New-York tribune., 1902-11-09
THE COLOR LINE IN CUBA.
EFFORTS OF THE NEGROES TO SECURE
RECOGNITION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
WILL PRESIDENT PALMA INVITE
THEM TO HIS RECEPTION:
Havana, November 4

Havana, November 4.
The negro question which has always been
matter Of more less apprehension in Cuba, is
now assuming more prominence than ever before.
The murmurings of the colored element have been
widespread since the Americans assumed con-
troll of Cuba. but because the was unorganized
its discomfort was not then recognized impor-
tant. There those who have predicted trouble
along color lines. and some conservative men have
gone so far as 10 predict a race war in Cuba. But
whether or not the discomfort Of the colored race
in Cuba Of Importance before, the fact
fronts the new republic that II il OF Importance
to-day, because these heretofore unorganized peo-
pie have been formed into clubs and societies,
have established newspapers. and. in fact, the
Liliputian Of yesterday. who only asked favors.
day is fugrown giant, who no longer requests
favOrs, but demands them.
Never before has the negro question been inn
portant in the country it is to-day. The Vet
cranes de Color have issued 4 formal declaration
OF their intentions and aims They make a state
ment TO the press that the club heretofore known
By that name no longer exists; that ail who fought
In the Cuban army veterans and that they
must belong TO the same club. irrespective Of color
There have always been two veteran clubs one OF
which had a membership made up entirely OF
whites and the other constituted Of negroes.
The colored people in Cuba feel that they have
been entirely ignored 10y the Cuba L4bre' for
which they fought probably harder than their
white brethren. and now they demand that they be
dealt with any other Cubans. In this propa-
ganda they state plainly their ease. and do not
in any way leave II 10 be believed that they are
begging faVors- They say they have got beyond
that stage; that during the whites and blacks
were known only a Cubans and that such a thing
as color thought OF until after the war, /
when pale faced youths who fled TO New York and
other safe places in the United States while there
was hghting TO do returned 10 Cuba and took the
offices which others who fought and suffered prI-
Yatiuns deserved
During the administration Of the American mill
tary authorities they refrained from coming for
ward. they say, because Of what is termed the
national dislike Of the United States the col
ored man. But now that their government is in
the hands Of the Cubans. the negroes intend
have what they claim their just dues
The leader OF the coored race here is Senior Juan
Gualberto Gomez. one Of the most brilliant orators
and one OF the most able editorial writers the
Island His father Spanard. but every
feature Of the negro is plainly marked his face.
His mother was slave brought from Africa. lie
can swerve him from his purpose to light for their
mad he consented to acknowledge the Platt amend
Ment ne would have been elected 10 a SenatOrship.
paper 'Diario de la Marina" says that although
ana tb Pa[y; oi %nlcn ne Is thG leader
platform the latter will not merge because those
his superior intellect and ability be the dominant
hgure 9th, Of the combined parties Sehor Gomez has
ent standard He has been urging upon them the
through his paper. La Repubiica Guiana fought
for their rights When General Wood issued the
Gomez took up the cudgeIs for his neop,e m and
made hard light against the order Ills cam
paign had the effect Of causing the Military Gov
ernor TO issue another order allowing colored
people also to become members of the Cuban
Since the establishment of the Cuban Republic
he has insisted throughout that his he rec
has gone so far as TO demand that President Palma
appoint member OF the colored race as Cabinet
What will be the result of this agitation of the
negro question in Cuba II IS difficult predict
Already II is being asked if President Palma will
invite colored people to his reception. which will
he does the best element OF Cuban society will
probably remain away. for there exists distinct
head all the vituperation Of which the pen of
Gomez is capable. and this may prove embarrass-
Ing and widen the breach that already exists
ts;r M end ne negroes % attempt force to accomplish
Iner I1d enasz ms Is a Question many times asked
this will not be necessary. one of the most prom
Lar! t .L rSik stated IN answer 10 question as
We know that IL is for interests have the
We realize that if there is any trouDie here
the United States viii send its army back and
that Is something that the Cuban colored man does
multitude OF sins of his own countrymen before
he will run the risk of having the United States
every day Of how the colored is treated in
your country. and for this If for no other
patriotism should not cause us to.
here. and we have decided to adopt quiet but ef
fectiye measures to improve this condition. The
whites themselves cannot deny that fought the
hardest for Cuban Independence. Ten colored sol
Can you blame US. then. for complaining?
Now looked down upon. and why? Be
Gzns Not at m h %Ro is a 6a good @
Sou Sg people can It. IS drawn now 5S When eoGf # 5 ne as
thought of during the Then we We're an
cubans, lighting for one cause; but it is DIFF
10. we are not going to make trouble: we will
lieve il. just watch US