The times., 1899-03-15
WEDNESDAY. MARCH IL. 1899.
The Cuban ControNer.y.

Soon after the Americans took posses
sion OF the government at Havana, there
emerged from the wooded hills a number
Of swashbuckler Cubsns who had been in
visible while there was fighting Without
inquiry as 10 the purposes and policy of
this Government they raised cry of Cuba
for the Cubans. and demanded a specific
pledge from the interloping Americans 10
turn the custom house and everything else
over to native officials on given day.
They made threats 10 what would hap
pen in event of refusal. At the same
time there were many sensible people there
who were grateful 10 the Americans for
driving out the Spanisrds and for feeding
the hungry Cuhans. They realized that
the country was in the worst possible con-
dition and that it would take a long time
and great forbearance for the representa-
tives of this Government to establish or
der start business, feed the destitute. pro-
tecl the farmers and train the people for
seif-government BY giving employment to
the ablebodied, including Cuban soldiers
who would put aside their guns. and by
placing local affairs in the hands of citi-
Zens as far as practicable, General Wood
had won the confidence OF most of the peo-
pie at Santiago. This extended to those at
Havana and elsewhere. especially when the
late General Garcia appeared as an ad-
vocare of American administration. For a
time the mischieyous demagogues were
silenced.
There had been some feeling between
General Gomez and General Garcia. and
when the latter became a favorite with
American officials. Gomez was resenuul.
He felt he had been neglected. Before
he held any intercourse with the Ameri-
cans. he issued manifesto entirely in line
with the policy of the Cuban demagogues.
1t fell fat. The people and among them
the soldiers. were not disposed 10 quarrel
with the Government that had overthrow
Spanish tyranny. had fed their families
and was clearly bent on promoting the well
fare Of the island. After several interviews
with the Americans, General Gomez was
persuaded that he had been wrong and
ne set 10 work to right himself. He ox-
pressed the utmost confidence in the sin
cerity Of this Government and in the wis
dom OF its Administration. and he consent
ed 10 aid IN the proper distribution of the
money intended for the Cuban army. The
political demagogues who had counted on
his assistance 10 inaugurate a rebellion
were furious. They dominate the Cuban
Assembly. and having failed in their at
tempt 10 negotiate loan they abolished
the grade of commander held by General
Gomez and condemned him as a traitor.
This has brought matters TO q crisis.
Soon or late Il was inevitable that those
vino favor and those who oppose American
rule should clash. The Assembly had an
exaggerated sense Of its popularity. and
counted on an uprising in its favor But
not even the soldiers sided with it. The
masses Of the people and by far the
greater part OF the army Immediately
displayed their sympathy with the vet
eran soldier. The resolutions Of q
score OF patriotic secret societies, de-
nounclng the Assembly and calling fol
its dissolution. reflected the genera
sentiment. OF course there are some arm!
officers who see in the controversy an op-
portunity for promotion by casting theil
fortunes with the Assembly, and they hav,
their followers; but on the whole the even
has greatly increased the popularity Of tbs
Americans Our soldiers will prevent
bloodshed and riot. but the demagogues
viii find it impracticable to preach revolu.
tiOn. II it should become necessary fol
General Brooke to disperse the members
OF the Assembly, it will not be regarded aa
a blow at Cuban independence as II woult
in other circumstances.