The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-01-07
REBELS WILL BUY FREEDOM
IF SPAIN WILL ACCEPT. SUCH A
SOLUTION
Gomez Will Continue to Fight Though
He and His Men Go Naked
Into Battle

NEW YORK, Jan. 6.-The Herald to-
day prints the following letter from
General Maxine Gomez, Commander
in-Chief Of the Cuban army. dated in
the field, Dec. 20, 1897:
'You ask for my opinion regarding
what effect the autonomous regime
about to be implanted by Spain in Cuba
might have toward the pacification Of
the island. The Cubans in arms do not
propose to give up, shall never yield,
in their struggle with the Spanish until
they have established their absolute in
dependence. No matter what number of
liberties is granted to Cuba by any
Spanish government even in case Spain
should reserve for herself no other right
than to keep the Spanish flag over Gu
ba as a symbol of nominal sovereignty,
she will not succeed in ending the war.
err solution Of the present conflict than
that whereby Cuba shall be recognized
as a member Of the sisterhood Of free
nations.
la tAho dttiloQO Va dDoOlutC lddlSdt-
ism we are sustained by two great mo-
tives which, unified as one single force,
impel the Cuban people as a whole as
well as individuals, to adopt the grand
resolution of their existence-sentiment
and interest; the former because the
Cubans feel that they have been pro-
foundry hurt by the horrible war meth
DDS employed against them by Spain.
The latter because they are all firmly
convinced that only as free men will
they be able to enjoy peace and COM
mand the necessary credit to recon-
struct their country which has been de-
vastated by Spain herself In short, Gu
ba not only wishes, but needs to be freq
It is about time that Spanish statesmen
should recognize this fact, and leaving
aside all chaotic autonomy, should man
fully confront the true problem.
Let the Spanish nation acknowledge
Cubas independence, which she justly
claims and receive q compensation
which is right and equitable, and even
let her claim from our government some
advantages in the Cuban tariff to fos-
ter her own industries. Then, and only
then, will the rainbow Of peace tighten
the horizon which is now Redeemed by
the glare of the burning fields and the
firing of the cannon"
The Herald also prints an interview
with General Gomez at date later than
the writing of the above letter. The
correspondent found General Gomez in
the best of health and spirits and fully
convinced that the long struggle is
drawing to close.
1.-THE intransigeants Of Cuba" said
General Gomez, "have been the only
ones willing to continue the struggle, be-
cause they feared that Cuban triumph
would result in their persecution and the
confiscation Of their property. They
are utterly mistaken. I, Maxine Go
mez, whose word has never been broken,
assure them of absolute protection.
II know these people represent the
thrifty business element of the island,
but believe that they are destined to
rank among them most valued citizens
of the Republic. The triumph of our
cause will bring the assurance and per-
mission to follow their vocations in
peace. There will be no persecution,
either political or social.
II say the same thing, too, to the Span
fish officers in the. field. They are fight
ing us not because they hate Cuba, but
because they love Spain. They have
proved themselves to be loyal sons of
the mother land, and when they have
laid down their arms we will gladly ex-
tend to them the right hand of fellow
ship. We will bury the bloody past and
go forward shoulder to shoulder to build
w.
"Cubas laboring classes have been
almost destroyed, and we shall need men
to till the soil. The rank and file of the
Spanish army will fill the gap"
Speaking Of terms on which Cuba
might win freedom, General Gomez re-
iterated his statement that Cuba is still
willing to purchase her liberty. 1t is be-
lieved that $250.OO0,0O0 would be an
equitable amount now. He said he had
no doubt that an arrangement could be
made with American capitalists to form
a syndicate, collect customs duties and
pay Spain in installments. In this way
the General said there would be posi-
tive end to the war by the establishment
of friendly relations with Spain.
when peace is declared" he added,
1--WE want to reckon Spain among our
friends
Referring to the ability of Cuba to
carry on the war, General Gomez said
that his forces were ample, and declared
that Cuba could continue the fighting
even if the soldiers had to go naked;
that the war cost the Cubans nothing,
whereas Spain's life blood is being rap
idly drained by her enormous expenses.
He spoke in terms of affectionate ad-
niration for America, describing her as
the light Of Cuba, and said that he would
welcome intervention as affording an
instantaneous solution Of the problem.
but deprecated annexation, although
willing to accept protectorate.
KING WAS CARELESS
4 NEW YORK, Jan. GA dispatch from
Havana to the Herald says: All Havana \
b talking OF the Illustration of a plot to
kin or capture Gen. Arangueren. in
which Gen. Lee and Representative
King of Utah were innocent instru-
ments Mr.. King since his arrival ten
lays ago has proved himself an enthus-
Astic but most indiscreet investigator.
He made no secret of his intention n
communicate with the insurgents and
Expressed q particular desire to meet
Gen. Arangueren. He succeeded in in
iucing Gen. Lee to provide guide. who
lgreed to take him to Gen. Araneueren.
put insisted that the proposed expedition
be kept a secret for fear the Spanish