New-York tribune., 1899-01-18

of brigadier- general In the insurgent army.
Public attention. however. is focused upon Des-
vernine, who was comparatively unknown until
he was named Secretary OF the Treasury. He
IS asked to use his official influence to overturn
the arrangements by which the Spanish Bank
Of the Island Of Cuba is to continue the collec-
ton Of taxes Agitation on that subject is be-
coming stormy. more especially as no authorized
statement Is made, and the suggestion that the
only. until better arrangements can be made.
does not pacify the public feeling.
COLLECTION OF OLD TAXES.
II is alleged that the bank has had blanks
prepared for the collection Of taxes incurred un-
der Spanish sovereignty. and expects its per
cent and additional penalty for arrearages,
and though this statement has not been au-
thorized, it increases the agitation. The former
civil employees under Spanish dominion have had
their hopes raised that back collections would
be made and applied to their unpaid salaries.
Many Of them are in distressing state Of pow
erty. The CubaDs say that at Santiago no at
tempt made to collect taxes incurred prior
to American control and that a different plan
cannot be enforced In other parts Of the island.
Of the leading American officials in Havana are
understood to have advised against the bank
plan and to have recommended a direct levy
and collection OF taxes by the military authori-
ties. The problem is an intricate one
General Brooke is arranging to establish the
law courts Arm footing and to end the
present confusion, and the appointment Of a
Supreme Court composed Of twelve members Is
one project Such a court would have final
jurisdiction and would determine appeals from
the present Audiencia. which is the highest judi
cia tribunal. Many cases which would have
been appealed to Madrid were left hanging when
the Spanish authorities departed.
An epidemic Of open-letter writing to General
Brooke has broken out among both Spaniards
and Cubans. Every subject Is treated of in these
letters, and they indicate a reasonable degree
Of satisfaction with American control without
fear that the United States will make mis-
take IL II does not heed the advice that is given
particular points
The new Ayuntamiento or city council is
considering a scheme to rename some Of the
leading streets. replacing Spanish cognomens
with those Of Americans and Cubans. Among
the changes proposed are the names Mckinley
Lee Maceo and Gomez The council Is also
arranging to remove the statues Of various
Spanish worthless from the public parks. includ-
ing that of Isabella Of the present generation in
the Central Park and Of Ferdinand VII. in front
of the palace. The American military authori-
ties offered TO have these statues boxed for the
Spanish officials. hut as the latter did not ask
for them they will be placed In the public
museum. The statue Of Carlos III. which is
said 10 he the work OF Canova, will be allowed
10 remain because Of its artistic value.
RAILWAY OFFICIALS TO BE TRIED
General Brooke has revoked his order direct
ing the discontnuance of the prosecutions or
dered by Civil Governor De Castro against Of
fcias OF the Havana street railway for selling
stock in alleged violation Of the Law. BY this
action the civil prosecutions will continue. An
American syndicate is negotiating for the pur-
chase Of San Jose wharves. This is the most
valuable dock property in Havana. The upset
price which the present owners ask is reported
10 be S3.O00OCO
Collector Bliss has replied to the Merchants
League. which made complaints against part
Of the new tariff schedules that their request
fer notifications will be forwarded TO Washing
ton. The Treasury Department has reafiirmed
the wine schedule.
Local bankers are Offering S4 50 for the CEN
tens value, for which in receipt for customs
the duty fixed at S4 81.
Cuban oficA-seekers are complaining that the
American authorities have created pohticai
boss in the person Of General Merocal. because
no Cuban can secure place in any department
without Menocals Endorsement. The l61st lnd-
lana has more cases Of smallpox threateheu'
its members are uneasy. and are asking '"a'
because Of sickness 1t be one Of the nrst resi-
roents called 'iome from Cuba and mustered OUT
General Chaffee of General Brookes stan mas
heen III with calentura. He is on duty again.
though not fully recovered.
Word has been received that In some parts Oh
Pnar Del Rio the insurgents have disbanded
irregularly and are foraging on the country
The military authorities are investigating the
reports No violence is charged. but reports are
disqueting