One practical friend suggested that one of the committee should make a sketch of the celebrations as they had intended them to be, and spend the $7.80 in having a nice photograph made for Weyler of the proposed festivities.
The promised reforms have not yet been granted to the Cubans, and it is reported that General Blanco is so annoyed at the condition of affairs that he is on the point of asking to be recalled.
He finds he has been deceived about the state of the Spanish army in Cuba, and the dislike of the Spanish party in the island to Home Rule has also been a sad stumbling-block in his way. These people throw every possible obstacle in his path.
The General feels that he is in a false position, and is most unhappy over it.
Spain is expecting him to open a brilliant fall campaign, and he is unable to do this because he finds himself at the head of a body of ill-paid, hungry, and disaffected soldiers, who are neither fit for difficult work nor willing to undertake it.
On the other hand, a portion of the Cubans are expecting reforms and help from him, and this he cannot give because he is hampered by the ill-will of the officials and the delays of the home Government.
The peasants have been permitted to return to their homes, and permission has been given to commence sugar-grinding. But in the present state of the country this permission amounts to nothing. The planters have no money to pay for grinding sugar, and unless the Government aids them it will be impossible for them to begin operations.
The peasants have no homes to go to, and unless they are cared for until they are able to care for themselves they must starve.
An edict was issued arranging for certain lines of cultivation that were to be started by the peasants, in the hope of helping them. The laborers engaged in this work were to report to the military commanders, and be under military protection.