The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-22
Expressed by Gov. Matthews of
Indiana
THE PHILADELPHIA BRIGADE
Listens to Orators Who Believe in
Human Liberty
Resolutions Are Adopted Requesting the
President to Recognize Cuban Beiiiger-
ency-News From the Front
Associated Press Special Wire.


PHILADELPHIA, NV. 2l.-Ths
strongest and most outspoken expressions
OF sympathy for Cuba yet maze in this
city were heard tonight at meeting at
the academy of music under the auspices
OF the Philadelphia brigade and in aid
of their Antietam moument fluid. The
speakers we're Governor Matthews OF In
diana, Gen. Gonzalo de Quesada. secre-
tary OF the revolutionary party in the
United States. and Capt. W. W. Kerr,
owner OF the steamer Eaurada.
Strong resolutions were adopted calling
upon congress Immediately after cor
sening to request President Cleveland to
recognize the Cuban republic without de-
lay. General Palma, minister plsnipo
tertiary of the Cuban republic, aud a
mum Der of prominent local Cubsns were
present. Governor Matthews said:
The pages of history nowhere reveal
more atrocious crimes against humanity.
more cruel warfare or wicked oppression.
more examples OF outraged truth and
Justice nor greater crimes against all
Christian civilization tnan have marked
Spanish misrule and despotism in Cuba.
gem upon the sea, it would have been
q mine of wealth to its possessors through
the fostering care OF home rule and would
have we'll replenished the depleted treas
ury of 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, crush
ing out the hopes and ambitions aud en-
ergies of her people, she scarcely yields a
revenue TO the greedy oppressof. DEBT
upon debt has accumulated, reaching the
enormous sum OF over 500 per capita.
The system of taxation is the most op-
prsssive, brutal and degrading ever instl-
tuted by any government. Burdensome
taxes are laid upon all trade, upon every
industry and enterprise, upon public and
domestic life-upon the home, the cradle
and the grave. Its exercise breeds cor
ruption and Dribary in the public ofi-
Gals, and the inhabitant excluded from
holding even the hum hlest offices, is
robbed of the last remnant OF political,
civil an. religious liberty. All revenues
derived from taxes mast flow to Spain
though Spanish officials and there the
Cuban must pay for the privilege OF
both buying Il selling. For nearly four
hundred years has it been so, with notn-
ing expended for Cuba's development
her taxes only serving to furnish means
for still greater oppression, and more
firmly 10 rivet the CHAINS which bound
her in her degradation AMI shame.
The wrongs against which we rebellad
were not half 50 grIeVOus, nor the bar
barous cruelties nearly So great, and yet
the same great principles are involved
that aroused the action OF our fathers IN
1776. Yet, with all DISADVANTAGES, the
Cuban patriot has been "raye and has
fought good ngnt.
Her sons have inhaled the atmosphere
OF this liberty lowing country, and their
souls have been enklndIed with the fires
which we have Lighted. Thrre is nte-
scented to us a q lestioa which we cannot
well escape; q cry coming across the wa
tiers for sympathy and for all to which
we cannot murr longer close our ears and
hearts. This appeal comes direct TO us.
There are appeals for help at times when
it becomes alOmst a crime not to 81 'etch
out the hand with needed aid whe aid
and announcement means salvatoA Etr,
peace and happiness, and their refbs 'hs
sorrow, suffering, degradation an QsAAri.
Let not my words be construed E,ES re-
Election or crit cism on our governnies ct.
| 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 nave chosen 10 direct
its affairs. In good time they will do
that which seems to them right uad rlst
and wise, ana recognize the duty and
obligation resting urOn the g7sat repub-
lie of the world. When it is a k I'd that
belligerent rights be heartily and speedily
accorded to the long-sueffrIng defenders
of Cuban freedom, it is that they may
have Il broader opportunity to present
their claims to the world and subject to
the rules of civilized warfare. With these
accorded, the question OF Independence
will he one of after consideration. when
bravely and worthily merted. What
claim, | ask. has Spain upon the further
Indulgence of the civilized nations of
mankind? 1t would at least be difficult to
conceive that any mode of government
could be worse for Cuba than that which
ale would now spurn. Nor is the ques
ton OF annexation to be considered at
this time, nor whether Cuba may place
another star upon the blue field of orr
national flag. 1t is the pure and more
unseltish question of national liberty. of
human rights and of broad humanity.
We, as government. with high regard
for national honor aud natOJal dignity,
may be reserved, conservative and diplo-
matte; but as individual citizens we may
span the dividing waters with a hopeful,
generous sympathy and bid & d speed to
the Cuban patriot in his sublime hope
and his holy ambition. His cause is
just; the right shall prevail, and in God S
own m q On ha To III ha fra