The Anaconda standard., 1895-11-22
SYMPATHY FOR CUBA
Strong and Outspoken Expressions
by Prominent Men.
THEY ALL DEsPIsE SPAIN
Governor Matthews OF Indiana
Makes a Ringing Speech-Cap-
tain Kerr Says There'll Be
More Expeditions.

city were ntdru lO-nlSnt al a HctllnS
at the Academy of Music under the
auspices Of the Philadelphia brigade
and in aid of the Antietam monument
fund. The speakers were Governor
Matthews of Indiana. General Con-
zalio de Quesada, secretary OF the rev.
olutionary party in the United States.
and Capt. w. w. Kerr. owner Of the
steamer Laurada. Strong resolutions
were adopted calling upon congress
Immediately after convening, to re-
quest President Cleveland to recognize
the Cuban republic without delay.
General Palma. minister plenipoten-
tiary of the Cuban republic, and a
number of prominent local Cubans
were present.
Governor Matthews said in part:
"The pages Of history do not reveal
more atrocious crimes against human
ity, more cruel warfare or wicked OPP
preston, more examples of outraged
truth and Justice. nor greater crimes
against all Christian civilization than
have marked Spanish misrule and des-
potism in Cuba. A gem upon the sea.
it would have been mine of wealth
to its possessors through the fostering
we'll replenished the depleted treasury
Of a decayed and effete nation. But
the reverse has been true. With but
the selfish greed of revenue, Cuba has
been drained and robbed and despoiled
until in the destruction of her own
prosperity, crushing out the hopes and
ambitions and energies of her people.
she scarcely yields revenue to the
greedy oppressor. Debt upon debt has
accumulated, reaching the enormous
sum of more than 800 per capita. The
system of taxation is the most oppres-
sive, brutal and degrading ever insti-
tuted by any government. Burdensome
taxes are laid upon all trade. upon
every industry and enterprise, upon
public business and domestic life-upon
the home, the crs-3sesaonuge.yFuve-
exercise breeds corruption and bribery
in the public official, and the inhabit-
ant, excluded from holding even the
humblest office. is robbed of the last
remnant of political, civil and religious
liberty. All revenues derived from
taxes must flow to Spain through
Spanish officials, and there the Cuban
must pay for the privilege of both buy
ing and selling. For nearly 400 years
has 1t been so, with nothing expended
for Cuba's development-her taxes only
serving to furnish means for still
greater oppression, and to more firmly
rivet the chains which bound her in
her degradation and shame.
'"The wrongs against which we re-
belled were not half so grievous or the
barbarous cruelties nearly so great:
and yet the same great principles are
involved that aroused to action our
fathers in 1776. Yet, with all disadvan-
tages, the Cuban patriot has been brave
and has fought a good fight. Her sons
have inhaled the atmosphere of this
liberty-loving country, and their souls
have been enkindled with the fires
which we have lighted. There is pre-
sented to us a question which we can
not well escape. a cry coming across
the waters for sympathy and for aid
to which we cannot much longer close
our ears and hearts. This appeal comes
direct to us. There are appeals for
help at times when It becomes almost a
crime not to stretch out the hand with
needed aid-'when aid and encourage
ment mean salvation, life. peace and
happiness, and their refusal is sorrow,
suffering. degradation and death.
Let not my words be construed into
reflection or criticism on our govern
ment. / have an abiding faith In the
eternal principles OF our government,
and in THE courage, the justice and the
wisdom of the men whom we have
chosen to direct its affairs. In good
time they will do that which seemeth
to them right and Just and wise. and
recognize the duty and obligation rest
ing upon the great republic of the
world. When IL Is asked that belIiger-
ent rights be heartily and speedily ac-
corded to the long suffering defenders
of Cuban freedom II is that they may
have a broader opportunity TO present
their claims to the world and subject
to the rules of civilized warfare. With
these accorded, the question of inde-
pendence will be for after considera-
ton. when bravely and worthily merit
ed. What claim. / ask. has Spain upon
the further Indulgence of the civilized
nations OF mankind? 1t would at least
be difficuk 20 conceive that any mode
OF government could be worse for
Cuba than that which she would now
spurn. Nor is the question of annexa-
tion to be considered at this time, nor
whether Cuba may place another star
upon the blue field of our national fag.
II is the purer, more unselfish question
OF national liberty. OF human rights.
and OF broad humanity, We. as a gov
ernment. with high regard for national
honor and national dignity. may be re-
served. conservative and diplomatic,
but as individual citizens. We may span
the dividing waters with a hopeful.
generous sympathy. and bid Godspeed
TO the Cuban patriot in his sublime
hope and his holy ambition. His cause
is just. the right shall prevail. and In
Gods own time. Cuba win be free"
General ouesada followed in a STIR
ring appeal for the sympathy OF the
American people. Captain Kerr. In his