The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1899-12-07
Independence or Death"

n
New York WoyM conveys the news
,hat A cry, independence or death
s,,,,ed last week in Havana and has
snread over the entire Island. The
Condition is such just now that only
,eoder. fearless and determined is
needed to cause general uprising.
Colored men and uneducated whites
have been led to understand that the
onnointment of civil governor would
mean the continuance OF American
control. They are clamoring for I'M
mediate independence with as much
enthusiasm as they ever displayed dur
ing the days of Spanish rule. /
Cubans were never better organized
,han they are today. Every town IN
,he island has within its boundaries a
society of Cuban Veterans or Nation
a,ists. Some of the members OF these
oroanizations hate the Americans to-
day more intensely than they ever dis
liked the Spaniards. /
Military authorities of the island
are aware of the fact that bands OF
colored men have been drilling during
the last month IN Plnar del Rio, and
also in the eastern provinces, with
view to being prepared for an out
hreak. 1t is known also that funds TO
buy arms and pay the expenses OF an
uprising are being collected III
Havana, There are even rumors that
several hundred men have lett the city
10 participate in the expected revolt
bnt these reports lack continuation.
Carlos Garcia, eldest son OF Genera
Calixto Garcia, and brigade com
mander in the SpanishCuban war, Is
IN New York. He represents th'
element in Cuba which desires to 90
tain civil government for the island
He said that the opposition to tn
proposed new government, which ma
suddenly manifested itself in CUBA
prows out of miscOnCeption OF III
Dlan of the Americans. lie said, aIs'
that It was fostered by Cubans now !
Office.
"These men," said General Garcli
shave misrepresented facts to the poo
and ignorant classes. They have lie
the excltabe people to believe IN
they (he Office holders), native Gu
ans though they are, are to be thro'
out of Office and succeeded by Ame
can politicians. To these men can
traced most of the unrest that i
prevailed in the island and that n.
stands in the way of a much need
reform. They came into power WI
General Brooke assumed control
military governor. He deposed
officials in power and appointed e
ans who were then on the groun'
NJ, that was left of our scatte
people. .,
"The military system OF COVE
ment, in my opinion, is too harsh,
domineering; it is not delicate emo
in its workings to prevent friction
tween itself and the people. AS
myself, l think 1t necessary tor
United States to withdraw Its mill
force and set up the proposed
government. 1t will not only b
forward step in preparing the m
10 govern, but it will be an opportl
TO correct existing wrongs.
"The primary and public sci
are in need of immediate atten
Only the universities have receive
s;stance. This has lett the chill
IDLE for one year. Little has
done for the courts. The II
courts have been bettered, Dut
lower have been neglected. IN
postal, police and health depaf'i
the United States governments a
have instructed the native Cubans
and they are beng ably fitted t
sumo charge of these departn
This in Itself is an evidence OF
faith on the part OF the United )
and should be sufficient answer
opposition to civil government.
s.All we ask is a chance to pre-
this country that we can govern
selves. Take away your soldier
pecially the colored troops, VINO
continued source OF eXcltems
Cubans; set up the civil govern
give the people chance to vot
the Cubans will demonstrate tn;
can take care of themselves.
III Living Too Aigh Says Judge Ly