Omaha daily bee., 1899-12-29
CUBANS ARE FULL OF HOPE
General Wood Looked Upon as the Man to
Solve Pending Problems,
SEE The GOOD OF INDEPENDENCE AHEAI
RcNoIutionnry Leader and Forncr
A~utonomists Working Together
in HnrmonN-SignS of Tn
rest Vanish.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 2S.-Horatio Rubens,
prominently identified with the Cuban
cause, who was counsel for the Cuban junta
during the revolution and is now associated
with Senior Qucsada in the Cuban represen-
tation here, returned today from a visit to
Havana, Matanzas and other points in Cuba,
where he was accorded an enthusiastic re-
ception by the Cubans. Speaking Of his OBJ
servations he said: mo country on earth
is more at peace than Cuba is. The presi-
dents message, the declaration of the
secretary of war, followed by the appoint
ment of General Wood, who goes to carry
out the policy of the president, have been
received with universal favor. The veterans
of the revolution and all elements. even
those supposed to be most at unrest, are
deeply gratiied by the program enunciated
by General Wood-the reform of the courts,
so as to give speedy trials; the clearing Of
the prisons of those who have been Ian
gushing under the slow procedure; the es-
adjustment of a system of free public
schools and the construction of roads, all
with a view to local necessities. These pur-
poses have met with universal applause
from the Cubans.
so long as there was any doubt as to the
purpose Of the United States the revolu-
tionary element stood aloof and eXpectant.
Now, however, they feel that they must con-
stitute the conservative party in Cuba
that is, the party which supports the polit-
ical program of the president. l have fur
Their found in conversation with many of
the Cuban leaders that the day is very
rapidly approaching when all the elements
of Cuba, even those who were opposed to
Tho rayplutipn will no cpl1p1 1lnnn To aid in
the political reconstruction of the island
and to form a government in which all the
inhabitants of Cuba may take part. The
leaders of the revolution are DESTROYS that
the government to be established shall be
one that will guarantee life, liberty and Sc
curity for property to all. They are anxious
to be given the opportunity which has been
provided them by General Wood of taking
hold of all departments and thus practically
fitting themselves for the government that
is to come. They expect that this new
government will be established as soon as
possible, but they do not insist upon un-
reasonable haste. So long as the Cubans
are satisfied of the intentions of the United
States and see that practical steps are being
taken toward the realization of their hopes
they can be relied upon to cooperate with
the American authorities to the fullest eX-
tent. They themselves will see to it that
there is no breach of peace, because they de-
sire to inspire confidence abroad, so that
capital may be invested and the prosperity
Of the island may be assured. They arc
satisfied that peace means prosperity and
that prosperity will mean enduring peace,
Grateful to American People.
"The Cubans are grateful to the Ameri-
can people for their intervention, and for
the assistance they are now getting in the
definite solution of the political future OF
the island. They recognize that the United
States must see that the government OF
Cuba should be such as to guarantee al
interests, but as this is also the object OF
the Cubans, as expressed tn me through
their leaders and in conversation with q
great number of persons, they stand ready
to aid the United States in every possible
manner.
II have talked with people representing
the business interests. Spaniards and those
of the autonomous regime, and they, too
have confidence in the situation. They Dc
not think that the time is quite yet arrived
for them to come from their retirement anc
take part in politics, but l find that those
Cubans who fought in the revolution are
ready to forget the past and to welcom.
them when they desire to take part in thu
political affairs of the island. This spiri
on the part of the leaders of the late in
ysurrection will undoubtedly cause surprise
but it is the one fact which has impressed
me in my conversation with these men NOR,
than any other.
General Wood has met the people in
most friendly and cordial spirit and ha!
asked them to express their opinion freel.
to him and not to fear TO come TO him il
criticism. The Cubans have promised hin
their most cordial support. while the prob
lens of reorganization which face him ar
great and difficult, there is confidence in hi
ability and sincerity in their promises o
corporation. A spirit of security now pre-
walls"
Woods Act Please.
Mr.. Rubens relates many interesting Incl
dents connected with the Inauguration O
General Wood. AS the latter arrived Genera
Rodriguez, next to Gomez in command, wa
at the wharf to meet him. The old soldie
was nearly shot to pieces in the war an
hobbies along from the effect of a bulle
wound in the knee. General Wood at ono
invited the old Cuban leader to enter hi
carriage and there was a cheer from tn
assembled crowd at the thoughtful attention
from the new governor general. Later Gen
eral Wood asked to see General Gomez an
Mr.. Rubens accompanied the old com
mander-in-c chief to the American headquar
tiers. 1t was a notable meeting, the governo
general inviting the cooperation of Genera
Gomez and the latter giving earnest. assur
ance that the Cubans had every confdenc
in General Wood and intended to uphold hi
hands.
General, l want you to come TO me as on
soldier comes to another" said Genera
: Wood, and the veteran Cuban was yisibl
r affected at this expression of conddenc
from the American commander.
OFFICESEEKEHS BEsIEGE WOOI
NnDyicauts want Ex~prythinr frn,