The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-10
DETENTION OF IMMIGRANTS.
Restrictions mt Havana Regarded ms
Necessary Precautions.


HAVANA. Nov. 9.-Many of the local
| papers have protested against immigrants
being detained by the immigration board
| until work is obtained for them They
| have also claimed that the immigrants
are badly treated. An appeal was made
| to the Spanish Consul who visited the
| detention camp. The Consul has written
/ letter to Governor General Wood. in
| which he said he talked with many of the
| immigrants. who declared themselves
satisfied with their treatment.
The Consul added that as detention is
n sanitary measure first, second class
passengers who are nou-immunes should
be detained as well as those travelling
third class. In an interview today the
Consul said that he would not object to
the detention of immigrants il the latter
realized before embarking that they
would have to go to the detention camp
| The immigrants. however, did not know
when they left Spain that they would be
detained upon arrival here.
The Consul added that the steamship
companies would not warn Immigrants,
fearing that If they knew they would be
detained they would not come to Cuta.
He admitted that in a large number OF
cases the immigrants were letter on ana
safer in the detention camp. He based
who came to Cuba should be treated alike.
Replying to the Consul's letter. General
Wood said the detention camp had been
instituted for the benefit Of the immigrants
and as preventive OF disease. Many I'M
migrants who on landing wandered about
the town and slept in exposed places, they
having scarcely any money, were now at
least lodged and fed and kept away from
infection for a cost OF 20 cents day. II
was impossible for immigrants to obtain
board and lodging for that sum anywhere
else in Havana. So far from wanting to
keep away Spanish immigrants, he re-
garded them as most welcome and as
benefit to the country. He considered the
measure adopted to be in the interest Of
the immigrants.
The discussion regarding private ses-
sions Of the constitutional convention con-
tinues. 1t is claimed that some of the del
egates want private sessions in order to be
able to vote for unitarian form Of gov
eminent instead of a federal form. after
having been elected on account of their
promise to support federalism. 1t Is also
said the delegates would feel freer il the
public is not allowed to attend the sessions.
Some of the more radical element now ia
vor public sessions. saying that the public
wants them. They declare that there is
not a delegate whose reputation is strong
enough to brave the suspicion that would
be caused by private sessions.
The 'Nueva Pals attacks the conven-
ton for having sworn in delegates before
examining their credentials. 1t also con-
siders the form Of oath used as Of no
value.
A permanent president OF the conven-
ton will probably be elected next week.
Senores Capote. Eudaldo, Tamayo. and Ri
vera are mentioned for the position. The
election OF a president will prove which
side has a majority, the Republicans or
the Nationalist. At present the main
difference is between the leaders of these
two groups. There is mutual Jealousy
and distrust. A number of the delegates
have not decided which side they will
Join. No question of importance has yet
arisen to show the difference between the
two parties in the convention.
Captain Young, captain of the port. is
going to ask for offers to raise the Maine.
Last year he had three offers to raise her
for nothing, those raising her to keep
her. No explosives can be used in rails
ing the vessel.