New-York tribune., 1901-07-07
MUST BE ONE IN TIME.
so SAYS GOMEZ, OF THE UNITED STATES
AND CUBA.
POINTS TO GENERAL PALMA AS HIS CHOICE
FOR THE CUBAN Observation-Disclosures
RECENT STATEMENT TO THE
TRIBUNE
TRIBUNE.

General Gomez who has been in this city for
nearly fortnight, spoke freely last night for
the first time in his visit The occasion which
offered him this opportunity dinner given
for him last night by w. T. D. Stokes at the
Union League Club The other chief guest OF
the evening was General T, Estrada Palma, who
was the head of the Cuban Junta here during
and before the with Spain.
Some of the thoughts expressed by General
Gomez in a speech which was translated into
English by senor Gonzales, created consider
able seaeattor, Especiat o9Eln'ept was caused
when the General said:
Cuba and the United States belong together
1t is only a question OF gravitatIon when they
will be one
General Gomez qualified this statement by
adding
thousands of lives sacrificed and when men
and children starved to death In the restricted bar
riers In which General Weyler held them under his
policy OF reorganization they feel that they must
see Cuba libre"
Continuing he said:
the idea OF Cuba Libre' before him. with the
Yoke of opPression Wke an @ od CUBAN dies @ 'e he
says TO his son. You will live to see Cuba free"
and the dies in the same faith
II is fully realized. however. that Cuba cannot
get along without the United States but the
Cubans do want to feel freedom
General Gomez then came out fairly and
squareiy with the declaration that he wanted to
see General Palma the first President of the
republic . he finished speaking he pointed to
General Palma as his own choice and that of
his fellow Cubans.
General Palma made a feeling reply, and spoke
enthusiastically OF the future of Cuba. He did
not declare himself out and out as declining
O run for ne Presidency he did .o The
Tribune last Tuesday, when In dispatch he
wrote:
The Cuban parties have made no nomination as
yet And do not expect to be a candidate since
some OF my friends have been informed by me that
l decline the honor
After the dinner General Gomez said to the
newspaper men that he very glad to have
an interview as he wished TO express his graft
tude to the press of the United States and OF the
world for the great good that they had done to
the cause Of Cuba Libre He said that when he
came here years ago he very sad, but that
on this visit ne very happy, and was glad
to recognize how much the American people had
done Tor the Cubans. He had felt a bond OF
sympathy with the American nation when he
first mingled with it's people but he now felt
much more strongly the reality of that bond
lie was sure that the Cubans would now estab-
lish their own government and would show how
much they feel gratitude for the successful helm
OF the Americans In removing the Spanish yoke.
is there any feeling in Cuba of apprehension
In regard to the intentions of the United
States?' he was asked
NO. there is no question about it," he replied
Cuba trusts implicitly in the honor of the
American people"
What can you say as to the future policy
of Cuba?"
That cannot be answered." replied General
Gomez, because no one can foresee the future:
but believe that the attitude of Cuba will be
one OF gratitude, in accordance with the obliga-
tions Of Cuba to the United States"
VINO do you think will be the President of
the Cuban Repubc?"
Il don't know but I hope that II win he
General T. Estrada Palma"
NO, no. said General Palma. THAT Is for
the Cuban people to say"
We'll there are three candidates" said Cen
eral Gomez, or rather. three persons named
myself, General Bartolomeo Masso and General
rama. L VIII not accept under any circum-
stances. General Palma elected during the
Ten Years war. and hope that he Will be
elected again. The electoral law Is now being
framed. and the election will be held in Septem-
ber"
Referring to the occasion of his visit. General
Gomez said that he had been an intimate friend
of General Palma for thirty years. and had had
no opportunity TO see him since 1894, and that
he same to this country. in the first place to
visit him, and then to pay his respects to Presi
dent Mckinley and Secretary Root. His visit
had political significance whatever.
General Palma was asked his views in regard
TO the future of Cuba. and said:
we hope that the United States will give us
help in the reduction of the customs duties on
sugar and tobacco. We need economic assist
ance. This country is market. We hope
and trust that the Republican party, which has
given us so much help. VIII give us this eco
nomic assistance. We believe the Democratic
party, II in power, would do the same"
General Gomez and his party will sail on
Wednesday for Cuba
POLAND, POLAND. POLAND WATER.
Pure. sparkling. delicious Park Place. N. y
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