The age-herald., 1898-09-16
MANIFESTOS CIRCULATED
Asking the Co-Operation Of the Span
 iSh President.
GENERAL GOMEZ IS 0UTSP0KeN
He Wants Absolute Independence or Nothing and Cubans Must Unite to Keep Uncle
 Sam Of the Pearl.

Havana, September 15.-The predominant ing feature of the situation here is the widespread agitation of the Cubans in fa- vor of the absolute independence of the island at all costs.
 Manifestos are being circulated inviting the cooperation of Spanish residents and merchants to this end and pointing out that either annexation or an American protectorate would mean death 10 all the trade with Spain in couple of years.
 General Gomez, who only fortnight ago gave expression to extremely moderate views, counselling harmony and patience, now expresses himself as strongly in fa- vor of absolute independence or nothing"
 He says the Spanish element cannot af- ford to delay uniting Of the nbans us "a necessary basis for the establishment of conditions that will forbid and prevent the United States grabbing and taking easy advantage of the treasure both Span iards and Cubans have fought for at an expense of rivers of blood on each side.
 General Gomez says if report speaks tru- ly, that those who fear independence be- long to the same family of cowardly CUTS who fled from Havana at the first rumor of bombardment."
 These, he declares, are however a mi nority; and to quote him further: Al most the entire Spanish population re- mains, protecting their homes and defying the dangers of war, and will now remain to unite their efforts with those of the Gu ban party, working together with the Gu bans for the development of the island and the return of prosperity"
 Catalonia for Independence
 A leading evening paper yesterday print ed a local letter purporting to voice the opinion of Catalonia in favor of independ- ence and promising aid and co-opera tion.
 How far the influence of the party agita- ton for Cuban independence may extend it is at present difficult to estimate, but the fact is, it's agents are working like bea- vers.
 The merchants and all classes are per vaded with the idea that they benefit under present conditions, and those agitated, fear ing competition of American domain, would bring disastrous results.
 The deductions seem to be this: With Cuba independent no foreign capital and no competition; with Cuba under American rule, competition against which the Gu bans would not have the energy or power to succeed. These questions are uppermost in every mind, causing general uneasiness and discomfort, preventing the resumption of the normal tone of the market and block adng trade and traffic.
 The American evacuation commissioners passed the day quietly.
 Admii al sampson Ashore Rear Admiral Sampson came ashore to do some shopping and returned to the Resolute with his staff in the course of the afternoon.
 General Butler, who is TOW living ashore, went on board the transport this morning to confer with General Wade and Dr. Laine, the commissioners physician, re- garding the sanitary arrangements at the Trocha hotel which will be ready in few days for the reception of the commission CTS and the entire staff. General Butler, his staff and Robert Porter are the only American representatives living on shore, but next week night shore leave will pe granted to the staffs of Admiral Sampson and General Wade, whose members under the navy regulations are now obliged to be on board the Resolute at o'clock D. m. sharp.
 The officers intend to ask their superiors to modify the regulations regarding orders which compelled them to wear their uni forms on shore, a very trying costume during the present intensely hot spell. This morning members of the commission visited the government pawn shop to buy pledged goods, but they were informed that these were only held once month The next sale will take place on October 1, when many valuable articles will go under the hammer. The attaches of the commission expect to attend 1t in force, as possibly it will be the last sale of the kind of the establishment which will come under the head of government property.
 Captain Lloyd c. Griscomb, General Wades aide, will go to Matanzas in day or two to look over the field there and report to the commission. The electric plant at Cardenas has suspended public lighting, the municipality being in debt $500 900 to the concern.
 The steamer Comal, with her cargo of undistributed supplies, is still here await ing developments.