At the end of 1897, complying with the provisions of the Constitution of Jimaguayú (1895), it was convened, within the army corps, to elect delegates to a new constituent assembly. The meeting was held in October, in La Yaya, Camagüey, and the Constitution with the same name was approved.
This Magna Carta, defined as "the most complete of the Republic in Arms" reflected two fundamental aspects: the first part was related to the articles aimed at the revolutionary civilian apparatus could control and intervene in military decisions; criteria supported by the governmental structure in 1995 and 1996. The second part highlights the uncertainty of the legislators before the events of the last times, referred to the pressures that the government of the United States had begun to use on the Spanish monarchy, in relation to the war in Cuba.
One of the problems solved during the meeting was the relations between the Governing Council and the General in Chief, since Gómez was against the intervention of the Government in military affairs; The Assembly declared itself in favor of the opinion of the Generalissimo and approved the creation of the Secretary of War, who would serve as an intermediary between both parties. It was also agreed not to accept any conversation, pact or agreement that would put Cuba's freedom at risk. For those men "Independence or death" would be the undisputed and sacred motto.
On October 29, the new constitutional text was approved, in which 48 articles appeared, and the general of division Bartolomé Masó was elected president of the council. Major Máximo Gómez was appointed General in Chief; and Major General Calixto García, Lieutenant General.
The Assembly of La Yaya would be valid for two years, in case the war did not end sooner. During the assembly, a manifesto was certified stating that "under no name, form or manner, the subsistence of Spanish domination in Cuba could end the current struggle, which wanted the absolute and immediate independence of the entire island of Cuba .
Despite being the last Constitution, elaborated during the Cuban national liberation process, "La Yaya" maintained the incessant search for viable forms of organization, with its limitations and successes, but never lacked the unwavering faith of a nation's independence , that was being created.
