Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-11-29
FOR GODS SAKE nCT NOW"
Is Bourke Cockran's Appeal for
Cuba.
CHAS. A. DANA SAYS "AMEN"
The Administration is Criticized For Not
Taking Some Acknowledgement Lees De-
uial Concerning Current Report.

New York, Nov. 27.-W. Bourke Cock
ran delivered an impassioned address be-
fore an enthusiastic audience of Cuban
sylnpathizers at Chckering hall tonight.
The occasion was the twenty-ffth ami
versary of the execution at Havana of
eight Cuban medical students who were
charged with having deseerated the grave
OF prominent editor, an offense of which
years subsequently they were found to
be Innocent. Hundreds of persons, msn
and women congregated in Fifth avenue
near Chickering hall long before the place
was open al 1880. Before s O'Clock every
seat was taken. Owing to tie illness of
DR.. Castor, president Of the society, DR..
Lincoln De Zayas presided. He spoke
in Spanish and introduced Manuel San
gully, a brother of Gen. Sanguiliy, now
confined in Spanish prison, who also
spoke in Spanish The audience was al
times enthusiastic, but 1t remained for
w. Bouike Cochran to bring the patriot
ism Of the thrcng to the FEY er point. When
he first walked to the front of the stage
in response to Chairman Zayas charac-
teri3atien of him as the DemoSthoneS
of the east with his brow covered with
the laurels of victory" then the crowi
yelled itself hoarse.
Mr. Cochran criticised the indifference
of the administration to the Cuban situa-
ton. He said this was a crisis where
earnest words should be spoken. While
he might not speak in language of dipio-
macy he would, he said speak the truth
1t was not the sole purpose OF the meet
ing TO weep for the dead but to counsel
the living; to determine whether or not
any obligations were imposed upon the
United States government He reviewed
the story of the Cuban students.
A government he said that seeks not
to prevent but to perpetuate such muir
ders IS blot on creation, and anarchy
is found sealed in the governmental
chair. The government that incites to
murder will be scared in the blaze OF
indignant public opinion He would not
he continued, criticise the government OF
Spain, in Spain, but in Cuba.
Cuba hopes for American sympathy
ard she is thus encouraged to take up
arms fer her emancipation.
III we are to prevent those butcheries, =
he said, ''let us declare our intention and
let cur position be known"
Hehoped the government would inter-
fere not with view to annexation, but
for liberation alone. Then, when Cuba
shall have tasted the bitterest sweet of
independence, she can meet us on an
even footing and treat of annexation.
At this point the applause was ter
rife. Men and women stood in their
places and shouted, waving hats and
handkerchiefs for more than a minute.
Continuing, he said he would not ag-
grandze our territorial possessions, but
would re commend action in the name
of Justice and for Gods sake, act now.
I'VE will see Spain paid and an in
demnity granted in the interest Of
peace" he declared II know this is
not diplomacy, but diplomacy in the old
countries is a system of spoliation and
plumber We have an opportunity now
no prove what can be done in a spirit Of
peace and unselfshness."
Hon Charles A. Dana, of the Sun, was
greeted with loud applause. He said he
could add nothing to what had been so
ably said by Mr.. Cochran. The United
States had one hope for Cuba, viva
Cuba ltbre." He also spoke in Spanish
and aroused the audience to a pitch OF
intense enthusiasm.
Enrique J. Varona and Dr. Enrique
Barren followed in Spanish, and the
meeting closed at midnight.
GEN. LEES DENIAL.
Washington, ID. c., Nov. T.-Consul
General Lee says the rumor that he may
not so back to Havana because Spain
objects to him has no foundation in fact.
He certainly would have heard of it If
there was any, truth in the idea. His re-
lations with Gen. Weyler have been cor
dial and when they parted several weeks
ago they exchanged photographs bearing
photographic expressions of friendship.
There can certainly be nothing personal
against him and officially, as consul gen.
eral Of the United States in the present
situation Spain could hardly take an ex-
ception to his performance OF duty. Gen.
Lee says he is in this country solely
for vacation after five months hard
work In Havana during the hottest time
of thefyear and that he had some private
business that demanded his attention
after his hasty departure from the United
States last spring. He Is going to Rich
mond on Monday and will visit several
other places in Virginia. After a trip
to West Point to see his son, cadet there
his leave will end and he will report to
Secretary Olney his readiness to return.
Whether he will take his wife to Cuba
with him will depend entirely on the state
of the country at the time he returns.