Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1898-01-14
WOULD BUY HER LIBERTY
Cubans Ready to Make Spain
a Generous Offer.
VIEWS OF GENERAL GOMEZ
Peace on an Honorable Basis Would Be
Welcomed-Ollers by Spain of Any
thing but Independence, ScOrned.

thing but Independence, Scorned.
New York, Jan. 10.-The Herald
prints the following letter from Gen
eral Maxine Gomez, commander in
chief OF the Cuban army, dated "In the
Field December 26, 1897"
"You ask me for my opinion regard
ing what effect the autonomous regime
about to be implanted by Spain in
Cuba, might have towards the pacifica-
tion of the island. The Cubans in
arms do not propose to give up, shall
never yield. in their struggle with the
metrOpolitans, until they have estab-
lished their absolute independence.
No matter what number Of liberties is
granted to Cuba by any Spanish gov
renment, even in case Spain should re-
serve for herself no other right than to
keep the Spanish flag over Cuba as a
symbol of nominal sovereignty, she
will not succeed in ending the war.
"The Cuban people will admit of no
other solution of the present conflict
than that whereby Cuba shall be recog-
nized as a member of the sisterhood of
free nations. In this attitude of abso-
lutte radicalism we are sustained by
two great motives, which, unified as one
single force, impel the Cuban people as
whole as well as individuals to adopt
the grand resolution of their existence
sentiment and interest; the former
because the Cubans feel that they have
been profoundly hurt by the horrible
war methods employed against them
by Spain, the latter because they are
all firmly convinced that only as free
men will they be able to enjoy peace
and command the necessary credit to
reconstruct their country, which had
been devastated by Spain herself.
I'm short, Cuba not only wishes, but
needs to be free. 1t is about time
that Spain should recognize that fact,
and leaving aside all chaotic autonomy,
should manfully confront the true
problem. Let the Spanish nation ac-
knowledge Cuba's independence which
she justly claims, and receive COM
pensation which is right and equitable.
And even let her claim from our gov
ernment some advantages in the Cuban
tariff to foster her own industries.
Then, and only then, will the rainbow
of peace Tighten the horizon which is
now reflected by the glare of the glow
ing fields and the firing of the cannon"
The Herald also prints an interview
with Gomez at date later than the
above. The correspondent found
Gomez in the best OF health and spirits
and fully convinced that the long strug-
gle is drawing to close.
"The Intransigents of Cuba" said
General Gomez, "have been the only
ones willing to continue the struggle,
because they feared that Cuban triumph
would result in their prosecution and
the confiscation OF their property.
They are utterly mistaken. l, Maxine
Gomez, whose word has never been
broken, assure them OF absolute protec-
tion. know these people represent
the thrifty business element of the
island, and believe they are destined to
rank among the most valued citizens of
the republic. The triumph of our
cause will bring to them assurance and
permission to follow their vocations in
peace. There will be no revolution,
either political or social. All we ask
of them is to help build the fortunes of
the island and repair the waste of war;
II say the same thing, too, to the
Spanish officers in the field. They
have been fighting us not because they
hate Cuba, but because they love Spain.
They have proved themselves to be
loyal sons of the motherland, and
when they have laid down their arms
we will gladly extend to them the right
hand of fellowship. We will bury the
bloody past and go forward shoulder
to shoulder to build up Cuba's laboring
classes, which have been almost de.
stroyed, and we shall need them to till
the soil. The rank and file of the
Spanish army will fill the gap"
Speaking of terms on which Cuba
might win freedom, General Gomez
reiterated his statement that Cuba is
still waiting to purchaset her liberty.
1t is believed that $3.50, 900, 900 would
be an equitable amount now. He said
he had no doubt that an arrangement
would be made with American capital.
lists to form syndicate, collect customs
duties and pay Spain in installments.
In this way the general said there
would be positive end to the war by
the establishment OF friendly relations
with Spain.
when peace is declared" he said
I'VE want to reckon on Spain as being
among our friends"
Referring to the ability of Cuba to
carry on the war, Gomez said his force,
were ample, and declared that Cubg