New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-06-29
Cuba Ifbre.

Cuba lItbre.
Francisco Y. Aguilera, President Of that
republic, has landed on the soil of Cuba.
The following appeal 10 being circulated
and made by him to the Spaniards in Cuba.
looking TO a speedy termination of the
Cuban revolution. which commenced in
October, 1868:
When. in October, 1868, We rose in arms
against Spanish rule it was not on account
ofpersonal hatred Of yourselves or dislike of
Spain. Without hesitation va commenced
the life and death struggle. for our cup OF
suffering was full to the brim; our patience,
begotten Of despair, was exhausted, for we
had no faith in Spain, who called herself
"Our mother but who always was heed
less Of the just petitions Of her son; and
until at length naug ht remained to US to do
but the appeal to arms to obtain our rights
and liberties.
With the noble sentiment Of liberty in
spring them large number Of our people
fell fighting on behalf of their usurped
rights. With these aspirations toward
liberty the people Of Cuba commenced her
labor OF redemption. Since the flag of ires
Cuba was first unfurled on the plains Of
Iara. and when our cry was liberty or
death, then till now our arms have been
successful. and now at the present day our
troops are located in the fertile fields Of the
Occidental department.. Mankind at large.
which has witnessed our struggle. can not
fail to have approved our fight ON behalf Of
humanity for democratic principles. We
released the slaves. and they. under the
:egis Of the banner of free Cuba, became as
men once more, and joined US in our con.
quest of civilization.
Our constitution has for it's basis, liberty,
eqality and fraternity. thus placing Cuban,
Spaniard and men OF every race on the
same level. As a proof Of our good faith
i've, 81, h1~ 90
tatives. in August, 1873. declared that
Spaniards were eligible to employment in
the service Of the republic OF Cuba.
Spaniards, do no. believe what your
papers tell you-that the existence Of our
republic is sham, or tina: our constitution
is mere chimera. Your press anathema
tizes all that is noble and holy, because i:
maintains its existence by trading upon
your patriotism and credulity. For seven
revolution was approaching its end.
Rich and poor among you have had
30 contribute to it's expenses. Days
months and years pass, but peace comes
not. The beauties OF that day, 80 often de.
picted to you by your rulers, have to give
way for the dark night OF bankruptcy and
ostracsm. which has now fallen on the
island. These existing misfortunes will.
however. better pave the way and hast n
LILO dutCuC VA SuUdu AuuCpcOuCuCCo SluCc
We were in possession OF the town of Bay
amo. when the son OF Cuba and the son Of
Spain enjoyed equal lights, since that time
oar laws hav9 been respected and carried
out in all the revolutionary districts
Spain's Indifference to the struggle and fail
ure to agree with US upon basis for carry
ing on the war have caused many painful
reprisals in the matters Of burning and
killing. Our brethren are, no wever, given
RI cla and %bOusanGz Or
be's. who have been oar prisoners: are nov
enjoying the gift Of life at our hands.
Spanidrds. your own common sense will
tell you that victory is on our side. and that
we shall continue advancing until we reach
Havana Every year that the war eontin.
ues in Cuba Spain loses 10000 OF 1000 Of
her children, while the prosecution of the
war costs the Spanish residents OF Cuba
upward Of &3O000.000 annually. These
statistics. taken from the D:ario de Ia Ma.
...o of the 18th of November. 1874. show
the utter impossibility of Spain and your
power TO overcome us. In addition to this
there must be taken into consideration that
your property is deprecated by the war to
the fifth of its former value, and that the
thirty millions above alluded to is but TO
defray actual war expenses.
Then take again the recent offer OF Cap.
tain General Valmaseda, from his head.
quarters at Colon, offering pardon to about
.o0Q deserters who have joined our forces it
they will re-enter the Spanish service. This
offer of receiving back deserters without
punishment shows the desperate straits in
which the Spanish Government tinds itself.
lido not speak to you on the subject of
how long the struggle will yet last. For
the sake OF the happiness OF Cuba it is TO be
hoped that il may not con ntinue much longer.
We have the unalterabie belief that We shall
triumph sooner or later, and to tell you this
l have taken up my pen. Tho DiariO de Ia
Marina and L0 TO- dc Csja will tell you,
with reference to this appeal TO your con-
science. that it is an evident eign Of our
weakness, even though the cry of our
troops is heard in the rich savannahs of
Colon. The richest and most productive
parts Of the island will be reduced to Gin
ders to bring about our absolute independ.
ence. We hope that this. however, will not
be necessary, and you will not force us to
gain our independence at this terrible cost
to our country.
Spaniards. if you wish 20 live in peace. if
you desire that tranquility shall reign in
the land, if you desire recOmpenee tor your
labor. If you are not dead to all sentiments
OF honor and truth, il you wish the exist
ence of united Cuba. come to our side and
help TO hasten the advent OF independence.
If you accept our terms, the wealth OF the
occidental department shall be respected.
and, ere long, the land will recuperate lts
losses: but it you will not. blood shall still
flow, and fire shall scourge the land. We
offer to meet you as brothers. and If you
refuse that, as foes.
spaniards. long live the independence OF
Cuba.