The evening times., 1898-12-03
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3. 1sss.
GENERAL Garcin,s Reuuests.

II would be well if the Cuban people
could understand that their safe reli-
ance is General Garcia. To whose guild
ance they should submit absolutely. OF
his loyalty 10 the true interests of the
island there Is not the shadow of
doubt He has proved il by splendid
service in two wars when there was lit
Tie to hope for except the loss of his
life il ghe fed or on the block If he
had been in the least degree self-seek-
ing. he could long ago have made for
tune By simply withdrawing from the
struggle against Spain. OF his eXtraordi-
nary good sense there is as little doubt
When Gomez suIked in the woods far
away from all danger at a time when
IL vas important to the future OF Cuba
u make a good impression on the in
Vading army of Americans, Garcia had
the wisdom TO respond heartily and
most gracefully to the requests Of Gen
cr3l Miles, which he treated as orders.
although he had but a few hundred
ragged, half-starved, and poorly armed
men without much ammunition. h
cleared The way for landing as well
the Americans to the full extent Of his
power Insulted by the brutal Ameri-
can commander, he had the rare sense
to discriminate between that stupid and
Ungentlemanly soldier and the Ameri-
can Government and people. His self
respect forced him to retire from the
scene, but he remained steadfast and
grateful in his friendship for and trust
in America. Later, General Lawton
and General Wood recognized his good
qualities. as General Miles had done
and counted on his influence to bring
the Cuban soldiers of Santiago province
to a reasonable state Of mind. chiefly
for their own benefit
A majority of the Cubans who voted
for delegates TO a general convention
knew this veteran hero and were glad to
place their cause in his clean hands. in
spite Of the efforts of Gomez and
number Of self-seeking adventures to
mislead them. He was made the presi-
dent Of the convention and then he was
selected to carry out the plan he had
devised. He is here now for that pur-
pose, and all the reports Of dissatisfac-
tion with his leadership that come
from the defeated demagogues in Cuba
can be rejected as false. What the peo-
pie Of Cuba should know is that what
ever is effected by the visiting commits
sion viii be due entirely TO the influence
of General Garcia and nothing else. 1t
would have been just as well if he had
come alone. The confidence of the Gov
ernment and the people in the high |
character and honest motives Of General ]
Garcia and in his practical good sense /
and knowledge Of Cuban affairs-a con-
fidence that is streng thened by the en- |
thusiasm with which General Miles has |
spoken Of him-will dispose the Admin |
istration to comply with his suggestions
as far as possible.
What he asks is reasonable. He de- |
nies that there is any sentiment worthy |
of serious attention against American |
administration. 1t is desirable and nee
essary that the Cuban army should be
disbanded, but il is impracticable TO dis /
arm $4,000 soldiers without paying them /
something after more than three years
service. II is essential 10 peace and to 1
the easy administration of the island |
that we should lend the Cubans nancy
enough to effect their purpose. With |
this. the men now under arms could go /
10 their homes and begin work again /
There can be no rational objection to a
prompt favorable response to this ap-
peal II is also hoped that General Gar
cia's suggestion of the employment of |
a sufficient number of Cubans for garri-
son and police duty VIII be favorably
considered. Besides meeting a want, il
wall have an excellent mosas effect /
These requests are in perfect harmony