New-York tribune., 1899-07-18
SNAP JUDGMENTS ON CUBA
GENERAL LUDLOW COMPLAINS OF ILL
ADVISED CRITICISM.
HARM DONE TO ISLANDS lNTEhbSIS-
STATUS OF sPANIARDs-coLLAZo
PRAISES AMERICAN RULE.

PRAISES AMERICAN RULE.
Havana, July 17.-General Ludlow, Military
Governor Of Havana, thinks that the American
press and people scarcely realize the wonderful
development which the last six months nave
wrought in Cuba. In the insurrection an impor-
tant section OF the American press was In the
habit of describing the average Cuban as htue
short Of an angel. Then came the reaction. which
went to the extent in some comic journals OF de-
scribing him as an untamed savage. These ex-
tremes are equally far from the truth
Another thing the general critcises is the dis
position of some American papers to call the
widest attention to the foolish actions OF non
representative Cubans, and to ignore too ire
ouently the conduct of those who wish to bring
order out of chaos and who really are working
effectively in that direction. He feels that 1t
is a serious mistake not to show proper discrim-
ination in commenting upon affairs here ana
has satisfied himself that the principal culprts
are American visitors to Cuba, who remain here
only few days and on returning to the United
States write to the papers regarding the true
state Of the island" when they have had prac-
tically opportunity OF getting at the 1acts py
personal observation.
To-day the Spaniards had their first opportu-
nity To register an intention TO retain Spanish
citizenship. According to the Treaty of Paris.
they have until next April TO decide The ma
tority seem TO be puzzled as to what course
to pursue They fear that Cuban control would
mean ruin to them IL they do not register. and
they fear that, even II they do register. Spain
will be powerless to give them practical assist
ance II wronged. Most Of them would prefer
American citizenship, but this Is found to be
impractlcable considerable number have
visited the British Consus in various parts of
the island and asked to become British citizens,
only to discover. to their chagrin, that they
must first reside seven years on British SOIL.
Consequently the Spaniards do not know what TO
do Some OF the foreign consuls say that,
treaty or no treaty nothing can rob native or
his citizenship merely because he fails to regis
ter under the existing plan. and the Spaniards
will have vote in the elections, and may at
the same time continue Spaniards.
La Lucha" to-day publishes another letter
from General Enrique Collazo. who in this IN
stance praises what the Americans nave done
since January !, especially in the matter or
sanitation, and their businesslike methods or
putting things in order The letter attracts at,
tenton because it is so different from his usual
utterances.
"El Reconcentrado" to-day publishes story
of two insurgents who said to have visited
General Maximo Gomez to complain that they
had been left off the rolls and that their
troubles would drive them to desperate deeds.
According to the narrative, Gomez, in a tower
ing rage had them turned out Of his office, say
ing that he had troubles enough Of his own.
According to Eel Diario de la Marina, work
is now being resumed on the plantation and
farms In the Province OF Santiago. chiefly owing
10 the distribution Of the American gratuity.