St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-08-29
Cuban Affairs.

quet was rendered Governor General
Wood Saturday night by the Republican
and Democratic parties. The civil gov
ernor, the archbishop of Cuba, the prin-
cipal judicial and civil dignitaries and
100 representative merchants were
present.
The archbishop in the course of his re-
marks, said the time had arrived for
peace, and that he believed a CONSOLE
dalton of political parties would be Of
greater benefit to Cuba in the future
than house divided against itself. He
said he was happy to greet the people Of
the United States in the person of Gen
eral Wood.
Senior Tamayo, secretary of state, in a
forcible speech, said This is one of
the most important epochs in the politi-
cal history Of Cuba. A constitutional
convention, where the fundamental law
of the land is to be framed is about to
be formed. In that convention the peo-
pie of Cuba are to prove themselves
capable of constructing a government,
of guaranteeing life and property and Of
preserving order. They are also to prove
that Cuba is land open to all men, not
only to those who are Cubans by the ac-
cident of birth or who participated in the
revolution, but also those who can claim
the privilege under the treaty of Paris.
This is a moment when political con-
tentions should be set aside. The issue
is national. Cuba is about to obtain
what three generations bled for; and, If
the constitutional convention is not
what it should be, the noble dead will
rise to demand that blood shall not have
been shed in vain.'
Governor General Wood on rising,
was greeted with cheers which were
taken up by some 5000 people assembled
outside the clubhouse. He spoke in part
as follows:
II am here as your friend, and in no
other capacity Only those who remem-
Der the 10-year war can have as full
knowledge of the conditions of this
province as l have myself When first
saw Ell Caney matters were in a most
deplorable condition, The road to San
tiago was marked with dead and dying.
In the improvement one sees everywhere
VIC save q plOOA VI lIlC IL lGlluly lulClS ol
shown by the American people.
Everybody in the United States was
astonished at the satisfactory way in
which the municipal elections passed
off. President Mckinley personally as
serted that he thought the time for the
next step had come. Whatever the ulti-
mate destiny of Cuba may be, it's i'm
mediate future is independence. This is
no political move on the part of the
United States, but a sincere desire to do
what is right. Therefore I beg you to
sink your political differences and pas
siOns and to send men to the convention
who are renowned for honor and ca
pacity, so that the convention may mean
more than the Cubans even now antici-
pate.
1.-THE work before your representatives
is largely legal work l care not what
your party politics are, for the present
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 Cuban people. Your dele
gates must be competent to draft con-
stitution; and it is duty you owe your
selves and your fellow patriots to see
that your representation is without party
prejudice. Bear in mind that no con-
stitution which does not provide for a
stable government will be accepted by
the United States.
you want liberty for all and for no
particular party. The United States in
sist that you shall have it. This is easily
possible. We have said it to the world
1t lies with you to help US make good our
word If we were not your friends we
would not seek the best men you have
but would seek the disturber and the
malcontent to represent you in the con-
vention. We seek and demand the best
you have. Again l say, send people to
the convention who will hereafter make
your political system workable and
permanent"
General Woods speech is considered
by Cubans here to be the most i'm
portant declaration made since the
American occupation began.
The Cuban flag was raised over the
palace by General Woods permission
Sunday, thousands of Cubans witness
ing the ceremony Later in the after
noon the Al erican, Cuban and Spanish
arms were fastened together in decora-
tions at the principal theater, where
General Wood was present. This was
the first time the Spanish arms have
been exhibited since the evacuation.
Well Kncwn Newspaper q az Dad.
Milford, Mass, Aug. 2S.-William H.
Cook, editor of the Milford Journal, and
one Of the most widely known politicians
in the state, died Sunday, after long
illness. Throughout his life he had been