The evening times., 1899-01-30
Governing Cuba.


The statement that General Wood, now
at Santiago, is to succeed General Brooke
as military governor of all Cuba, viii be
received with satisfaction not only by the
people of the island but also by Ameri-
cans who have had cause to fear that the
inaexible severity of General Brooke
would not promote that confidence in
American administration which is. essen
tial to success. 1t is recognized that
despite their shrewdness in some ways,
mcst Cubans are a good deal like chill
dren who are not submissive TO severe dis
cipline and have to be persuaded in small
matters so that compulsion in larger af-
fairs will not lead them to rebellion. Gen.
eral Wood seems TO understand them thor
oughly lie assumed control at Santiago
when there was a considerable body OF
Cuban soldiers near with a disposition 10
seize everything in sight and to attempt
a policy of intimidation. He has been
firm in refusing rations TO all who retain
ed their guns and declined to work, but
has been prompt and generous in giving.
work and pay 10 all who would submit to
his conditions. He has been gentle where
he could and always just. The people of all
classes, Cuban soldiers, Cuban citizens,
and Spanish citizens have come to trust
him absolutely and to love him. They have
submitted to the use of public funds for
sanitary purposes and public improvements
matters about which no ruler ever con-
cerned himself before and which the citi-
Zens thought poor way to squander mon
ey that might be used for bull fights and
| public dances. They have seen some of
! their number prosecuted for nothing worse
than gambling which is one of the ira
| ditonal amusements of the country, and
they have made no protest, knowing that
General Wood had their own interests in
view. Ii is notable triumph. The Cubans
have consented to serve in municipal Of
/ fees and TO work in the streets side by
side with the hated Spaniards because
General Wood tells them it is the thing
/ tG do. He has worked wonders in the ap-
pearance and sanitary condition of the
| city, which is said to be administered with
! absolute honesty and with sole regard
for the welfare of the rummunity-some-
! thing that can be said of no city of the
same size in this country. In short. the
| policy of General Wood is calculated TO
| encourage the people of Santiago to sub
nit TO American instruction as well as au-
thority, with the view of becoming capa-
bic of self government
General Brooke, apparently. made no dis
tinction between the military government
of an island temporarily in charge of this
nation and the military government OF
section of his own country He seems TO
! have had no idea that il is wise or neces-
sary 10 win the good will of the people
over whom he is appointed 10 rule He
has not been able TO define the duties of
| subordinate commanders so as to avoid
friction. General Lee. for example. who
is familiar with the character of the Gu
bans. and who has their sincere affections,
has been shorn of his power, though not
! relieved of his responsibilities. General
! Brooke makes no use of General Lees in
! fluence with the people. There has been
no reflection on his ability as a soldier
| but in this post great deal more than
simple military efficiency is required. 1t
calls for diplomacy of no ordinary kind to
| effect the purpose this Government has in
view. In spite of the general respect for
the qualities of General Brooke, there
was much surprise when he was chosen
for this Office. Those who knew him best
and admired him most were more astonish-
ed than others at his selection.
The change is warranted by every con-
sideration, and it may be expected to bring
| quick and favorable results 1t is certain
| that General Brooke is not the man to
deal tactfully with the movement which
| is being urged on Gomez. With his pro-
found respect for military authority, he
| cannot look with patience on any attempt
| however absurd, to intimidate the Gov
ernment. All the agitation that is report
ed from Havana has for its aim the forcing
| of the President to give money to the
! Cuban army. 1t was represented to the
President by the late General Garcia that
the soldiers were reluctant to disband with
| out a dollar in their pockets, and it is un-
! derstood that it was decided to lend to
| the Cubans enough to pay to each soldier a
| hundred dollars to enable him to begin life
| again The death of Garcia may have
changed the plan. There is little to fear
| from the Gomez movement as long as a
majority Of the Cubans are satisfied with
American rule, which they will be under
the policy of General Wood.