The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-12-21
VIVA CUBA.


before applying to the government for
permission to do so and paying for 1t.
"The yearly expenditure OF the govern
ment amounts to some 600. 600, 5000. For
what? will tell you. Some ell, 900, 900
to pay interest on the debt of Spain, not
OF Cuba; $1,000, 900 10 pay for the
army and navy which has kept us in sub
lection, and 90, 600, 900 for salaries to Span
ism employees in the island and out of the
island. Twenty-six millions annually ex-
tracted from the country and from which
1t receives no benefit whatever. OF the
total Of $50, 900, 600 no more than 1858, :
provements; that is. for the construction
and repair OF roads, public buildings, tel
egraph lines; for harbor Improvements,
sanitary works, lighthouse expenses,
ETC., and s,s2, 900 for the university and
three special SC chools Of Havana, whose
professors, almost without exception. are
Spauiards. For primary public education
there is not one cent. The government
Is no friend to the common schools; they
are a danger.
"The official corruption has reached a
point which Is almost incredible. For
every dollar paid into the public treasury
at least another is stolen. Cuba is made
to contribute annually, in various ways,
from s55, 600, 600 to $50, 000, ,0Oo, a crushing
burden for population OF about 1000, :
600 souls. AS consequence, the island
is today bordering upon universal bank
ruptcy, and the people OF one OF the rich
est countries on the face OF our globe,
after having lived for four hundred years
de prived OF their rights, find themselves
deprived even OF their bread"
The speakers srrajg gnment of Spain
was earnest and complete.
The next speaker was Msyor-elect Ed win
ID. McGuinness, who made very strong
and eloquent appeal for the recognition OF
the belligerent rights OF the revolution
lists.
Ths presiding officer, after describing
Mr.. McGuinness' speech rs right to the
point, introduced Hon. John L. Wyman,
who'spoke in his usual eloquent style on
the issue before the meeting, urging that
the-sympathy of Americans should he
freely given 10 this splendid cause.
David Thompson, Esq, made a careful
review of the. situation in Cuba, contrast
ing the situation in that country with
ours and dealt on the phases of our strug-
gle for liberty that were similar to those
OF this suffering pee pie.
Senior Jose A. Gutierrez said he was
pleased with the great sympathy shown
by the people of Providence in Cuban
affairs and then reviewed the struggles
OF his compatriots against the terrible on
preston OF Spain. He stated that ii ,
revoluilonists were meeting with success
and that. their armies would sweep the
island.
This statement was most acceptably re-
ceived by the audience.
The last speaker OF the evening was
Hon. Daniel r. Bsllou, who, after max ing
a powerful plea for freedom and the right
OF all men to it,showed the great impo rt-
ance OF Cuba to the Uoited States from
its geographical position.
A vote OF thanks was unanimously ten
dered the American Band, whose services
were gratuitously given and which dur
ing the evening rendered, 1t is needless
TO say, in a charming manner a number of
Director Reeves choicest pieces.