New-York tribune., 1901-10-29
TALK WITH GENERAL SANTOS
THE COLOMBIAN INSURGENT CHIEF,
WHO DIRECTS A REVOLUTION
FROM CURACAO.

IFRoM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE ]
Curacao. Danish West Indies, Oct 20.-The
correspondent OF The Tribune had interview
here to-day with General Gabriel Vargas Santos,
cIhef Of the Liberal party Of Colombia and di-
rector general of the rebellion now in progress
IN that republic
This little island on the Caribbean is the head
quarters for nearly every revolutionary junta
from neighboring South American States. The
Colombian insurrectionists occupy floor in the
Hotel Commerce.. and il is there that General
Va-ges Santos directs the movements Of his
compatriots in the field Notwithstanding that
he has almost reached the three-quarters cen
tury mark OF life, he is determined 10 return TO
his country and again take personal command
OF the rebel forces
Il came here" he said. FOR the purpose OF re-
organizing the Liberal army The work is about
completed now and I shall soon be back IN
Colombia ightng TO the last for the cause Of
humanity, justice. progress and civilization"
Those who surround General Vargas Santos
have every confidence in the wisdom Of his
counsel and his orders are obeyed implicitly
The insurgent leader is not more than > feet ;
inches in height. but broad shouldered and ap-
parently OF strong physique. His hair and beard
white, and his appearance is rather that Of
a philanthropist than the head Of a movement
that has already cost the loss Of thousands Of
before Il is finally settled one way or the other.
His nose is long and Eroad. His eyes, which
brown. and his mouth rather wide and with
slightly protruding lower lip. are his strongest
features. They indicate great force Of character.
Although not bald. and despite the terrific heat
thar prevails il Curacao, General Vargas Santos
wears a cap almost constantly He does not
speak rapidly Hike most Spanish Americans, but
rather slowly and in a low tone. Like General
Rafael Trihe-CTibo, the fighting chief OF the
revolution, he is a lawyer 10y profession and a
Of executive ability.
we are fighting for principles which are
identical with those that actuated the South
American people 10 throw of the yoke Of Spain.
Colombia gained her Independence. too. but the
Spanish rule was never so bad as that which
to-day characterizos the Conservative regime.
ITO the Liberal party Is denied absolutely
every right that is guaranteed by the constitu-
1icn. We want no privileges, but demand only
That we be permitted TO exercise the right Of
citizenship. The Clerical, or Conservative, gov
ernment is opposed TO free speech, 10 "A free
press, liberal education and, in fact, opposes
everything that should be embodied in the in
stitutions Of a free and enlightened country.
These are the conditions which the Liberal
party is trying TO better besides system OF eX-
cessive taxation without voice in the affairs
of the government. ] glad OF this oppor-
tunity TO explain 10 the people Of the United
States that this is not a Of spoliation. II
is merely a fight 10 place country the
same civilized basis our neighbors. II is a
cause that must appeal TO every liberty loving
American.
represents the best element Of the country. The
rebellion was ordered only after had APP
pealed time and again 10 the government for
justice. Il WAS denied us, and our only resort 10
accomplish the reforms sought was in armed
opposition 10 tyranny and oppression. And from
20 say that the Liberal party viii triumph with
in six months"