In reference to filibustering, it may be of interest to you to know that
the work of playing policeman for Spain has already cost us nearly two
million dollars. We are obliged to keep a fleet of revenue cutters on
the watch for these expeditions, and it would seem that we have tried to
do our duty very thoroughly. That we have not succeeded in capturing
many of the contraband vessels should be no great reproach to us. Spain
has sixty vessels patrolling the coast of Cuba, and has only been able
to seize one filibuster, the _Competitor_.
Tho news that Spain means to give Home Rule to Cuba is most welcome, and
it is to be hoped that the reforms offered may be satisfactory to the
Cubans, and that the war may soon be brought to a close.
The full terms of the promised changes have reached us--they give the
Cubans control of educational matters, tariff, customs, charity, and
public works.
A governor or viceroy is to be chosen by the mother country, and he is
to have the right to choose the officers who are to form his cabinet.
There is to be a Cuban parliament, divided into upper and lower houses,
which is to settle all the affairs of the island except those which
concern foreign policy, naval and military matters, and the manner in
which the law is to be administered.
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