The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-09-03
Woodford Said TO be Instructed III
Sound Spain.
IT is SAID THAT THE DEATH OF
CANOVAS HAS GIVEN MR.. Nc
KINLEY HOPE THAT THE LIB.
ERTY OF THE ISLAND MIGHT TIE
PURCHASED BY THIS COUNTRY.
A WAR INDEMNITY TO BE GUAR
ANTEED BY THE UNITED STATES

New York, Sept. 2.-It is reported
among those in this city who are espe
cially Interested in Cuban affairs that
one OF the suggestions General Woodford
VIII make to the Spanish government as
soon as he is recognized by Spain as the
American minister, will be to purchase
the freedom of the Cubans, paying to
spain war indemnity, to be guaranteed
by the United States.
AS is well known this plan failed Ioet
year, owing to Carovas stern refusal 70
accept any kind of Intervention on the
part OF the United States. Tie fact wos
maze public in May last that Col. John
D. McCook, gentleman of some influ-
ence in Washington. aud Mr.. r. A. G.
smith, who for twelve years has been
largely interested in Cuba, and especialIv
In the municipal affairs of Havana city
had revived the scheme together with
some other gentlemen of this city. In
Washington calls were made upon the
President, and even upon the Snnnish
minister, Senior Depuy De LONE. who
gave to the press his denunciation of the
proposal, speaking of it in terms similar
TO those used by Senior Canovas.
1t Is Known that several letters were
addressed by promoters OF the scheme to
the President hut the report is now cir.
culated that the fist plar has been sub
stantially modified. Instead of the mere
proposal that Spain should withdraw her
troops at once from Cuba and acknowl-
edge the independence of the island nc
cepting nm indemnity, it is understood
that the promoters of the idea desiring
to MAKE some concession to Spanish
pride, suggest that kind of home rule
be established in the islands previous to
the evacuation by Spain
senior Estra Palma, the Cuban delepate
to the United States, talking to-day. said
about these matters
The plan of the purchase of Cuba,s
freedom is merely r question of amount
n sum THAT would not involve the repub-
lie in large debt might, perhaps, be con
siuered, put to talk of large indemnity or
OF any sum that would compensate Snain
Tor the overwhelming debt she has in.
Cured In Cuba is nonsensical.
I'VE really do not need to be anxious
over the matter. have just received let
ters from Ducassi and Del Gado, Cuban
generals in Pima del Rio, from General
Mnyla Rodriguez. who Is now in Havana
ana from General Betancollrt of Matan-
%as, giving news of the strength of the
revolution In the west. That the Cubaps
control the east is very we'll known. In.
dependence or death is the spirit of all
the Cubans in the field Independence
or the sacrifice of the last piece of bread
70 nuy arms and ammunition for the
Cuban soldiers is the cry OF all the Gu
bans abroad.
The plan of Colonel McCook, modified
by preliminary home rule concession.
Is not IN the least acceptable, and am
SICK of all this home rule TALK
eenor Palma added that the news that
the Spanish government will send to
CUBA 2l,O0O more men is deliberately in
tended by Spnin's cabinet .as an answer
IN advance TO any kind of solution of the
cuban problem that General woodford
may propose.