Arizona republican., 1897-12-31
THE FAILURE OF AUTONOMY.

There can be no doubt that Cuban autonomy is failure, not in theory, perhaps, but in practice, or, more cor rectly speaking, in lack of practice AS was pointed out in these columns some weeks ago, there has been no need from the start to discuss the plans of the Sagasta government for the administration of Cuba, because. of the certainty that Gen. Gomez and his followers would reject any terms that might be offered them short of actual independence. The event has followed close upon the prophecy. Co., meg first warned the Spanish that peace envoys carrying proposals for a settlement on the basis of autonomy would be executed if captured, and then proceeded to show that his threat was no idle one. Whatever we may think of the execution of Ruiz, it is plain that it will have a deter rent effect on other Spanish embassies charged with presenting autonomy propositions in the insungent camps.
 Now Gen. Pando, in charge of the Spanish operations in the east, de- clares that there can be no settlement on peaceful lines. Like Gem Weyler on the other side of the Atlantic, he has become convinced that Gomez and his Heutenants mean what they have said from the beginning. Even the most optimistic friend of the peace proposals at Madrid must be con- vinced that Cuba is either to go freH or be conquered by main strength. Unless, indeed, one other and more insiduous method can be employed that of treachery and intrigue. Au- tonomy having failed, bribery having failed, is it possible to assassinate the insurgent leaders? That is the Ques- ton that naturally arises in the minds of the baser Spanish leaders. There is a story current that Gomez is to be murdered if present plans succeed. Maceo may have died in fair and open warfare, but most of us suspect he was ambushed, and only the other day Dr. Zertucha, his physi- clan, who has been charged with treachery to his chief, was advanced to a lucrative place in the Spanish service.
 The Cuban cause has lacked leaders from the start. That is why the death of Maceo came as such a heavy blow. His dashing spirit was worth a col umn of sturdy but leaderless sharp shooters. After his death it was free ly prophesied that the revolt would collapse, but fortunately Gen. Gomez, then as now commander-in +chief, proved equal to the responsibilities laid upon him. And Gems. Garcia and Rabi appear to have developed into resourceful and competent command CTS. The Spanish know their value, and it is by no means inconceivable that plans are now in process of form from the field. Whether the revolt would collapse if Gomez and some of hs ablest aides were suddenly carried off is a question, but the loss of them would be a. sad one to the insurgents Extra efforts ought to be made by the rebels to protect the persons Of these men, and this they will probably do. The Spanish have failed to gain their ends by any methods employed up to date and they are not ready to ac- cept the easiest solution, of the prob lem and give the insurgents what they are asking for. Therefore they are likely to use any means, of whatever character, hereafter. Let the rebels keep their eyes open for the basest kind of intrigue. It is boys play in i Cuba no longer.