The Washington weekly post., 1899-07-18
SPANISH ARE In SORE DOUBT
Over Question of Retaining Their
Citizenship in Cuba.
Governor of Havana Calls Attention to the
Great Strides Toward Carrying Out
Reforms-Blames Americans
for False Reports.

Havana, July n.-To-day the Spaniards
had their first opportunity to register
their intention to retain Spanish citizen
ship. According to the treaty of Paris,
they have until April next TO decide. The
majority seem TO be puzzled as to what
course to pursue. They fear that Cuban
control would mean ruin to them il they
do not register, and they fear that even
if they do register. Spain will be power
less 10 give them practical assistance If
wrOnged. Most of them would prefer
American citizenship, but this is found TO
be impracticable.
A considerable number have visited the
British Consuls in various parts OF the
island and asked to become British citi-
zens, only to discover, to their chagrin,
that they must first reside seven years
on British soil. Consequently, the Span
iards, as a body, are on the fence, not
knowing what TO do. Some of the for
eign consuls say that, treaty or no treaty,
nothing can rob a native of his citizen
ship merely because he fails TO register
under the existing plan, and that the
Spaniards will have vote in the elections
and may at the same time continue Span
iards.
la Lucha to-day publishes another let
ter from Gen. Enrique Collazo, who, in
this instance praises what the Americans
have done since January l, especially in
the matter of sanitation, and their bust
ness-like methods OF putting things in
order. The letter attracts attention be-
cause so different from his usual vein
He complains, however. that the Cubans
in Office are mot those who fought for
the liberty OF Cuba. but those who sneak
ed back from the United States and other
countries when Cuba Was free" This is
understood 10 be an allusion TO Senor
LanuZa. Secretary Of Justice, and Senor
Desvernine. Secretary OF Finance. Those
who fought and bled for the country, says
CollaZo, are ignored in order 10 give pref
ernent 10 such men as these and other
politicians.
he also complains because Collector
Bliss, whom he describes as "a friend of
President Mckinley" stops the importa-
ton OF arms and powder, and ne says
that the American civilian considers the
Cuban civilian beneath him, and that the
American soldier never dreams OF salut-
ing a Cuban officer.
Gen. Ludlow says il is not probable
that Gen. BetanccIrt. civil Governor of
MdtanZas, was responsible 10 any degree
for the recent appeal 10 Cubans in the
city of Matanzas. signed "Betancourt, &"
and calling upon them TO expeI from the
island the crafty eagle" as they had
already expelled the naughty and hum
cry Spanish lion"
Gen. Ludlow. military Governor Of Ha-
vana. thinks that the American press and
people scarcely realize the wonderful de-
velOpment which the last six months
have wrought in Cuba. During the pro-
sFess ei the insurrectiOn an important
section OF the American press was In the
habit OF describing the average Cuban as
very little short OF an angel. Then came
the reaction. which went even TO the ex-
tent I'm some comic journals OF de-
scr!bing him as an untamed savage. These
extremes are equally FAR from the truth,
and Gen. Ludlow believes that the latter
description is every shit as injurious to
the real interests OF Cuba as was the for
mer.
Another thing he criticises is the dispo-
sition OF some American papers 10 call
the widest attention 20 the foolish actions
OF non-representative Cubans and 10 ig-
more all too frequently the conduct OF
those whO wish TO bring order out OF
chaos, and who really are working efIec-
lively In that direction. He feels that IL
IL = serious mistake not TO show proper