The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-03-13

HAVANA, March 12.-General Co
mez has issued the following state
ment to the Cuban people and army:
BY the use of the supreme faculties
with which 1t is endowed. the Assembly,
representing the army only, has deposed
army, which grade it conferred upon me
during the last war. As communicating
chief always followed the dictates or
my best conscience and the call of great
national needs. l endeaVored in all cir
cumstances to fulfill my duty
The Assembly considers the fact that
do not aid il in Efforts to raise loans.
which later would compromise the great
est financial and political interests of
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 a re-
public of union and concord. proclaimed
at Monte Cristo and sustained unimpaired
on the field of battle, free from all COM
promise, keeping the nations honor
spotless.
As for the rest, as a sincere man.
confess 1 thank them because they re-
lieve me of great political obligations and
also leave me free to return to my aban-
doned 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 L am,
did not come to serve this country by
helping it to defend its Just cause as s,,t a
since the oppressive power of Spain has
withdrawn from this land and left Cuba
in freedom, 1 have sheathed my sword,
thinking had finished the mission had
voluntarily imposed upon myself. L am
owed nothing. retire contented and
satisfied at having done all l could for
the benefit of my brothers. Wherever
destiny rules that I make my home.
there can the Cubans depend upon
friend.
Governor General Brooke was noti-
fed last night of the removal of Co
mez, and when seen this morning he
was much interested to learn the de-
tails of the Assembly's proceedings. He
said he could not express an opinion
as to the effect of the Assembly's &C
ton upon the future relations between
General Gomez and the United States.
particularly in the matter of disburs-
ing the So, 000 900 offerC by Washing
ton to the Cuban trc- as CONDITION
of DISARMAMENT, but the impression
among the American authorities seems
to be that, as the Assembly has never
been officially recognized by the United
States Government, it's actions. so far
as Washington is concerned. Will not
amount to more than the resolutions of
any other body of individuals.
The Assembly is being strongly CEN
sured by Cubans on all sides. and there
were popular demonstrations this aft
ernoon in favor of the deposed COM
mander-in -chief, the crowds shouting
Long live Gomez" and Death to the
Assembly"
General Gomez during the day re-
ceived numerous visitors. all or Wnom
assured him of their affection and 10y
atty, and that the declaration by the
Assembly, on whatever subject, could
not represent even the army. as the
elections which gave it's members their
present positions are really Voldaole
for illegality and political jobbery.
There is no doubt that majority of
~
Assembl.- The local press will prob
ably attack the Assembly, urging its
dissolution as the best Infng that can
happen and insisting that there is no
reason why the United States authorl-
ties may not continue to treat with
General Gomez in the matter OF the
payment of the troops.
1t is said ON good authority that the
pay rolls Gomez is preparing TO hand
General Brooke are most complete, full
and fair, and that when the army
learns he can aid the troops in procur-
ing So 000 000 whereas 1T is prOblemat-
zeal whether the Assembly can obtain
anything. there is little doubt as to the
side the army will take in the contro-
versy. The troops are tired OF the held
and insufficient food and the indica-
tons are that they would readily dis
band on receipt of the S3,000,000 unless
deceived by the Assembly with prom
ises of larger payment in the event
of refusing to disband.
General Gomez enjoys the full conf
dence of the American military au-
thorities and it is not believed that he
will leave Cuba at present.
The question of his successor as COM
mander in chief has not yet been con-
sidered, but General Mayia Rodriguez
is the next in command.
The patriotic clubs have decided to
abolish the Junta Patriotica and to es-
tablish a patriotic league in its place
General Gomez, 1t is said, will be asked
to accept the presidency of the new or
ganization,