The times., 1899-09-02
RECOMMENDED BY LEE
The Generals Suggestions Regard
ing Caba's Government.
4 General Election, n Modern Sys-
tenn of Jurisprudence, Strict Su-
ueryision Over the Affairs Of the
Island by the United States. and
the maintenance of Garrison.

The War Department has received from
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee an interesting report on
conditions in the provinces of Havana and
Pinar del Rio. Cuba. The report was made
in compliance with circular sent to ali
the department commanders in Cuba from
the Division of Customs and Insuiar Affairs
of the War Department. General Lee says
that the civil administration in his depart
ment has been by civil officials, appointed
by and according to the instructions of the
Governor General of the island, and that
he has, whenever necessary, made such
recommendations as were purely of an ad-
visory character. General Lee suggests that
action of some kind should be taken in the
administration of civil justice to secure
prompt trial of men arrested and held in
confinement, charged with crime. He says:
Gases have, on different occasions, been
reported TO me Of men, American citizens,
arrested and held for several months with
out trial of any kind, so far as they
knew. The whole system of Jurisprudence
now in operation, in my opinion, needs gen
eral revision"
General Lee presents reports on the con-
ditions in principal towns of the province
of Havana explains the industries, school
facilities, and sanitation. The report then
discusses the principal towns in the prov
ince of Pinar del Rio. General Lee, in his
report, states that from reports OF IN
specting officers, sanitary conditions have
| improved much in all towns. There is now
comparatively little destitution. From re-
ports of the chief commissary and chief
surgeon, rations and medicine for the dss-
/ titute have been supplied as deemed ad-
visable but it is thought that this viii no
| longer be necessary, excepting for ophan-
ages, asylums, and hospitals. 1t is recon-
mended that some of the more important
! towns be supplied with good water systems.
Tie report says that roads connecting
/ the more important towns should also be
constructed and repaired as found advis-
able II is thought most OF the munich
palities will soon be self-sustaining. Gen.
| eral Lee does not think that the Raral
Guards Detachment, assigned TO his de-
partment, will be needed much longer.
/ This guard consist of six officers and 100
men, and was Instructed TO cooperate with
the alcaldes OF the municipalities in main
tanning peace and order. In concluding his
report General Lee states that the condition
/ of the provinces Of Havana and Pinar del
/ Rio is daily improving The acreage being
cultivated is gradually being extended and
| the sanitary regulations everywhere more
/ generally complied with.
General Lee closes his report with these
recommendations: That a census Of the
island be taken as soon as possible; that
the question Of suffrage be carefully con-
sidered and a decision reached regulating
! the same; that a modern system Of juris-
1 prudence be gradually introduced, so that
. elective officers can be voted for; that
general election be ordered for president,
or chief magistrate, vice president, and
a congress, or legislature, TO consist of two
! branches, and all other officers of a repub-
/ lie, as well as municipal elections; all Of
which can be determined, regulated, and
/ prescribed by a convention composed OF
! delegates in proper proportion from the
different provinces. which shall meet as
! soon after the census is taken as possible;
that the United States keep a strict super
vision over the affairs of Cuba until a re-
publican form of government has been
adopted; that the island shall still be gar
I risoned by troops of the United States in
/ order 10 protect the lives and properties
OF citizens of the United States and those
of ether foreign countries residing in Cuba,
and maintain the supremacy of civil law
whenever and wherever necessary. and that
1 that future CT the Cuban Republic shall be
vested in the people and their representa-
/ tives so far as it relates TO the question of
an American protectorate or annexation TO
I the United States.