The news & observer., 1897-01-22
Tomas Estrada Palma, Piesi
dent Of Cuban J Jauta
HAS ISSUED a STATEMENT
NO TREATY OF PEACE CAN BE
MADE BY THE CUBANS
uNL Ess RATIFIED BY ASSEMBLY
All is Beyond the Bounds of Possibility
to Expect That the Cuba7s
Will Accept Terms OF
Compromise"


Palmer. President of the Cuban Junta
tonight issued the following statement;
So much has lately been said OF the
probable termination Of the Cuban re-
volution by the acceptance on the part
of the Cuhans of autonomy OF reforms
that feel it incumbent upon me, as the
accredited representative of the Cupahs
to make a statement on the subject.
"Refornls were passed by the Spanish
Corfes. but the outbreak of this reyoiu-
ton was not thereby stayed one hour
There was and is but one idea for which
the Cubans are fighting. We have had
enough OF so-called reforms, enough OF
promised autonomy. Every intelligent
man would rightly condemn the leaders
and participants in this movement II any
thing short of independence were the
hasis of d treaty of peace with Spain. 1t
is claimed that General Gomez is willing
10 treat with Spain on the basis of an-
tonomy and that a letter to that effect
has been received by me. There Is no
such letter. Knowing General Gomez as
q conrade in the last revolution; knowing
his opinions as expressed 10 me DeIofe
and during this war; knowing his STAN
less patriotism / can youch for INN. lie
is made of too stern material TO surfeh-
der on any such terms, particularly when
in his latest letters to me ne writes CON
tentedly of his resources and glowlngly
of his convictions that this winters cam
Daign viii be most successful.
sRut even though anyone of our fore
most leaders should be inclined TO ter
minate the war 10y the acceptance of au-
tnnomy (Which is barely within the
bounds of possibility, while he himself
might surrender, he would do so alone.
We Cubans are not worshippers of in
diyidualities; we are steadfaSt followers
of our ideals. The death Of our glorious
Maceo brought sorrow to the hearts OF
every Cuban. but we did not faiter; his
forces did not surrender; the revolution
received no perceptible check. The lead
.er who proposed peace under the Spanish
flag would find himself without follow
ers. No treaty of peace can be made by
the Cubans unless ratified by n specially
convened assembly 1t is beyond the
bounds of possibility to expect that the
Cubans, after two years of saagulnary
strife, when they find themselves in a
position such as has never been their
good fortune to occupy, in point OF
numbers, equipment, and resources, will
now weakly accept terms Of compromise.
Every Cuban, every American knows
that the apparent generous and concilia-
tory spirit of Spain springs not from her
strength but from her weakness. How
can we, then, under the circumstances be
expected to waver."
"What form Of autonomy would help
Cuba when saddled not only with her
previous debt, but with the added burden
of the cost of the present war? The future
of the country would be ruin and starya-
tion.'
At the Office of the Junta the statement
which follows was also given out:
Murders committed in Guanabacoa,
during week, Lieutenant Col. Narciso
Fonsdeyiela, being Mayor of the city.
Nicholas Hernandez, white, proprietor
4 OF a tackle factory known as an honest
man, and representing the autonomist
kparty.
Andrea and Santiago Ruiz, mulattoes,
q well educated and honest, owners of an
! undertaking establishment and of cafe
and billiard room on Palo Blanco street.
Jose Abella, white, proprietor of a liv
cry stable an honest man.
Luis Nunez, white, man without re-
proach.
Ramon Sotologo. white, employee and
nephew of the Marduise De La Real
Proclamation.
Pedro Y. Jose Costa, white, a clerk.
Justo Garcia, white, clerk. superinten-
dent of store.
Ramon Mata, white, a clerk.
Juan Manuel Pastoriza, pitcher of the
Alomondares baseball club and very
popular young man.
Two employees Of Mr.. Almagr owner
OF the Maria station.
All honest people and Of good antece-
dents, their only crime being that Of be-
ing Cabans. The murders have occur
red with such frequency that the towns
people. fear-stricken, fled from the town
and the tradesmen of Guanabacoa, all
Spaniards have called and complained to
Lieutenant General Ahumada in order
!. to stop the emigration, not through hui
manity but because their interests suffer
Eed.''
CUBANS DON'T WANT IT.
Madrid, JAN 21.-At the close of yes
81 terday's cabinet meeting the Premier,
Senor Del Castillo declared that, al
though they had full confidence in the
success of the military operations in
Cuba, the government was prepared to
grant reforms to that island and TO sub
nit decree with that object in view
to the council of state
CONFIRMS THE STORY.
Cincinnati, O., Jan. 2f.--A special to
the Commercial Tribune from Tamea.
VrIa., says. Emanuel Silvero, wounded
Cuban arrived here tonight from Eev