The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-28
MN NHO began /
Personnel of the Junta, Which
Represents Cuba.
TOMAS ESTRADA PALMA
And His Score or Less of Of
fetal UnderIingS.


with its headquarters in New York, rep
resents the legation of the Cuban re-
public abroad, and the head of the junta
as it is called, is T. Estrada Palma
Properly speaking he is the delegate and
with the members of his ministerial di-
| plomatic household constitutes the dele
ga ton of the Cuban republic.
| The term "junta" has been applied be-
cause such abody or council was attach
ed to the diplomatic department of Cuba
| during the ten years war. AS the au-
thority Of the iunta frequently restrict
ed the action Of the delegate the pro-
moters of the present revolution decided
to eliminate It; yet the name remains,
and is used and accepted to designate
Mr. Palma and his associates.
This junta as the representative OF the
Cuban republic, acts on high authority,
for the delegation was appointed on
Sept. 10 1895 by the constituent assembly
that formed the government and COM
missioned Maxine Gomez chinef COM
mander Of the Cuban army. At the same
time it made Mr.. Palma delegate and
Cuban representative abroad. with au-
thority to appoint ministers to all gov
ernments and to have control of all Of
Cuba's diplomatic relations and repre-
sentatives throughout the world Be
sidest his. Mr.. Palma is the duly ac-
credited minister from Cuba to the
United States. and in the event OF the
Cuban republic being recognized would
be received as such
Under his authority Mr.. Palma has ap-
pointed sub-deIegates, or diplomatic
agents, in rance, Italy, Mexico and the
Central and South American republics.
Cuba's independence not being acknow-
lodged by these nations. her ministers
are not officially recognized. but are often
unofficially received at the back door"
and exert an influence for the benefit of
Cuba in the countries to which they are
appointed.
Mr.. Palma is in reality the head Of the
Cuban revolutionary party abroad, which
is one Of he three departments Of the
two others being the civil government
and the army of liberation
This Cuban revolutionary branch was
founded by Jose Marti. who is regarded
by Cubans as the apostle and master
mind of the Cuban revolution.
Mr.. Palma is not the only head and
front of the junta, but he is the one per
son in whom its authority is conferred.
He was born in Cuba about 60 years ago,
and in his tender youth imbibed the spirit
of liberty forthe island, a spirit which
grew with him until it influenced his
every word and act, and finally received
his entire devotion. direct, gentle, yet
determined are his methods, and so I'M
assuming and plain is he in speech and
manner that he soon became known as
the Cuban Franklin" and more firmly
has the name become attached to him
since the potent influence of his dplo-
macy has been felt throughout the world.
During the ten years war Mr.. Palma
was president of the Cuban republic; was
made prisoner by Spanish troops, and
sent to Spain. where he was imprisoned
until the close of the conflict. While in
Spain absolutely suffering under the
hardships Of imprisonment. ne was Of
fered freedom if he would swear alleg-
lance TO the Spanish crown.
NO was his answer. you may shoot
me if you will, but if am shot it will be
as the president of the Cuban republic"
Besides Mr.. Palma. the only member of
the delegation appointed by the Cuban
are: DR.. Joaquin D. Castil-
10. the sub-deegate; BENJAMIN ]. Guerra.
treasurer Of the republic abroad. and
GonzaIo de Quesada, charge d'affaires at
Washington.
DR.. Castillo is vice delegate and would
take Mr.. Palma's place in case of his
death or inability to act. Before entering
actively into the Cuban revolution he
was a surgeon in the United States navy
and was aboard the cutter odgers on
her northern expedition to the relief of
the Jeanette He was a leading ply
sicianin Cuba, and wrote treatise on
yellow fever that gained for him the
Ctle Of member Of the Academy Of Sci
ence in Havana
When the present revolution broke out
DR. Castillo was appointed surgeon gem
eral of the Cuban army. with the tftIeX
general. He was afterwards
transferred TO his present post in the
United States.
Mr.. Guerra, treasurer Of the republic
abroad, who has charge OF all the for
eign funds raised for the revolution. Is
a tobacco merchant Of New York. who
has been one OF the most active spirits
in the Cuban revolutionary party since
its formation. He was Intimately ash /
iacted with and much relied upon by
Jose Marti IN his sreat work Of organl-
zation-
Gonzalo de Quesada, charge daffaires.
IS a lewyer. a graduate of the Columbia /
Law school. and a writer OF note.
Mr. Horatio 5. ubens. who was an init /
mate friend to Jose Mard. gives his ser !
vices free a. counsel TO The juuta. lie ia
the head OF its law department. He an /