Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-12

same into effect, the supreme military
command.
''Here / am, then, at the head Of this
lOng-prayed-tOr movement, unfolding the
beautiful flag which is the flag of our
future, leading the hosts whomay come to
join the army of the Union, and wholly
devoted to the exclusive service of the
cause OF redemption, and to the defense of
its sacred standard. There is nothing
grander, nothing nOhler than this cause.
None other appeals like this to the best
and highest feelings of the Central
American heart. The Central Ameri-
cans believe that this act OF
mine Is Indispensable. In their
Judgment the triumph oC that idea
lies in my power, and, although 1 do not
presume SO much, l cannot 90 against
their persistent wishes or resist my own
duties and convictions. Inspired, there
fore, by the grandeur of the idea, and
animated by firm belief in the triumph
of II principle supported by nature, by
public opinion and by he dignity OF
patriotism, hasten to assert and sustain
that principle with all my being, all
my worth, and all my power. some
thing tells me upon this solemn
occasion that victory is ours, and that the
union Of Central America can be effected
without extraordinary sacrifices; but, II
these should be Indispensable, | am ready
to offer upon the altar of duty and the
altar OF my country my welfare and life.
| would, with pride and satisfaction, obey
and tight rs common soldier gladly con-
senting that 4 Worthier one should occupy
the position ct chief, which public opin-
ion mas forced me TO accept but tins pO-
sltion, although glorious one, is n dan
gerous and responsible one, and for this
reason have not for an instant hesitated
IN accepting it with enthusiasm.
Il am not influenced by ambition, since
| have tasted by sad experience the Bit
terneSs of power. Were | actuated by
such ambition l would have awaited my
self of the many opportunities have had
of easily gratifying it without the penal
ties and responsibilities which | now vol
unfairly take upon myself. Nor am /
prompted by any selfish desires, either OF
personal gain or exclusively promoting
the grandeur and prosperity of Guate-
mala, because my position and means are
amply sufficient to crafty all my wishes,
and this republic, which is to-day COM
paratNely prosperous, wealthy and
mighty, is in posi-
ton which enables her to give rather than
to ask anything from the other States, and
can do much to promote their progress
and welfare. But am impulsed by the
sad spectacle offered by tins small and dis
united peoples, and by the conviction that
it is my unavoidable duty to do something
to eXricate tbis country from its helpless
and sad condition, and to struggle with
all my power and die, if necessary, in
order that my children and the children
of my tellow-citZens may have
a FathcrlaEd; may enjoy all their rights
and be protected and respected. Y
Let us all unite and fight for one sole
Countrywide Eatherland whose orphans
we have been during SO many long wears /;
the Fatherland which we lack to-day the
Inheritance of which our children have
been deprived; the Fatherland which we
shall be able to bequeath to them as the
most precious legacT, the most inestim8-
bic gift. Those Will stay away who are
satisfied with their ignOminiOus insignif-
canoe and smallness. VITO do not feel
their blood boil with Indignation and
their faces burn with shame when thew
consider the sad condition to which we
have been reduced by the division of our
territory, who, rejoicing in life of slavery
and Incidence can behold with inditfer-
ence the agOnies of the country, and
calmly await the obscure termination OF
an existence spent in the vilest degrade
ton; who are not worthy in one way OF
the name of Central Americans. But
! those will surely come whose hearts are
| fired by patriotism, who long TO possess a
! country, who love their children and wish
to leave them that country and save then
! from the abyss into which we have been
thrown by territorial division. All the
good sons of Central America, who are
the immense majority, will surely come.
And alas tor those who may not come
upon this memorable occasion. Upon
them viii fall the eternal curses of pos
terity, and history Will mark their brOws
with the terrible brand OF intamy.