The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-01-03
DIETING at the Facts.

The Philadelphia Press printed yes
terday the first of a series of letters
from Cuba written by its chief WASH
ington correspondent. Mr.. f. j. Glib
son, of whom the Press says editorially:
"Mr. Gibson is well known for his care
full, conscientious, painstaking and ac-
curate work He is universally recog-
nized as one of the most reliable ana
trustworthy men in journalism His
character, information and poise and
his habit of going to the root of things
i'm his investigations will inspire con-
fidence in the thoroughness of his ex-
animation and i'm the correctness of his
reports. lie has not gone to Cuba to
forward dramatic or sensational dis
patches, but to see the real conditions
as an eye witness. to learn the exact
stu; tion and prospects, and to detail
them with the sobriety and fidelity for
which he is distinguished.
Mr. Gibsons initial letter concerns
mainly the status of the Spanish army.
He cites official and semi-ofiicial fig
ures to prove that of Weyler's splendid
army of 100000 regulars, only 5l.5OO ef-
fective men remain. These" he adds.
must garrison the fortified towns, pro-
tcct railroads and sugar plantations,
and so on. It can easily be seen that
with such a small force of effective
men, when Weyler had 100000 regu-
lars, exclusive of volunteers. Blanco
cannot he expected to accomplish much:
more particularly when he is without
money and supplies. The greater
number of the troops have not been
paid in ten months, and all of them
excepting officers. have not been paid
in eight months. Evidently much
could not be expected of such troops
and little or nothing is being accom-
plished."
Mr.. Gibson attests the complete fall
ure of the autonomy movement to
make visible impression in checking
the insurrection. or ten emissaries
sent to treat with insurgent leaders in
different districts, eight were executed
and two spared. The latter were
Cubans forced to bear the overtures
of Spain under penalty of death. Cen
eral Garcia on this account permitted
them to return alive. Mr.. Gibson
talked with the Cuban who went at
the request of Consul General Lee. to
try to save Ruizs life. and who ar
rived too late to accomplish that end.
This man says that Ruiz was con-
dcmned by cOurt-martial at which
Rodriguez, commander of the west
commander of Havana province, as
well as Aranguren, were present. Ac-
coriing to M. Gibson's version there
does not appear to have been any eX-
cuse for Ruiz in disregarding the warn
ing ne received in advance.
Mr.. Gibson concludes his first letter
with these words: THE fact that after
spurning the oiser of food as unnec.
essary the Spanish leaders have beer
forced to atc.nt suck offers demon.
strates that the change going on here
is not an improvement. but in the con.
trary direction. That is the opinion OF
the United States officials without ex.
ception in every port of Cuba. I make
that statement on written authority
from these men. Nearly all of then
nave been in Cuba since the war brok,
out. They are trustworthy men. A.
Tar as they are concerned. one and all
the war in Cuba is no nearer an enc
than at any previous time, exceptins
as the Spanish officer said whom
nave quoted. Spain is so much neare,
the point where she can no longer kee,
up the struggle"
In other words, the time for effectiv,
intervention is rapidly drawing nigh