The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-07-15
THE WAY TO ASSIST CUBA.
GEN. UIL8oN IN FAVOR OF MAX
mo LOANS TO FARMERS.

This, He Thinks. Would DO More Good Than
Gen. Brooke's Policy of Public Improve.
transformations in Matanzas Favora-
ble-Ehorts to Stop Gauibling-AutOnom
Special Cable Despa,oh to THE Sun.
HAVANA. July 14.-La Lucia will tomorrow
publish interviews with Gen. Wilson. comman-
der Of the Department Of Matanzas and Santa
Clara. and Senior Betancourt, Civil Governor OF
hatanzas on the conditions in the province OF
Matanzas Both express optimistic views, but
Cen Wilson is somewhat critical OF Gen.
Brooke's policy toward the farming element.
intmating that his present determination to
build highways before giving financial assist
ance to tho farmers is getting the cart before
the horse.
He is quoted as insisting that the insular
treasury should supply money to the farmers
for the purchase Of animals. wagons and i'm
plements. Once this question Is solved all
others will be settled without trouble. lie
says that the spending Of money for public
buildings and other purposes such as the con-
struction OF roads. IL all right in its way. but
that there is no use for railroads. highways
and steamers until there are products to be
carried. Part Of tho money being expended in
this way should be given to tho municipalities
for the assistance of farmers.
Gen. Brooke has refused to allow this to he
done. believing that tho plan is impracticaile: :
but the authorities Of Santa Clara and Puerto
Principe are still urging II. Committees are
now on their way to Washington to lay the
matter before President Mckinley. Gen. Brooke
believes that private capital should be employed
for the purpose There is ample opportunity
for the investment of funds in such way. but
foreigners are inclined to DO wary because ot
the unsettled conditions here. There ia plenty
OF money idle in the island. but capital il so
extremely conservative here that 1t hesitatcs
to embark in unaccustomod ventures.
Gov. Betancourt IL quoted as saying that the
province OF Matanzns is in excellent condition
in many respects. There are no bandits there.
and the people are working contcntedly. He
adds that the system Of public instruction is
bad. but is being improved, and he urges that
more attention be paid to that subject. Con-
corning the relations OF the Cubans and Span
iards no says that they are agreeing general
ly. except in a few cases. where uncompromis-
Ing men OF both races come together.
committee of the Havana Aldermen will
present to Gen. Brooke tomorrow n petition
drafted by the Municipal Council requesting.
in view OF tho fact that order and peace pre-
vail in the island. that all Mayors and Alder
men Of the various municipalities be elected
by popular vote. The committee will also re-
quest that the autonomy offered by IGen.
Brooke to the municipalities three months ago
be granted
The committee OF lawyers appointed by Gen.
Ludlow to consider reforms in the penal code
touching gambling has reported that no re-
forms are necessary. as the Spanish penal code
provides more severe punishment for bling
than the code OF any other country The re-
port adds that the police should be instructed
to do their duty regarding gambling. BY order
OF Mayor Lacoste the Havana secret police will
hereafter be under the direction OF the munich
pality instead OF the Chief OF Police
Secretaries Capote and Desvernines are
drafting a decree. which they will submit to
Gen. Brooke shortly. organizing high coun-
Gil OF administration. which will DO consulted
by the Governor-General on important matters
Of government.
Col. Gravie. Cuban officer. has hcen ap-
pointed Chief OF Police OF Pinar del Rio