New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-29
PAYMENT OF CUBAN ARMY.
IMPORTANCE OF THE MATTER BEFORE
DISARMAMENT.
PROPOSITION FOR OUR GOVERNMENT TO
ADVANCE FUNDS ON SECURITY
CIrGTOMQ

ADVANCE FUNDS ON SECURITY
OF CUSTOMS.
Havana. Jan 2S-Sehor Federico Mora. the
Civil Governor Of Havana, to-day declared that
the question OF the payment Of the Cuban army
was of much greater Importance than the WASH
incton Government seems to realize He said
that II the Cubans were to collect the customs
of the island, which are their property their
first action would be TO meet Cubas sacred
obligations to the army by the payment in full
OF the soldiers But the customs administra-
ton being in the hands OF the Americans the
Cubans make a simple business proposition to
the United States Government that 1t shall ad-
vance money to pay the troops, holding the
customs as security.
II the Americans were not present Sehor Mora
further said Cuba could easily obtain the neces-
sary loan. The distribution Of this money to the
army is essential to permit the country to pro-
ceed with the work OF agriculture. which must
form the foundation OF It's reconstruction Tne
army contains many men who consider that
Cuba is in a position to demand the full pay
ment Of the army by the United states anu
assert that other action on the part OF the Amer
lean Government would be worse tyranny than
was exercised under Spanish sovereignty
Sehor Mora considers the underesimation OF
the Importance of this matter unfortunate anu
his views are held by majority OF the Cupais
The heat of the discussion is daily increas'hs
and the newspapers OF the island are fun OF
arguments in favor of the payment or the
army
canera1 SNYDER reports that five or six hum
dred members Of the Cuban Army are en-
canned near Sanctl Spritus. loafng about ana
pilfering and begging food. General. Snyder
sent word TO them that II they would come 10
Sancti Spiritus and help the Americans 10 cream
the town they would receive pay and ratons'
hut the offer was refused the Cubans replying
that they were soldiers, not scavensers-
PAY BEFORE DISARMAMENT.
monument spaniard, long a resident OF
Cuba. and all Of whose interests are here de-
clares that II the Americans tomorrow de-
roanded the disarmament Of the Cuban Army
without pay a storm OF passionate protests
v,ould follow but the army would obey. possi-
hly q few OF them becoming bandits ord taxing
10 the hills He also says thet the most salutary
steps taken by the Americans since tne'r ar
rival in the island have been those or enforcing
obedience to and respect for their authority a
policy of too great consideration in the Amer'-
can relations with the Cubans produces the I'M
preston that the Americans fear tner" Inc
recent strikes IN the country on plantations ana
railways are said to be due To the fact that 'he
Havana police and other Cuban servants or the
! Government are paid too much. Ihs preeus
discomfort among the laborers. who, consequent
Iv demand more than the farmers can aford
to pay.
! Senior Mora has effected a reorganization OF
| the departments OF the civil government which
forroo~y numbered eight. but are now reduce
| IA four resulting in the dismissal OF many en-
! rloyes among whom are ten men empioyeu Ill
| tho secret service formerly used by the Spanish
! authorities to obtain evidence as to the pohtlcai
views and activity OF the Cubans and ntrigues
| on their part The Civil Governor has estab-
ilshed an Advisory Board Of eight prominent
| citizens Of Havana, with whom he VIII consult
on all matters Of importance with view OF Sc
curing the best assistance for the good or the
country.
second case Of yellow fever has developed in
The ID Engineers in General Lees camp. The
man attacked had been engaged in cleaning OUT
cesspools at Cabanas with Meyer Schmidt. who
recently died from tho fever.
TO KEEP FUNDS IN TREASURY.
Mator-Genera Ludlow. Military Governor OF
the Department of Havana, has issued an order
suspendng the execution of judgments against
the city so that the treasury Will not be kept
| without money TO satisfy spanish cIaii'S i'''
Banco Espanol is now collecting, and VIII con-
tinue 10 collect, certain municipal dues, includ-
ing license fees, market rents and meat taxes
out of which the bank will pay Itself the interest
on the SIS 600 900 bonds Of the floating debt
The bank NAV be superseded later, when the
Financial Commission shall have prepared
plan for administering the finances. The con-
tract with the bank is a hard and fast legal de-
vice and has been operated since 1871. one OF
the banks functions has been to collect the
school tax in Guanabacoa and supervise the
| schools. 1t has been collecting the taxes as
usual for several months. but the schools nave
been closed
The Commission appointed by Governor-Gen-
eral Brooke 10 Investigate the condition or the
| REFRIGERATED beef brought here by the Uhiteu
! States transport Michigan, Will, II is asserted
! report that the beef is In good condition. ana
| that the method Of refrigeration is excellent
| The rumors to the effect that this beef is bad
| were circulated, IL is supposed, by men VINO
desire that the beef from the United States
! should be condemned in the hope OF getting
local contract to supply beef on hoof
The first detachment Of troops whlch leit Gen Gen
! cral Lees camp on Sunday last for a pracuce
! march TO Guines. returned 10 camp to-day
The customs receipts yesterday amounted 10
| $40 600 The receipts the day before were Hioooo.
| The gross receipts for January. Including To-
day are S724 900. and Collector Bliss expects 10
| reach $500 900 with the end Of the month. This
| would he AT the rate Of Sl.UN,OOO year more
! than Spain collected annually In the last WE'VE
| wears OF her regime. and under tarin Oo per
| cent less than Span's. The figures give an
idea Of the extent Of Spanish oficia! peculation.
THE J. C. AUSTIN Not LOST.