The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-26
AMERICAN INFLUENCE
Is Just What Cuba Wants Says Gen
eral Nunez

New York, Sept. 26.-A dispatch to
the Press from Washington says:
A statement was given out today by
General Nunez, the Cuban commander,
refuting the story that the Cubans were
in league with the Spaniards and
against the Americans. He says:
4 will be one of. the first to pardon
the Spaniards for what they have done
to Cubans and to forgive them as men,
but would be the last to pardon or for
give the atrocities Of Weyler, ,Valmeredo
and others to the extent Of ever again
allowing any of those partisans to have
a hand in the political affairs of Cuba.
I'VE are willing that they should as
simulate with Cubans and after receiY-
ing naturalization papers, ally them
selves with any Of the political parties
which may spring up in Cuba, but we
can never accept the Spaniards as
party.
ITO attempt to prohibit the Ameri-
can people from I exercising an in
f1uence in the affairs of Cuba would
be foolish and suicidal for Cubans.
American influence, far from being
harmful is exactly what is wanted in
Cuba Cuba desires to become a re-
public. Why, them should her citizens
not accept the advice and aid OF re-
public in organizing and reconstruct
ing her government? We have been
dominated by Spanish influence for 400
years, but now we want to be American
in our IDEAS customs and forms OF
government. In addition to that there
is capital in America Spain has none
and what Cubans want at this time is
capital to develop our resources.
IN my opinion the destiny Of Cuba
is plainly outlined and it would be fool
ish to attempt to separate US from
America The congress of the United
States, in august and democratic spirit,
is also granting US absolute liberty in
the election of our government Pro-
tected in the enjoyment Of this right,
it is our duty to go about organizing a
government without loss of time, with
out quarreIing and in the same spirit
and manner which has inspired US al
ways to fight for our independence"
The radical autonOmist deputies in
the colonial house of representatives
of Cuba have signed the following doc
ument, a copy of which has been for
Warded to Washington;
Resolved, That we submit ourselves
without reserve to the events which are
being consummated in the reEnquish-
rnent of Spain's authority and jurisdic-
ton over the island of Cuba, accepting
them as final and swearing allegiance
to the political status. To defend with
in the limits of that status the absolute
independence of the island OF Cuba
Foster and encourage all movements
which may have for their purpose the
re-esta abIishment Of friendly relations
between Cubans and Spaniards.
ITO recommend to all autonomists Gle
cordial Endorsement of our platform
and that they should take an active
part in the politics of the island but
without attempting or pretending to ex-
ercise a controlling influence or power
in the management of the political af-
fairs, which logically and justly belong
to those who have always been the con-
sistent supporters OF the cause OF m
dependence but that we be ready ana
willing at all times when We may be
called upon to serve the interests OF
Cuba as best we can"