Evening star., 1902-01-18
Reforms Effected Under American
Occupation.
FAITHFUL EXECUTION OF TIE LAWS
Vast Extension of the Educational
Facilities.
NEW SANITARY CONDITIONS

Island of Cuba to the United States for
the sum of S1,00O,O00, his action, though
considered absurd and Insignificant by both
nations at the time, was the first of epoch
making incidents which, recurring in cycles
of ten years, finally accomplished his ambi-
tious purpose. In 1858 the value of the
little island had increased thirty-fold in the
eyes of certain members of the United
States Senate, and proposal for the offer to
Spain of such an amount ($3O,OOO,OOO) was
introduced before that august body, but
after a heated debate was ultimately
withdrawn. The year 1868 marked the be-
ginning of the ten years war This was
brought to a close in 1878, after the loss
of thousands of lives and the expenditure
of millions of dollars, upon the liberal
promises of reform on the part of the gov
ernment of Spain, which were never to any
perceptible extent fulfilled. The usual dis
satisfaction followed, and the year 1888 be-
held the signs of another and greater in
surrection, which increased in extent and
violence, until it finally resulted in Ameri-
can Intervention and the subsequent re-
lease of the island from Spain in 1898. Thus
II will be seen that each tenth year since
the one first mentioned has seen a new and
more important step taken in the direction
of the redemption of this beautiful isle and
toward it's ultimate prosperity.
When Columbus said in 1892 that it was
"the most beautiful country that human
eyes had ever beheld," he was spared the
grief that must have overcome him had
he known of the destruction and devasta-
ton by fire and by sword that four cen
turies later would have greeted him. And
yet even the great discoverer would sure
ly have been consoled could he have known
that just four hundred years from the date
of his last visit QJ02) to the little island it
was to assume it's newest and brightest
lease life under the guardianship of
it's powerful neighbor the great American
republic; and that this same year would
usher in the actual and absolute freedom
and independence of the republic of Cuba.
On December 81, 1901, were held the cleo
tions for presidential electors in all parts
of the island, and during the latter part of
February these electors will convene in the
city Of Havana and formally declare 7. ES-
trada Palma the first president of the new
republic. After his formal induction into
office and the appointment of his subordf-
mates, the representatives of the military
authority of the United States will be en-
tirely withdrawn and Cuba libre' will
be launched upon the uncertain seas of self
government. Then and not till then, will
be fulfilled our promises to establish a
safe and stable government and to deliver
the island to its people.
AS to whether the Cuban is fitted as yet
for the great tasks and responsibilities so
soon to be thrust upon him Is matter
about which there is much difference of
opinion even among those who are in a po-
sition to be thoroughly informed. But un-
der the terms of our obligations this is not
to be taken at all into consideration at the
present time. For although under the Platt
amendment, there Is the assurance Of our
watchful eye upon the island, 1t ts guaran-
teed the freest and fullest exercise of all
the rights and privileges of an independent
government without fear of interference or
interruption from this or any other nation.
AS to the wisdom Of this course only fu-
ture history can record, but as the time for
American withdrawal draws near 1t may be
well to enumerate some Of the changes, re-
forms and improvements made by the
Americans during the brief period Of our
occupation, and to make some forecasts
from present conditions of the wonderful
possibilities that have opened up before it's
people.
Administration of the Laws.
Naturally the first suggestions for reform
occurring to our officials after the Ameri-
can accession were along the lines of the
administration Of the law, for 1t was rea-
sonable to suppose that in this department
would be found the chief source Of the
oppression and tyranny Of which the col
onists had so bitterly complained during
the long struggle with Spain. Since the
Spanish code of laws has practically the
same foundation as our own, and Is very
similar in expression and interpretatio no
vital reforms of legislation were consid-
cred necessary. But in the enforcement or
execution Of the same was found ample
justification for the complaints Of the
down-trodden colonists. There was found
an almost universal incompetence, COM
bined with the most criminal habits of neg
Hgence among all classes Of officials Ar
rests had been made with or without cause
the accused imprisoned without knowledge
OF the charge against him, the right Of an
fri al io1
unable to obtain hearing or admission to
pail for months. and sometimes years, after
his imprisonment Even prisoners who ad-
mltted their guilt were found to have
served, without hearing, terms far In ex-
cess OF the extreme penalties of the law
No records of any kind were kept. and
there were abundant evidences of the
wholesale bribery of justice wherever the
accused had property.
Condition of Jails and Prisons.
The condition Of the jails and prisons was
most revolving, there being no provision
for the separation Of the sexes, Of adults
from children, of the sane from the insane.
OF the healthy from the diseased, of the
felon from the petty offender. There was
an insuff1ciency of both food and clothing
for the inmates. scanty meals having been
served at irregular intervals, and not even
the women having sufficient clothing to ap-
pear when summoned for trial. There were
no sanitary arrangements whatever, and it
was altogether most horrible spectacle of
filth and degradation.
1t is almost needless to say that there has
been complete reform in all of these OBJ
oectionable conditions. The unsatisfactory
of1cials were quickly removed and replaced
by others of better reputation and greater
capacity, investigations were made and rec
ords inaugurated, a board of pardons Gre
ated and deserving prisoners paroled or
discharged, the jails cleaned and renovated.
proper separations made and food and
clothing provided. The people have been
given a wholesome respect for the law as
now administered. whereas before II eY
cited either Indifference or contempt. The
jury system had fallen into disuse but has
now been revived with much promise of
success. The ordinances Of the various
municipalities have been revised. MANY
ridiculous provisions removed and needn't
ones inserted. The system Of taxation has
also undergone change with the aim and
intention of placing the burden. as far as
possible upon luxuries instead of the neces-
sites Of life A good public sentiment has
been awakened among the people and much
satisfaction and appreciation displayed
among the better classes.
Facilities for Education,
The appalling percentage of iiiiteracy
among the natives OF the island with
total absence Of public schools and
the inability of three fourths of the