New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-14
THE BETTER CLASS OF CUBANs.

THEY sYMPATHIZE WITH TIE REVOLUTION, But
DARE NOT EXPRESS 1T.
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The reports circulated that the best class OF
Cubans do not sympathze with the present insur-
rectlon, in that island either inspired or writ
ten bv snaniards and are only clumsy effort to
n,.s.ead americans as to the true merits of the
Cuban struggle A residence OF seventeen years
In that country and an intercourse win almost
every port in island for the last eighteen years
admit OF a knowledge of the general teehng there
that can only come to one having the opportunities
inst named / therefore know whereof speak
when | assert that all classes of Cubans. regard
less O, their standing, are in favor of throwing
off the tyrannical misrule that has existed for
century.
II will naturally be asked Why do not the best
classes living In the seaports proclaim their alle-
glance TO the insurgents instead OF remaining pas
sive? 1t needs only acquaintance with the tactics
of the Spanish Nation to answer the question The
seaports of Cuba alive with Spanish troops, and
the first indication or suspicion OF sympathy with
the Cuban cause is an excuse by the Spanish OIL
Gals for immediate arrest, the result OF which Is
either death or exile. and always confscaton OF
estates AS the insurgents have not yet the rights
of belligerents the Spanish officials can use the
most cruel methods in dspos.ng of their victims.
The real sentiments OF the best families are well
known, but men OF property and position VIII
naturally think twice before they sacrifice their
lands ana the future OF tneT 10 tHS
rapacy Of an enemy who never knew pity
Calling this struggle for liberty a riot and as
serting that only the lower classes In the in
surgent ranks are old tricks of the Spanish and
served them well in this country during the last
instruction the officials here PaciS
sources. But the startling developments that came
Uses that were never fulfilled and probably We're
never meant to be opened the eyes Of me people OF
this country 10 the false reports thai were gwen
out with the purpose of prevent ing sympathy.
Abraham Lincoln it was who snrewdly said
al the people some of the time but you cannot fool
all the people all the time Now. 1t Is the latter
that the Spanish are trying TO accomplish In this
false position during the last instruction by be-
ta!nly will not allow themselves to be cajoled into
The S- pages esp Of the ofca history of the las, war
are simply reekng with tales OF cruelty ana bar
the orginators Of the Imgasit 10, The columns of
G he %so 6sy by
oa eG that shot ns b Spanish oas
with dates and places; also giving list of j,s16
whom further mention has ever been made
ruler it is easy unders tand what their fate has
been. These were not soldiers taken in arms, but
inofensive men, women and children -
ing the last nsurrecton as to the best classes not
the Spanards own ,tions IN regard to confiscated
estates and when the people or this country know
that 10 900 estates belonging TO the best class Q000
being those of women. whose only crime was the
love of Cuban liberty were cOnfscated, they can
begin 10 realize the treacherous manner In which
Spain deals with both friend and foe. and to con-
slider how much faith can be placed on Spanish
| reports from official sources
Let this country only acknowledge the beiger-
ency of Cuba that those who struggle for her
liberty VIII have assurance that they Will be treat
| ed with the customary usages of war. and not as
| robbers and assassins, and you would such an
| uprising Of these best classes of Cubans would
| leave no doubt to Cuba's freedom.
| New-York. Dec Z, 1895. AMERICAN.