Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1899 — NO DISORDERS IN HAVANA. [ARTICLE]

NO DISORDERS IN HAVANA.

Quietness of American Occupation Has No Parallel in History* Since the ocupation of Havana by the Americans there have been no political disorders of any kind. Under the proclamation issued by Gen. Brooke the civil authorities are retaining their offices. The Cubans seem as well pleased with the change as the Americans. Some of the Spaniards are sullen, but they and other grumblers are in the minority. The foreign consuls in Havana are in a state of perplexity as to which Government they ought to recognize. The United States is in control, but they are still accredited to the Spanish Government. Russia and Sweden have expressly instructed their representatives not to officially recognize the American occupation. The consuls held a meeting the other night to discuss their position, and it was finally agreed to compromise by making an official call on Gen. Ludlow and presenting their compliments, but not make any formal recognition of the change of government. Civil Governor De Castro> by order of the military authorities, has abolished the use of passports and of stamped paper in the Government office. These were annoyances. Prompt steps have also been taken for improving the section of hygiene. The opening of the first American postoffice saw a mob besieging the windows for the luxury of buying stamps. The office sold SI,OOO worth of stamps the first day. The United States postal commission will make a tour of trie island on the steamer Mancho and inspect the general conditions. The postoffice in Havana is in bad shape.’ The rooms are piled with barrels and boxes of mail. People receiving no mail at the windows are in the habit of walking around the office and hunting through the mail pouches for themselves, The office will soon be removed to a better building. The health of the troops is good.