New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-02-19
THE CUBAN INSURRECTION.
THE EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES OF THE
ChPTAIN-GENERAI.


OF THE INSURGENTS
,yRoH SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT THE TRrBUsE1
HAVANA, Feb. 12.-The Captain-Genera after
long and thorough study Of the means required 70
put an end to the instruction in this island, ana In
the exercise Of the extraordinary powers conferred
on him. has caused to appear i'll the official gazette
| Of February, short proclamation declaring the
Island of Cnba in state of siege, and that all per-
sons accused Of crimes, with but few exceptions
would be tired by ordinary court-martal. This de-
cree with an address by which it is prefaced is as
follows
IHuABIrAHTs OF CUBA-I consider that thelmo-
ment has arrived upon which TO assume exceptional
powers, much account OF the increasing gray
ity OF affairs because, Notwithstanding the Limited
material force OF the insurrecon experience has Tor
time past been reaching that something moreis
needed than the of arms promptly to conquer
crush out the insurrecoD Our troops with that
brave and patient constancy OF which they day give
and striking proof continue TO overcome the
natural difficulties OF reasonable struggle Dut all
their efforts and privatons are in certain measure
useless while the insurgeDt bands can obtain enlist
ments and supplies with impunty by means OF their
partsans there unavoidable need Of
imposing respect upon the perdious and cunning SYM
pathzers OF the armed enemies OF the country by Sc
verely furnishing their completely in every justhable
case accordance with the strict and summary action
and pr0ce edings OF the laws OF war.
Acers and abettors who, however Indirect, are not
the less useful rebels all those who, from the
impulse OF perverse motives hidden under the mask
OF false patriotism disturb by their too frequent crimes
the eace and quiet Of the country; those who rr9ance
and keep up state OF alarm putting their pens, their
talents and their boldness the Of the passions
and legitimate interests every occasion Whatever
OF danger public order; those who abusing their ON
cia positions diminish the public by fraud In
the collection Of the and, lastly, oil those
whose personal dscredt public officials tends 10 dis
parage our national institutions, To Isolate, hefe-
fore the iusurrection. by depriving II OF the
means which stiI permits 1t 10 De acu'ey
sustained, and at the same time TO strengthen
the principle Of authority (no only for the termination
OF the struggle but In accordance with the spirit and
letter IN which wise colonial legislation Is unoer
Stood the peace and quiet Of the country pY the
vigorous prosecution OF crime, immortality and Haud''
81 becomes necessary TO make declaration OF an efcep
tiona condition OF affairs which, In spite OF the radica
notifications which time brngs about is yet preserved
by all nations as an nyariable rule Of conduct 10 situa-
tions OF difficulty.
The entire country Ia impatieny eager Tor TINS decla
ration to be made aud for 10 be taken for the
termination Of this period OF constant perturbation
already too long endured Several districts OF our fer
tile territory have been almost destroyed, ana IN the
OF this savage destruction, every noble sentiment
reauires new vigor and patriotism and generosity,
greater expansion and grandeur The Objects certainly
worthy OF all the interest II inspires, as
IL treats at once OF the prosperity and
civilization OF one OF the most beautiful islands
In tho world Public opinion, the press private circles
patriotic societies. and the town councils or municipa
ties all demand that shall be exercised and offer
OF every nd without stint OF men or money TO
put an to this fatal nsurrection. have the honor
to govern island nnder these circumstances and
can assure you that new sacrifices will not be
barrep Your offers will be made Of promptly, and
in a few DAYS will produce battaons. Everything
shall be in the pacihcaon OF the terri
tory Meanwhile citizens who do not commit any OF tho
crimes mentioned IN the edct can live completely Sc
cure and Tranquil under the firm and protecting shield
OF martial law. JOAQUIN Jo'EELAh
Hdpdna, Feb. 7, 1874.
pEcREE.-Don Joaquin Jovelar soler Lieutenant
General OF the National armies, CaptainGenerai' snpe-
rior Political Governor Of the Island OF Cuba, General
in Chief OF the Army Of Operations, and
OF all the arms and institutions OF the same &C. by
virtue Of the powers conferred, do hereby decree
the following
ARTICLE l. From the publication OF this decree the
Island Of Cuba is declared to be IN state OF siege
ton and similar oenses against the domestic security
Of the island and puzzle order tneir sccomplees and
abettors, and those guilty OF wllful murder shall De
tried by courmartia and punishment decreed accord
ing to the penalties provided by the articles of war
AIR O. Those who commit the crimes OF simple hon.
icdes robbery theft, arson SMUGGLING fraud or per
jury against the state and all other common GRIMES,
nary course of law, only appealing TO lhe military
courts IN cases Of sreat mpGr an ana dans me
necessary 10 90 So
And that this edct may be known and duly observed,
and come to the knowledge OF all the inhabitants OF the
island let It be published in the usual form In all the
public journals, and circulate rapidly throughout the
island. JOAQUIN Jo'LLlA'
Harana, Feb. :, 1874
In addition TO this decree series of supple
| mentary DEGREES has been published, referring to
the manner in which general draft shall be carried
into effect to the mobilization of the volunteers of
the freed negroes and of the different corps of mill
tia; to the contribution by save-owners of slaves
for the work Of the army; TO the increase of each
battalion by two companies; to the creation of q
board of Inspection: vigilance committees in the in
terror; to the rate of the pay OF the army &c; and
10 the increase of pay and improvement Of rations Of
the troops. Finally, there is circular to the COM
handing generals Of divisions regarding the con-
] struction preservation and defense Of towns and
villages 1t would be too great task to go into the
details Of these various DEGREES, which, as they ac
knowledge the desperate state of the country and
the growth of the instruction, have caused an i'm
| mense amount of excitement among all classes
throughout the island The principal cafes and re.
sorts of the volunteer element alive Satur-
| nav and almost every succeeding evening. The
ouestion of the draft was warmly discussed for it is
40 general in it's exactions to force every Spanad
resident in the island to in the militia. Ten
ner cent of those enrolled subject to draft the
departure from the island of any Spaniard subject
| to military duty is prohibited.
| The opposition to the decree has been strong As
LEARN, deputation of the Volunteer colonies en-
deayored to induce the Captsin-Gener to change
| bs mind regarding the draft among the different
battaons urging that by calling for volunteers for
the war they might 60 by battalions, thus evading
anv appearance Of force The Captain General was