Year: 1873

Interview Of the Herald Correspondent,


O'Kelly, with Ccspedes, the Head OF the


Cuban Insurrection---An Interesting


Statement.


The appearance of the residence Of
the Cuban Government, says O'Kelly,
was certainly far from impressive for
the strictly material mind. A narrow
path through the forest led to small
clearing in the woods, in which were
situated some twenty huts, constructed
of penca8 de n1anaca. The ground,
covered with stumps of trees, and with
scant foliage, rising on either side OF
very small rivulet running through
the centre of the encampment, increased
the melancholy look of the place. On
the further side of the little rivulet q
group of young officers were waiting to
receive me, among them the son Of the
President, Colonel Cespedes. As soon
as the presentation Of these gentlemen
was over I was informed they were sent
to conduct me to the presence of the
President.


followed them some distance to a
hut little larger and somewhat more
commodious than its neighbors, but the
difference could not excite discomfort
in the most envious mind. The most
enthusiastic socialist and leveller would
not desire a more modest presidential
mansion.


On entering, small, well-built man,
rather stout of body and below the mid.
die height, rose to receive me. One OF
the officers said =" This is the Presi-
dent" And at'the same time President
Cespedes, advancing with hand extend
ed, said very distinctly in English -


"I am very glad to see you"


was frightfully tempted to try q
little stage effect and leave mot for
posterity. In fact, like other people in
similar circumstances, I had arranged
in my own mind, while toiling over
those sharp, Internally pointed rocks, q
very magnificent phrase but at the
last moment either my moral courage
failed or my national modesty over
come me. I said nothing worthy of
posterity, but simply expressed my
satisfaction at seeing President Cespedes
well, and thanked him for the cordial
reception he was pleased to extend to
me.


President Cespedes is a small man
with good deal of iron in his compost
ton, stands remarkably erect and is
nervous in action and in temperament.
His features are small with claim to
regularity. The forehead, high and
well formed the face oval and little
worn by time and care his eyes, gray
with tinge of brown, are bright and
penetrating. His mouth and the lower
part of his face are concealed by
mustache and beard of iron gray, with
q few black hairs interspersed. When
he smiles he shows his teeth, which are
wonderfully preserved and of extreme
whiteness.


As soon as the first exchange of cour-
tesies was concluded the President in
troduced me to Senor Miguel Bravo,
S, cretario de Guerra, and afterwards to
the members of his staff. President
Cespedes then requested me to be seat
ed, pointing to fixed stool made of
rudely -planed laths, close to the table,
on which were placed some pamphlets
relative to the Cuban question, and a
few copies of papers.


A few books and bundles of papers
were arranged in an orderly manner
about the hut, which contained no fur
niture but a hammock, table rudely
constructed of sticks bound together by
the Magaqua, a vegetable cord which
abounds in the woods. In addition, q
few valises were placed against the side
of the hut containing the Presidential
wardrobe. A revolver suspended from
belt of golden texture and sixteen
shooting Winchester rifle completed the
very simple furniture of the President
of the Cuban Republic. The first ques-
tions were about my entry into the
Cuban lines, and whether the Spaniards
had permitted me to pass freely. On
learning the threat of General Morales
de los Rios to shoot me in case should
be captured, President Cespedes offered
to send me to Jamaica in one OF the Gu
ban boats that constantly make the pas
sage. This offer declined, as I have
made'up my mind to return through the
Spanish lines, unless something very
unexpected happens to make me alter
my resolution. I then expressed wish
to be allowed to pass through the Cuban
lines to the Camaguey district, in order
that I should be made acquainted with
the state of the whole insurrection.
President Cespedes at once replied -
every facility shall be placed at your
disposal to see and examine into the
state of our forces, and whatever infor-
nation or papers you may require rela-
tive to the civil or military organization
shall be freely placed at your disposal" "
Referring then to my letter on slavery
in Cuba, he said -


"We were pleased with this letter,
because it showed q desire to present
the case of Cuba fully and truly. Thei e
are many points in it, however, about
which I will speak to you at future
time. A hut has been placed at your
disposal, and as you must be fatigued
and may desire to rest, 1 will not detain
you longer now, but expect you will dc
me the favor of breakfasting with me. y


Reporter-But if Spain should finally
adopt republican form of government
would not Cuba be disposed to become
reconciled to her?


Cespedes-I cannot say what the SEN
timent or feelings of the people in the
towns may be but the Cubans in arms
will accent no reconciliation or peace