New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-10-19
THE CLAIMS OF FREE CUBA.

| such q brutal manner by the Spanisl
forces. It has continued with more o
less violence for nearly half century
1t was over forty years ago that the Gu
bans, following the example OF our s;ste
South American republics, attempted t
throw off the Spanish yoke. Year afte
year saw successive revolts break out
only to be subdued when the whole powe
of Spain was brought to bear on them
Still the Cubans did not despair. and il
their last attempt they have almos
achieved success. It needs only the re
cognition of their belligerency, according
| to the laws Of nations, to insure it.
October 10, 1868, the Cubans declared
their independence of Spain, proclaimed
a free republic. organized a government
and an army, and since that day their ep
pressors have not been able 20 wiring from
them one foot of the soil they occupied
On the contrary, in order to keep posses
sion of the western end Of the island, one
third of its area, the Spanish have erected
| line of Notifications and stockade forts
extending the whole width Of the island
to keep out invasion. No Spanish army
has crossed this line since the declaration
of independence. which has not been
driven back covered with defeat and dis
grace. These forts and breastwofks are
the muniments Of title Of free Cuba. He.
boundaries are the SEQ and the ST anish
bayonet.
She asks no more than this: tina. the ma
lions Of the world recognize these bound
aries that by the laws Of nations, on land
she can say to the Spaniard, thus far
canst thou 60 and NO farther; that on
the sea her ships may be recognized as
vessels Of war, and not as pirates that
the world will no longer look with in
difference on the murder OF her citizens,
while they obey the laws Of war; that
giving them assistance may NO longer be
stigmatized as a crime, and she appeals
first to the republic whose example she
has initiated.
Immediately after the declaration Of
independence form Of government was
proclaimed, and its officers elected by the
people. This government, modelled on
the plan Of our forefathers, appeals to the
people of the United States by its very
form. Its President, by his first act,
showed his love for freedom. Wealthy,
trusted and honored, he left his planta>
ton to be confscated by Spain, emanci-
pated his slaves, abandoned his friends
and sought in the mountains for means to
obtain the same liberty for himself and his
countrymen that be bad voluntarily given
the black man.
AS soon as his government was organ
lied, emancipation to all was proclaimed
The Cubans, who sought freedom for
had noble, thoughts than the
desire to obtain it while they kept shsckles
on others. The little band that was o:
first able only to guard fews mountain
passes, has increased until il has become
m army, disciplined, differed and
equipped, and powerful enough 70 cope
with any force Spain can bring against
them. IN spite Of the sefusa! Of their
Dppressors TO grant them the rights Of
var, in spite Of torture. murder Of cap
lives, blockade, starvation, want Of mate
nal and money, they have increased in
aumbers and ability TO repel attack until
hey have redeemed the larger portion Of
cuba from bondage.
Free Cuba is to-day independent of
lave Cuba, and knocks at the door for
omission into the community Of nations. |
She appeals first to the government Of the |
United States, and we should be the first |
o hold out to her helping hand, for she
S the child of our institutions. She asks
'ut little. Only the yecognition Of her /,
'elligerency, that heg epprssso1s can 70
onger, without trial and in cold blood |
hoot, hang or garrote her citizens when
hey take up arms to defend thei, own.
The success Of our government was what /
made it possible for Cuba 20 be free, and !
t is our government which should first
knowledge the accomplishment. Of that
legitimate result.
Spain has no claims on Us for indul- |
enee. The history OF the intercourse Of
be two governments for fifty years is
lied with succession Of outrages by her
fticials on our commerce. our citizens,
nd our representatives. No satisfaction
as ever been received by the United
tates for these injuries which are IA.
,iliar to all. Her representative in Cuba.
18th only the title Of Captain General,
as ruled the island with The iron hand
t cruel despot. and treated the agents
the United States with the insolence OF
n Algeyipe pirate. No matter how many
hanges Of individuals holding the office
ave been made, the policy has always
cen the same. The representatives of
Their powers have free access 20 him and
re received with the consideration 70
hich their rank entities them. The
rrogance Of this satrap forces our
onsu! general to transact his business
18th a secretary. This studied insult has
cen upvarying 70. fifty years.
The people Of the United States have
atched this conflict with patience. bu.
re tired Of it. They desire it should end.
he government is now no longer embar-