The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-03-07
ALETTER, FROM HAVANA
The Merry Carnival Season 10 Cuba's Gay
sit Capital.
PARADE OF THE MAsEtRs WAS BRILLIANT
Cuban Political situation Ia Boiiing
and Trouble seems Likely.
Notes of Texans.


days have been record breakers for fes-
tiyities and celebrations in Havana. The
carnival time has been on, The readers
of The Post have hardly any conception
what carnival celebration means to a
Latin race. Like the Christmas tide in
the United States. everyone takes on a
smiling face and perfect feeling OF
freedom and happiness seems TO pervade
the air. The fun opened last Saturday
which was known az Cuban independence
Day. For what reason the day is so
called nobody seems TO be able to say,
but at the same time they use the en-
preston. The day Is memorable in Cuban
history MS the anniversary of the begin
ming OF the last war between the Cubans
aud Spaniards, and also is the first an
nual celebration OF the entry of Gem
eral Maximo Gomez and his Cuban war
riore into the city of Havana. Bunting, |
never saw the equal the whole city
seemed to be literally covered win
streamers and flags. But very few Ameri-
can flags were in evidence and those that
were exhibited were OF such a small SIZE
that they looked small in comparison.
The American government as u com
pliment to the Cubans gave all employees
a half holiday but Incidentally have
heard ii remarked that several OF them
are interested pecunarily In the horss
racing, where crowds attend and pony Up
one American dollar for the privilege
OF sitting on some pine boards that are
called grand stand. The races came OFT
in the evening and 1t might be said as
usual that some seven thousand people
were on hand to witness them All The
Cuban society bellies and their beaux vera
present, as well as good proportion Of
the American colony.
Sunday was the proper opening OF the
carnival. About noon the maskefs began
appearing on the streets. Flower throw
ing had been prohibited by an order OF
the governor general. but this fact did
not throw demper on the spirits Of the
people Confetti and paper streamers were
used until the Prado was literally COW
cred. Waen the parade OF the maskers
in vehicles started about 4 o'clock they
were so numerous that they stretched en-
tirely around the Prado and extended
for blocks waiting entrance. Gordon
of mounted police was necessary TO keep
the vehicles in line. Everything from
an automobile to spring wagon was
utilized 10 convey the maskers. Bicy-
Giles gayly decked out with grotesque
maskers were riden swiftly by and soma
OF the displays were really creditable
pieces OF artistic workmanship on the
Most Of the really laughablo AXE offs
were criticisms on the American admin
istration in cuba The sanitary depart
ment came in for the larger part of the
burlesques. one party | noticed partic-
ularly gave the surveyors a decided slam.
An improvsed tripod made OF broom
handles had been rugged up with a paste
board tube extending across the top This
sat in a wagon with three individuals in
mask, One who had a little book in his
hand in which he pretended to be writing
figures. the other with the rod aud the
third taking careful sight through the
tube. 1t was good caricature on the
many American surveying parties that
are constantly surveying throughout the
city.
The parades continued through Monday
and Tuesday and each night balls at all
the clubs took place. The most pop
ular ball seemed to be the one given
at the Tacon theater. This ball Is some
what on the plan of the French ball In
New York and this year was given on a
grander scale than anything heretofore
attemptedy. Nearly all OF the many tour
lists in the city attended as onlookers,
1t is said that some OF the most fashion
able senoritas of the city attend under
mask. The carnival continues for the
three succeeding Sundays
Cassi the famous bugler of Teddy
Roosevct's Rough Riders, who shot the
Cuban Lieutenant Martinez in the 1ngla-
terra cafe last spring and who was after
wards married in the little Jail chapel,
has been released by General Wood This
shows the devotion which Is manifest in
n woman. Since the first day of the
bugler's Incarceration his devoted little
wife has been constant visitor as the
governors palace mpiorng clemency for
the man she loved. His release can he
credited TO this woman. Hardly was he
out OF the prison doors than he caught
train without bidding his wife fare
well and disappearing into the interior
of the island was lost sight OF by every
one. His wife, with almost fainting heart.
followed and has brought him back to
this city. where he says that he will re-
mal He explains his sudden departure
by stating that It was through fear OF
the relatives OF Martinez who had threat
ened him in case he was pardoned
There was quite a little excitement In
the city last week over the expected ar
rival Of Bishop sharretti, the new bishop
OF Havana He came in on Wednesday
mornings steamer aud was given fiat
tering reception. Notwithstanding the feel
Ing manifest against him previous TO hts
arrival Tho Cubans desired 20 have a
Cuban priest consecrated bishop Of Iia-
vaBA and held several meetings few
days previous to his arrival. Cables were
sent TO the pope. to President Mckinley
and delegation visited General Wood
protesting against his coming. The pres
ident replied that his Jurisdiction was
over matters OF state only and that
church affairs must look out for them
selves. General Wood met the delegation
that visited him very cordially. but ex-
planned to them in very few words that
he had 10000 American soldiers that
would give the bishop all the projection
necessary. Things for awhile looked a
little stormy. but the turbulent spirits
were squelched and only few police
men were at the landing In case Of any
when the bishop arrived
The Cuban political situation is boil
ing. The Cuban national party. which
has always been considered the strongest
organization. Is without a leader nor are
they very confident of securing man
that will satisfy all elements. The leader
ship was offered TO Maxine Gomez. but
he refused under any consideration to
accept same. At last accounts there were
nineteent candidates for mayor -of Ha-
vana, showing an Increase OF seven for
the week Each OF these candidates has
his political following who are composed
mostly OF employees OF the cigar factories
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