New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-29
INDEPENDENCE OR NOTHING
VIEWS OF THE JUNTA's COUNSEL ON
THE REPORTED PLAN FOR PEACE.
THE CUBANs. HE SAYS WILL ACCEPT NOTHING
But ABSOLUTE FREEDOM FROM SPAIN
AN ARMrsr1cE CAN ONLY BE IN
POSED BY AMERICAN

er-r ABSOLUTE FREEDOM FROM SPAIN
AN ARMIsr1cE CAN ONLY BE IN
POSED BY AMERICAN
PAYoNETs
The Cuban Junta which has Its main ONCE in this
city is empowered by the officials Of the Cuban Re-
puhlic 10 settle and determine all questions that
arise In the United States affecting the prospects OF
Cuban independence This power was given TO the
Junta after the present complications between
Spain and the United States arose, and the fact
was realized in Cuba that diplomatic arrangements
might be made here which would put the patriots
at a disadvantage. In view OF the fact that fun
power has been given the Junta TO determine the
policy OF the Cubans under the present negotiations
pending between Spain and the United States, the
following interview with Horatio S Rubens coun-
sci for the Junta. has especial significance. Mr..
Rubens has successfully conducted the legal depart
ment Of the Junta from the inception OF the war.
and while T Estrada Palma is the official Cuban
representative n this country. Mr.. Rubens has
rule given the offcia. information 5 to the
policy OF the Junta.
THE United States may make arrangements
with Spain. but the Cubans will consent
armistice or any other plan but independence"
said Mr.. Rubens TO a Tribune reporter yesterday.
THE Cuhans Will be thankful for interest shown
by this country, but will have 10 respectfully de-
cline all such propositions. II is absolute loss
OF time for the United States 10 entertain any
negotiations Of the kind with Spain. The Cubans
naturally feel that Il Is unjust for the American
Government even indirectly TO espouse the cause Of
a nation convicted of wholesale murder. against
the nation which is emulating the example OF
Americans by hghting for liberty. The United
States may be magnanimous enough TO forgive the
spanards for the loss OF the Maine and as Of her
bluejackets. but the Cubans will never forgive the
Spanish Government for the determination Of her
10000 pac!ncos. The flag that covered that crime
must cease 10 wave over Cuba
by an armstice Spain would save S00oUo
month for six months The spanierds know that
the Cubans would not enter into an armistice. and
they desire the United States offer the plan that
the Cubans refusal may remove the apathy and
support Of the American people 1t must be we'll
understood that TO have the Cubans accept an
armistice the United States must land her forces
IN Cuba and compel them 10 do at the pon. Of
the bayonet
The last three years have proven that the
Cubans can and will fight during the rainy season.
when Spain is admittedly powerless 10 carry on
her campaign. All advantages Of the proposed
erristce would therefore result 10 SPAIN not only
IN the money she would save, but in the mortality
Of her troops. which would be as much as ~ per
cent while the Cubans would lose the benefits OF
the rainy season. during which they are always
strongest IN the field. The United States relieves
Spain from the duty OF feeding the reconcentrados
The proposed armstice means the alliance OF the
United States against the Cubans. We accept
nothing but independence.
"A parallel OF this proposition is haro 10 nno'
pros-at United States against England France,
instead of assisting the patriots OF the Uniteo
States. had made arrangement with Englaho
BY 7.Aich she declared that the fghtins IN TINS
country must cease for certain time. ana al'ef
that some arrangements would be MADE between
France and England by which the people OF the
present United States would have a semblance OF
freedom from the rule OF England. yet she would
control the colonies
1T is hardly possible 10 imagine the sturdy patriot
Wa hi rsvO a
and allowing England 10 hold part OF this coun-
try for a period of six months while france ana
England settled the difficulties, yet that PROPOSE
ton is similar TO the which now confronts the
Cubans who have been fighting for their inde-
rendence for the last three years. and 1t is not
likely that the Cuban Government or the officers
In the field will be willing 20 rest on their arms
when their independence is SO near at hand
When 1t comes TO the proposition OF the United
sfates assisting the reconcentrados. we believe
from our knowledge OF Spain and her methoos OF
warfare that she would IN no way interfere
with the United States assisting the people
whom Spain has driven into the towns or
Cuba The spaniards would look upon the matter
PEaG2a 4sa S op the ree ef Of the
s,srvns pubas it would simply mean that much
q a Saving 10 Spain, and she could use the money
further 10 carry on the war Of exterminaton
While recognize the urgent hlilane necesslJy
ewn Te W are depryed Of The right 10 living,
meme nee ana T hat IS to let them return 10 their homes
where they can til the soil and raise enough 70
aht and would have 10 be continued as long g., as
the people were detained as 5s feed and
care for them believe that span wou-o , re3TiDe
and placing her in a better position to carry on
ihe war against the Cubans 49,. .o,,.u.o. .Ao.
pocy for op' The last three years She has promised
,mof o@ sve nT2ydoubfed a ask fo more delay on
plea that she will end the rebellion or else grans
tl wei that IN hs end her sn so on ihs saq 10
s.av of her Of this defeat as ons
as possible, and she will avail herself OF every
frited States in order to get as much time as pos
"The situation from, Cuban point OF view is is
that the Insurgents will never yield 10 spain AFTER
Yars The rTbans are now practically masters o.
TIE ISLAND. They propose TO retain their hold and
entire Island just as they have already estab-
Sed 9Ef5 me IN ubaHs Ras Been
or De2th and we VII stand on that ,r pisttoT I'm
and and peace and prosperity reign there When
We say the last Spaniard shall be driven from The
viii in no way interfere with the property rights
TO , give his sa9ee TO ire KeP16G Of cuba S
island as the fact is that The sun will rise and
IN Connection with this interview, Mr.. Rubens
gave the reporter the following translation OF part
%aso Gomez Of 9 he cuban
tbs 5 SnS nearng aT eg on the fee3g among
letter says. disposed and decided all peris
and .nconveniences OF war for the sake OF be-
loved Republic We will not allow ourselves 20 be
carried away by optimism. nor will we weaken the
hast bit because Of am mfavorable news that
may reach Let this letter 5 a stimulant
70 those who. while on the outside. have shown
their sympathy for the success OF the revolution.
Let there not be the slightest doubt in their minds
as 70 our disposition 10 fIlhi duty until have
attained our desired triumph-the freedom OF Cuba
from Spanish rule or Interference"
SOUTHERN NAVAL RECRUITS ARRIVE.
Among the passengers the Cromwell Line
Lnh