The times., 1899-10-08
SI.0S Black Crepons at .SI.33.

It is my deliberate judgment that any other
course will involve unnecessary delay, and
will be accompanied by further decrease
of that feeling of friendship and gratitude,
which the Cuban people now entertain to-
ward the United States, as well as by a
lack OF confidence in the business future,
and by continuance of the depression in
the agricultural and commercial interests
OF the island, il not indeed, by an actual
increase of local disorder.
'sThe roads have been so long neglected
that they are nearly useless. There are
in Santa Clara 272 miles of standard
gauge railroad and in MatanZas 445 miles.
The complete rehabilitation OF these two
provinces finally hinges upon the re-estab-
lishment of agriculture and cattle raising.
Loans from the insular treasury should be
made directly TO the small farmers and
planters, or indirectly through an agricul-
tural bank, secured by chattel mortgages.
I'm Santa Clara $4,000 widows and sc 900
orphans were left helpless, and in Matan-
zas Il 900 widows and 1900 orphans The
number of sick requiring shelter and care
is also very large due TO the weakness
caused by starvation and exposure, and
consequent susceptibility to disease. The
issue OF rations to the destitute has been
rapidly decreasing, and 1t is believed that
il can be soon entirely suspended. The
sanitation Of the cities has been pushed
with unremitting energy, first by the mil
itary commanders and latterly by the
alcaldes, still under the supervision of line
officers and surgeons of our Army.
''In the reorganization of the State the
greatest care should be taken in the. selec-
ton Of persons for judicial Offices
The Military Service.
Referring to conditions in the military
service Of his department, General Wilson
says:
AT the present time the troops are COM
fortabiy quartered, some Of them in bar
racks formerly occupied by the Spanish
troops and others In frame buildings which
have been erected for the purpose, and
which, although cheap and OF a temporary
nature, are quite comfortable. The number
OF officers absent ON various duties fron>the
regiments serving in this department Sc
riously affects the instruction and efficiency
Of these regiments. The officers in the reg
uIar establishment should be materially in
creased. This subject deserves the seriou,
consideration of Congress.
1T has been necessary TO detach many
officers for work OF civil nature, and those
duties, often OF the most delicate character
have been performed in manner which re-
fleets credit upon the officers concerned and
upon the country they serve. They have
thereby contributed in no small degree 10
render their employment in a strictly MILL
tary capacity unnecessary.
Early in the season grave fears were en-
tertained that an epidemic of yellow fever
would break out in Cienfuegos, but by con-
stant and intelligent labor with the cordial
support of the municipal authorities, this
dread disease has so far been prevented"
Colonel Carpenters Report.
The War Department has also received
the annual report of Col. L. II. Carpenter
commanding the Department Of PCertc
Principe, who explains the organization OF
the rural guard, and says that it is 10 BIZ
doubted IL any other system will work as
well or produce as good results. Regard
ing civil conditions, he remarks:
/ The municipalities are properly organ
/ lied. The courts, the treasury depaI tment
! the postal system, telegraph, and the Gus
/ toms seem to be working smoothly. Under
J the present laws the criminal process
! seems TO be very slow, and men charged
With crimes remain too long In Jail before
I their cases can be settled. There has bean
more cause for complaint with the tele-
/ graph system than with any ether branch
Of tie ciVl service in this province, and