New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-03
4 REPORT FROM GENERAL WOOD.
AFFAIRS ~ THE PROVINCES OF SANTIAGO
AND Puerto PRINCIPE REVIEWED


Washington Sept The War Department has
received a report from General Leonard Wood on
the conditions existing in Santiago and Puerto
Principe provinces Of cuba.
General Wood devotes the first part ~ his re-
port 20 description of the geographical and
physical features Of Santiago Province the agrh
cultural conditions. harhors. industries. and, In
TACT. everything that could be Of value 10 the De
partment He closes this part Of the report by
saying:
Taken as whole the Province q. Santiago pre-
sents wonderful opportunities for Industrious
Amsrics4s know of ne Por,oq Of GO our own
pected in SO short nf tro s,ao o sq.
many ~ which have been infected win yello"
fever the country Is healthy.
Until roads are constructed no real development
Of the interior of the province is expected Cen
er4l Wood saye the construction OF the proposed
central railroad from Santiago 20 Santa Clara Is
Of vital importance 70 the prosperity Of the ISLAND
While some mines have been worked 20 advantage
many deposits II minerals have not been devel-
oped AZ all An immediate need Of the province
IS a complete survey and system devised FOR
disposing Of lands to actual occupants
owing 70 prolonged disturbances in the country
education. both public and private. If backward
40 school property exists. nor Is there single
endowment Of any nature for educational purposes
The postal system Of the island under American
direction has improved A direct mail from New
York 70 Santiago city Is recommended. More equi-
table terms should be granted 10 teographs and
telephones 40 az 70 get satisfactory service
General wood says many conditions I'm the courts
call for immediate remedy. there is great delay
in the administration Of Justice. Some changes
Ia thinks are necessary in the methods Of con-
veyanccs and settlement II claims Of lands
should be made where disputes have long caused
contention. Among the opportunities for invest
ment offered is the establishment Of agricultural
banks prepared 10 loan at reasonable terms for
four or nv. years lie estimates the population OF
tho province ~ from 10000 10 53.0pl
neral Wood recommends as tp civil govern
mont that institutions Ia the nature ~ local self
government should remain under The control or ne
military authorities until experience demonstrates
that they are capable Of self-supp1rt he refers
10 The fact that there Is no method or trial FOR
American citizens, except under the spanish laws
stiN enforced I'm cuba. The military code OF the
United states docs not control, and the Spanish
laws are unsatisfactory 10 Americans
General Wood says that, judging from tho eN-
percnce Of the last year. the military control OF
peparfmcnt commanders should have authority 20
suspend any Official on the presentation or eN-
dance Of ucompetency or malfeaSance IN once
Tho prcserf method ~ referring evidence 10 Ha-
vtna has tendency TO leave the military depart
meut commander IN contempt. ana great delay IL
The result A reform IN taxation Is also recon
mended
MORT on the subject Of eduCafiOn prepared by Cen
eral perofrio castillo cuban Army Major James
Runcie T. : y. Captain K . Mendoza. l;
and comprehensive plan for establishing schools IS
also made This includes a census utst. ana rec.
ofnncnl. the support of the schools from general
funds until system Of taxation can b. devised
regime f. recommended General Wood concurs IN
ana approves the report of this Board