The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-12-22
InArrLn, FRIDAY, DEcEMsER -.
An Amazing Change.

An Amazing Change.
When Gen. weyler went to Cuba to
put down the struggle for Independence.
the welcome that he received in it,
napital city was hearty and sincere
while Blanco represented In Havana
the power Of Spain, the demonstrations
Of loyalty by the people were almost
passionate in their intensity. We all
remember those protestations that the
last drop OF blood in Spanish veins
would be spilled before either Cuban or
Foreign power was recognized on the
poll that had given centuries Of ale
glance to Spain. And when. less than
kwo years ago, the destruction of the
Maine IN Havana harbor startled the
world and sounded the knell Of Spanish
nominion in the western hemisphere.
there was Joy on the streets Of the city
and the cafes were full Of citizens drink
ing quiet but none the less hearty toasts
10 the death Of the American.
On Wednesday. Gen. Leonard Wood.
IN American of the Americans, arrived
In Havana to assume the duties Of
governor general of Cuba. Never In
al the history OF the island has there
been such demonstration as that
which welcomed him to his new Office
and duties. Old Cabanas. that frownsd
and numbered q little time ago upon
bur blockading fleet, uttered its hoarse
salute OF welcome. Everything in the
harbor that could float was dressed In
holiday attire to honor the great oe-
casion. Deputations or representatives
from every department OF the govern.
ment came smiling to meet this Ameri-
can citizen. charged with supreme au-
thorIty over a community 30 lately inn
bued with sullen hate or open defiance
THE sincerity and the popular character
of this demonstration were proved ty
the presence of cheering masses on the
ktreets. All the old residents Of the
tity say that the reception to Gen.
Wood is unparalleled in the history Of
she island.
This is a most amazing change. and
the beginning of that vindication which
will be complete when Cuba takes her
stand side by side with rs; by her own
choice. as we hope and believe, one Of
our company of states 1t tells US that
q war for humanity's sake finds also
In the event the highest political justi-
hcation. 1t records the conversion
of people on whom for the first time
khe rays OF civil liberty fall with their
benefcent enlightenment. These are
the same people. The population Of
Havana has not greatly changed. The
loyal Spaniard, hating with the fervor Of
his hot blood the enemies Of his race:
the Cuban, drilled by centuries of per-
eeoution into suspicion and hate Of ev-
cry constituted authority over him; thu
populace, taught to believe that the
aims Of the United States were as sell
kish and tyrannous as those of Spain
all these throng the Old streets and
euOQt dNIiuiiA " thCit HsW4 SOfSIhOA
general. The newspapers, that have
been captious and slow to credit the
sincerity Of our good intentions. have
only good words for Gen. Wood. and
express their conviction that he will
lead free Cuba into the haven of her
long and sorrowful desire.
This is the proof, IL any were desired.
That no mistake has been made in the
selection Of a man for this delicate
nnal service to the Cuban people of
today and the Cuban state that is to
be. Gen. Brooke has done his part
SWELL, and deserves all commentator.
But the old order has passed. and 1t is
wise that the installation of the new
regime should be under the happiest
auspices. This is accomplished by the
universal popularity Of Gen. Wood. Tt
the people Of Cuba he represents. In
spite Of his title and his splendid mill
fary record. the civil rather than the