The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-12
CUBA REVISITED.
Bishop Gambler Writes of His Obser-
vations in Havana.


vatioDs in Havana.
Bishop W. A. Gambler d. D., in the indie
pendent.
Last November / visited the island OF
Cuba in the discharge of official duties
and 1 gave some of my observations in
letter published by the Independent OF
Dec. g. Only three months have inter
vened between my visits. but there has
been time enough for vast changes.
The city of Havana is very much clean
er. and its sanitation is greatly improved,
although Gen. Brooke and his associates
might, without violating truth or exhibit
ing an unworthy spirit of encouragement,
say of their work what some said of the
rebuilding of Jerusalem in the days of
Nehemiah: 1.-THE strength of the bearers
Of burdens is decayed>and there Is much
rubbish" The estimate of the ever to be
lamentcd Waring, that $40 900 would be
required 10 put Havana in proper condi-
ton sanitarily is not extravagant. But
great as 1t is, il would be a good invest
ment for our country to make as a pro-
lection to the health Of our Gulf ports.
But no amount of sanitation, however
wise, will suffice to meet the needs of
the situation. The bad government which
has prevailed so long with regard TO such
matters has induced habits among the
people which diminish the value of all
sanitary improvements. The people must
unearn these bad lessons and acquire
new ways before the work will be finally
done. In the meantime, the most rigid
regula tons must be enforced.
In this connection may be mentioned the
change of the police system of the city.
Inc Spaniard has disappeared and The
American or the Cuban has taken his
place. And the order is good. The Amer
lean soldier, VINO gives himself uncom-
plainingly 10 the work he is doing in this
island, is bearing no small part of the
white mans burden" He deserves all
honor and sympathy.
The government of the city was put to
some strain by the coming of Gen. Gomez
ana the carnival almost coincidently. These
events, of course brought a state of popu-
lar enthusiasm and an aggregation of null
titudes which would increase the chances
OF disorder in any city. But how much
more at this time in Havana! Yet all
passed without any dsagreeable incident
worthy of mention.
independence is in the air. The best evil
dence possible of this fact is that wherever
| found a Cuban who expressed himself
for annexation he said to me: Il dare not
express myself publicly this way indie
pendence is strong enough to be intolerant.
An intelligent Cuban who has opportun-
ity to know told me that even the Spanish
priests have come over to the side of in
dependence and arer playing TO the popular
demand with all possible skill. This fact
1rff hA z
is not more faithful to the winds than the
priesthood tries to be to the changes of
public sentiment
1t has been said that the same priest who
sang Te Deums for the assassination OF
Maceo on the anniversary OF his death
SAID masses for the repose of his insurgent
soul.
A most remarkable instance of the same
sort is found in the Bishop of Havana
Manuel Santander y Frutos. On May 2.
1898 (before he knew of Dewey's victory,
Supposed, he published at the cathedral the
following:
1--WE the Doctor Don Manuel Santander y
Frutos by the grace of God and of the
Holy Apostolic See Bishop of Havana,
Lieutenant Vicar General, Sub-deiegate
Castreuse of the Army and Navy of the
same, knight of the Order of the Grand
Cross of Sacred Military and Pontifcal
Order OF the Holy Sepulcnfe, Member OF
His Majesty's Counsellors and Senator of
the Realm. etc, etc.
Venerable Brethren and Sons:
THE calamity of war which we had
thought was reaching it's termination has
been renewed. A neighboring nation,
which until now declared itself our friend,
has declared war against us without any
motive whatever. Our Jealous authOri-
ties and armed forces will know how to
discharge their duty. As Catholics We
ought to help them with our prayers, say
ing to the Lord with David, Destroy the
nations which desire war" Justice Is on
our side. God Is with us. The mother of
God is also our mother. She helped us
in Lepanto, and on many other occasions.
She Will also help us now. Never was il
heard that she failed to help those who in
voked her. Let us put confidence in God
and in our blessed mother and we shall
not be overcome.1
Then follow directions for prayers
masses and fasts In behalf of the Spanish
cause. Acopy of this document lies be-
fore me, while the dealers in photographs
offer in Havana pictures of this same
Bishop Santander following on foot the
| dead body of CaliXto Garcia, ito give a
| proof of his friendship to the family"
| suppose he would say.
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