Birmingham state herald., 1897-02-07
NO COMPROMISE WANTED. Gomez Declines to Receive Wey- I ler's EmlSsaries. REFORMS NOT ACCEPTED With Twelve Thousand Patriots We'll Armed
 and Equipped THEY WILL FIGHT TO THE VERY END Rebels Again Verify Weyler's Assertion That Pinar del Rio Is Pacifed-Betan- court Still in Jail = Another
 American Under Arrest.
FEY WILL FIGHT TO THE VERY END

Key West Fla, Feb. 6.-Advices from Havana tonight state that Canovas fa- nous Cuban reforms have been current talk among the people during the week. The impending financial crisis on account of the depreciation of paper currency, war matters and other matters, are all left aside to discuss the apparent great event. Although the details of the plan are, hidden from the public, the govern ment stopping publication in the papers, the facts leaked out and have been wide. 1y commented on. The very fact that the authorities prohibited the printing of the news has given occasion for the common people to express doubts and misgivings of the efficacy of the reforms. The con- census of opinion of enlightened liberal Spaniards is that, although the reforms are sufficiently ample to satisfy their aspira tions the fact of their promulga- tion by the conservatives, who have al- ways opposed any concessions and who not many months ago openly declared their policy was guns, not reforms in- clines them to hesitate and disbelieve the plans will be honestly carried out. As to the Cubans, it need not be said that, with the exception of the renegades, all agree that the reforms are too weak and certainly unacceptable to Cubans in arms. This can be positively affirmed. Not the least doubt exists on this point.
 Reliable information received this week states that Gomez fiatly refused to meet Marcos Garcia, the delegate sent by the government to make proposals of peace. Gomez would not hear of any overtures or receive any communications tending to open negotiations unless based on ab- solute independence. Another delegate appointed to go to Manzanillo to talk with Calixto Garcia declined the commits sion on the spot, saying 1t was useless, he knowing full well that Garcia never ac- ceptS any terms, especially now, having 12,000 men under his command, we'll armed and composed of majority of veterans of the last war, in section to- tally dominated by his forces, where the rebelliouS spirit has always been preva- lent. Other Cuban leaders in Pinar del Rio, Ma tanzas and Havana have written to friends in this city expressing the same determination to resist to the end and ac- cept no compromise with Spain except in dependence.
 The general belief is that Spain knows well she cannot induce the rebels to lay down arms by such milk and water re- forms, and the struggle will continue in- definitely, but naturally fearing the United States cannot remain indifferent much longer, witnessing havoc and de- struction at their very doors and the enormous losses entailed on commerce by the sprolongation of war and would surely intervene. She has been playing a deep diplomatic game and pulling the wool over the eyes of senat tors and representa- tives by deceiving them, making prom ises of liberal reforms so simple that they would be acceptable to fighting Cuhans. It is simply scheme to gain time and prevent Cleveland taking action before leaving power, and delay, as much as possible, any determina tion MeKinley's administration may take in the matter.
 Another instance has occurred to jus tify" Weyler's assertion that Pinar del Rio is pacifed. Rius Rivera, after sig nally defeating Melguizo in the fight re- ported last week, captured the town of Guane and then burned 1t entirely The rebels burned the wooden bridge and several culverts near Palos, Havana, no trains arriving from Union yesterday.
 Gaspar Beta1courts confinement, de- spite the decision of the court for imme- diate release, is the greatest outrage ever done an American citizen. The case has not precedent On the contrary, Span ish law requires that as soon as a pris- oner is found guiltless, he be released on the spot. The proof Is that the judge as soon as the tribunal gave sentence, at ! once signed a warrant ordering the jail warden to place him at liberty, conse- quently his remaining in jail under the pretense of alleged formalities to be com piled with is simply a fragrant violation of Spanish law and shameful injustice to an innocent man.