The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-02-11
INTERVIEW WITH
GENERAL GOMEZ
[Concluded from Page IL

Cuban leaders in the United States
have been arrested and imprisoned be-
cause they were suspected of plotting
to break certain laws. 1t Is certain
that now under arrest in New York is
General Carlos Roloff, one of the chief
officers of our civil government, as well
as one of my most trusted lieutenants.
1t is certain that American cruisers are
doing their utmost to cut off our sup
plies and 1t is certain that the secre-
tary of state of the United states has
been negotiating with Spain for set
tlement of the war.
"Woud you say that the United
States was our ally after knowing these
things, or would you say that in al
most every manner possible the Amer
lean government has not been the friend
of those who opposed us? AS for the
secretary of the United States, / have
every reason to regard him as an intel
ligent and honorable gentleman, al
though / know absolutely nothing of
him personally and comparatively lit
tie of his life. He seems to have over
looked the fact, however that we are
possessed of a civil government of our
own, and that such civil government
has among it's chief officers a secretary
of state, or as we call it a secretary of
foreign affairs
"W have every confidence in the
ABILITY, sagacity, and patriotism of
DR.. Rafael Portuondo y Tamaya, and
are willing to leave in his care such
negotiations with other governments
as are likely from time to time arise.
Secretary Portuondo has also a most
IL. ,.a,,., Of Ilts
Eusebio Hernandez, one Of the brain
lest men and truest patriots that ever
lived in the city of Havana.
AMERICAN INJUSTICE.
"The American government has very
wrongly ignored the fact that the re-
public of Cuba is not merely name,
but an established and maintained in
stituton, with all the officers necessary
"a the proper transaction of govern
mental business. We are ever ready to
have our friends intercede for us in
whatever way they may think will re-
1ound to our greatest benefit, but we
would wish them to know that we de-
sire to be a party to whatever transac-
ton concerns us.
However, when those who do not in
cline toward Cuba in a friendly way
take up matters supposedly in our in
:erests we have the right to say that we
shall have nothing to do with it. We
not alone have the right, but we shall
80 speak,
What, in your opinion, General Co
mez, will he the attitude of the incom-
.ng administration toward Cuba?'
Il have not been informed what the
views of Mr. Mckinley are concerning
US, but know him to be broad-mind-
I'd American, in no sense a toady, but a
homemade statesman, who, | am sure
will carefully guard the great lant
which has so rightly honored him, and
at the same time, not forget that tbs
whole of America belongs to Americans
whether they be of Saxon, Celtic OF
Latin blood.
Il do not believe that President Nc
Kinley will declare the independence
Of Cuba within very brief time after
mis- assumption of Office, but | do believe
that he will inquire into the condition
Of affairs in this island and be willine
to accord us such rights as the laws
Of nations and the dictates of human
lty entitle us to enjoy.
Yes, am pleased with the selection
Of Mr.. Sherman as secretary of state
All of us III Cuba are pleased, for w
believe him q man of sterling quail
lies, and one who will no more shirl
his responsibility than will his eminen
chief"
DO you think" I asked, that th
cause of Cuba has been properly repre-
sented in the United States?"
'I certainly do" replied General Go
mez. I'VE could not have had bette
representation in America. Mr.. Palm;
commands the respect of the American
people, and DR. Castillo, Mr.. Guiteras
and Mr.. Quesada are able and energeti
men,"
l informed the Cuban commander tina
1t had been intmated in certain quar-
ters that the Junta in the United State
was not working in entire accord wit
the army in the field.
You may brand that as a falsehood,
replied General Gomez, with much EN-
phasis. I'VE are all working for com
mon end, and I am pleased to think tha
our leading Cubans, whether they b
in the United States or here, uphol
each others hands to the best of thei
ability
This fact, [ think, is a most poten
rebuttal to any Spanish statement tina
we are unfit for self-government. Their
are no quarrels or chickering's, and m
orders and those of Minister Palma c
President CisnerOs are obeyed a
promptly and cheerfully as time an
circumstances will allow"
General Gomez was then asked Wha
he considered the strength of the pa
triot army. He did not like the wa
the question was put, evidently beCaus