The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-29
RECONsTRUCTTOS ~ cUBI.
Gen. Woods Programme Meets with Uni
vcrsal Applause From the Cubans.

WASHINGTON Dec 2S.-Mr. Horatio Rubens.
who accompanied Gen. Wood TO Havana on
his recent trip to that city to assume tho duties
OF Govern Dr.. General OF Cuba, returned to
Washington this morning Mr.. Rubens was
counsel for the Cuban Junta during the revou-
ton and Is now associated with Senior Quesada.
tho Cuban representative here. Mr.. Rubens
during his brief stay In the island visited a
number OF towns and interviewed the Cuban
leaders regarding their expectations under the
new order OF things. He says that the Presl-
dents message and the appointment OF Gen.
Wood had been received with much general
favor.
Tho veterans OF the revolution. even those
supposed to be much dissatisfied. are" he said.
deeply gratifed by the programme announced
by Gen Wood. The reform Of the courts 40 as
to give speedy trials. the clearing out OF the
prisons, OF those who have been confined
awaiting trial. the establishment Of free public
schools and the construction OF roads. have
met with universal applause from tho Cubans.
SO long as there was any doubt OF the purposes
Of the United States. the Evolutionary element
stood aloof: now they VIII constitute the con-
sentative party in Cuba. the party sustaining
the Presidents programme.
NO country OH earth" Mr.. Rubens con-
tinuei. is more at peace than Cuba II. Al
ready the Cuban leaders are discussing the
political reconstruction OF the island and the
organ zatIon OF agovernment in which all OF the
people shall take part. They are preparing
Themselves for this In the opportunity which
has been given by Gen. Wood OF taking hold OF
all the Departments and fitting themselves for
service In time to come. While not inclined to
be hasty in the matter. they still expect that
this new government will be formed as speed
lily rs possible"
Mr. Rubens saws that the Cubans are grate-
ful to the American people for intervention in
their behalf aud for the assistance that Is now
being rendered to definitely FIX the political
future OF the island. The leaders are ready to
cooperate with the officials Of the United
States In every possible manner. being salts
fed. he says. that their aims and those OF this
Government are the same.
Il have talked" he said. with people repre-
senting the business interests. with Spaniards
and with officials OF the autonomous reg ime.
and they all have confidence in the situation.
They do not believe that II Il quite time yet
for them to come forward and take part in
politics. but found that tho revolutionary
leaders are quite ready to forget tho past and
will welcome tho former element whenever
they express their willingness or desire TO
take part In the political Affairs OF the island
The expression OF this sentiment Will doubt
less cause some surprise, but IL impressed me-
more than any other fact during my visit" /.
The reception given to Gen. Wood by the
Cubans, Mr.. Rubena says. was cordial and
they have promised him their support. Gen.
Wood met the people In friendly and cordial
spirit, and while the problems OF reconstr
ton which face him are difficult. Mr. Rubens
says there IL confidence In his ability and sim
cerity IN the promises OF cooperation. ana that
Il great spirit OF security now prevails