The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-05
legislature of the State Urged to Give
the Patriots Moral Aid by Dcclar-
ing Itself i'm Their Favor.
SPEECHES BY CUBAN EXILEs
HOW A REBEL LEADER EFFECTED
A LANDING ON THE ISLAND.
Daovements of the Government Forces
Been Defeated by the Spaninrds.

JACKSONVILLE. Fla, April 1.-The spirit
of war rose high here tonight at the big
Cuban mass meeting in behalf of the Cuban
cause. The meeting was held in the Metro
politan Light Infantry Armory. Cubans
from far and wide were there, and ON the
stage were a number of prominent citizens
of Jacksonville, while insthe body of the au-
dience were many ladies. The chief Cubans
present were Fernandino Figuredo, of Tam
pa: DR.. Fernin Saldes Domnguez and Con-
yale de Quesada, of New York, and r. J.
Martinez, E. NJ. Delgaldo and j. p Cancio.
of Jacksonville. John G.. Christopher, who
IS one of the best known business men in
Florida, presided, and said that they met in
the cause of freedom. He introduced Con-
zalo De Quesada. secretary of the Cuban
Revolutionary Society, of New York. Que
sada lifted his audience into state of en-
thusiasm.
II do not come here to rehearse the fail
ure of the revolution of 1861 he said. II
come to say that men of that revolution
are in Cuba to-day with rifles in their
hands. The new revolution has begun. 1t
must end in the freedom of the island or
else the belligerents and their children must
go to the scaffold. Spain already has $4,000
soldiers in the island. Do you think the
crown would send army to overcome $50
bandits, which is declared to be all that is
at the bottom of the disturbance? If this
struggle fails it will be the fault of you
Americans, for why did you teach us the
lesson of liberty? If we do not succeed
yours will be the great crime of not having
given succor. But Americans will not fail
US From every hand comes aid Dollars
are pouring in, and with these dollars rifles
and bullets have been bought. American
public opinion is saying: Let t. cuba IN her n.
The speaker paused here for moment
and then said impressively: ladies and
gentlemen, thank you for this reception.
1t may be the last time shall see you.
The fortunes OF my country may take me to
the field. My death may meet there, but
encouragement and love from our friends
in America" Demonstrations OF wild de-
light greeted QCeSada'S last words.
This enthusiasm was increased when eX-
State Superintendent of Schools A. j. Rus
sell. was introduced. lie SAID; said, lam am
here tonight. Let me tell you Cubans that
when God and the wonen% OF the unlted
States are on your side hell itself cannot
prevail against you. But above all | ask
the blessing of Almighty God on your
cause. You should ask Him to aid you ana
then YOU should use your powder and ball.
The band played yankee Doodle and the
meeting sent ~ up Ia cheer, n,,,ne the s;tua-
tion in these words: 1.-The old mother coun-
try after trying to secure loan from
she will send 100000 men against Cuba but
Cubans knew and you know that sne
Canot get the money 10 Seuu ttlcIH. on ASl<o
sent General Campos, her ablest statesman
to Cuba and when that fails, what then!
A committee of five. appointed by the
Chairman and composed of Americans
prominent in Florida affairs, presented the
following resolutions, which were ADOPTED
with great enthusiasm:
Resolved, That it is the sense of the
American citizens here assembled:
"First-That they most heartily sympa-
thize with the Cuban patriots in their desire
and efforts to free Cuba from foreign con-
troll and obtain for the people of that island
the right of self-government so much priced
by u.s. They have vastly more reason for
their action than had our forefathers, of
whose action are SO PROUD, and they
will persist in patriotic endeavorS until
Cuba is free.
''Second-That it is the duty of all lovers
of free American institutions to express
sympathy with the oppressed people of
Cuba and their desire to see them free.
''Thrd-That we urge on the Legislature
of the State of Florida the duty to formally,
by resolution, express the sympathy the
whole people of Florida with the movement
to free Cuba
.'Fourth-That we urge upon our federal
government the duty of promptly recognize
ing as belligerents the Cuban patriots, and
of doing all in its power TO procure the
recognition by the Spanish government of
the freedom of the island of Cuba.
''Fifth-That we call on all American cit
liens who sympathize with Cuban patriots
to make known their sympathes in order
that their moral support may be given to
a good cauSeS'