Daily Kennebec journal., 1900-02-22
Improving Conditions in Cuba.


The situation in cuba is most re
assuring. The stories of political fer
ment there prove to be only the work
of a few political aEitators with no in
fiuence worth mentioning. Mr.. c. r.
Akers. who was the London Times cor
respondent during the war. writes 20
the New York sun a review of the
Cuban situation as it appears after
more than a year of American inter-
matters need occasion no concern. \
majority of voters would undoubtedly
vote for Independence. There are.
however, no well defined political par
ties, or even groups, but in the near
future. when sentiment shall become
crystallzed, the people will divide on
the questions of independence and an
nexation. and there is little doubt that
the annexation sentiment viii grow
steadily.
The people are busy at work. and in
dustries are rapidly reVivinG under
peaceful conditions ana the sense Of
security which now everywhere pre-
walls. The native police system has
been organized for effective service.
brigandage has been wiped out, roWdy-
ism and disorder have been sup
pressed, and the 'Teconcentrados"
have returned to the country districts
and to agricultural pursuits. There is
no longer any Widespread distress
among the people, and the distribution
Of rations has ceased. but the home
less orphans and widows IF soldiers
who fell in the struggle with Spain
are in need of aid and protection. The
cca-;.7 ULich mas just Lv-I ...-- y
the United States authorities pla -
the population at 100000 aga. st
1881 6S7 in 1897 and about 100000 IN
1895 In four years cuba lost nr iy
SOC, 900 men. women and children.
When the details Of the census "re
known the authorities will m. ke
preparations for the municipal ~ c-
tions. which are expected To take pl ce
not later than May. The Am"ri, an
army Of occupation numbers be,W p
10000 ana 11.ooo ana it is proposed L"
reduce the force to 5000 this y ~.
making a further reduction in ! N.
The main defects existing in tn" III n-
agement of cuba are to be founG in
the school system and in the admi is
tration Of Justice The suporint"nd nj
Of schools is reorganizlng IN" schools
on the plan of the public school system
of the United States. but the faults in
cident to Spanish corruption ana mis-
rule are still deeply ingrained in tn"
judicial system. Owing to strong con
siderations of experience. the Spanish
civil and criminal codes. To which tn"
inhabitants Wera accustomed. We're
continued in force under American
rule Modificatiors Of the laws are d.
manded but there is even more
pressing Httu lOi Iduitdl tlltt -illllt -.
reforms in the dilatory and vexatious
customs and methods of procedure
which grew up under the corrupt
Spanish administration. and are still
practiced in such an oppressive man
ner as to amount to denial of justice
or harsh injustice tn" character Of
the judges and court officers is below
the requirements of a civilized coun-
try, legal process is expensive ana brib-
cry is still common. on the whole.
the island seems to have shown Won
derful recupcrativc powers. and. with
the revival Of the sugar, tobacco ana
other Industries which the Cubans are
now engaged in energctically. cuba
gives promise Of reaching a prosperity
never before attained.