The Hawaiian gazette., 1898-04-26
HE TALKS OF CUBA
A Honolulu Man Graduate Of
Havana University.
BUT HE WAS BORN IN SPAIN
How Gomez Has Changed-Suga
Trust-People Not of Repub-
liCan Timber,
But HE WAS BORN IN SPAIN


States in the difficulties and questions
pending it is not likely that one has
so deep and intense a personal inter-
est as Dr.. I. F. Alvarez, the practi-
toner and Board of Health specialist.
The gentleman was born in Spain,
went out to the Island of Cuba with
his parents when a quite young child
and was educated at the University
Of Havana, finishing of professionally,
however, in institutions of the United
States, notably the Johns Hopkins
University. At his office on Emma
street Dr.. Alvarez yesterday conyersed
freely on Cuban and Spanish affairs.
The Honolulu man left Cuba in 1874
and returned for a short time four
years later. In 1873 the ten years war,
led by Gomez, who today commands
the insurgents, ended. At other times
Gomez, VINO, by the way, is not Cub
an, was at the head Of revolutionists
in San Domingo. Another man in the
highest councils of the outbreak on the
Island is a Russian. DR.. Alvarez. calls
attention TO the change of tactics in
Gomez campaigning since 1S6S-7S. In
the war OF ten years property was safe
at all times. Incendiarism and robbery
were punished by the rebels the same
as 10y the civil authorities, or even.
more severely. The cultivation OF
cane, the production Of sugar, the
growing Of tobacco and the manufac-
ture Of cigars continued though the
ten years Of fighting without any in
terruption. DR.. Alvarez says that both
the Spanish and French papers state
positively and reiterate from day to
day the charge the Sugar Trust in
duced Gomez TO issue the decree pro
hibiJing the operation of plantations
under pain of death to the managers
and employees. There was no firing of
cane fields during the ten years war.
Now a Cuban proceeds to the edge of
a field with a cage of rats. The rod
ents are doused in kerosene, touched
with a match and turned loose in the
cane when the weather is dry. DR..
Alvarez says that people unable to
read the comments of the Spanish and
French press on the conduct of the in
surgents with relation to the industriel
of the Island cannot appreciate much
of the bitterness that is felt against
the rebels and those who assist and
encourage them. The man who ended
the ten years war was Martinez Cam
pos. by many considered the greatest
soldier Spain has produced this cen
fury. When the present revolution
broke out Campos was sent again to
the Island. but failing to speedily end
the revolt was succeeded by Weyler.
who in turn was followed by Blanco.
In former operations in Cuba Weyler
had gained the reputation of being
man entirely without mercy. But even
his vigorous policy-strong and posi-
tive 10 the extent Of cruelty, failed
this time
DR.. Alvarez. says the Spanish and
French papers dilate at length and
continuously upon the part the United
States has taken in the present revo-
luton. The arraignment begins with
accusation OF the private enterprises,
next the Trust and finally the admins
tration itself There is cited the Ala
hama claims case, followed with inquiry
or suggestion TO the effect that fill
buster expeditions correspond in ev-
cry way 10 the operations of the Ala
hama. Reliable advices from Cuba are
70 the effect that the insurgents have
so many friends in the United States
that the armies or columns or squads
or details of Gomez have really more
arms and ammunition than they need.
They have thousands of rifles and per-
haps hundreds of thousands OF cart
ridges buried, while they have no trou-
bic in securing small artillery. Gomez,
who is now above 40 years of age is
greatly admired for his boldness and
ability. He says that he does not sleep
twice in the same place and the Span
iSh papers and officials concede thai
his capture is most unlikely.
Slavery was abolished completely in
Cuba in 1873. The final step was APP
preached gradually. In 1860 there wal
issued a proclamation that all persons
born in Cuba should be free A few
NS-A-S -eRNOA AAlClt WAS duOl0tI royal
proclamation TO the effect that slaves
Of the age Of GO years. and over should
be liberated. The fast slaves were
brought to Cuba from Africa in 1855.
When Cuba had population of .OOO.-
O00 there were of "Cubans' ZOO 900.
The Cubans as listed were former
slaves and full-hood or mixed-blood
children of the Africans. It is claimed
hat Cuba has now 100000 popula-
IN, but this is doubted. DIR. Alvarez
Us that these Cubans are certainly
not the people TO have a democratic
government any more than were the
Hawaiians say seyenty-five years ago.
Autonomy was advocated by the better
classes on the Island and has always
had strong advocates at Madrid. The
Spanish and French papers now say
that autonomy has been choked to
death by the United States. The Sa-
gasta Cabinet Of the Queen Regent
agreed to autonomy only under heavy
pressure and seem to find that even
this sacrifice has been made too late.
1t was proposed by the radicals at all