The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-12-12
FOR CUBA LIBRE.

FOR CUBA LIBRE
Gen. Garcia, whose name will ever be
linked with those of the old patriots who
fought against unequal odds for the free
dom OF Cuba, has had a most active and
varied life, much of which has been spent in
hghtfng for the cause of Cuban liberty,
which he had the satisfaction of seeing ae-
compl1shed so short time before his death.
He was a man of culture and refinement, Of
splendid education, and came from a dis
tinguished family OF Jiguani, of Santiago de
Cuba province. He was born in Cogquin,
Oct. IA. 1889, and was therefore in the Goth
year of his age. Gen Garcia was educated
in Havana and in Spain. In 1884 he was
married to Isabel Veles.
Gen. Garcia was the original conspirator
in the uprising of the Cubans against Spain
In 1858, and in that year, under Gomez he
attained the rank Of brigadier general
In October of 1868 he captured the towns Of
Jaquani and Baire, and recruited many hun
dreds Of patriots. He had command of the
Eastern department during the revolution
after 1878 and won many notable victories,
including those at Melones and Aures.
While the revolution was in a critical state
in the other provinces and Its outcome was
uncertain. he maintained it with vigor in the
territory under his command. In 1878 while
reconnoitering with his escort he was
surrounded by 1000 Spaniards. Preferring
death to capture and subsequent execution
at the hands OF his enemy, he attempted
suicide by placing his revolver under his
chin and firing. The bullet came out be-
tween his eyebrows For months he lay be-
tween life and death, but was saved finally
by Spanish surgeons, who possibly had
owed their own lives to his mercy. The
Spaniards, believing he was about to die,
gave him a pardon. The hole which the bui-
let made when 1t entered the chin and came
out between the eyebrows was always visi-
bic and shows plainly in the calmness of
| death.
SPANISH PRISONER.
For his participation IN the revolutionary
movement Gen. Garcia was sent to Spain,
where for years he was confined in castles
and fortresses, remaining there until the
peace Of Zanjon. He then returned to the
United States, and together with Jose Marti
attempted another revolution. He landed IN
Cuba with few followers, but the country
was tired Of war and wanted to try the homo
rule offered by Spain. He capitulated to the
Spanish forces In order to save his few re-
naming followers, and was again banished
to Spain in 1880, where he remained unieT
surveillance until 1895, when the last revo-
luton broke out in Cuba. Then he escaped
to France, and later to New York His
movements since that time and his active
participation In the war are familiar to MANY
newspaper readers
After coming to this country he endeavored
to get an expedition to the island Of Cuba
in the steamer Hawkins, but this met with
sh1pwreck in storm, and the cargo was
lost. Gen. Garcia was the last man to leav,
the vessel Undaunted by his failure, Gen
Garcia made another attempt to ship stores
for the insurgents, this time obtaining the
ship Bermuda He was Intercepted however
by United States authorities, and was ar.
rested on the charge of filibustering, but was
released on s., 900 bail. He forfeited thi:
bail, and In a final attempt landed on the
eastern coast of the island with one of the
largest expeditions that ever reached Cuba
Immediately after he succeeded Gen. Antonio
Maceo. IN command OF the troops Of the
eastern division, holding the rank Of major
general, who was killed while marching west.
ward At Maceo's death Garcia was elected
to his position in the Cuban army, which
position he held until the close of the war
During the campaign he assaulted and toob
by storm Tunas, Gunsa and Guayamara
and cleared the interior Of his department
of Spanish troops. After the declaration Of
war between the United States and Spain
Gen. Miles, commanding the American army
sent his representative to Gen. Garcia, ant
subsequently the American and Cuban gen
erals co-operated in their movements agains
Santiago. All the officers who participated
in the active work around Santiago bear tes-
timony to the great aid assistance and Ioy.
atty manifested by Gen. Garcia during The
campaign. When the Cuban assembly met a,
the close of the war, Gen. Garcia was one
| OF the principal advisers, and was elected
chairman Of the commission directed to come
to the United States and confer with the au.
thorities here in regard to the work in