Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-14

late the utterances of two thoroughly dis
reputable sheets, operated, not by journal
lists in the American sense but by con-
fessed criminals and disorderly persons. or
ganiZed for blackmail and intimidation
They are practically the same reconcentra-
do gang that I suppressed by military au-
thor1ty, but who are now back again in
Havana, and, under the stimulus of a cor
luption fund, are attacking pretty much
every responsible official in the Havana ad-
ministratton. including the police and law
Officers. DegenerateS of this class have no
respect for law or other moral agency than
pol1cemans club, and the attempt to apply
the law to them only stimulated their Grim
NAL instincts and melted them to increased
malevolence. 1t is an unhappy exhibition
OF local tendencies, that, unless sternly le-
pressed, must inture the good repute of the
island and its people, and prejudice its fu-
ture government and interests.
No Trouble With Nnnez.
Gen. Nunez, the civil governor, had no
conflict controversy with me. He had
trouble with the city council, giving arbi-
trary orders, but said nothing to me on the
subject. As soon as he consulted Gen
Wood he was informed that the Presidents
order Of December 10, 1898, made me re-
SpOnSihe for the general government Of
Havana, including its finances police and
sanitation, and that my duties would con-
tinue until other orders should be made by
the President"
that the relations between himself and Cen
eral Wood were strained the general said
Not in the least. My relations with Gen
eral Wood are based upon mutual respect
and esteem, and We have a thorough and
cordial understanding. There are people in
Cuba who would gladly create misunder-
standings among the American officials if
they could, but their attempts to do so
undervalue the American intelligence
which declines to lend itself to their shall
low schemes"
When asked if he expected to return to
Cuba General Ludlow said:
certainly; / expect to sail again for
Havana on the 9th and reach there on the
eth. My special duties and responsibilities
Will continue probably until the organiza-
ton by election of the Havana ayuntan1ien-
to. or city government. in May. Unless the
administration has some other urgent work
Tor me expect to remain in Havana until
the elections have been he'd and the re-
sponsfbility for city affairs can be trans
ferred to the new city government"
Changes in Military Establishment,
DO you expect any changes soon in the
United States military establishment in
Cuba?"
After the municipal elections have been
held and the new elective ayuntamientos
have been organized think it quite posi-
Bile that the expense of maintaining United
states troops in the island can be material
!y reduced. The troops are no offense to
any one and are source of great comfort
TO many, besides furnishing a considerable
current retail revenue to the island but
there is no real necessity for so many as
are now there, and it is a heavy charge
on the military establishment of the United
States to keep them there
"Will such changes lead to your return
to the United States soon?"
My own judgment is. as l indicated pre-
Vionsiy, that my individual responsibility
for Cuban affairs could properly terminate
elections hay hexay hold
January, 1899, Havana has had for the first
time In its history, an honest, intelligent
and effective administration. The city bust
ness has been carried on by the MAYOR the
council and the city officials in an orderly
and economical way, without scandals, dis
order or defalcatons. Very valuable re-
suits have been attained, and the city has
been converted from a middle ages re-
proach to twentieth century metropolis
which in healthfulness, decency security
and orderliness is exceeded by no COM
munity that I know. Certain standards of
efficiency have been established and certain
methods Of practical administration have
been put in force and persisted in that are
object lessons of the greatest value. 1t re-
mains but to carry forward the work on
the same lines and according to the same
principles, and others can do this as we'll
as I.
II am much attached to Havana and we
have very many friends there, but my home
Is in the United States, and doubtless there
Is work for me to do here, near my own
people"
What seem to be the general conditions
In Cuba as compared with those of a year
ago."
Phenomenal Changes in a Year.
THE changes in general conditions in
Cuba since year ago are almost phenom-
enal-in the thoroughness and success with
which modern principles of administration
have been applied and a scrupulous insist
ence upon orderliness and thoroughness in
the conduct Of public affairs has been car
ried out. Time is needed for the compile
ton of missionary and regenerative work
of this kind and the training of civil or
ganizations to the discharge of administra-
tive and executive functions.
Politically the situation awaits the grad
ual formation OF elective governments, be-
ginning at the bottom and developing up-
ward. Socially order is practically perfect
and peace universal. Economically condi-
lions in most respects are improving. The
tobacco crop, for example. is extraordinary
ly good and plentiful. Sugar needs capital
which still heSitates, and many ingenios
await rebuilding and plantations replant-
ing. Sanitary and health conditions all
over the island are better than ever before
in its history.
Il think there is not in the world more
beautiful and fertile island. Under a sta
BILE and serious government it's future is as
sured as most brilliant and prosperous
DO you expect any trouble at the cleo
lions in May, when the United States will
Insist on a limited suffrage?"
II do not expect any trouble at the cleo
tons in May or at any other time. No one
in Cuba has any intention to make trouble
There are a lot of people whose loquaeity ex-
ceeds their judgment, and who love talk more
than work, but these are not the represent
tauves OF the serious body of their coun-
tryman, who love their land and work for
It with hand and brain, without vaporinp
or shouting. The serious people, with ma.
terial interests and a genuine patriotism.
will guide the situation. and their Judgment
will control in regulating public affairs, the
American administration aiding and co..
operating fully"
"Can any limit be set now to the term Of
American occupation?''
Question of American OccuDatfon.
Il do not think that at this time any one
believes the population of this island, with
its entire inexperience, and a formidable.