The times., 1899-11-10

Authority in the Island VIII BE
Considered by the Cabinet Today
The President FavOrs Granting
Limited SeIr-RuIc TO the Cubaus.
At the regular meeting of the Cabinet
today the President and MS advisers Will
discuss the question Of the advisability Of
dispIacing at an early day the present mil
itary government of Cuba by a civil gov
ernment Cabinet officers have been in
formed that this important topic will be
considered with view to a final decision.
It is understood that the Administration is
practically. if not wholly, satisfied that
the Executive has the legal right to change
the form of authority in the island and
that the only question that remains is the
advisability of such q step at this time
Whatever the outcome of the Cabinet meet
ing no more troops are to be withdrawn
from Cuba. The establishment Of a civil
government will not be made the occasion
of the abandonment of military occupation.
At several recent meetings Of the Cabinet
the matter Of establishing a civil govern
ment in Cuba has been discussed. Very
lately there has been a feeling in Admin
istration circles that civil rule is worth
trying as an experiment. When the ques-
ton was first brought forward for serious
consideration there was what appeared to
be an almost general belief among officials
that the time had not arrived for displac-
ing military authority. To what cause
the change is due cannot be ascerLained.
but it is supposed that the President and
his advisers have become convinced that
no harm can result from giving the people
Of Cuba a chance to demonstrate whether
they are capable OF what amounts 10 a lib
eral degree OF self government under the
supervision Of the United States with
Americans in the higher Offices. The mill
Jary administration is necessarily arbitrary
and is resented to some extent by the peo-
pie.
1t may be said on authority of a high
character that the Administration is seri-
Ously considering the question of the
change of the form of govern
ment in Cuba from military to civil
on or about December l. The change con-
templated then is understood to be merely
the displacing Of Maj. Gen. John r. Brooke.
the Military Governor General by civil
governor. On the same authority it is
learned that the names of several men
have been considered in connection with
TIC selttlAbll VI NlFA BOhtIuOEs among
these is Brig. Gen. Leonard Wood, Military
Governor of the Department of Santiago
and Puerto Principe. General Wood is a
surgeon in the Regular Army and his
higher line rank is in the volunteer service.
To what extent his appointment as civil
governor of Cuba would affect his military
status in the regular establishment has not
been disclosed, if that matter has been de-
teTmined.
The recall TO the United States OF Brig
Cen William Ludlow, Military Governor of
the city Of Havana, who reached New York
Wednesday is believed to have some con-
nection with the proposition to establish a
civil administration in the Island at an
carly day To what extent dissatisfaction
with Major General Brooke may have in
iluenced the Government in the idea of
making a change is naturally kept from
the public.
The name of John G. Rathbone, Director
of Posts Of Cuba it is said, has also been
considered by the President. Mr.. Rath-
bone was in Cuba almost constantly for
more than year, travelling from one end
Of the island to the other. He is said to
| be thoroughly familiar with the conditions
there, and, being man of ability and con
seTyatism. would, it is claimed make
good governor
General Fitzhugh Lee is perhaps more
frequently mentioned in this connection
than any Of the others. II is recalled that
he has seen more of Cuba under both Span
ish and American rule than any other
/ available man. His observations viii e
Consul General at Havana, extending over
! a period Of years. make him, it is said,
weH qualified to administer the affairs of
the island. Added TO his experience he
has tact and ability Of a high order.
1t is urged that as his commission is in
the volunteer army he could readily resign
without seriously affecting his own inter
ests or those Of the country.
The aim of the President in establishing
civil rule at this time is to enable Con-
gTess 10 observe the practical operation
Of self government in the islands. so that
they can better frame laws for permanent
government.
AFFAIRS IN HAVANA.