The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1898-02-10
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1898.
GAZETTE BUILDING DIRECTORY.
BRIBERY A FAILURE.

the eastern portion of the Island, re-
porting that he had accomplished
nothing. Blanco's mission in the east
was to bride the generals of the patri-
OF armies to desert their columns. One
such successful attempt was made on
a Cuban officer with hundred follow
ers some weeks ago, the Spaniards
giving nearly $500 to each man that
surrendered. The official, Masso, was
of nolconsequencc, and his surrender
seems to have added additional fire to
the insurgents in battle.
Blanco went east to play with the
big generals of the Cuban army. He
would have nothing to do with the
small fry. He wanted Gomez, the
commander-in-chief, Garcia, the gal
liant old brigadier general, and hero of
the Ten Years War, and Jesus Rabi,
operating under Garcia in Santiago de
Cuba. After Blauco arrived at Ell Ju-
caro- he wrote letter to Gomez, stat
ing the terms on which he would like
to have Gomez surrender or sell the
liberty of the Island. The exhibition
Of gall was too much for the heart of
the veteran Gomez. His soldier heart
turned with shame at Blanco, as he
spurned the offer, which brought to
his memory the assassination of Ma
Geo and his son, Pancho Gomez, only
short time ago, by the murderous
Spaniards, under the direction of the
butcher, Weyler. Here is Gomez's re-
ply to the letter:
II am sadly convinced now of my mistake
in addressing letter to you asking your CO.
operation to reestablish peace and prosperi-
ty to Cuba and to Spain. My words were
clear and they were supported by the record
of my whole life. They showed that I was
| inclined to accept negotiations for the indie
pendence of Cuba, in the mutual interest of
the Island and of SPAIN but never anything
that could faint my name with dishonor or
make me appear as betraying the noble
cause of freedom to which 1 have devoted all
my energies.
Instead of an approach from you in fair
and honorable sense, 1 have received your
strange intimaton of your desire to meet
me for the purpose of personally notifying
me the following offers;
"That you are ready to place steamer at
my disposal at any part of the coast of Cuba
1 should deem to be best to transport me to
any port outside of Cuba to which may de-
sire to go, and at the same time, you offer me
all the monetary resources may ask for the
expenses of my trip and maintenance of my :
self and family in foreign. land.
Il felt so much astounded when learned
all this, 1 felt so ashamed, more for you. Gen.
Blanco, than for myself, that in the first mo-
ments was benumbed, knowing not wheth .
er such heinous proposals could be reality
or a nightmare.
| Have reached my present age, fighting
as 1 have done for thirteen years in the field
for the independence of Cuba, and for thirty
years cherishing that idea as the greatest in
my life, only that you or any one should be-
live that, at the end of my journey, should
cover myself with ignominy by accepting the
base reward of money from Spanish Cap
tain General for the cowardly abandonment
of my army? Are you sane, Gen Blance? Do
you not remember that blow of machete,
which the hand of Spanish assassin infiict-
ed at Punta Bravo. near the spot where Ma
Geo died, upon that soul of my soul, the
young and brave Francisco Gomez? Do you
think 1 can forgive that? Have you ever been
a father?
! Besides these considerations which ought
to have checked you in your shameful pro-
| ject, there is another that is no less clear 1
am not in a position, Gen, Blanco, which re-
quires that should be looking for steamer
| to take me from the Island. You had better
| look for steamer yourself for of the two
you need it the most. Up to the present day
am on the winners side represent a rev.
olution that is stronger than ever after three
years of war. You represent Spain, weaker
than ever, Inundated by the American gov
eminent, with only a limited time before
you in which to end this war. There is no
pressure weighing upon me from abr DAD.
The days to come are not full of threaten
ings for me, but they are full of hope; and,
furthermore, while your cause has prejudice
and tradition as its only supports, the cause
of Cuba has the full sympathy the world ov-
| err of every lover of Justice and liberty"