The sun., 1899-12-28
| WOOD TO CONSULT CUBANS.
uILL DIsCUss REFORMs WITH LEAD
ISG MES OF Ar THE PROVINCES.

Considering tho Make-Up of His CABINET
Has started Reform In the Prisons
More Arrests In the Custom House
Fraud Csse-Cubnns Cfiticise Col. Bliss.
Srecial Cable D,spd,eh 10 TnE sus.
HAVANA. Dec. 27.-Politcal circles are dis
cusslna the probable makeup OF the Cabinet
which Governor. General Wood has deter
mined to form. The appointees will not be
announced for several days yet In the mean
time every local newspaper has slate. Every
public man who was not closely identified with
Cen Brooke's administration is mentioned as
a member Of the Cabinet. 1t is reported that
the Department OF Education and Justice will
be divided into two departments. with secre-
tary for each Gen. Wood. who 10 considering
the available candidates refuses to discuss the
appointments
Much more interest Ia displayed In the dues-
ton o. who will obtain these appo ntm ents
than in the sweeping prison reforms that have
been instituted for the benefit OF persons
unjustly confined Gen. Wood has called
for reports from, every prison In the
island. and these are expected before the
end OF the week. when wholesale
clearing out Of the prisons will commence.
Before the middle ofJanuary not man against
whom evidence is lacking will be In jail. Not
only will Gen. Wood see that past evils are cor
such congestion OF justice by radical reforms
similar to those introduced by him at Santiago
prior to Con. Brooke's advent on the island.
| All changes will be considered by congress-
| Of influential Cubans from all parts OF the
island Gen. Wood has invited these men TO
| meet here during the frst week in January.
| He will thus get In touch with the feeling In all
| the provinces. preventing O preponderance OF
| Havana political influence.
| The storm about Col Bliss's head In conse-
| auence OF the recent arrest Of ten appraisers
| charged with attempting to defraud the GUS
| toms will surely be renewed tomorrow as the
| result OF orders to rearrest three OF the ap-
! pralscrs. I,osa. Mesa and Chacun who were
| released thirty-six hours alter their first ar
rest owing to lack OF evidence against them.
An order has also been issued for the arrest
| OF two customs brokers who are charged with
| completely. The sympathy Of the community
is all with the prisoners and against Col. Bliss.
| although prior to the arrests gossip freely ac-
| cused some OF tho men now awaiting trial.
| As soon as the authorities moved. how
| ever. the tendency to resist the gov
erning powers. which is so strong
| in these people. asserted ITSELF resulting In
abuse OF Col Bliss and those assisting him In the
prosecution One inspector In giving evidence
against the accused became badly frightened.
He declared 70 the Fiscal who is handling the
case that he had been forced to testify by Col.
Bliss.
what you have said is truef" asked the
Fiscal.
Yes" answered the inspector. but l was
| scared into telling It"
1.-THE other Cubans are as easily handled Of
the trial the chance OF conviction Is excellent
The end OF the investigation Ia not reached
The whole mercantile and political community
Is still exercised over the revelations. past and
| prospective.