Authority of the junta.

This Junta, as the representative of the Cuban republic, acts on high authority, for the delegation was appointed on September 19, 1895, by the Constituent Assembly that formed the government and commissioned Maximo Gomez chief commander of the Cuban army.  At the same time it made Mr. Palma delegate and Cuban representative abroad, with authority to appoint ministers to all governments and to have control of all of Cuba’s diplomatic relations and representatives throughout the world.  Besides this, Mr. Palma is the duly accredited minister from Cuba to the United States, and in the event of the Cuban republic being recognized would be received as such.

Under his authority Mr. Palma has appointed sub-delegates, or diplomatic agents, in France, Italy, Mexico, and the Central and South American republics.  Cuba’s independence not being acknowledged by these nations, her ministers are not officially recognized, but are often unofficially received at the “back door,” and exert an influence for the benefit of Cuba in the countries to which they are appointed.

Mr. Palma is in reality the head of the Cuban revolutionary party abroad, which is one of the three departments of the Cuban revolutionary government, the two others being the civil government and the army of liberation.

This Cuban revolutionary branch was founded by Jose Marti, who is regarded by the Cubans as the apostle and master mind of the Cuban revolution.

Mr. Palma is not only the head and front of the Junta, but he is the one person in whom its authority is centered.  He was born in Cuba about sixty years ago, and in his tender youth imbibed the spirit of liberty for the island, a spirit which grew with him until it influenced his every word and act, and finally received his entire devotion.  So direct, gentle, yet determined are his methods, and so unassuming and plain is he in speech and manner that he soon became known as the “Cuban Franklin,” and more firmly has the name become attached to him since the potent influence of his policy has been felt throughout the world.

During the Ten Years’ war Mr. Palma was President of the Cuban republic; was made prisoner by Spanish troops, and sent to Spain, where he was imprisoned until the close of the conflict.  While in Spain, absolutely suffering under the hardships of imprisonment, he was offered freedom if he would swear allegiance to the Spanish crown.

“No!” was his answer.  “You may shoot me if you will, but if I am shot it will be as the President of the Cuban republic.”

Besides Mr. Palma, the only members of the delegation appointed by the Cuban government are:  Dr. Joaquin D. Castillo, the sub-delegate; Benjamin J. Guerra, treasurer of the republic abroad, and Gonzalo de Quesada, charge d’affaires at Washington.

Dr. Castillo is vice-delegate and would take Mr. Palma’s place in case of his death or inability to act.