The New York herald., 1869-05-20
Proclamation Of President Cespedes.

To THE PEOPLE OF CUBA:-
CoMPATRIoFs-The establishment OF q free govern
ment in Cuba, on the basis of democratic principles,
was the most fervent wish of my heart The efrec.
tive realization of this wish was, therefore, enough
to satisfy my aspirations and amply repay the SER
vices which, jointly with you, may have been able
to devote to the cause of Cuban independence. But
the will Of my compatriots has gone far beyond this
by investing me with the most honored OF all duties
the supreme magistracy OF the republic.
am not blind 10 the great labors required in the
exercise OF the high functions which you have
placed in my cnarge in these critical moments not
withsanding aid that may be derived from other
powers of the State. ! am not ignorant Of the
grave responsibility which assume in accepting the
Presidency of our newborn fepublic know that
my weak powers would be far from being equal TO
the demand II left to themselves alone.
But this will not occur and that conviction Ills
me with faith In the future.
In the act OF beginning the struggle with the op-
pressor Cuba has assumed the solemn duty to
consummate her independence perish in the at
tempt; and In giving herself democratic govern
ment she obligates herselfto become republican.
This double obligation, contracted in the presence
OF free America, before the liberal world, and, what
is more, before our own conscience, signifies our
determination to be heroic and to be virtuous.
Cubansl On your heroism rely for the consumma-
uon OF our lndependence ana on your virtue count
10 consolidate the republic
You may count on my abnegation Of self.
CARLOS MANUEL DE CEsPEDEs.
GUIMARo, April IL, 1869.
Proclamation of General Quesuda.
CITIZEN CHIEFS, OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE
LIpERArISG ARMY OF CuBA-when / returned to
my country to place my sword at its SERVICE fulfil
ling the most sacred OF duties realizing the most In
tense aspiration OF my life, the vote OF the Cana
gueyans, to my SURPRISE honored me by comforting
OH me the command OF their army Notwithstand-
ing my poor merits aud capacity accepted the post
because I expected to find, and did find, In the
Camagueyans civic virtues well established, and
this has rendered supportabe the charge OF the re-
sponsbility which assumed
Now, the legislative power OF the republic has
filled me with greater surprise, promoting me to the
command In chief OF the liberating army OF Cuba
The want OF confidence In my own resources natur.
ally me anew upon stronger grounds, although
ney also strengthen the conviction the patriot
ism OF my brethren Will supply the insuficency of
my capacity
proofs OF your virtues. You models OF subor-
dination and enthusiasm. Persevere and extend
soldiers OF the East Initiators OF our sacred revo
luton Veterans OF Cuba | salute you with sim
cere affection, counting on your gallant chiefs In
order that they may aid me IN realizing the eminent
work which we have undertaken, and hope that
union VIII strengthen our forces
soldiers OF the villas You have already struggled
with the despot. fclicitate you for the efforts
made and invite you to continue them. You are
patriots. You Will be vctors
Soldiers of the West l know your heroic ex-
ploits and venerate them I am well aware of the
disadvantage OF the situation IN which you find your
selves In contrast with our oppressors and IL is
purpose to remedy this
Accept the homage Of my admiration and the sue
cor OF my arms
citizen chiefs, oficers and soldiers OF the Cuban
army Union. discipline and perseverance.
The rapid increase which the glorious revolution
OF Cuba has taken frightens our oppressors, who
now suffering the pangs Of desperation and car
rying on war OF vengeance. not OF principles.
The tyrant valmaseda rambles with the incen-
dary's torch and the h9micdal knife over the fields
of Cuba He has never done otherwise, but now he
adds TO his crime the still greater one Of publishing