The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-03-26
GOMEZ SAYS U. S.
MUST NOT FIGHT.
lcontInned from rlrat pnra.l

present themselves on the other hand
Gomez said he was constantly receiving
endorsements and gave several specific
cases. He stated that In the eastern part
Of the island the insurgents had received
200 recruits since autonoH was pro-
posed other evidences OF their renewed
strength were given. Perhaps tho best
fvidente ~ this is that the insurgents
occupy a large portion Of Santa Clara pro-
vince unmoIested. The Spanish troops
make no effort to penetrate even u the
insurgent camps are located
The present method Of warfare, G,mez
said, would be kept up until Spain with
draws He still counts on the climate as
more potent means Of destroying tho
Spanish army than tho weapons OF the
insurgents. For tho Spanish solliers he
uttered the most kindly sentiments. gay
Ing that when peace came be hoped they
would remain In Cuba and help In It's re-
cuperation. OF the spanish property ty-own-
ers In Cuba he reiterated previous decla-
rations that they would be protected in
their property and would have nothing 10
fear under a Cuban government
Gomtz spoke incidentally Of interns-
tional Spanish policies but without any
idea that It's Cuban policy would be ma
terialiy changed BY what happens In
Spain. lie thought De LONE had been
Wiling to have his letter published ana
return 70 Spain as a martyr. DE LONE.
Gomez described, as an able but 8, hemlng
and interruptions man VINO saw the adj
vantage Of getting awav before the end
came. II Is his belief that De LONE will
seek 70 form a new party out OF the dis
satisfied conservative and liberal element
/ Antl-American sentiment would be ths
base Of this. Gomez said when recogni-
| ton Was accorded there would be no
trouble In finding the civil government OF
/ Cuba. He would quickly conduct the
| proper persons from his headquarters to
II. His refusal 70 entertain any sugges-
/ ton Of Spanish sovereignty over Cuba
makes the detailed opinion OF the latest
| programme Of the radical autonomlsts
backed BY the Blanco government un-
necessary. tits personal sympathy was
extended to the American people for the
Maine disaster without assuming to in
nuence the policy winch the administra-
ton should follow. Next to his hope that
the United. States would not have war
with Spain, the significance of which he
says lies In his belief that the ultimate
solution Of the Cuban problem is Indemnl-
/ " 10 Spain for Independence. That prop
osition may be unpopular In the United
States; but II commends itself TO the
commander-in-chief OF the insurgents,
whose genius made the success OF the
revolution possible. In December when
Blanco's prospective military campaign
and the announcement OF autonomy were
unknown factors, Gomez had this view.
In March. when the failure OF that mill
tary campaign and the collapse OF the
new system have left Spain's sovereignty
paralyzed, he reiterates his conviction.
Members Of the government In Havana
who ten days ago professed hope in tho
negotiations with Gomez, now know that
no prospects exist. Some are again turn
ing to war with the United States as the
only means Of letting Cuba go, others
are more conservative. talk with modera-
tion about the Maine report, and depre-
cate the war spirit. All seem to believe
the Maine disaster win not In itself lead
to hostilities.