The age-herald., 1899-12-28
CONDITIONS OF THE
 CUBAN PRISONS Said to Be Worse Than Reported by
 Lewis. GEN. WOOD INVESTIGATING
Average Detention of Five Months
 Without Trial.
CELLS TO BE MADE COMFORTABLE
Over 800 Prisoners Were Ordered Re- leased by Ludlow, But Before Fifty Had Been Discharged Gen.
 Brooke Ordered Halt

Havana December 27-General Wood says one of the first things he looked into after his arrival the management of Cuban prisons. Investigation has proven that even among American prisoners there has been average detention of five months without trial. There are many things call ing for immediate attention, particularly in the matter of sleeping accommodations.
 Reforms will be promptly instituted in this respect and hammocks will be supplied to thatlthe prisoners will not be compelled to sleep on the bare floors as Is now the case with those who are without friends or money. Only a few who are able to pay for them have cots. He intends to make weekly visits to the prisons until major fty of the existing abuses are abated and he is trying to devise means that will en- sure prompt trial for persons accused.
 A lawyer who recently visited several of the island prisons says the Charlton l.. Lewis report gives only portion of the terrible truth.
 Early last January General Ludlow ap- pointed a military board to inquire into the question. Over 800 prisoners were re- ported upon, and General Ludlow issued orders for the release of more than 100. Before fifty had been discharged, however, General Brooke ordered a halt, and the matter was referred to the cabinet secre- taries. since which time pactically nothing has been done. Men whom General Ludlow ordered released are still held, after three or four yars waiting without trial. Gen eral Wood thinks that when his order goes into effect, calling upon all judicial off, nd poili itor plete lists of prisoners awaiting trial, the congestion of untried prisoners will be re- leved within fifteen days thereafter, and he does not intend that similar conditions shall arise again.
 Will be Rearrested
 Warrants are out for the re-arrest of three of the custom house appraisers re- gently released. Two custom house bro- kers and six other men were arrested to- day in connection with the charge of de- frauding the government, but were releas- ed on $2,O00 bail each. The case will be pushed to the utmost. Considerable diff culty is being experienced In obtaining evil dence with reference to most of the impor- ters and their employees, because some of the best families have relatives who are believed to be implicated.
 The investigation shows a widespread conspiracy to defraud. The matter seems to have been taken up by the military au- thorities, who are determined the courts shall act with frmness and that decision, shall be impartial and in accordance with the evidence.
 Legal talent of a high order has been engaged by both sides. The government intends, if possible, to make an examnla of those against whom there is absoluta proof and who endeavor to strike terror to the others. The corrupt system whicg, 1t is sought to break down has existed for more than a century and scarcely any ono has looked upon 1t, until the present pro- ceed!ngs were instituted as a cuable 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 to Cuba, have finally published the expect ed circular for circulation in Spain and other foreign countries. The circular says.
 "Spaniards will find home in Cuba. inc only thing difficult being the government. Cuba can easily support 6,OOO,O0O people. whereas at present there are only 1.500 0Ol in the island The climate is excellent and a good future is assured to the steady la borer."