New-York tribune., 1905-01-22
GOSSIP OF THE BOROUGH.
Rafael Nauarro, er-Manager of
academy of Music, Cuban Patriot.


rs the manager Of the old Academy Of Music, have
sust learned how he has been spending his time
since he lost his position by the burning of the
Academy He has been writing book in which he
has related many of his experiences. Not many OF
those who know him aware that he was a
Cuban patriot, and fought for the freedom Of
shat country in the Ten Years War which began
sn 1863 He was a boy nineteen years old on his
gathers estate. the Province of Santiago. at the
Eime. He took the field. and continuous ser
vice for three years. when he captured by the
Epaniards and confined in the fortress Of Santiago
several others he came to New-York But he was
rot happy for he had let behlno a ensI ~; Iills I
war II was against the customs and traditions
raT ns5 Sa Alone oeos fo met @ Rar nance So It was ar
ranged that the marriage ceremony should be per
Navarros father stocd beside the bride his sons
Troxy Under the Spanish law the marriage
Tahu and Mrs. Navarro in position TO join
her husband This she did and there was a happy happy
reunion in Brooklyn Nj Navarro devoted himself
70 music : a means Of livelihood. The cause OF
foor joined with number Of Cuban refugees here
Tor the purpose Of sending arms and surgical anO
iRfai'al hsa supplies to their Old companions IN the
When the expedition was all ready Navarro
asked TO lead it, although his capture by the Span
3ards meant instant death, 1t WAS success, and
a large quantity of supplies We're landed on the
Cuban coast Generals Jordan and Ryan, who
cOmpaned the expedition. were put ashore and
Joined the Cuban forces IN the tine between the
ending of the Ten Years War. because of the
promises made by General CamDos on behalf Of
spain, which |eTe neveI fulalled by the way, and
preparing for the struggle The Cubans knew was
organizing the Cuban sanitary corps-the Red
Cross OF The Cuban army He II who
planned many ol me expeditions taken 10 cuba by
dynamite Johnny . Br-en- Then, at the sug
Cuban Republic, M Navarro gave up ali he had
accomplished IN twenty years IN building up music
sentiment and s5npaIhv for Cuban liberty. When
b.
1iarbor. the Cnited States took up the that
resulted in the freedom Of Cuba, Mr.. Navarro re
turned 10 Brooklyn and became manager of the
academy Of Music When the Cuban Republic was
an established fact al last there who
rejoiced more heartily than Mr.. Navarro He tells
band Of paTios Of which he was one Who sPpg-
Ee9 asaInsI gains 'TeIhe4aons ODDS ~ the Ten Years %
rifles but more were armed only with stakes sharp
ened % point or bearing knife lashed to the
Of hard wood bored out and bound with iron hoops
1nent was shat won in the cHd.
Since the new reading room of Tie Montague-st
branch ot tie Brooklyn Public Library opened
week ago. there is longer any difficulty in
consulting the daily papers. In the old rooms the
papers were hand files. ani mOnOpOliZed
by the pests OF the reading room the tTamps Of
the street who came in not 70 read but 10 lounge
jn a comfortable seat and keep warm. They were
81 the habit OF hiding their real purpose by holding
Reeping Them away from thoss Who actaslly de-
sired 10 read them MOI in ircoIenfl s6, ~ t,esa
clair 1ssr,,.-s.r ,-r,'l5 s 80, - ~ a.
cl2sped IN their hands. Now il is all changed
lhe papers are nled inclined reading boards,
ana those who wish 10 consult them must stand.
u is really wonderful TO IotiCe how much less
popular the newspapers have become. Whereas
under the Ola system t impossible hold
or a single paper sometimes Tor hour at a time
OF he papers. The dodgers have suddenly taken
~ interest IN tc Out ~ papers that are still
10 be found on hand files Mr.. Briggs who is In
cnarsc ~ The reading room. well q . ref
erence library IS particularly delighted at the
moving of the papers from the old
fooms because IL The opportunity gives IN Trop-
tcrial He is stili ~ WORK this task and viii
BE- for some tine yet
That section Of the borough formerly known un-
Der the various derogatory titles Of .'Pigtoyvn .
>Shantytown" ard ''Squattcrvlle'' is rapidly pass.
ing away. Vow tie borough officials have cons
forward with a proposition 10 tuy the triangular
plot bounded by Washington and Ciasson aves and
The Eastern Parkway. which is occupied by old
frame shacks. distinctive Of .-shantytown." and 10
N a public park There IS every rc.s son yvh,
this should BE- done. II is just Washington.
nye. from the Brooklyn Institute Museum which
when completed viii be the most maPn,hcent build
ing 81 ErOoklNn ana one Of tire most notable in the
city. The fulnDedOwn ard ragged condition OF the
rTlaIE uar plot Is now cyeSoTe the authorities
III I'll should be covered bg al hoFsa
or. perhaps. much less desirable building I,
would spoil permanently the view the Museum
from that side and detract mmeasurab bly, from The
general effect. on side and back Of the Nu-
scum park lands. and II faces the Eastern
15arlku,.v which - nearly treble width sor,e
streets The building line Of property in this street
81 pIaced aorac distance back the sidewalk bv
las, 50 that the only menace To the Museum lies
ave il l. estimated that this can be secured FOR
10000 and 81 Is believed that the Board OF Ekti-
tnafe and Apportionment can be induced 10 appro.
rriase that amount