The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-05
THE HAVANA SITUATION.
Views Of the Chief Newspaper of the
Cuban Metropolis.
La Lucha. May 80.

La Lucia, May 80.
The American administration deserves the
thanks of the Havana press If for only one
reason. Whenever subject matter for seeth-
ing, red-hot editorials Is not abundant the
administration is always at hand. This has
been carried to such an extent that 1t has
become habitual, and so little argument
Is used that the habit Is not conducive to
admiration of the owners thereof. We have
criticised the manner I'm which the recon-
struction has been carried out, but we have
attempted to be fair. Then. too, we stand in
a position which is trifie different. AS
far back as October Of last year we de-
fined the Havana situation as being one
which demands the sending of the best
statesmen In America. Joseph Choate
would be none too good. The ruin Of Cuba
has been militarism. Civil reforms should
be introduced by men familiar with civil
laws and civil life Send the best
talent obtainable in the States. Send
military also, but place the mill
tary at the disposition of the civil
authorities, and let 1t be here only for mil
itary purposes. This was not done. The
army has had full sway, and innumerable
mistakes and delays have been the result.
One department stands alone as being free
office Major Rathbone is a civilian, and is
man of ability. and decision. Consequent
ly he has rebuilt postal system out Of
what was easily the most tangled Depart
ment in Cuba
There has been, however, a great deal ac-
complished by the army officials who have
been endeavoring to bring order and JUS
tice to the surface. Col. Bliss has COM
passed reforms which were deemed almost
impossible, and, II not hampered, Will Gre
ate a model customs service. So 1t Is in
each branch of the work; there Is great
deal TO be said in praise.
one feature and kill an idea which is err
roneously held by many. The city govern
ment, as far as municipal ordinances are
concerned Is entirely free and individual,
and Mayor Lacoste is not interfered with in
any way by General Ludlow. All reforms
and plans are submitted to General Ludlow
for approval, but he has not opposed one,
and, by. his own statement, has only sug-
gested four since being in office. The cele-
brated undershirr law was Mr.. Lacoste's
own proposition, being a revival of an old
Spanish regulation promulgated in 1894 The
smoking ordinance was likewise his own,
and General Ludlow has absolutely nothing
to do with that nor with the early closing
of stores The tendency unfortunately is to
blame the Americans for everything which
ia distasteful TO the Cubans. This is unjust.
and is losing many friends for the Cubans.
Announce your dislike Of what does not
your hearers OF the justice and logic of
your case. Use argument instead of noise,
and be certain you are blaming the right
best friends the Cubans ever had, an Amer
lean who has lived here for years and risked
his life, not once. but dozen times. said
the ceaseless complaints from the Cubans
that they are showing a determination to be
dissatisfied with every proposition; and are
becoming decidedly capricious. That Is an
excellent remark to remember and be
warned by.