New-York tribune., 1899-01-05
PARRADo's TORTURE CHAMBER"

uAvANA sHr-pDFRs AT A GREwsOME sTORY-To
RID THE ISLAND OF SPANISH COINS.
Havana. Jan. 1.-THE afternoon papers to-day
sent a thrill through the city with report that
a torture and execution chamber had been
found at the house of the Spanish Military Gov
ernor adjoining the Palace. The papers de
clared that there the Spanish officials questioned
and murdered political prisoners. According to
their accounts. the floor OF the chamber" was
covered with dried blood. and It's walls were In
dented with machete strokes. An excited crowd
soon gathered outside the house. which was last
occupied by General Parade. The reported
torture chamber is room about SxS
feet Just of the dining-room AS matter
OF fact il was probably used as pantry In
the wall there is dirty iron bar, evidently used
10 hang meat and q piece Of dscolored rope Is
suspended from H. 1t is incOnceivable that Gen
eral Parade practised torture next TO his din
ing-room.
To-day deputation Of bankers. including
seAor Abea governor OF the Bank OF Spain;
Senor Federico Faldo, Senor Narciso Gelatz ana
Samuel NJ Jarvis president Of the North Ameri-
can Trust Company. called upon General Brooke
10 inquire whether the United States Treasury
ruling to cash for customs applied to other
business They were directed to put their ques-
tons in writing for reference TO Washington
The main point is whether holders Of American
drafts must accept the centen at the rate OF
81 50. or can exact United States currency. II
the former is required. some S2o'roOOO in
Spanish gold will stay IN Cuba. The bankers
desire to replace Spanish currency with Ameri-
can and are anxious for immediate settle
ment Of the point raised.
The price Of silver IS not affected by the Treas
ury ruling Although the custom house only
values silver dollar al go cents In gold, the
bankers pay az least 76 cents. There is Slo-
coOno in silver here which will probably leave
gradually
General Ludlow has issued an order forbidding
immoral dances in the theatres and the crcu-
lation Of indecent literature. He has dismissed
al the clerks in the ofice Of the Secretary Cen
eral 70 the late Autonomist Government with
the exception of Senior Benjamine Simpson.
Private Lemuel Connor Company g. 1st North
Carolina Regiment found to-day in the escarp-
ment o' Cabanas fortress twenty-three silver
dollars. and now all the members OF the guard
are ndustriously digging for treasure.
For purposes Of better military control. the
suburbs Of Havana have been placed under Gen
eral Ludlow's command. and the detached com
panies Of volunteers and police in the suburbs
have been removed from General Ftzhugh Lees
command 10 General Ludlow's
ElJo Aremeudera, Cuban lieutenant, mas
been dsarmed by a patrol. his revolver being
oonfscated, and he has been sent 10 the cuban
camp al Marsnao.
Major-General Brooke had long conference
yesterday with Generals Butler Wade ana
Clous regarding Cuban administration. The Ju-
ociary Of the island is in state OF confusion.
Many judges have resigned and others are
about 10 do so. The new Provincial Governors
are not able 10 AL vacancies quickly, because
'hey do not know the character OF the appli-
wants AS result. the trials OF persons under
criminal accusations will be necessarily de-
layed
deputation from the Municipal Council
called Yesterday on Major General Ludlow. Mil
nary Governor Of the Department Of Havana,
- oner the resignation Of the Council General
.uu'o" asked ts members 10 retain their posi-
"O"s' as existing conditions required the assist
ot all without distinction Of nationality.
me 'aceta" OF Havana will remain the off,
paper OF the Government.
~Sune under Major-General Lees direction.