The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-12-19
CARLOS MANUEL CEsPEDES.

Interview with the President OF tho
Cuban Repubiic-A Bitter Fight
HOpes-Cuban Advantages and Re.
sourccs-What They Expected OF tho
United Statex-No surrender.
At a signal from one of the officers few soldiers
came up and took charge Of our horses. There was
no ceremony no formality, nothing OF a preten-
tous character around the place to Indicate that in
this lovely spot the President OF the Cuban Republic
was at hand. As we approached the group all rose
from their recumbent position, and foremost to-
advance was Cespedes himself, and without much
ado was kindly presented by Major Reeve.
CARLOS MANUEL CEsPEDEs,
President OF the Republic Of Cuba, is mediums
sized, broad-chested man OF apparently fifty years
of age. His fair, full, closely shaven face beams
with AVAILABILITY and good nature. With dark hair
which time is just beginning to silver, undimmed
dark brown eyes and perfect set of teeth behind
lips whose compression often shows the fire and
determination Of youth, his years appear to sit
lightly upon him. He was arrayed in full suit OF
the same brown linen worn by his officers. and
boots reaching to the knees, with silver spurs. He
was armed with sword and revolver.
After a few salutations the officers who had ac-
companied me threw themselves on the bank hard
by the stream. was not slow to follow their ex-
ample, ana beneath the thick shade OF the trees
President Cespedes spoke his mind freely on the
SUBJECT Oh CUBAN lnuepenuenCe. NOT was the con-
versation marked by any subtety on his part, for
he uttered his views without hesitation and con-
versed with sincerity that could not be mistaken
Strange enough the first topic to which lie alluded
was that of the Presidential electi0n-asked al
most the same question that had been put by Cen.
eral Agramonte, "Who Is going to be the next
President OF the United States ?" made almost
the same response had previously given, to the
effect that General Grant would be the successful
candidate.
THE STRENGTH OF THE rNsURGENr FORCES.
IT am glad. SIR! remarked President Cespedes,
after brief pause, ''that you have come here.
What the result Of your mission may be cannot
tell, buf 1t will be q source OF consolation to che
patriots Of this sorcly distressed country If you
can let the world know the actual condition OF
the Cuban patriots. Full well you know that
stories were spread abroad with no intent other
than to dishearten our sympathizers. But now
you may for yourself and for once let the truth
go forth"
President Cespedes spoke these words In slow
yet earnest Tone oil the officers meanwhile listen
ing with rapt attention, and could SEQ that
every eye was turned towards me TO watch what
effect they might produce.
"Mr. President" observed 'my mission to
Cuba has been to ascertain the actual condition Of
affairs and let me assure you, sir, II Will be no
fault OF mine should the truth not DC made known.
would like to ask in the nrst place, what the
strength of the entire insurgent army - at this
present time ?"
"wcll, sir" replied the President, ~ under.esti-
mate our forces wnen say wa have 1900 men.
cavalry and infantry, At our command; but IL we
had arms enough the insurgent troops in Cuba
would number $4,000 men, Let me explain to you.
we have now waged the war OF independence for
four long years. Those who nave seen ser.
vicc during that period viii always stand by
our colors. Long ago many surrendered and were
paId9ned by the Spanish authorities, believing Al