The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-07-21

The views Of Edward Scrantes,
probably the only Spanish-born citi-
zen of Scranton, will be of in
terest at this time. Mr.. Serantes is
a tailor by occupation and conducts his
business at his residence, 1913 Wash
burn street He is a quiet. unassuming
gentleman, we'll read, and has travelled
in many lands. He is finely educated
and speaks several languages, includ-
ing English, fluently.
He is a naturalzed citizen of this
country, having resided here over nine
years, the last four in Scranton. He
has kept thoroughly posted in current
affairs and though proud to be an
American citizen, he declares that he
is convinced that his adopted country
Is in the wrong in this war. So strong
ly is he set in this opinion that he de-
clares that he is perfectly willing to
meet any person in argument and feels
sure that he can prove his opinion to
be the correct one.
To a Tribune reporter, he gave a
summary of Spain's rule, and control
in Cuba, both as recorded in history
and since the first revolt in 1868. The
continuance of that revolt, in fact its
very conception was due to the fact
that the instigators resided in and
worked from this country, he says, and
the same can be said of this last re-
bellon which led to the interference of
America in Spain's affairs.
SHOULD INTERFERE.
He thinks that the European coun-
tries ought to be ashamed of them
selves to stand idly by and see Spain
deprived of her colonial possessions on
the premise of it's being done in the
cause of humanity. "Why no other
country would stand it themselves and
if France or Germany had owned Cuba
we would not have gone to war with
them. 1t is terrible to think of this
war, and it IS not Just to Spain," he
continued.
He welcomes the fact that Cuba is
being freed and admits that it is right
as he often declared when residing in
Spain. 1t is too far away for Spain to
manage, and so long as politicians in
this country secretly support rebel
lion Spain could never put down the
| long ago.
The Spanish people will benefit by
| the loss and Cuba, by annexation to
this country, which is sure to come
will be benefited. So also Porto Rice
and the Philippines.
But no war ought to have occurred
and lives lost. Peaceable means should
have brought this about. Spain will
never ask for peace, because the gov
ernment is afraid of the people. After
this was is over Spain will be repub.
| lie and Senor CASTELAR,, if he lives, be
| the president. The people will ther
settle down to home development
| High priced officials, ETC., will be cut
off and only small army and navy
retained. AS for Don Carlos, ht
amounts to nothing.
RESIDED IN CUBA.
All the above and much more wa:
stated by Mr.. Serantes. He resided il
Cuba continuously from 1878 to 1SS,
and several times off and on for short
er periods until 1888. He lived in San
tiago, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Pinar De
Rio, Havana and other towns. Hi!
father was a captain of a steamship
plying between Spain, Spanish colonies
and Central American ports.
Mr.. Serantes enthusiastically por
trayed the possibilities that were open
ing out for American young men il
Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines
Cuba, he said, was the only real Klon
dixie. Everywhere it was easy to liv
and grow rich If one was sober and in
dustrious. Why taxation under Spail
was only between 50 and So per capita
1t was just and right that this grea
country should develope this beautiful
island, but not to get them as she i
doing.