The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-16
GOMEZ DESERTS BROOKE
Refuses 10 Assist In The Distribution OF
Money to Soldiers.
fORCIBLE DISARMAMENT IN PROSPECT
Officials at Washington Realize that
the Situation Is Acute and that
Trouble May Ensue.

Havana. May Is. noon.-General Maxine
Gomez today informed Governor General
representative OF the Cuban army in the
distribution of the $S,0OO.0OO appropriated
for the payment of the Cuban troops.
General Gomez added that he had arrived
at this decision with great reluctance and
with the most friendly feelings towards
General Brooke personally and officially.
but he felt he could nc longer represent
the Cuban army because cabaL composed
Of many of the subordinate command
ers, existed to oppose and If possible de-
feat the plans for partltonlng the money.
He explained that former members of the
Cuban assembly. led by Mayasi Rodriguez,
Manuel Sanguilly, Juan Guilberto and
other malcontents. who had organized a
majority OF the officers against him. APP
pareptly, and though he Gomez might
persist and possibly carry the payment to
successful conclusion, he was disguised
and wished to wash his hands of the whole
business. Therefore he thought that If
he left General Brooke alone the latter
would be able to act with effectiveness.
General Gomez communicated these
Views TO General Brooke at an interview
which continued for an hour and a half.
The Cuban general was attended by Colo
mel Carlos Cespedes son OF the former
Cuban president of that name, who has
been mentioned as a candidate for the
presidency of Cuba.
General Brooke expressed sympathy
with General Gomez and said he regretted
the position he had taken; but. the Ameri-
can commander added, II his decision
was Interchangeable he would proceed TO
deal with the question alone.
1t was then mutually agreed that Cen
eral Gomez will issue tomorrow a mani |
festo to the Cuban army. This document
will be prepared this afternoon and will |
be submitted 10 General Brooke. After it |
has been Issued General Brooke may make /
declaration concerning the manner in
which he will proceed. He is determined
not TO be trifled with. He has the rolls !
OF the prvates and non commissioned Of
hcers, VINO are willing to accept $75 each, |
and this amount will be offered on the
conditions previously laid down
torcible disarmament of the Cuban |
troops will be the ultimate procedure pro-
vided the events of the next two ~ three /
weeks show that such action is ne> .sary, |
Washington. May 15.--High officials in
the war department we're reluctant to dis
euss the Cuban situation this afternoon.
The dispatch of the Associated Press was
read with interest but did not cause much
surprise among army officers VINO are well
about the Cubans specially those
who are known as Soldiers of Fortune"
and who have been bitterly disappointed
because the island was not turned over IN
them Immediately after the Spanish sur
render Ihere is an impression also that
the intention Of General Brooke TO see that
me S5,UOO,0OO is distributed among all The
Cuban troops has caused disappointment
among the many generals" and other
hlgh officials who were evidently expect
lug to secure large share OF the money.
The belief was expressed that the situa-
ton in Cuba is serious and that careful
and diplomatic management will .be need
ed,
1t was stated that no orders would he
ssued to General Brooke, as he had ample
authority to deal with any situation which
night arise. There seems TO be a belief
hat General Gomez has contributed in the 8
ielay IN the payment of the money.