Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-01-07
A LETTER FROM GOMEZ.
Only Removal of Spanish Flag From
Cubn Will End the War,

New York, Jan. 6-The Herald to-day
prints the following letter from General
Maximo Gomez, commander-in-chief Of the
Cuban army, dated In the Field, December
26. 1897
You ask me for my opinion regarding
what effect the autonomous regime about to
be implanted by Spain in Cuba might have
toward the pacification of the island. The
CubanS in arms do not propose to give up.
shall never yield in their struggle until they
have established their absolute independ-
ence. No matter what number of liberties
is granted to Cuba by any Spanish govern
ment-even in case Spain should reserve for
herself no otherright than to keep the Span
ish flag over Cuba Il symbol of nominal
sovereignty-she will not succeed in ending
the war. The Cuban people will admit of
no other solution of the present conflict
than that whereby Cuba shall be recognized
as a member of the sisterhood of nations.
..In this attitude of absolute radicalism
we are sustained by two great motives.
which, unified one single force. impei the
Cuban people whole as well as individ-
uals TO adopt the grand resolution of their
cxstence-sentiment and interest; the for
mer because the Cubans feel that they have
been profoundly hurt by the horrible war
methods employed against them by Spain.
the latter because they are all firmly con-
WINGED that only as freemen will they be
able to enjoy peace and command the neces-
sary credit to reconstruct their country,
which has been devastated by Spain her
self In short, Cuba not only wishes, but
needs to he free. 1t is about time that
Spanish statesmen should recognize this
fact, ard. leaving aside all chaotic auton-
omy. should manfully confront the true
problem.
Let the Spanish nation acknowledge
Cuba's independence which she justly
claims. and receive a compensation that
which is right and equitable. And even let
her claim from our government some ad-
own industries. Then. and only, then, will
the rainbow of peace Tighten the horizon
which is now Redeemed by the glare of the
burning fields and the firing of the cannon
The Herald also prints an interview with
General Gomez at date later than the
writing of the letter The correspondent
spirits and fully convinced that the long
struggle was drawing to a close. The in
the only ones willing to continue the strug-
gle because they feared that Cuban tri-
umph would result in their prosecution and
are utterly mistaken. l. Maxine Gomez
whose word has never been broken. assure
them of absolute protection. | know these
people represent the thrifty business ele-
| ment of the island, and believe they are
destined to rank among the most valued
citizens of the republic; The triumph of
permission to follow their vocations in
peace. There will be no persecution, either
pOlltlcal or Social All WE ASK VI lHeiH Is 10
help us in building up the fortunes of the
island and repairing the waste of war. I
officers in the field. They have been fight
| ing us not because they hate Cuba. but be-
| cause they love Spain. They have proved
| themselves to be loyal sons of the mother
| land. and when they have laid down their
| arms We will gladly extend to them the
right hand of fellowship. We will bury the
| bloody past and go forward shoulder to
| shoulder to build up. Cuba's laboring
| classes have been almost destroyed and we
| shall need more men to till the soil The
rank and file of the Spanish army will fill
| the gap
| Speaking of terms on which Cuba might
| win freedom, General Gomez reiterated his
| statement that Cuba was still waiting TO
| purchase her liberty and 1t was believed
| that $3.50 O00, 900 would be equitable
| amount now. He said that he had no
| doubt that an arrangement could be made
| with American capitalists to form a syndi-
| cate collect customs duties and pay Spain