PRESIDENT JOSE MIGUEL GOMEZ (CUBA) - AUTOGRAPH TELEGRAM SIGNED - HFSID 217703

JOSÉ MIGUEL GÓMEZ
The Cuban Liberal Party leader sends telegram to doctor Perna asking him to embalm the body of protester Enrique Villuendas who was murdered by a police man amid an attempted revolt in 1905 and to do not permit the presence of evil ones to profane it
Autograph Telegram Signed: "Jose M. Gomez"and"Gomez "in black ink. 9x5¾. Fully Translated in English: "Embalm the body of Villuendas, do not permit the look of the evil ones to profane it. Do not accept under any circumstances any other participation in his burial other than the one of his people and colleagues. Pay all the expenses and let me know the total to reimburse you. Place a crown with this message: 'To the heroic and cherished Enrique Villuendas. José M. Gómez.' Inform me how it goes". Jose Miguel Gomez (1858-1921) was elected President, serving until 1913. Gomez served as a General during the Cuban War of Independence, then as a Governor of his native region of Las Villas, popularizing his eventual role in national politics. His presidency, however, was marred by many accusations and evidence of corruption, incurring many major scandals and he was never reelected; after losing to President Alfredo Zayas in 1920 in what was most likely an unfair election, Gomez traveled to the United States to appeal to U.S. President Harding and Congress to intervene in the unfair election, but was unsuccessful. On September 22, 1905, Enrique Villuendas (1874-1905), a War of Independence veteran and leader of the Cienfuegos Liberal Party, was murdered by a policeman in his hotel room amidst the violence surrounding the reelection of President Palma, after which became a martyr to the Liberals. Palma (1835-1908), Cuba's first president, was reelected despite extremely violent opposition by the Liberal Party, who in turn began a revolt in 1906. Palma had no choice but to turn to the United States for help, therefore beginning the U.S.'s Second Occupation. Because of continued aggressive Liberal opposition, Palma resigned in 1906 and a provisional government was established in Cuba by the U.S., first led by William H. Taft then by Charles E. Magoon as Provisional Governors. When the U.S. left Cuba in 1909, Toned. Slightly worn and soiled. Deep crease in upper left corner. Lightly stained throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.