The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-16
We Must Be Kept from Grabbing
What Spain and Cuba Fought For
SUSPICIOUS OF Mr.. PORTER.
Cubans Resent His Examinations Into
= the Tariff, Etc-They Insist on
Absolute Independence or n
Fight TO the Death.
American Compc-
tition Feared.

HAVANA, Sept. H. SIS p. M.-The
predominant feature is the agitation of
the Cubans in favor Of absolute independ-
ence Of the island at an cost. Many pos
ters are being circulated inviting the co.
operation of Spanish merchants and
others 10 this end anu bringing out that
either annexation or an American protec-
torate would mean death to all trade with
Spain in a couple Of years.
General Maxine Gomez, who only a
fortnight ago, gave expression to ex'
tremely moderate views, counselling har-
mony ana patience, now expresses himself
as strongly in favor Of absolute inde-
pondcnce or nothing" He says the Span
ism element cannot afford 10 ieiay unit
Ing with the Cubans as necessary
basis for the establishment Of conditions
that will forbid and prevent the United
states grabbing and taking easy advan-
tage Of the treasure both The Spanish ana
Cubans have fought for al the expense OF
rivers Of blood on each side.
"COWAhDLY Ours"
General Gomez said that II report
speaks truly that those who fear inde-
pendence belong 10 the same FAMILY OF
cowardly ours wno fed from Havana al
the first rum0r OF bomDardmont.
These, he declares. are, however. a
ml10rity: and, TO quote INN further "al-
most the entire Spanish population re-
NAMED, protecting their homes and DEFY
ing the dangers OF war. and Will now re-
main 10 unite their efforts with those OF
the Cuban party, working together with
the Cubans for the development of the
island and the return or prosperity
A leading evening paper yesterday pub
ushed local letter purrOrting 70 voice
the opinion OF Catalonia I'm favor or inde-
pondence and promising aid and co-opera-
ton.
How FAR the influence OF the party aGi-
tating for Cuban Independence may eN-
tend II IS at present difficult 10 estimate.
but the fact Is rs agents are working
like beavers. Some former sympathizers
with the annexation movement are 10 be
found to-day I'm the ranks OF the inde-
pendence movement.
This violent impetus given 20 the agi-
ton for Independence Is the result ap-
parently. OF the arrival Of the Resolute,
or rather OF the arrival OF Mr.. Porter.
and the examination he IS making into
tariffs municipal taxation, and other mat
ters OF Internal government, which the
Cubans had exJ xJected 10 handle and ad-
minister themselves. Mr. Porters ope-
ratlons are viewed with suspicion by an
important section OF the Cubans' VINO
keen on calling meetings and protesting
against n 'usurpation OF privileges pur-
chased az such "a sacrifice
LIBERTY OR DEATH.
They insist upon absolute freedom. un-
restrained liberty or a fight TO the death.
one reason why many Spaniards VINO az
first favored annexation have now
changed their opinion is that they fear
the competition OF American rivals as
store-keepers. hotel managers ana res
tauranteurs The same spirit prevails
among the planters, especially the small
er ones.
"Au this amounts practically 10 ST.
,ent admission OF Cuba's inability 20 oner'
If left 70 herself the guarantees OF sta-
buitv that would induce foreign capltal
10 come here 10 develop the island re-
sources The deductions seem 10 De thls
With Cuba independent no foreign capl-
tai and no competition; with Cuoa unue'
American rule. competition aha'n''
which the Cubans would not nave the en-
ergy nor the power 70 succeed. Ii-Ia
questions are AlEN4 liir~N 80
causing general uneasiness ana alscoH-
TENT preventing the resumption on the
norrnal tone or the market ana DOCKING
trade and traffic
A QUIET DAY.
The American Evacuation Commls-
sioners passed to-day quietly
General Butler, his star. and hoper'
Porter are the only American repre-
sentatives living on shore, but next WeeH
rirht shore leave viii be granted TO th'
stafs OF Admiral Sampson and Genera
Wade. whose members, under the navy
regulations. are now obliged TO oe Oh
hoard the Resolute az p. NJ. sharp.
This morning members OF the conmls
sion visited the government pawnshop'
N purchase pledged goods. but they were
irformed that these were only sold once
. month az auction. The next sale takes
place October l2th. 60
Captaln LLOYD c. Griscomb' Genera
Waaes aide will go TO Matanzas IN adas
or two 10 look over the neld there anc
report 20 the commission.
The electric plant at Cardenas mas sus
nended public lighting, the municipality
being ia debt $4,000 to the concern.
The line OF steamers plying bet"eei
c,,fborienand Nuevitas has resumed The
soilines interrupted by the blockade.
Caibarien is reported entirely withou
meat. s-
The Comal having received orders from
washington 20 return 10 the Unite'
states. sailed this afternoon for Key