New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-05
: last December 70 hold out for an immediate
recognition NJ Cuban autonomy

ihst december 70 hold out for immediate
recognition OF Cuban autonomy.
But the moment he was brought into actual
touch with the American Administration his
purpose to cooperate with IL for the restoration
OF civil order was unreservedly shown. and. on
this issue he broke absolutely with the radical
element In the Assembly. which was seeking TO
set the army at odds with the Washington au-
thorities. That Gomez read Cuban sentiments
right and the Assembly leaders read II wrong
has now been demonstrated emphatically. and
by his opportune and sensible adhesion to the
American plans for disbandng the army he has
rallied the Cuban people behind him with
solidarity OF feeling which it is given-and only
rarely-to the most fortunate Of politicians to
command.
GOMEZ AS POLITICAL LEADER
Were the experiment OF self government 10
he launched at once. there could he little doubt
Of General Gomezs election and installation as
the first President Of the Cuban Republic. II Is
not certain that the grizzed old soldiers
popularity will wear through the period OF
political probation which seems to face the Gu
ban people. General Gomez is an old man
himself admitting over seventy years. and cred
tied by candid friends with fully seventy-sx
Certain nfrmities OF temperament handicap
him. He is by birth a Spaniard. and by politi-
cal allegiance an allen. Moreover. the soldier
in him quite overshadows the politician. and II
is doubtful whether at his advanced age he
could develop the qualities which win success
in political and administrative life.
Not that he has not the breadth OF view
which a statesman needs. Indeed. in contrast
with the parochar narrowness Of most OF his
rivals and enemies in the Military Assembly
General Gomezs political ideals seem Of the
hat no
dreamed Of the creation Of a West Indian re-
publIc 10 be composed Of san Domingo. Hayti
Jamaica. Cuba and Porto Rico. and it was with
this distant project in view that he drew his
sword against Spain in the Ten Years War and
again in 1885
The greater Antillean republic is. OF course.
a U-topia But It is a Utopia born Of virile
political Imagination. one that is touched at
| least with sentiment and not narrowed 10 tho
mere struggle OF the minute for place ana
| spoIls A Cuban republic under his own Presi-
dency might well appeal 10 General Gomez as
the first step toward the realization OF his long
cherished project. and II his tenure on life hods'
the American evacuation is promptly accom-
| plished and the present currents Of public opin-
| ion do not turn away. his tenancy Of the Qunta
de los Monos-the former summer palace OF
| the Governor General-seems likely 10 he con-
verted from mere lease Of courtesy TO an Of
| fetal and proprietary one.
GOMEZ's SUBURBAN COURT.
Al this beautiful suburban home-offered for
| his use by the City Council OF Havana-General
| Gomez has spent the two months which have
! elapsed since his army entered the capital in
triumph Accompanied by his daughter and
surrounded by his staff and other devoted
! friends he has held a sort OF republican court,
which has been the Mecca OF all the political ele-
! ments which wish TO take up the task Of au-
tonomous government. yet without challenging
the plans and wishes Of the United states.
Here the General has made speeches TO hum
dreds OF delegations which have called on him.
and from here ne has conducted the campaign
| against the Assembly which has practically
| driven that body 10 decree It's own dissolution
From here he will direct. in so far as the power
remains 70 him, the disarmament Of the army
| and assist in the other preliminares necessary
! 10 the free choice by the people OF a repre-
| sentative assembly.
Thought quite bent and shrunken in figure. the
| General carries his years easily, only the tense
| expression Of his face showing the strain OF his
! recent campaigns. Lacking all distinction IN
| manner. and appearance. weather-beaten. grlz-
| zed with many Of the roughnesses OF guerilla
| camp life still clinging about him. the deposed
chief OF the army is still figure OF picturesque
and vital interest Paradoxcal as is his posi-
ton in Cuban politics. he remains the one man
in whose hands the strands Of popular leader
ship have somehow been gathered and with
whose personality the experiment OF local self
government s becoming more and more oound
up Should he maintain the level of WISDOM
and moderation set in his recent performances
the prospect Of a satisfactory political reor-
ganization would be decidedly bright with MS
present influence nullihed or exerted In otner
and harmful directions. continuance or poh,i-
cal chaos and the American protectorate "ou'u
seem TO be the only thing in sight.
". T. Mp.