The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-07-05
HE CALLS ON SECRETARY OF WAR
ROOT AND THE PRESIDENT
TO DINE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Cabinet Oncers and senators to Meet
Him at This Din1er-NothinG Politi-
cal or Omcial in His Visit to the Pres
ident-The Visit Merely to Express
His Gratitude to President McKfn-
ley General Fftzhuch Lees Esti.
mate of Gomez's Work for Cuba.

Washington. July General Fitz-
hugh Lee was among those who called
on General Gomez at his hotel. The
visit recalled that Interesting period
when General Lee was the American
consul general at Havana, and Gomez
was leading the Cuban contingent in
the field. When asked for his view of
General Gomez. General Lee said:
II am one of those of the opinion that
If it had not been for Gomezs indom-
liable persistence the Cubans would
not have held out until aid came to
them from the United States. 1t was
not'so much as a fighter that he dis
tinguished himself. for there was not
much fighting to do on a large scale. but
he held on in spite of all discourage
ment. and with rugged honesty re-
sisted the efforts Of the Spaniards to
bride him OF his generals. He even is
sued an order that any officer seeking
to corrupt the Cuban generals be shot.
and while I was at Havana, one Of the
Spanish officers who sought to estab-
lish relations with a Cuban officer ac-
tually suffered death when he fell INTO
the hands Of Gomez's followers. 1t was
his sentimental perseverance in a for
lorn hope which distinguished Gomez.
and which won Cuba her independ-
ence."
the war department today at 1880
o'clock. After a short conference with
the secretary Of war they went to the
White house to see the president.
While General Gomez was at the war
department he met General Miles. AL
though the commander of the Ameri-
can army has been several times in
Cuba he and the commander of the
Cuban army never met before.
Secretary Root escorted General Co.
mez to the White house at II O'Clock
this forenoon. The Cuban general was
accompanied by his son and Senior Con
Zales, the private secretary Of General
Wood. The president received the
party very cordially in the Red parlor
The interview lasted about half ar
hour and at its conclusion General
Gomez reiterated through his i~nterpre-
ter, that his mission to this country is
in no way political. He came here to
visit his old friend. Senior Palma, and
desired, before returning to Cuba, tic
see President Mckinley, for whom he
has a very high regard, and to express
to him personally the deep gratitude he
felt for the assistance of the United
! States in the Cuban struggle. No po-
litical topics, ne said. had been touched
upon during the interview, which was
purely social.
The president invited General Come
to be his guest at linn tonight wher
he will meet the members of the cab.
met now in the city and a number Of
senator's.
Secretary Root remained with tn,
president for a short time after Genera
Gomez had departed. When ne lef
the White house he said there wa.
absolutely nc political significance il
the visit of General Gomez. The general
he said, had never before met the pres
ident and the call was purely one O
courtesy, as General Gomez lie not fee
that he could return home without see
ing President Mckinley and paying hi.
respects n thanking him for wha
this country had o for Cuba.
After the dinner tonight Genera
Gomez and his son returned t o New
York