Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 May 1899 — CUBANS SHOW ANGER. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CUBANS SHOW ANGER.

DON’T WANT TO SURRENDER THEIR ARMS. jjp?: Trouble Over Their Caused Some Anxiety in War Department Fighting Against Brooke’s Troops Deemed Not Impossible. Special dispatches from Washington indicate that there <re differences between the Cubans and Americans of a nature so tense that only the greatest tact and ability, coupled with a compromisihg disposition on both sides, will be able to solve them without results of a grave nature. This seems*tb be the opinion, at the War Department, although officials refuse to discuss the situation publicly. There is less criticism of Gen. Gomez than there was. It is believed that the old general is still pro-American, but that the opposition of the other Cuban generals has discouraged him. ' Although the course of Gen. Brooke is not approved ia all its details by bis superiors, there is no disposition to criticise him for demanding that the Cubans give up their arms. This measure is approved as a necessary one, and if all differences of opinion are to be traceable to this order it is quite likely that Brooke will be sustained by the home Government. But the threat to disarm the former Cuban soldiers by force, if necessary, is not ap-

proved, the policy being to placate rathet than irritate, and Gen. Brooke, more than likely, will be advised to keep this policy firmly in mind. A conflict with the Cubans is not desired, and will be avoided, if possible. It is said that President McKinley has been informed of the situation by Gen. Alger, and that the President himself will take a hand in unraveling the knotted skeins. The Cubans must be treated with great patience. They lack stability of purpose and other sterling characteristics. Recognition of this fact is deemed requisite in handling the questions that have arisen. Washington advices say that the Government is prepared to establish its authority in Cnba at all hazards, although anxious to avoid conflict. Such conflict, it is generally conceded, would postpone indefinitely tbe independence of the island. Secretary Alger cabled Gen. Brooke asking him for a statement as to the reported trotjbles in Cuba. Of the charges against Gen. Brooke made by the Cubans, the Secretary said not one of these hod yet been made, and added: “People who nre put under a necessary restraint are apt to complain of undue restraint.” The Cubans say they are willing to give up their arms to Cuban officials, but under no circumstances will they yield them to the Americans. They point to the fact that every move by the Americans tends to Americanize the island. Americans are favored for government positions; American signs go over the new offices, and the American grip is tightening on everything. Cubans feel that they are being browbeaten and forced into the.background. They are ready to fight again for independence if it is necessary. War, they say. is not desired, but unless an honorable proposition is made promptly it cannot be averted.

GENERAL BROOKE.