The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-16
CURTIS ON CUBA.
The Women are More Ardent for the
Revolution Than the Alien.
CIV. e. Curtis, in Chicago Record.)

Revolution Than the alien.
(W. e. Curtis, in Chicago Record.)
Washington, Dec. 15.-Alshough the
story of Maceo's death furnished by the
Cuban Junta in this country lis stoutly de-
MED at the Spanish legation and in tele-
grams from Havana and Madrid, it is
generally believed by the public, and It
reads like an incident of the Spanish
conquest in the fifteenth century 1t will
be remembered that a similar trick was
played by the first settlers upon Gauea-
nagari, the Carib Cacique swho befriend-
ed Columbus when his caravel went to
wreck on the coast of Haitpin 1892, and
few years later Caonaba, she great chief
of the aborigines in the interior of New
Hispanola, was the victim of similar
treachery. But all news fgom Cuba is UNI
reliable, no matter what fits source, and
it will be some time before the actual
truth is known. The version OF the Gu
ban junta, however, explains many Gu
rious circumstances which have not yet
been accounted for by she Spanish au-
thorities.
1t is the prevailing opinion among disin-
terested Cubans that the death of Maeeo
will bring into the revolution men of
higher character and motives than have
yet appeared prominently in the move
ment. The taxpayers and property hold
ers of the island feared Gomez, Maceo
and their associates more than the Span
iards, and would prefer to remain col
eny of Spain than live in a Republic SINH
lar to Haiti and Sanso Domingo. But
with Gomez and Mace5 removed, men OF
equal patriotism and better regulations
are likely to arise and command the sup
port of the better element. President
Cleveland has several times sent word
to the representatives of the provisional
republic in this country that he could
not recognize or communicate with them
until they came here as the agents of
government that commanded the respect
and confidence OF the good people of Cuba.
And now the greatest danger to Spain is
that such government will be formed
by those who have material interests at
stake. Very few OF those actively en-
gagged in the present revolution own prop
erty or pay taxes. Most Of them arc
naturalized citizens of the United States,
who, like many other foreigners, have
come to this county and acquired citi-
zenship for the purpose of seeking the
protection of the government if they fell
into trouble There are also in this coun.
try number of C:Iban cxiles of wealth
and influence who nave thus far remain
ed aloof rom the: revolution. anxiously
awaiting who havesle led ii TO drop out, and
for better men to take their places. Some
Of them think that time has already come.
and they are waiting for the announce
ment Of Maceo's successor
The women of the better classes in
Cuba are much more ardent in their SYM
rathy with the revolution than the men,
and am told by a gentleman who has re-
Gently spent several weeks in Havana,
that there is scarcely a Cuban woman
who is not secretly contributing to the
cause, although her husband may be in
different or supporting the Spanish au-
thorities. Many young men have been
driven into the insurgent ranks by their
sweethearts and sisters. 1t is common
thing for an able~bodied young man to re-
ceiye woman's nhemise with sarcastic
note saying:
You should wear this as long as you
remain at home and refuse to fight for
Cuba libre."