The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-01-08

try only Tributary to Spain.
Antonio Gown, now of Atlanta. Ga.
who has been chosen as member of the
Cuban Cabinet, says:
VI will never return to Cuba in q
political character. I have given up
politics, and especially the politics
which would aid in the establishment
of Spanish authority in my belov we'd
island. Yes, I have seen the news
paper reports which include my name
in the Cabinet which has been selected
by Gen. Blanco to undertake the Au.
Economist governmet of Cuba. But /
have received no official information of
such appointment, and in view of my
open criticism made in this city of the
action of Senior Calder and Senior
Montoro in accepting such places it
would be inconsistent in me to follow
in their steps. 1t must be remember.
ed that I have never been counted
among the revolutionists in Cuba, but
that l was welded to the interest of
my native island az against the inter
est even of Spain itself has always been
just as clearly understood.
."When the peace of Zaniou was
signed it became evident that the old
method OF governing Cuba was at an
end. The people of Cuba are of
Spanish blood, and naturally there is
that tradition of race which made
many of them feel kindly to the old
peninsula. These men deemed that
it was possible to be true to Cuba and
loyal to Spain at the same time. and
they organized the Autonomist party.
whose purpose was the preservation Of
Spanish connection and the conserya.
ton of Cuban interests. We knocked
on the doors of Madrid in vain for
recognition. We pleaded with those
in authority to recognize the changed
condition of things, and if our voice
had been hearkened to previous to the
coming of Gen. Weyler there would
have been q chance to build up Cuba
As the eldest daughter of Spain.
"But the cries from Cuba were 10.
1ored and policy was entered upon.
he sad results of which are seen in the |
devastation which spreads over the is. |
and and in the loss of human life
Which has come upon the people of |
)uba. I held my place of honor which |
ny party had given to me until I saw |
hat the die was cast and that there
vas nothing more to do save to leave
he result to the arbitrament of the
word.
1T was with this feeling that I took
ny departure from Cuba, and when, as
stood upon the deck of the recedipp
steamer, I watched for the
asst time the Spanish flag floating over
Zorro, I declared that when I returned
hat flag should not be floating there.
"Since that time I have been living
uietly in Atlanta, forming no acquaint-
noes outside of the few Cuban friends
no knew me, and awaiting some de-
elopment which would make it posi-
lie for me to return home. The afro
ous policy of Gen. Weyler has been
bandoned and different one has been
1opted by Gen. Blanco, pacific over
Tres have been made which would
ave been gladly listened to eigteen
'onths ago. If they had been made
len what an amount of blood and
easure would have been saved, but
nfortunately the offer has been delay.
until Cuba is in no position to try
In the first place, the autonomy
self which has been offered is no au-
nomy at all. It leaves Cuba but a
ibutary to Spain, to be drained of
resources for the uses of the
'me government, and to be allow.
only the remainder, il there should
any, for local purposes. Autonomy,
| conceive it, is something very dit;
rent. 1t is al independent govern.
ent bearing filial relations to the
rent country, with responsible bu-
au. Instead of that ito autonomy
Tered is organized, in the first place,
lder the most favorable circumstances
IL a majority chosen by Spain her.
If and through influences governed
Spain, while the native Cuban would
all times be in the minority. Even
this objection did not exist and the
lamber provided for were elected di.
ct by the people of Cuba, such election
der the present circumstances would
impossible, because the Cubans afs
her in the field or in exile, while
ose who would take part in such cleo.
ms would be Spaniards or people
dor Spanish influence.