The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1900-08-31
GIVES HOPE To. cUBANs..
iGen. Wood In an Address IT : Baa.
& auet Indicates That Independence
Il Soon to Come.

odhClaSo ue OuDa, aug. T.-Gov.
Gen. Wood was officially banqueted
Saturday night by the republican, and
democratic parties. The civil gov
ernor, the archbishop Of Cuba, the
principal judicial and civil dignitaries
and q hundred representative mer-
chants were present. >!
The archbishop, in the course Of his
remarks, said the time had arrived
for peace and that he believed q con-
solidation of political parties would
be of greater benefit to Cuba in the
future than a house divided against
itself. He said he was happy to greet
the people of the United States in the
person of Gen. Wood.
The governor generals banquet
speech was the feature of the evening.
He spoke In part as follows:
II am here as your friend and in no other
capacity. Only those who remember the
ten years war can have as full knowledge
OF the conditions Of this province as have
myself. When first saw Ell Caney mat
tors were in q most sdeplorable condition.
Inc road 70 santiago was marked with dead
and dying. In the Improvement one sees
everywhere We have proof of the friend
ly interests shown by the American peo-
pie. -
Everybody in. the United States was
astonished at the satisfactory way in which
the municipal elections passed of. Presi-
dent Mckinley personally asserted that he
thought the time for the next step has come.
Whatever the ultimate destiny of Cuba may
be, It's immediate future is independence.
This Is no political move on the part of the
united states, but sincere desire to do
what Is right. Therefore L beg you, as a
personal favor to me and to the United
States government. to sink your political
differences and passions and to send men
to the conventionxw are renowned for
honor and capacity, so that the convention
may mean more than the Cubans even now
anticipate. 80 p
again I say, send the best men. The
work before your representatives is large
ly legal work. care not what your party
politics is; but whatever it is, for the pres
ent party considerations must be suspended
for the sake of the great end in view, the
end that will make history and affect the
welfare of all the Cuban people,.
Your delegates must be competent to
draft constitution, and 1t is duty you,
owe yourselves and your fellow-patriots to
see that your representation is without par
| ty prejudice. Bear in mind that no consti-
tuition which does not provide for stable
/ government will be accepted by the United
States. I wish to avoid making Cuba into
a second Hayti, although do not think that
possible
These were: the generals concluding
words:
"You want liberty for all and for no
particular party. The United States in
sists that you shall have it. This is pos
sible, and easily possible. We have said it
to the world. 1t lies with, you to help US
make our word good. Your enemies pre-
dict failure. The people Of the United
States and their representatives hope to
see you defeat these predictions. II we
were not your friends we would not seek
the best men you have, but would seek the
disturbed and the malcontents to represent
you In the convention. We seek and de-
mand the best you have. Again say, send
people to the convention who will here
after make your political system workable
and permanent"
Gen. Woods speech is considered by
Cubans here to be the most impor-
tant declaration made since the Amer
lean occupation began.