New-York tribune., 1899-08-14
GENERAL GOMEZS LATEST ROLE.

If. as certain critics contend, the writing OF
pronunciamentOs Is held in Spanish speaking
countries 70 be one of the most essential of mil
itary accomplishments, Maximo Gomez must
take exceptional rank among the generals who
in recent years have made war according TO
Spanish and Spanish-American standards. Not
that any one who has followed General Gomez's
career will be disposed TO undervalue the harder
qualities of leadership which he has shown in
actual campaigning or TO ignore the genuine mil
itary ability which he displayed in conduct
ing two prolonged and cXhaustlng Cuban insur-
recti0ns. II would he equally ungracous and
unjust TO class the general In chief OF the dis
banded Cuban Army with the mere amateurs at
war who pose in many Central and South
American republics as the promoters or tran
Quilllzers of revolution General Gomez has
earned his laurCls with the sword. But that is
no reason why he should not also show his true
quality with that other potent weapon Of Span
ish military tradition the pen.
Since entering Havana last February with
the insurgent forces General Gomez has en-
ployed some Of his leisure moments in preparing
a series of manifestoes which have opened the
eyes of many of his former critics by their ad-
mirable breadth, calmness and disnterestedness
of view. In the guse Of familiar letters to his
wife and son in San Domingo, or of more for
nal deiverances TO associates in the army or to
the troops themselves. he has discussed the
problems Of the American occupation with a
clearnesS and sanity which have been ap-
preached by no other leader, and which have
been conspicuous only by their absence in most
of the recognized organs OF Cuban opinion.
Whether rebuking the shallow and self f-seelSing
Of ho
the insurgent troops 10 disband and resume
their peaceful occupations or appealing to the
public 10 LET time and patience help to solve the
difficulties Of their present situation, General
Gomez has proved both a far seeing counsellor
10 the Cuban people and loyal observer of all
the obligations OF friendship due the United
States.
In his latest public address-an open letter 10
his son-the cx-leader Of the Cuban revolution
emphasizes the fact that the American interven
tion has produced 50 far all the favorable re-
suits which might reasonably have been ex
l.ected from H. 1T Is absolutely false" he as
serts, that great differences exist between the
"Cubans and Spaniards, between the Cubans
"and Americans or among the Cubans them
selves On the contrary, all is going well
"More could not have been done In so short
"time An impatient popuace does not realize
that II is not the work of day TO organize so
"ciety The turbulence Of highstrung minds
must have time TO abate In people thirstins
"for liberty. The intervening Power will fulh
1.-THE obligations 1t has incurred, and the Cubar
people heroic and sensible, VIII take the situa
'tion calmly working and waiting for the inde
'pendence which the future will surely bring
"As TO the suggestion that the intervening
Power contemplates robbing Cubans OF thei
"own. | do not believe II. Such a rumor r. &
"calumny against an honorable people"
These sensible and courageous utterances
offer an agreeable contrast with what Otter
passes for Cuban sentiment in the cafes Of Ha
vana. General Gomez has apparently no pa
Aspce or sympathy with that frothy criticism o.