Gilpin observer., 1899-05-18
A CRISIS IN CUBA.
PEARS oF AM oursREAk.
cubans Object To General Brooke's Meth
ods-Gnmes Withholds Support In the
Disarmament Proposition.

~.
eral Maxine Gomez informed Cover
nor General Brooke to-day that he
must withdraw from the plan for dis
tributing the $3,OO0,OOO appropriated
to the payment of the Cuban troops to
the extent that he will not choose 9TH
er commissioners to replace those orig
inally selected by him, who have re-
fused to serve.
Governor General Brooke Is to 20
ahead with new plan, Gomez remain
ing in an attitude of friendly inactivi-
ty.
General Brooke will issue an order
for Cuban privates and non-commis-
stoned officers to meet at specified
places on specified dates to receive
payment. They are to be accompanied
by their company officers, for the
purpose of Identification.
Both General Gomez and the COVER
nor general feel that the private ought
not to lose his share in the American
gratuity because the schemes of GER
tain high officers in the Cuban army
have interposed obstacles.
This afternoon General Gomez
wrote history of his relation to the
army payment question. 1t includes
the correspondence that has passed
between himself and the governor gen.
eral and 1t Is intended to make his po-
sition clear to the public and to con-
trast his conduct favorably with that
of the other Cuban leaders.
New York, May 15.-A late message
says that General Brooke has COM
piled with GomeZs request that arms
be delivered to the civil mayors of
cities Commissioned officers are to re-
ceive pay. Gomez will issue a mani
festo tomorrow and payment will be
begun at once. An anti-Gomez meet
ing was held tonight
Washington, May 15.-Oficials are
worried over the Cuban situation. The
disarmament proposition. it is agreed,
will have to be dealt with by firm
hand. The first sign of open revolt
will be dealt with promptly and vigor-
! ously and will be death blow to in
dependence.
The fact that affairs in Cuba are not
being conducted satisfactorily and
that conditions there are quite serious,
can no longer be concealed at the War
Department. There is discord. Bick-
erings continue from day to day. and
the Cubans have shown their dissat-
1sfactiOn in more ways than one.
Some blame Gomez; some blame those
who oppose Gomez. but there are 9TH
ers who incline to belief that the sole
responsibility rests with General
Brooke.
Prominent Cubans have declared en-
| phatically that the military govern
| ment which he has given them Is
| worse than that which existed under
Spanish sovereignty. He is denounced
as martinez. who represses personal
liberty and freedom of speech and ac.
| tion. and who in no manner encour-
ages the best qualities of the people
which the United States freed from
| Spanish rule.
improvements which had been Or
dered or begun by other military COM
manders In the island have been coun-
ternanded or stopped by Brooke.
| greatly to the dissatisfaction of oil
concerned.
The complaint, which is quite gen.
eral. has grown to such an eS 'ent that
disposition exists mt the War De
partment to take cognizance of 1t. and
It has been suggested that General
Leonard Wood, who is in closer touch
with the people of Cuba and better in.
formed on their real feelings, would
better be consulted on questions which
have arizen. 1t is even said that al
ready confidential letters on the sub
ject have been exchanged between him
and certain officials in Washington.