The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-09-05

United States.
Some interesting facts regarding the
cities and towns in the provinces o
Havana aud Pinar del Rio are embodleC
in report received at the War Depart
ment from Brig Gen Fitzhugh Lee
commanding. IL is made in compli
ance with Instructions from the depart
ment. which requested from command
ing officers - whom it was addressed
rec lamentations and suggestions fOI
reform for the betterment Of the inhab-
itants Gen. Lee makes the following
recommendations
First-That a census Of the island be
taken a. soon as possible.
Seoond-That the question Of suffrage
be considered in all Its aspects and a
decision reached regarding the same.
Third-That a modern system of ju-
risprndence, as far as it can be made
applicable, be generally introduced, SO
that elective officers belonging to 1t cln
be voted for at the general elections.
Fourth-That general election be
ordered for a president, or a chief mag
istra,e vice president and congress,
OF legislature, to consist Of two branches,
and all other officers Of republic, as
we'll as municipal elections in the va
rious municipalities all Of which can
be deternined, regulated and prescrib-
ed by convention composed of dele
gates in proper proportion from the
different provinces, which shall meet
as soon after the census is taken as pos
sibe. In this way the pledged faith Of
the Government Of the United States
can be kept.
Fifth-That the United States shall
keep a strict supervision over the at
fairs Of Cuba until a republican form
Of government has been adopted by the
people thereof.
Sixth-That the island shall still be
garrisoned by troops Of the United
States. In order % protect the lives aud
properties If citizens Of the United
States and those Of other foreign coun-
tries residing in Cuba. preserve peace,
suppress disorder and maintain the su-
premacy Of civil law whenever and
wherever necessary
Seventh-rhat the future of the Gu
ban republic shall be vested in the peo-
pie and their representatives. so far as
1t relates to the question of an Ameri-
can pr0tectorate, or annexation to the
United States.
In the matter Of civil administration
Gen Lee thinks action Of some kind
should be taken to secure prompt trial
Of men arrested and held in coDfne-
ment charged with crime. Gases have
been reported OF American citizens
held for several months without a trial
Of any kind. as far as they knew. The
province Of Havana, Gen. Lee says, is
generally in fair condition the land
is rich, level and well suited for farm
ing, aud capable of producing excellent
crops when cultivated. The population
has been greatly reduced. probably on
an average Of 30 per cent, owing TO
the war. Towns on the railroad have
telegraphic communication, and all the
towns have more or less imperfect mail
service.
Sanitary conditions have improved
very much in all towns. There Is now
comparatively little destitution. Ii is
thought that rations and medicines for
the destitute will be no longer neces-
sary, excepting for orphanages, asylums
and hospitals. He recommends that
some of the more important towns be
supplied with a good water system,
which will add much to the sanitary
conditions, besides giving work to un-
employed labor Roads connecting the
more important towns should also be
constructed and repaired as found ad'
visable. 1t is thought that most Of the
municipalities sill soon be self-sustain-
ing
The condition Of the provinces of Ha-
vana and Pinar del Rio is daily i'm.
proving, the acreage being populated Is
gradually being extended, and sanitary
regulations everywhere more generally
complied with. Occasional robberies
are committed by small parties, but
many of the robbers or bandits have
been caught, and such depredations are
becoming less frequent The two pro-
yinces are making progress along the
paths of peace and prosperity. The
province Of Havana is composed of roll
ing lands, with here and there exten'
sive flats, the latter being more special
ly in the country in the southern part
Of the province, next TO the Caribbean
Sea. Running through the province q
Havana, beginning at the city by thai
name, there are large, broad, firm turn
pixies, like spokes of a wheel, with Ha
vana city as the hub. There are ne
street railways. except in Havana.
With very few exceptions, the old anc
effete Spanish laws are still in opera
ton, and the course of modern justice
is much delayed by antique and cum
bersome machinery. Judicial corrup
tion. extortion and abuses flourish IN
many places as Of old.
The remarks made in reference to the
province of Havana apply to some ex.
tent to that of Pinar del Rio, except
that the soil of the latter and the prod
ucts raised are different This province
has to a great degree been quiet and
orderly, and has rapidly made progress
in the condition of its Inhabitants. II
faok and ono foh