Daily capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1896-1899, 1898-03-26
Gen Gomez Humane,
He Hopes That War May Be
Averted.
Cuba Is Ready to Buy Her Liberty
Other Cuban News.

NEW YORK, March pa dispatch
10 the Tribune from Havana says:
WORD has been received by the Trib-
sune correspondent direct from Gen.
eral Gomez from his camp near Sancti
Spiritus, in Santa Clara province. A
week ago when the messenger left
him he was 10 excellent health and
was planning an insUrgent campaign
(which should follow the expected
recognition OF Cuban Independence BY
1.-The United States. Apparently be
he did not think Spain would imme-
'diately accept the Intervention or
mediation OF the Washington admin
'jstratfon, and believed the recognition
lof Independence would follow the re-
fusal. Such action he regarded as
nat ural sequence to the Maine Incl
dent. aud the other incidents bearing
upon the position taken 10 the presl'
dents December message.
While preparing to take advantage
OF whatever is done, Gomez does not
look for an early ending OF the Cuban
war. His idea is that Spain will con
tinue such fighting as has been going
on. and will not at once leave the
island. His military plans are based
on this view, aud he impressed upon
the insurgents that they must not
expect Immediate Independence as a
fact following the declaration. The
insurgent commander seeBIs tn think
that while Spain will not now accept
the goOd Offices Of the United States.
she may ultimately do so. Tnen he
believes the proposition Is for the
purchase OF the island by the Cuban
under guaranty by the United
States.
THAT is best for all parties" was
hislanguage. "We could perhaps pay
$500, 900, 900 for independence. II
Spain will not take that, she will take
nothing away from Cuba except her
war debt. If she will accept indem-
nifty before IL is too late we can pay
it. The guaranty OF the United States
would be in the nature Of a protector
ate. Annexation would not follow.
We know the American people do not
want to annex Cuba. All they want
is a commercial, treaty giving them
trade advantages which are natur-
ally theirs.
II bOpe there will be no war be
tween tie United States and Spain.
1t would be costly. The Spaniards
are senselessly blind TO their own
weakness. Besides, i fear II hostili-
ties between the two countries come
IL will add TO the burdens OF the
CabaDs when independence is secured
The island is desert, and Will re-
main so while Spain's rule continues.
Too much should not be laid upon 1t
when peace comes"
The Tribune's correspondents in
formant says that Gomez discussed
the relations Of the United States and
Spain, aud always in language show
ing his earnest desire that the Amer
leans might be spared war. His anx-
iety was deep.
IL is probable that Gomez senti-
ments on this matter will be commun'
lcated to President Mckinley. He is
more concerned oyer II than anything
else. He appears to think that In
case Of war Cuba would be asked To
pay a portion OF the war expenses,
which the resources OF the island
would not be sufficient to meet.
Gomez dismissed the suggestion oil
modifying autonomy so that 1T would
be acceptable TO the insurgents with a
single word. They will treat with
Spain on no basis except that of out
right independence. This is absolute
He spoke with bitterness OF some
members OF the autonomist govern
ment who were trying TO win his fol-
lowers by bribes, saying that the
Cuban's would remember them. Those
efforts he declared were futile, as was
shown by the few isolated instances
ia which money had induced Iasur-
gents 70 present themselves.
On the other hand, Gomez said he
was constantly receiving reinforce
ments, and gave several specific cases.
lie stated that in the eastern part OF
the island the insurgents have re-
ceiyed 1000 recruits since autonomy
was proposed, Other evidences OF
their renewed strength were given.
Perhaps the best evidence OF this Is
that the insurgents occupy large
portion OF Santa Clara province unmo-
les ted. The Spanish troops make no
effort 10 penetrate, even II the insur-
gent camps are located.
The present method OF warfare,
Gomez said, will be kept up until