The Yazoo Democrat., 1859-03-26

CUBAN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
We have observed in several papers at the
North, and in the Crescent OF this city, a
statement which first appeared in the Wash,
ington States, that the Declaration of the
Independence of Cuba, as quoted by Sena
tor Benjamin in his speech on the Thirty
Million bill, was written in the Delta office.
Before replying to the inquiries of some of
our contemporaries as to. the truth of this
statement, we waited until we could get a
copy of our Senator's speech. This we have
now before US; and, refreshing our memo,
ries by reference to the files of the Delta for
the memorable year 1851, when the moves
mont for the Independence of Cuba was
started at Puerto Principe, we have satisfied
ourselves that the statement of the States is
not correct
The quotation in Mr.. Beniamins speech is
from the Declaration of Independence, sign
ed by the Argucrros on the 4lh of March,
1851, at Paerto Principe. It was trans slated
for this paper from copy sent from Cuba
There was no reason at that time, nor mas
there been since, to suspect that it was not
bona fi4e document. 1t bears in its Ian
guage and illustrations the characteristics of
the creole mind and phraseology. 1t is true
there were several other declarations" pub
lished in that year, one of which was issued
by the socalled Junta in New York, aud
one that was adopted in this city by Gen.
Lopez and his compatriots Large numbers
of these were sent to Cuba and distributed
in that Island They were manifestoes
adopted by the Cubans then in exile in this
country, setting forth the wrongs of their
countrymen, and invoking their united and
self-sacriticing hostility to Spanish domin,
ion.
1t is quite uNimportant where or by whom
these documents were prepared, as they did
not assume to issue from any body or com,
mittee in the island, and had the sanction
and recognition of the organized band of
Cubans who co operated with Gen. Lopez,
who, to the number of 30 or 40, constituted
the vanguard of his little army, and left
their dead bodies to enrich the soil which
they had striven to release from the tyranny
of the foreigner.
Those familiar with our own struggle for
Independence will remember, that previous
to the Declaration of the 4th of July, 1776,
by the United Colonies, in the several colo
MES, and even in counties, similar dOcu
ments were adopted by popular assemblies,
and even by clubs and militia companies.
The memorable declaration of Mecklen-
berg, North Carolina, in Chesterfield, Han.
over and Albermare counties, Virginia. pre-
ee1ed and anticipated the leading ideas,
principles, and even the phraseology of the
instrument which is celebrated throughout
this Union on the return of every 4th of Ju.
ly. When Gen. Lopez left this city in the
Pampero, he took with him large number
Of copies of this declaration, prepared in this
city, with view of distributing them among
the people. These were taken with Crit
tenden's party, near Bahia Honda, aud burnt
by the Spanish soldiery.
This was, however, not the Declaration
which Mr.. Benjamin quoted. That docu
ment had its origin iu Cuba was written
by the Aguerros, and was first read at
meeting beld in this city at Banks Arcade,
before which Gen. Lopez made his last ap-
pcarance and speech in this country. As
further proof of its authenticity, we may add
that it was the principle foundation for the
and punishment of one of the
Aguerros by the Spanish authorities.--N 0.
Delta.
A man in Massachusetts, led a blooming
bride to the altar on the 9th ultmo, became
! father on the 10th, and ADVERTISED his wife