Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-28
GEN.CASTILLO'S GRIEVANCES
Cubans Forbidden to Enjoy Fruits of Vic
tory They Helped Win.
Garcia Gave Him Commission as
Governor, Which Has Never Been
Recognized-AIIies Hold AIoof.
From the New York Herald, today.

From the New York Herald, today.
SANTIAGO Do CUBA. Wednesday,
have just returned from visit to the camp
o. Gen. Denetrio Castillo, the most trusted
lieutenant of Gen. Garcia. The Cuban post
is located beyond the small village Of Cue
vitas and in a valley stretching in long I'M
dGlations to FL Carey. To the right ami
left is a long RAJ ge of hills, the scene Of
the now historic struggle for the possession
of Santiago. Nearer the town and iotting
each elevation are the white tents of the
American troops.
1 found Castillo's headquarters to be a
three-roomed house For furniture IT has
sleeping hammockS and saddles and mill
tary kits, the loot of Spanish officers.
There were two e; ards at the entrance
ragged and shceless, one armed with a
Springfield. one with Mauser, and both
with the inevitable machetes. Gen. Cas-
tito was ill in bed with slight attack Of
fever, but he rose to receive me.
His Statement.
Seated at a small, rickety table, his Off
GERS around u.s. he dictated this statement
OF the present situation:
Speaking of Cuba for the Cubans, I can
only express the deepest regret and disap-
pointment at the position We find ourselves
in today, subject to the greatest humilia-
ton. instead of being treated as allies:
shut out fro n entering our own territory.
forbidden to enjoy the fruits of victory We
helped win; not consulted in any way.
1T was thought sufficient to inform us
verbally. 1t was more expedient for US to
stay out on account of the Spanish resi-
dents and this, after distinct statements
made to Garcia by Gen. Shafter in my
presence at BaiqEir that the American and
Cuban troops should Jointly occupy San
tiago both flags floating over the town.
Even private citizens among the Cubans
x.tprn N a M Ia o nN.ar
their dwellings.
What inspired the American command
ers, we cannot say, but we have most
gloomy forebodlngs. We refuse now to en-
ter the town, even in private capacity,
where the Spaniards, guilty of the 2rossest
oppression of Cubans, still hold office, and
where the Spanish uniform is still worn.
Gen. Garcia has retired to Holguin to
resume his Independent campaign, as car
RED on for The last three years. We refuse
further contact at present with the Amer
lean army and will take 10 further rations
from them. We go to the interior 20 hold
the towns we have taken ourselves. Our
soldiers. disneartened, have in many in
stances left us.
Their Grievances.
Our long-cherished dream, a Cuban re-
public, free, Independent, is apparently
again vanishing in the dim distance. Our
men, unpaid in three years, serving entire
ly for the love of country, deserve some re-
ward. We do not want offices or positions.
We wish cordial recognition as brothers
in-arms on equal terms but throughout We
were treated with Scantest courtesy.
Gen. Garcia was never made aware of
the terms of surrender or consulted in re-
gard to negotiations CT acts. His relation
to the town was entirely set aside.
when the refugees arrived at Ell Caney
we considered them forming the town
OF Santiago. Gen. Garcia gave me a com
mission as governor, which was confirmed
by a popular vote. 1 acted as such, regu
lating. controlling affairs, issuing orders
ard appointing officers. This commission
was not even recognized. and j am here
lying on the outskirts of Santiago with
hundred followers, actually prohibited en-
try.
Our grievances in no way weaken our
faith in the honest purpose of the Amer
lean people, expressed in the resolution of
Congress. On this we now rely. / am no
opponent of annexation and firmly believe it
will solve the Cuban problem with toe
greatest benefit and to the material advan-
tage of the island, hut desire first the
establishment of our republic, the realiza-
ton of the object of our long night, and
tLen let the will of the liberated people de-
eide"