The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-09-16
INDEPENDENCE AT ALL COST.
THE AGITATION IN CUBA becoming
MORE AND MORE WIDESPREAD.

NIanifestoes Being Circulated Invit-
ing the Cooperation OF Spanish
Residents-Gen. Gomez said to
Strongly Favor "AbsoIute Inde-
pendence or Nothing" and Says
the Spanish Element Can Not At
ford TO Delay Union With Cubnns.
should Prevent the United states
From Grabbing the IsIand-Cubans
Calling Meetings and Protesting
Against UsurpntiOn of Privileges.
Havana, Sept 10, 5:l5 p. m.-The pre-
dominant feature of the situation is the
feverish and widespread agitation of The
Cubans in favor of the absolute independ-
ence of the island at all cost
Manifestoes are being circulated invit-
ing the cooperation of Spanish residents
and merchants to this end and pointing
out chat either annexation, or an Ameri-
can protectorate would mean death to all
trade with Spain in a couple of years.
Gen. Maxine Gomez, who, only fort
night ago, gave expression TO extremely
moderate views, counseling harmony and
patience, now expresses himself strongly
in favor Of "absolute independence or
nothing"
He says the Spanish element cannot af-
ford to delay uniting with the Cubans. as
a necessary basis for the establishment
of conditions that win forbid and prevent
the United States grabbing and taking
easy advantage of the treasure, both Span
ish and Cubans have fought for at an ex-
pense of rivers of blood on each side"
Gen. Gomez says II report speaks truly
that "those who fear independence be-
long to the same family of cowardly ours
who fed from Havana at the first rumor
of bombardment."
These, he declared are, however, mi
nority; and, TO quote him further: AL
most the entire Spanish population re-
mains. protecting their homes and de-
| flying the dangers of war, and VIII now
remain 10 unite their efforts with those
of the Cuban party for the working to-
! gether with the Cubans for the develop
ment Of the island and the return of
! prosperity"
leading evening paper yesterday pub
! lshed a local letter. purporting to voice
the opinion of Catalonia in favor Of inde-
pendence, and promising aid and coop
GRAFTON.
How far the influence of the party agi-
tating for Cuban independence may ex-
| tend it is at present difficult to estimate,
/ but the fact is that its agents are work
ing like beavers Some former sympa-
thizers with the annexation movement are
to be found to-day in the ranks of the
| independence movement.
This violent impetus given to the agita-
ton for Independence is the result, APP
parently, of the arrival Of the Reso!ute,
or rather of the arrival of Mr.. Porter and
the examination he is making into tariffs,
municipal taxation and other matters of
! internal government, which the Cubans
had expected to handle and administer
themselves. Mr.. Porter's operations are
viewed with suspicion by an important
section of the Cubans who keep on call
ing meetings and protesting against a
"usurpatlon of privileges purchased at
such a sacrifice They insist upon alb
, soute freedom, unrestrained liberty or a
fight to the death.
One reason why many Spaniards who o /
first favored annexation have now changed
their opinion Is that they fear the COM
petition of American rivals as storekeep-
| ers hotel managers and restaura teurs.
| The same spirit prevails among the plant
ers. especially the smaller ones.
All this amounts practically TO a silent
| admission of Cuba's inability TO offer IL
| left to herself, the guarantees of stability
that would induce foreign capital to come
here to develop the islands resources
The deductions seem TO be this: With
| cuba Independent no foreign capital and
no competition; with Cuba under Amerl-
can rule a competition against which the
Cubans would not have the energy or the
power to succeed.
These questions are uppermost In every
mind causing general uneasiness and dis
content. preventing the resumption of the
normal tone of the market and blocking
trade and traffic.
The American evacuation commissioners
passed to-day quietly. Gen. Butler, his
staff and Robert Porter are the only
| American representatives living on shore,
but next week night shore leave will be
granted 20 the stats of Admiral Sampson
and Gen. Wade, whose members, under
the navy regula tions, are now obliged to
be on board the Resolute at o'clock p.
M sharp.
This morning members Of the commis-
sion visited the government pawnshop to
buy pledged goods, but they were inform
ed that these were only sold once a month
az auction The next sale will take place
on Oct. /, when many valuable articles
will be sold under the hammer
Capt Lloyd c. Griscomb Gen. Wade's
aide win go 20 Matanzas in day or two
to look over the field there and report to
the commission
The electric plant at Cardenas has sus-
pended public lighting, the municipality
being in debt 1905. 900 70 the concern.
The lire of steamers plying between Cal
barien and Nuevitas has resumed the sail
ings interrupted by the blockade Caibar-
len IS reported entirely without meat
The Comal, having received orders from
Washington to return to the United States,
sailed this afternoon for Key West.
PORTO RICAN COMMISSIONS.