The Mena star., 1899-05-18

New York, May 1.-The Herald's Havana correspondent telegraphs as follows: The situation here has become most alarming. To all appearances the Cubans are about to make armed manifestations against the United States and it's modes of governing the island, although the conservative ele- ment still hopes for peaceful arrange ments. This state of affairs, which was brought abruptly to head last Satur- day by partial quarrel between Gen. Gomez and Gov. Gen. Brooke, has been forming for the last two months. The first move has been made by the army. It will probably be supported by many Cubans.
 The army which is really represent ed, although many dispute his author ity, by Gen. Gomez, is particularly bit ter against Gov. Brooke and his policy. The soldiers declare they have been miserably fooled and trapped by the Americans. They look upon the ex- change of a gun for $75 as an ignomini- ous transaction for them, as they have not been defeated by Americans and consequently they refuse to exchange. Some persons say the determination of the army not to surrender arms is an outcome of Gen. Brooke's refusal to sanction Gen. Gomez's plan for Cuban militia. At the Cuban headquarters this statement is indignantly denied, in particular by Gomez, who however, refuses to discuss the present situation. One of Gomez's prominent officers said:
 Gen. Gomez was brought to this city through the influence of MT. Porter. He was told at that time he was wanted in Havana to help Gen. Brooke to establish government for the Cubans which would have no other basis than freedom and independence. He was miserably fooled. He had been ridculed for the manner in which he has been treated by Brooke. He has, on ac- count of his intimacy with the American gen. erai, lost popularity with the Cubans, who say he has been a traitor to their cause This part of Brookes scheme. He wished to render Gomez useless, in order that he might with fur ther case follow out his orders from Washing ton. Gomez and his men are dislilsed and unpopular to-day. He has no infiu- ence. A recommendation from him does more harm than good. Cubans imagine he has been working for annexation. He will prove the contrary this week, when he publishes letters which have been exchanged between him, Gen. Brooke and President Mckinley. After he has done this the general will probably leave the island. He has not penny. He lives on charity. In fact we are all doing the same. Gomez was forced to dismiss his staff, as he did not even have food for them. They are all looking for work One colonel has been made q policeman, with a salary of S62 q month All Gomez's enemies have splendid positions while his officers and men starye.
 No Alarm Felt About Cuban Affairs.
 Washington, May 17.--Gen. Brooke has not reported to the war department any serious situation in Cuba and it is not believed at the department that any alarm need be felt regarding the condition of affairs. No advice is given Gen. Brooke as it has been the policy of the president to clothe the officers in command in the islands with plenary powers to deal with the situations as they arise and hold such officers re- sponsible. The confidence of the war department in Gen. Brooke was strengthened by the visit of Secretary Alger to Cuba. What had been done and what was going for ward seemed to Secretary Alger for the best Interests of all the people of the islands. 1t is said to be the policy of Gen. Brooke to deal mildly with the Cubans and to avoid, as far as possible, any action which will tend to irritate them; but that they will be firm when 1t is necessary and the disturbers will be made to understand that no overt acts will be permitted.
 Communications that Gen. Brooke has made to the war department re- garding the situation are not given to the public, but the officials understand that the source of the present trouble Is that the generals" of the Cuban army are disappointed because they are not likely to realize as much out of the money appropriated for the army as they think they should. The whole trouble regarding the payment of the money and the delay may be traced directly to these officers who, as members of the assembly or as support CTS of Gomez. have constantly raised obstacles in the way of a peaceful dis armament of the Cubans and the set tlement of the affairs of the island. One thing is assured beyond all other considerations. The United States will remain for the present in absolute con troi of the island and the orders of the officers in command will be sustained by the government at Washington.