Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-18

Il
Gen. Gomez had shown recuperative powers
that were astonishing. His real illness ex-
| tended over forty-six days, although his
| health had been failing for some months
prior to that time.
Gen. Gomez originally suffered from de-
bilftation of the heart and liver Later An
aoscess developed in his hand which was
operated on. He rallied SO slowly from
this that mass meetings that had been
arranged by the liberal fusionists in east
ern Cuba in his honor were abandoned.
Gangrene appeared. and he underwent q
second operation. Some Improvement was
shown, and it first was intended to take
the general to Moro Castle in Santiago
but the physicians decided, in accordance
with the generals wishes, to return to
Havana. He endured the railroad Journey
fairly we'll. but since his arrival here
alarming inaction of his vital organs was
| observed. During this period, however,
on several occasions, the general showed
| marked Improvement. but it was realized
that the presence of gangrene meant the
end.
Idolized by Cubans.
The admiration of the mass of Cubans
for Gen. Gomez amounted almost to idol
airy. His death admittedly is severe blow
to any political interest to which he was
allied. He was one of the most radical
leaders of the national party. He had al
lied himself with the liberal fushion move-
ment. but split came during his sickness,
and 1t was generally thought he would have
Joined Gov. NuneZ and other dissenters in
upholding the old nationalist organization
Gen. Gomez leaves a widow, five sons and
one daughter.
Only today the secretary of the treasury
delivered to one of Gen. Gomez sons
check for 100000, which has been voted
unanimously by congress for the generals
benefit and approved by President Palma
This was in addition to the $4,000 previ-
ously voted by congress.
Cen Maxine Gomez, who commanded
the Cuban forces during the insurrection
which broke out in 1895 and ended with
the complete independence Of the island
when on May 20. 1902 the control of Cuba
was formally transfrred to the new Cuban
government. was born at Bani. Santo Do
mingo, in 1896. and came of Spanish fam
lily. He began life cavalry officer in
the Spanish army in Santo Domingo and
served during the last occupation Of Santo
Domingo by Spain. In the war with Hayti
Gomez distinguished himself at the battle
of Tome when with twenty men he routed
a much superior force of Haytians. When
the Spaniards were driven from the island
Gomez went with the Spanish troops TO
Cuba, and for time was in garrison at
SstHtidSO DtiHS QlSSuSIeQ at the
manner in which the Spanish Gen. Villar
treated some starving Cuban refugees for
whom Gomez had collected funds the
young lieutenant severed his connection
with the Spanish army. He became so en-.
ragged at Gen. Villars conduct that he
struck the general, called him a coward.
and from that time became bitter enemy
Of Spain.
He Joined the patriots in the insurrec-
ton of 1868 and fought ten years, being
Cuban commander-in-chief from 1873 to
1878, succeeding Gen. Agramonte on the
latters death. AS a guerrilla commander
pedes and Agramonte captured Bayamo,
Tumas, Jiguani and Holguin. In Puerto
Principe Gomez was known as the terror
on account Of the many defeats he INFLICTED
on the Spaniards.
Withdrew to Jamaica In 1878.
When in 1873 Marshal Martinez de Cam
pos succeeded in persuading the Cuban
leaders to make terms of peace Gomez
withdrew to Jamaica and then went back
to Santo Domingo. where he lived quietly
on farm until the Cuban revolution of
1895 broke out and Joseph e. Marti had
been proclaimed president. His exploits
during the war of Independence are well
known.
From Holguin, in the northern part Of
the province of Santiago de Cuba, where
Gomez and Marti landed with fifty we'll
armed men from a yacht. Gomez fought
his way inch by inch up to gates of Ha-
vana and into the province of Pinar del
Rio. frequently crossing Spanish tro-
chas or military walls when they were
looked upon as inpassabie. He completely
outgeneraled Marshals De Campos and