The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-13
Opposed Because He Refused to Com
promise Financial and Political
Interests of the Island.
DEMONSTRATIONS In HAVANA
CROWDS FRIENDLY TO GOMEZ SHOUT
.DEATH TO THE ASSEMBLY,,
Probable Effect OF the Change on the
Distribution of the S3,OOO,OOO
from United States.

HAVANA, March 12-General Maxine
Gomez has issued the following statement
to the Cuban people and army: by the
use OF the supreme faculties with which II
Is endowed, the assembly, representing the
army only, has deposed me as commander
in-chief of the Cuban army. which grade
1t conferred on me during the last war. AS
commander er-in-chief 1 always followed the
dictates OF my best conscience and the call
OF great national needs. endeavored in all
circumstances TO fulfill my duty.
''The assembly considers the fact that
do not aid 1t in efforts to raise loans which
later would compromise the greatest finan-
cial and political interests of Cuba to be
an act OF insubordination and OF want Of
respect. The primary cause for the action
taken against me is my conviction that
Cuba should begin the exercise of its own
sovereignty as republic Of union and
cord, proclaimed at Monte Cristo and sus-
tained unimpaired on the field of battle.
free from all compromise. keeping the
nations honor spotless.
'.As for the rest, as a sincere man, con-
fess thank them because they relieve me
of great political obligations and also leave
me free to return to my abandoned home,
which, during thirty years Of continual
strife for the good of this country that I
love so much has been my one aspiration.
Foreigner as / am, did not come TO serve
this country by helping ii TO defend its just
cause as a mercenary soldier; and, conse-
quently, since the oppressive power OF
Spain has withdrawn from this land and
left Cuba I'm freedom. have sheathed my
sword. thinking / had finished the mission
which had voluntarily imposed on myself
I am owed nothing. retire contented and
satisfied at having done all could for the
benefit of my brothers. Wherever destiny
rules that make my home. there can the
Cubans depend on a friend
Governor General Brooke was notified last
night OF the deposition OF Gomez and when
seen this morning he was much interested
10 learn the details OF the assembly's pro-
ceedings. He said he could not express an
opinion as to the effect OF the assembly's
action on the future relations between Gen.
Gomez and the United States. particularly
IN the matter OF disbursing the 50. 900, 900 Of
fered by Washington TO the Cuban troops
a condition Of disbandment but the i'm
preston seems to be among the American
authorities that as the assembly has never
been officially recognized by the United
States government its action, so far as
Washington Is concerned. will not amount
to more than the resolutions OF any other
body OF individuals.
DEATH TO THE ASSEMBLY,
The assembly Is being strongly censured
by Cubans on all sides, and there were pop
ular demonstrations this afternoon in favor
OF the deposed commander-in-chief the
crowds shouting. Long live Gomezr' and
Death to the assembly, Gen. Gomez
all OF whom assured him of their affection
and loyalty and that the declarations by
the assembly on whatever subject could not
represent even the army. as the elections
which gave its members their present posi-
tions are really voidable for illegality and
political jobbery. There is no doubt that a
majority OF the people support him as
against the assembly. The local press will
probably attack the assembly. urging it's
dissolution as the best thing that can hap
pen and insisting that there is no reason
why the United States authorities may not
continue TO treat with Gen. Gomez in the
matter Of the payment to the troops
1t is said on good authority that the pay
rolls Gomez is preparing TO hand Governor
Brooke are most complete. full and fair,
and that when the army learns he can aid
the troops in procuring 100000. whereas
IL Is problematical whether the assembly
can obtain anything. there is little doubt as
to the side the army will take in the con-
troversy. The troops are tired Of the field
and insufficient food and the indications
are that they would readily disband on re-
ceipt OF the $30oo. 600. unless deceived by the
assembly with promises of a larger pay
ment in the event OF refusing to disband
Gen Gomez enjoys the full confidence of
the American military authorities, and. al
though he says he is glad OF his found
liberty. since ii will enable him 10 return
home. IL is not believed that he will leave
Cuba at present. He has always insisted
that an active share in distributing the
money would fall to him. and there seems
no good reason why he cannot continue to
act as Gen. Brooke's adviser and helper
The question OF his successor as COM
mander-in-chief has not yet been consid-
cred. but Gen Mayia Rodriguez is the next
In command. No doubt Gen. Gomez tech
nically exceeded his authority in acting in
dependently OF the assembly. His course
was certainly calculated TO arouse jealousy
In that body But IL is becoming more and
more apparent that the assembly's action
was largely the result Of personal spite and
a desire TO avenge sights. 1t is well known
that there has long been trouble between
Gen. Gomez and certain members.
The patriotic clubs have decided to abolish
the Junta Patriotica. the members of which
are elected by them. and to establish a
patriotic league In it's place. Gen. Gomez,
81 IS said. viii be asked 10 accept the presI-
deney OF the new organization.
William Willard Howard. general man
ager OF the Cuban industrial relief fund,
which has just established its first station