The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-28
ADMITTED BY EN.wOOD
He Finds that Prisoners Have Been Badly
Treated.
CHARLTON LEWIS TOLD ONLY A PORTION
Men Retained without Right of
Trinl--Customs Officials IRE MS
Corrupt as Under Spain.

Havana. December 27.-General Wood
says that one of the first things he looked
into after his arrival was the management
of Cuban prisons. Investigation has proved
that even among American prisoners there
has been an average detention of flve
months without trial. There are many
things calling for immediate attention,
particularly in the matter Of sleeping &C
Communications. Reform will be promptly
instituted in this respect, and hammocks
will be supplied so that the prisoners VIII
not be compelled to sleep on the bare
floors. as is now the case with those who
are without friends or money. Only lew
who are able To pay for them have COTS.
He intends to make weekly visits to the
prisons until majority OF the eHistinS
abuses are abated, and he is trying 10
devise means that will insure prompt trial
for prisoners accused. SO far as the lia
yana pen is concerned, this has been found
10 be III a perfectly satisfactory condition.
1t Is clean, airy, we'll drained and weii
ventilated and the inmates seem healthy.
a lawyer who recently visited several
OF the island prisons says that the Charl-
ton T. Lewis report gives Nbnly portion
OF the terrible truth. Early last January
General Ludlow appointed a military
board to inquire into the question. over
SUI prisoners were reported upon and Gen
eral Ludlow issued orders for the release
ol more than 100 Before fifty mad been
discharged, however General Brooke or
dered a halt and the matter was referred
70 the cabinet secretaries, since which
time practically nothing has been done.
Men whom General Ludlow ordered re-
ctiI hpi1 al
years waiting without trial,
General Wood thinks that when his or
der goes into effect calling upon judicial
officers and military commanders to send
complete lists OF prisoners awaiting trial,
the congestion of untried prisoners will
be relieved within fifteen days thereafter,
and he does not intend that similar condi-
tons shall arise again.
Warrants are out for the rearrest OF
three of the customs house appraisers re-
Gently released. Two custom house brok-
ers and six other men were arrested today
in connection with the charge of defraud-
ing the government, but were released in
$4,000 bail each. The cases will be pushed
to the utmost. Considerable difficulty is
being experienced In obtaining evidence
with reference TO the importers and their
employees because nearly all the best fam
HES in Havana have relatives who are
believed to be implicated. The investi-
cation shows a widespread conspiracy to
defraud Heretofore Collector Bliss, when
he has had persons arrested for fraud,
has been referred to the governor gen
erals secretaries and he has found the
entire judicial system apparently banded
against him and against conviction. Now
the matter seems to have been taken UP by
the military authorities. who are deter
mined that the courts shall act with firm
ness and that decisions shall be impair
iial and in accordance with the evidence
Legal talent of n high order has been en-
gagged by both sides The government in
TENDS. II possible. to make an example of
those against whom there is absolute proof
and viii endeavor to strike terror to the
others The corrupt system which it is
sought to break down has existed for more
than century, and scarcely any one has
looked upon 1t, until the present proceed
ings' were instituted as durable evil.
PROBABLY some weeks will elapse before
the cases can be brought to trial
The Cuban Planters association, In view
OF the alleged urgent need OF immigration
10 Cuba. has finally published the ex-
pected circular for circulation in Spain and
other foreign, countries. The circular
says "Spaniards will find a home in
Cuba the only thing different being the
EoYeynment Cuba can easily support
D. 1000 people. where, as at present. ther,
are only 100000 on the island. Tho
climate is excellent and a good future "a
assured to the steady laborer."