the Government. The sooner the Span !
sh soldiers leave, the sooner Cuba will |
be rid of the yellow fever epidemic. In |
the wooden barracks in Regla over 400 |
soldiers died last week. There exists |
there all sorts of fever.
s'We have registered at the commits |
sion the names of Spanish Lieutenants |
and of four Captains who wish to re- |
main in Cuba working with the Ameri |
can police