The herald., 1898-09-16
A ffvfRISn AGITATION
IN FAVOR OF ABSOLUTE FREE
DOM FOR CUBA
EVEN SPANIARDS FAVOR 1T
Chief Reason Being an Overwhelming
Fear Of Commercial Competition
of Americans
Press Special Wire.

ASSOCldteu fTeSS CpeCldI ViiS'
HAVANA, Sept. Is, 6 p. m.-The predom-
inant feature of the situation Is the fever
ish and widespread agitation Of the Cubans
in favor of the absolute independence of
the island at all costs
Manifestos are being circulated inviting
the cooperation of Spanish residents and
merchants to this end and pointing out
that either annexation or an American pro-
tectorate would mean death 10 all trade
with Spain in a couple of years.
General Maxine Gomez, who only fort
night ago gave expression to extremely
moderate Views counseling harmony and
patience, now expresses himself as strong ely
in favor Of absolute independence or moth
Ing. He says the Spanish element cannot
afford TO delay uniting with the Cubans
upon a necessary basis for the establish
ment Of conditions that will forbid and pre-
vent the United States grabbing and taking
easy advantage Of the treasure which both
the Span!ards and Cubans have fought for
at an expense of rivers of blood on Zach
side"
One reason why many 6paniards who at
first favored annexation have now changed
their opinion is that they fear the competi-
hotel managers and restaurant keepers.
They are afraid that the Americans instead
of coming to buy out their establishments
and stocks at fabulous prices based upon
the old Spanish duties, will open shops next
door, import goods at the duties under the
new regime, ruin their business and reduce
them to poverty. Exactly the same spirit
prevails among the planters, especially the
smaller ones, who had hoped to sell at good
prices the old French and Belgian machin-
cry for which they paid dear and Imported
under excessive duties.
The awakening of all such dreamers TO
the reality Of the future of American COM
petition causes them now to shout loudly,
for Cuban independence, under which they
would expect to enjoy the blessings of lem
cent laws without fear of active competition.
All this amounts practically to silent ad-
mission of Cuba's inability to offer, II left
to herself, the guarantees Of stability that
would induce foreign capital to come here
to develop the islands resources.
Armistice Violated
SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Sept. Is, $3.50 p.
m.-General Lawton has received informa-
ton from a Cuban courier from Manzanillo
that four days ago the Span.ards there v.o-
lated the armistice by attempting to take
possession of the Cuban vessel Fernan-
dino, which was bringing supplies for the
Cuban army On board was a guard OF
awelve men. They were fired upon by the
Spaniards in the fort near the bay, one Gu
ban being killed.
Immediately information was given to
General Rios, In charge Of the Cuban forces
surrounding the town, and he threatened an
attack II the boat was not allowed to land
her cargo. There was no further trouble
| but the Cubans dispatcheda COURIER to Gen.
eral Lawton with a request that an armed
force be sent to Manganillo. This request
will not be complied with, as Manzanlllo IS
outside the territory embraced by the terms
Of capitulation.
Capt. D. ]. Farham Field, quartermaster
| learned several days ago from Cubans tina;
| two rapid fire guns, formerly used by the
| Spaniards, were concealed near the city
He succeeded in discovering their where
abouts. His informant fears Cuban resent
ment, as It is believed that the guns were
hidden by members Of the Cuban army.
One gun was found in dilapidat ted house
IN the outskirts of the city. The other was
where the Span.ards had evidently left it
when they were routed from Purson in the
vicinity of San Juan hill. 1t had been
placed amid the thick bushes and had been
painted green as further prevention
against discovery.