Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-09
DELEGATE PALMA.
STATEMENT REGARDING PREsI-
DENTS POSITION TOUCHING CUBA
THG CUBANS' CIVIL GOVERNMENT,
FnctS Showing That There II Sucb
Thing, and That IL Is Exercising
lis Functions-span.s Rule Must


NEW YORK, December S.-Senor
Thomas Estrada Palma, delegate Of the
Cuban republic in the United States gave
out a statement to-day regarding the re-
ference by President Cleveland to Cuba
in his annual massage to Congress Senor
Palma, in his statement, says:
IL think that the message, generally
speaking, Is in great measure very de-
pressive TO Spain, as an independent ma
ton The message acknowledges the
grievances which have led to the present
revolt Of the Cubans against the authority
OF Spain. 1t supports the Cuhans in their
distrust Of any promises whatsoever tnat
the Spanish Government can make to
them, and pledges the guaranty Of the
United States as a security for any agree
ment which Spain may enter upon with
cuba. President Cleveland finally de
cIares without hesitation that the patience
Of the United States in waiting for Spain
TO end the contest has a limit, that the
obligations to the sovereignty Of Spain
will be superseded by higher obligations,
and that considerations Of humanity and
a desire to see "A rich and fertile country,
Intimately related 10 the United states,
saved from complete devastation, VIII
subserye the interests thus involved, and
at the same time promise TO Cuba and It's
inhabitants an opportunity TO enjoy the
blessings Of peace.
CUBAS GOVERNMENT.
"As to the inference contained In the
message that the Cuban Government mas
now given up all attempt to exercise IT'S
.V,ff on
TO prove the contrary. that Immediately
after the capture Of Gualmaro by General
Calixto Garcia. President Cisneros and
his Cabinet proceeded TO the town, ana
there issued and enforced various DEGREES,
some of which related 10 the treatment
of prisoners and TO further mill
tary operations At the time, Cen
eral Gomez, commander i'm chief Of
the army. was onl eight miles
from Guaimaro, receiving orders from the
government and making ready 10 comply
with them. This fact proves beyond any
doubt that the civil government Of the
republic Of Cuba commands the respect
and obedience Of the military authorities,
even. as In this case superseding a victo-
rious general, in the very moment OF his
trium.h.
1T remains for me to say some words
about autonomy. Autonomy would mean
that the Cuban people would make their
own laws. appoint all of their public Off
Gers except the Goyernor-General. and
attend TO their local affairs with entire
independence. and without, Of course, in
reference by the home government.
What then. would be left to Spain, since
between her and Cuba there IS no COM
mercial Intercourse Of any kind2 spain
is not and cannot be- market for Cuban
is
provide Cuba with the articles needed by
the latter The natural market for Cuban
products is the United States. from which,
In exchange. Cuba buys with great adj
vantage -four. provisions, machinery.
etc What then. l repeat, Is left 10
Spain but the big debt incurred by her
without the consent and against the Will
OF the Cuban people?
CANADA.
1--WE perfectly understand the autonomy
Of Canada, as colony Of Great Britain.
The two countries are already connected
with each other by the most powerful
ties-the natural interest Of a reciprocal
commerce. which is the only thing
apt to create and strengthen friendly re-
latons. good win, and respect among the
people OF the world.
ION the other hand. II is idle talking 10
speak OF autonomy to the Cuban people
They have framed a constitution for a
sovereign nation; they have brayely
fought for about two years 10 maintain
their independence, shed their blood In
torrents. lost their dearest relatives and
friends. and forfeited their possessions, TO
that Just and noble end. In the mean
time the hatred of the Cubans which the
Spanish officers and the Spanish Govern
ment have entertained. as eyinced by the
shooting In cod blood Of prisoners OF
war. IN defiance of the laws OF cviliza-
tion and humanity; by the massacre OF
defenceless people, including women and
children by the overcrowding with sus-
poets Of the jails and dungeons, and the
deportation of thousands of them to the
murderOus penal colonies of Africa-all
this. a policy Of terror. approved by the
Queen Regent a woman ana a lady who
processes 10 be eminently Christian ana
Catholic has deepened TO such an extent
the political abyss between cuba and
Spain that it is absolutely impossible to
fin il up with any sort Of scheme which
does not affirm the absolute independence
Of the Cuban people.
Cuba has decided 10 get rid forever OF
Spanish rule. and her people count neither
their enemies nor the many patriots who
daily succumb I'm the struggle They 90
on. confident in the Justice of their course
the hrmness of their resolution, and the
protection Of God. They realize. OF course.
that they are I'm the very centre of free
America. left alone 10 themselves. with
out a hand outstretched 10 them but far
from being discouraged, they feel con-
,-iroa1 of thpfr ultimate succpcs