Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-01-16

alone WanVfu--roOu anu
ton Picnty--The Republic Founded
on Equal Rights--Const"ntF Fighting.
From the Cuban Correspondence of the New York
Herald
At signal from one of the officers q
few soldiers came up and took charge
of our horses. There was no ceremo-
ny, no formality, nothing of preten-
tious character around the place, to in
dictate that in this lovely spot the Pres
ident 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 cEspEpEs,
President of the Republic of Cuba, is
medium sized, broad-chested man Of
apparently fifty years Of age. His fair,
fun, closely shaven face beams with
amiability and good nature. With
dark hair which time is Just beginning
to silver, undimmed dark brown eyes,
and a 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 arayed in n full suit of the
same brown linen worn by his officers,
and boots reaching to the knees with
silver spurs. He was armed with q
sword and revolver.
After few salutations the officers
who had accompanied me threw them
selves ON the bank hard by the stream.
| was not slow to follow their example,
and beneath the thick shade of the
trees President Cespedes spoke his
mind freely on the subject of Cuban in
dependence. Nor was the conversation
marked by any subtlety on his part,
for he uttered his views without hest
tation, and conyersed with sincerity
that could not be mistaken. Strange
enough, the first topic to which be al
luded was that of the Presidential
electiOu--asked almost the same ques-
ton that had been put by Gen. Agra
monte, "Who is going to be the next
President of the United States z" |
made almost the same response l had
previously given, TO the effect that
Gen, Grant would be the successful
candidate.
THE STRENGTH or THE ISsURGENT
FORCES.
81 am glad, SIR" remarked Presi-
dent Cespedes, after a brief pause,
that You have come here. What the
result of your mission may be / cannot
tell but it will be a source of consola-
ton to the patriots of this Sorely dis
tresSed country if you can let the world
know the actual condition of the Gu,
han patriots Full we'll You know that
stories were spread abroad with no in
tent other than to dlshearten our SYM
pathizers. But now you may see for
yourself, and for once let the truth go
forth.
President Ccspcdes spoke these
words in a slow, yet earnest tone, all
the officers, meanwhile, listening with
wropt attention, and | could see that
every eye was turned toward me to
watch what effect they might produce.
" Mr.. President" | observed. q" my
mission to Cuba has been to ascertain
the actual condition of affairs, and, let
me assure you, il will be no fault Of
mine should the truth not be made
known. | would like TO ask, in
he first place, what the strength of the
entire insurgent army Is at this present
time
Well, sir, replied the President,
Il underestimate our forces when
say We have 1900 men, cavalry and
infantry, ut our commands but if we
had arms enough the insurgent troops
IN Cuba would number 80 600 men.
Let me explain to you. We have now
waged the war OF independence for
four long years Those who have seen
service during that period will always
stand by our colors. Long ago many
surrendered and were pardoned by the
Spanish authorities, believing at the