New-York tribune., 1902-01-01
FRIENDSHIP FOR AMERICAN PEOPLE,

GENERAL PALMA BELIEVES THIS SHOULD
BE THE FIRST AIM OF THE
CUBAN REPUBLIC.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSEI
Central Valley. n. Y. Dec. 31.-This little Or
ange County village is the home of General
Tomas Estrada Palma. the Fusion candidate at
| to-day's election for the Presidency OF Cuba A
local election could hardly cause more interest
or enthusiasm among the inhabitants. many ot
whom have known General Palma for nearly
twenty years, than is displayed over his candt-
dacy. 1t is the chief topic of conversation. Gem
eral Palma himself appears to be the least IN
terested in the result of the electoral contest
This apparent apathy. however. is hardly be-
cause of the lack of appreciation of the honor
that his compatriots are bestowing upon him.
His love of home and family is the explanation
for his seeming indifference. All through tha
campaign, and to this day, he has remained
here isolated from the turmoil of political strife,
on account of his desire to lead quiet domestic
life and remain with his wife and six children.
Not even desk full of letters from prominent
Cubans congratuating him and asking for soms
expression that would aid his partisans canvass
for his election has elected word relative to
politics.
The Tribune correspondent found General
Estrada Palma to-day seated at a roll top desk
in his library, busy with some correspondence
whic he said he was answering out of courtesy
to the writer's. The little postoffice here has
been deluged with letters for the veteran since
his name has been mentiOnd presidential
candidate; thirty day has been a fair aver
age These communications from all parts
of Cuba and the United States. and the contents
varied from the request for concession of a
gold mine to the announcement OF a company
that it had made some beautiful uniforms'
for South American Presidents and would bs
honored with an order from General Palma for
his official regalia.
The Palma residence is four story frams
house, situated at the foot of the Ramapo Mouu-
tains. His home is the centre of attraction
for visitors. The villagers point it out as the
home of the President OF Cuba" About thirty
acres of ground surround the wooden dwelling.
The house. which is large and roomy, serves the
double purpose of a residence and a school.
which is known as the Estrada Palma Insti-
tute.
General Palma is attached to his children.
Jose the eldest. is nineteen years old He ia
studying law at Columbia University. Tomas,
jr is seventeen: Candelaria, fourteen; Carlos
and Luz twins seven. and Rafael. six All the
children except Jose were born in Central Val-
ley. They are an interesting group the fam-
lily sits at the long dining table in the basement.
On the walls are hung large portraits OF Gen-
erals Gomez Garcia. Maceo and others OF ths
My ambition now" said the old warrior. 'is
to bring up my children as good men and
women. Political preference is furthest from
my mind But my friends insisted on making
me candidate"
General Palma is of medium height. broad
shouldered, and physically strong. His hair Is
dark with here and there just streak of gray.
He speaks English fuently. He is modest and
retiring. Seated at the desk in his study and
adj lis
erty. where his Tomas skating, he saids
Great sport. like to see the children enjoy
themselves" But it was a difficult task indeed
to get him talk about himself He was not a
bit excited. did he display the least trace
of anxiousness the contest in Cuba Ha
said:
You see / am entirely content with my presS
ent life. I have lived here with my family fod
eighteen years, and am entirely satisfied with.
my present condition / am not seeking hOnorss
/ have given more than thirty years OF my hfs
TO the cause OF my country ana VIII always bd
ready to help in its betterment, but POLITICAL
strife is out OF my sphere.
There is plenty of courage left in the old man.
the courage brave and dare. but there is
also world OF tenderness; and that is tha
secret Of his aversion to a political life. whichs
will divide the attention which he is now abls
TO give his wife and children.
Although he believes that his election Is a
certainty he refused speak as the president-
He said unofiCially to your correspondent:
The principal object of the Cuban RepubIia
should be first OF all to secure the most friendly
relations with the American people, who helpef
in our hour of need. We will always bear in,
mind the work OF the United States in helping
TO obtain our independence from Spanish
rule. and at the same time should try to se-
cure from the Washington Government all the
advantages possible from products by
reasonable reductions OF the import duties,
especially sugar and tobacco. this
is the only way for Cuba TO escape the abb
solute ruin OF these two industries which are
the only bases of Cuba's actual wealth. With
out this benefit the Cuban people will find them
selves in great distress and subject to disturb-
anCes from lack of employment; without this,
benefit all the sacrifices of the Cubans for their
freedom will be at naught for in a starving con-,
dition they cannot enjoy their independence.
am convinced that the people OF the United
States know very we'll that IL is to their own
interest that Cuba be in prosperous condition.
and in a state OF order and peace. and for that
reason sure that majority of the Ameri-.
cans will favor a commercial treaty between the
countries advanta geouS both to the United
States and Cuba