Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-06
APPOINTMENT
Of GONZALES
RECALLS FEUD
Brother of New Minister TO Cuba
Was Slain on Street by
James H. TiIIman.


When William Elliott Gonzales goes
to Cuba TO which country he has
been appointed as Minister by Presi-
dent Wilson. he will be returning TO
the land OF his ancestors. Born Ia
the United States. he is intensely
American in bis point OF view, but
this has not prevented him from taxi
ing a deep interest In the develop
ment OF cuba.
His name Is a link between the two
countries. His father. a native OF
Matanzas Cuba, married into the old
Elliott family of South Carolina, ana
the new Minister 10 Cuba was named
for his uncle, William Elliott, one
time Representative In Congress. The
Eliotts had been for generations
prominent in the social and political
life or the Palmetto State, and Cen
eral AmbrOsio Jose Gonzales, the Ia
Their of William Elliott Gonzales was
a greater politician than any Of them
and brought up his boys to take a
vital interest in politics for his par
tiCipation IN which one son paid with
his lie. The members Of the Con
opinions on every public question and
have always expressed their feelings
forcibly.
Headed Fight for Liberty
General Gonzales, with Narisco Lo-
PEE, headed the struggle for independ-
ence Of Cuba in 1914. being one Of the
junta Of five members who signed the
declaration OF independence, adopted
the present flag and organized the
first flibustering expedition under
Lopez. he being second in command,
with the rank OF brigadier general
He was the first cuban wounded IN
the battle for independence at Carde-
mas. May 20, 1850. The expedition
failed and a sentence OF death was
pronounced upon Gonzales, but he
escaped to the United States and set
tied in South Carolina, where he
married a daughter OF William Ell
lott. prominent citizen OF Beaufort.
When the Civil War broke out the
Cuban general offered his services 10
the Confederates and served as colo
mel and chief OF artillery with
General Beauregard, surrendering
with Johnston's army at Green's
boro in 1865. His two sons have
followed In his footsteps both having
been soldiers. having proved their de
votion TO the United States and to
Cuba.
He Opposed Tillman.
The feud which ended In the fatal
shooting OF Narlsco @. Gonzales by
Lieutenant Governor James II. TIL
man In 1903 was partly political and
partly personal The two families
had been on bad terms for years, and
during the campaign which resulted
IN the election Of Tillman as Lieu
tenant Governor, Gonzales through
his paper, The State. had fought him
bitterly. IN his editorials he had
called him names that Tillman could
not forgive or forget He challenged
the editor to a duel, but Gonzales
treated the proposal with contempt
This in no way impugned his cour-
age for the entire Gonzales family
was noted for It's bravery and nerve
and NariscO Gonzales, who was
named for old Narisco Lopez, had
acted as a scout for Gomez before
the Spanish war and had
served In the American army after
war was declared, doing valiant SER
vice.
He was shot when walking I'M
armed in the public street by Tillman
At the FIRST shot he called out Cow
ard" and then shoot aEain!" as he
sank to the ground. He died a few
days afterward and feeling ran so
high that Tillman, insisting that he
could not get a fair trial in that coun-
" obtained a change Of venue and
was acquitted after sensational
trial
Is a Spanish War Veteran.
William Elliott Gonzales succeeded
his brother as the editor Of The State
Like him, he had been a soldier in the
war with Spain, having served as
captain in the Second South Caro-
lima regiment and having gone TO
Cuba with the army OF paCification.
Mr.. Gonzales is a close personal and
political friend Of the Secretary Of
State, and In his paper warmly sup
ported him in his candidacy for the
Presidency In all Of his campaigns.
He is also a good friend Of President
Wilson and was one Of the first men
TO suggest his name for the office
which ne now holds The State led
the firht In securing a delegation
favorable to him, and II was largely
owing TO his efforts that the Palmetto
delegation stood by Woodrow Wilson
from first to last at the National Con-
vention. After the nomination Mr..
Gonzales returned home and work
ed for his election. raising a large
popular subscription through the
State to help defray the expenses Of
the campaign.
Mr.. Gonzales has entertained both
President Wilson and Secretary
Bryan at hos home in Columbia. and
il is understood that the appointment
was rendered him out Of personal re-
gard by the President and because
Of his belief in his fitness for the
place.
Senator TiIIman Passive.
Notwithstanding the feeling be
tween the Gonzales and Tillman fam
lies. IL is understood that Senator
Tillman. recognizing Mr. Gonzales
splendid work for President Wilson.
viii not oppose his confirmation. one
of the most outspoken enemies Of the
newly appointed Minister to Cuba is
Governor Blease, who was one Of the
counsel for James Tilman at the
time of his trial Not long ago the
Governor was reported to have criti-
Cised Mr.. Daniels. Secretary of the
Navy, very bitterly because Of his
friendship for Mr. Gonzales