Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-28
N EW ERA IN c U B A
Horatio Rubens SAYS Confidence Has Re-
placed Distrust.
Cooperating with Gen. woOd-Give
Hostages to the Future by
Their Attitude.


tioE. and is now associated with Senior
Quesada in the Cuban representation here,
returned this morning from a visit to Ha-
vana Matanzas and other points In Cuba,
where he was accorded an enthusiastic re-
ception by the Cubans.
Mr. RubenS accompanied General Wood
when he went to assume the governor gem
eralsh!p. and he not only witnessed that
interesting event. but also had the opportu-
nifty of presenting General Gomez General
Rodriguez and many other veteran Cuban
leaders to the new administrator of the
affairs of the island.
The feeling of the Cubans toward Gen.
Wood was shown by a banquet given at
the Tacon Theater at Havana last Saturday
night, when 200 generals and ''yeteranos'
sat down, while the galleries were filled
with the youth and beauty of the Cuban
capital Mr.. Rubens had an opportunity
to learn direct from the Cuban leaders, as
well as from many prominent Spaniards
and members of the old autonomous re-
ginle, their expectations and general pro-
gram. Speaking of his observations, he
said:
Confidence of the Cuban..
NO country on earth is more at peace
than Cuba il. The Presidents message,
the declarations of the Secretary of War.
followed by the appointment of Gen. Wood.
who goes to carry out the policy of the
President, have been received with univer-
sal favor. The veterans of the revolution
and all elements. even those supposed to be
most at unrest, are deeply gratified by the
program enunciated by Gen. Wood-the re-
form of the courts so as to give speedy
trials, the clearing of the prisons of those
who have been languishing under the slow
procedure the establishment of a system of
free public schools and the construction of
roads. all with view to local necessities
These purposes have met with universal
applause from the Cubans.
so long as there was any doubt as to the
purpose of the United States. the revolu-
tonary element stood aloof and eXpectant
Now, however, they feel that they must
Constitute the conservative party in Cuba,
that is. the party which supports the po-
htical program of the President.
Fitting Themselves to Govern.
Il have further found, in converse ton
with many of the Cuban leaders, that the
day is very rapidly approaching when all
the elements of Cuba. even those who were
opposed 10 the revolution, will be called
upon to aid In the political reconstruction
of the island. and to form a government in
which all the Inhabitants of Cuba may take
part The leaders of the revolution are
DESTROYS that the government to be estab
hshed shall be one that will guarantee life,
liberty and property to all. They are anX-
iCus 10 be given the opportunity which has
been provided them by Gen. Wood of TAX
ing hold Of all departments and thus prac-
tiCaiiy fitting themselves for the govern
msnt that Is to come. They expect that
this new government will be established as
soon as possible, but they do not insist
upon unreasonable haste.
so long as the Cubans are satisfied of the
intentions of the United States, and see
that practical steps are being taken toward
the realization of their hopes they can be
relied upon to cooperate with the Ameri
can authorities to the fullest extent and
they themselves will see to it that there is
no breach of peace, because they desire to
inspire confidence abroad, so that capital
may be invested and the prosperity of the
island may be assured. They are satisfied
that peace means prosperity. and that
prosperity will mean enduring peace.
Grateful to America.
The CuDaus are grateful to the Ameri-
can people for their Intervention and for
the assistance they are now getting In the
definite solution Of the political future OF
the island. They recognize that the United
States must see that the government of
Cuba should be such as to guarantee all in
terests. but as this is also the object of
the Cubans. as expressed to me through
their leaders and in conversation with a
great number of persons. they stand ready
to aid the United States in every possible
manner.
Il have talked with people representing
of the autonomous regime, and they too,
have confidence IL the situation. They do
not think that the time is quite yet arrived
fO- them to come from their retirement
ard take part in politics but / find that
these Cubans who fought in the revolution
are ready to forget the past and to welcome
tEem VIXEN they desire to take part in the
political affairs o. the island. This shirt
or the part Of rhe leaders of the late in
surrection viii undoubtedly cause surprise
but it Is the one fact which has impressed
me in my conversation with these men more
than any other.
Gen. Wood has met the people in a most
friendly and cordial spirit. and has asked
them to express their opinion freely to him.
and not to fear to come to him in criticism
The Cubans have promised him their most
cordial support, and while the problems of
reorganization which face him are indeed
great and difficult there is confidence in
his ability, sincerity in their promises of
cooperation and a great spirit of security
now prevails
Tact of the Governor
Mr.. Rubens relates many interesting incl
dents connected with the Inauguration of
Gen. Wood As the latter arrived Gen.
Rodriguez, next to Gomez in command,
was at sihe wharf to meet him.
The old soldier was nearly shot to pieces
In the war and hobbies along from the eff
feet Of a bullet wound in the knee Gen.
w God at once invited the old Cuban leader
to enter his carriage. and there was a
cheer from the assembled crowd at this
thoughtful attention from the new COVER
nor general. Later, Gen. Wood asked to
see Gen. Gomez. and Mr.. Rubens accom-
panied the old commander-in-chief to the
American headquarters. 1t was a notable
meeting. the governor general inviting the
cooperation of Gen. Gomez, and the latter
giving earnest assurance that the Cubans
had every confidence in Gen. Wood and
intended to uphold his hands.
General. | want you to come to me as
one soldier comes to another said Gen.
Wood and the veteran Cuban was visiby
affected at this expression of confidence
from the American commander.