The Washington herald., 1909-06-07
CUBA STANDS FIRM
Government Officials Express
Confidence i'll Republic.
IS NOT ToTTERING ON BRINK
Island Is Rich, and Can stand Heavy
Budgets-Fears OF Bad Financial
Management Declared GrOundIess.
The United States Depends on
Gomez - Curb Extravaganza.

Officials Of the government here. who
are closely in touch with the situation In
Cuba. decline 10 become alarmed over the
recent reports that the new republic is
tottoring TO a speedy fall because OF bad
financial management. Cuba is rich. and
while her budget will probably be larger
than ever before. Il is not likely that the
new government will get very far beyond
its resources.
The government here is watching Cuba
closely. and the moment the situation
there becomes critical. economically or
otherwise, the State Department will
take some action, probably calling the
Cuban Minister to the State Department
and making few suggestions. possibly
remarking that the United States views
with alarm the course being followed by
President Gomez's administration.
II this does not suffice. then some more
emphatic warning will be given. So far,
however there has been nothing 10 war
rant the slightest interference on the
part Of the United States. although the
administration in Havana has done one
or two things displeaslng 10 the Depart
ment Of State here.
Considerable has been said about tho
budget now pending before the Cuban
Congress. II provides for expenditures
during the next fiscal year Of upward OF
SS3OoO,000. Copies Of the estimates for
the budget have been received here, and
studied by officials interested in Cuba. It
Is found that the estimates for most
OF the executive departments have been
wisely approved by Gen. Gomez. For in
stance, President Gomez asks S5.OOO.OOO for
public works. This sets at rest the fears
Of the officials Of the provisional govern
ment that the new republic would not
carry out the programme Of public i'm
provements instituted by Gov Magoon.
Some of the Estimates.
The estimates also provide s., 800, 900 for
the years work on the McGiney-Ropebv
contract FOR the sewerlng and paving OF
Havana While this contract will cost
the Cubans more than Sl5.00.O00. il will
not be completed for seven years and
ofhciais here deem a million and a half
ample for a years work Another con-
tract held by Americans is for the Glen
fuegos aqueduct. The estimates provide
for nearly million dollars for the years
work on that improvement.
II there Is any danger at all threaten
ing In Cuba, II is a financial danger. and
Cuban authorities here do not believe
N-4e- N44A9 NaAs0A mas appeared. AS Iar
as public order in Cuba IS concerned con-
ditions are apparently better than az anv
time during a Cuban administration OF
the affairs OF the island. Gen. Jose de ]
Monteaguedo. chief OF the Rural Guards.
Is primarily responsible for the excellent
state OF public order. He is vigorous and
Efficient, and the guard is so organized
that 200 or 600 men may be speedily
thrown into any section where trouble
might arise
The State Department has lust been
officially Informed OF the proposed tour
OF South America by Gen. Loinaz del
Castillo The general who is a fire.
brand, will be accompanied by a couple
Of aids, including one Of President
Corners sons. President Gomez has
asked Congress for $4,000 for the trip.
The State Department, does not look
upon this venture with very mucn favor.
Gen. Castillo is anti-American. and may
do the United States trreparable harm in
Latin America
The safety Of the republic depends al
most entirely on President Gomez. He
has practically absolute control OF the
finances. as there is a clause in the
Cuban constitution providing that Con
gress cannot appropriate money beyond
the extent recommended by the President.