The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-15
AFFAIRS IN CUBA.
VI. j. Dady Mny Get the Havana Paw.
ing Contract

HAVANA, March 14.-Senor Estevez
Secretary of Justice, to whom General
Wood referred the Dady contract for a le-
gal opinion, has made a report favorable
TO Mr.. Dady. The report was discussed at
yesterdays Cabinet meeting and today
1t was taken by Secretary of War Root
and General Wood on their trip to Mariel
on the transport Wright, with number Of
other questions requiring Immediate set
Element.
1t is expected that they will reach a de-
cision in the Dady matter before return
ing to Havana. which will not be until
late tonight TIE purpose of the trip was
10 give them an opportunity to consider
this and other matters without Interrupt
lions. Mr.. Dady is naturally much elated.
HE thinks he is now sure to get the con-
tract. The effect OF Senior Estevez's opin-
ION Is TO give the contract additional legal
strength. Before rendering his opinion
Senior Estevez consulted several of the
abiest Cuban lawyers. He upholds Mr..
Dady's contention that he has the right of
tanteo which. after the contract is auc-
TONED of, gives him the privilege of do
ing the work at the figures of the lowest
bidder or of receiving a bonus from the
successful bidder in payment for the time
and money expended by him in plans and
surveys
General Ludlow is extremely indignant
over the matter and he refuses to believe
that Senior Estevez has reported favorably
TO Mr.. Dady. He says he will see Mr..
Root tomorrow. Whether Mr.. Root and
General Wood decide that Mr.. Dady shall
have the right of "tanteo" or whether they
shall shut him out altogether. is matter
OF little or no concern to the Cubans, but
IL the matter be settled one way or the
other so that work may be commenced at
once, it will please them. as much because
it will permit the paving Of the streets ard
the installation of electric car service as be-
cause proper sewers will be built. The lat
ter improvement appeals to them more
forcibly than the others because the lack
of a sewer system is more noticeable.
The Discussion prints a three-column
interview which Juan Gualberto Gomez,
the chief editorial writer of that paper,
thinks he had yesterday with Secretary
Root. After reading 1T there is a strong
impression that Mr.. Root had the inter-
view with Senior Gomez. The principal
point was an expression by Mr.. Root that
the intervention of the American authori
ties would be short and that the joint res
olution of Congress would be fulfilled, be-
cause America had not shed the blood OF
her sons to enslave people.
IN regard TO the CuDdnS capacity loi
government. Mr.. Root is quoted as
saying that it was high, but they needed
experience which they never had an OPP
portunity to gain. The Discussion ex-
presses itself as highly pleased with Mr.
Roots declaration.
The Electoral Commission is still fard
at work trying 10 figure out system for
the rapidly approaching elections. One
proposition that has given much trouble is
how to secure the registration OF those en-
titled to vote. II is suggested that each
person DESTROYS of voting shall apply to
judge OF the court of first instance, where
he will be examined. II the would-be
voter qualities ..is name shall be placed on
the rolls.
This is opposed by some on the ground
that in the country districts many voters
will be obliged to travel twenty miles to
get to the polls. There is danger also in
this method, that with Cubans examining
the Cubans the construction of a mans
ability to read and write might be SO lax
as to let down the bars hopelessly. An
other question is whether the property |
qualification of $3.50 be in real property or
cash. II cash is permitted the danger OF
abuse is apparent. The time is SO short |
that it will be difficult to solve all the |
problems confronting the commission. but |
it Is expected that a preliminary report
will be submitted to General Wood very
shortly. --E ~