The record-union., 1897-04-02
Pleads That the Cuban Island be Recog-
nized by the United States.
Rightfully Belongs to the People Of
the Western Hemisphere.
Even if Spain Should Meet With
Success in the Present Struggle, 1t
Would be Only Matter of a Few
Years When Another Rebellion
Would Command Her Attention.

Would Command Her Attention.
CHICAGO, April 1.-The Inter
Ocean" to-day prints an open letter
which President Cisneros of the Cuban
Republic has sent to President McKin-
ley. The letter, which is of great
length, was sent to the "Inter-O Ocean"
by one of its correspondents who visited
Cisneros at his executive headquarters
on Cubitas Mountain, State of CANA
guey. Cisneros, in his letters to Nc
Kinley, says:
During the administration of your
high office there will be many questions
and matters of importance for you to
decide. Affairs at home and abroad will
tax the strength you are known to
possess, but l would ask you in the
name of God and my people to extend
early consideration to what is known in
the United States as the Cuban QueS-
ton. We have at this time in your
beautiful Capital a legation, as yet un-
recognized officially by your Govern
ment. This legation, composed of men
we trust and honor, is amply in the
position to inform the American Gov
ernment of it's details as it may desire
In the first place, 1 beg you to con-
side that the Island of Cuba rightfully
belongs to the people of the Western
Hemisphere. Its geographical location
precludes the possibility of it being con-
sidered part of any other continent.
Secondly, it's people are essentially
American in all their hopes and aspira-
l,
people will continue to grow more and
stronger American from day to day and
from year to year
Therefore. at the outset, may I not
ask: Why does Spain struggle against
fate?' Were it possible for her to drag
the island across the Atlantic as she
dragS men and women to Jail; were
it possible to eXtermnate the present
population and replant the soil with her
loyal subjects, or were it possible to
enforce that ignorance and stupidity
she SO much desires in the commune
cation with the great republic, then
there might be a prospect of holding
Cuba ever faithful.
But even with these, I doubt her
ability to control the island after the
passage of a certain period. The sons
of Spaniards coming in after genera
tons would be Cubans as devoted to
their little island domain and with as
much detestatiOn for it's enslavery as
are the Cubans of to-day. Therefore,
do as she may, Spain is destined to lose
Cuba eventually, and could she hope for
success in the present war, it would on
ly be a matter of a few years when an
other rebellion would command her at
tention, entailing the loss of thousands
of lives and the vast expenditure Of
money and with only the prospect of
ultimate defeat
But for Spain the present struggle
is hopeless one. Two years ago the
patriotic rebellion was inaugurated and
the success attending our arms has
been surprise even to US, who were
most hopeful and who had most at
stake"
Cisneros then gives details of the
growth of the revolutionary cause
throughout the island, the establish
ment Of various departments of govern
ment by which the insurgents collect
taxes, maintain armies, carry mails,
and concludes as follows:
AN important feature of the civil
! Government has been the issuing of
! books and the establishment of schools.
AT an early period in the war the Gov
ernment took up the matter OF educa-
/ ton, realizing that knowledge meant
strength and liberty. In various sec
tions of Santiago and Puerto Principe
school houses have been erected under
the supervision of the Government. and
native masters have been appointed In
/ a large majority of the schools already
established the teachers hold their
places by appointment by this Govern
ment.
without further burdening you. /
have the honor to say that every de-
partment of the Government is at pres
ent in good working order and that a
unity of purpose pervades every
branch civil and military. while the
people of the island as a whole are Civ
ing us their most earnest support.
| The army in the field, under the com
mand of my brave and true friend,
General-in- Chief Maximo Gomez, is
conducting war of energy and mercy
The struggle may go on for years, and
Cuba may continue to fight the battle
against fearful odds alone, but so
long as there is a God to give us cour-
age, we will cling to the banner of
right and freedom and never fa;ter un-
| til victory is won.
Assuring you of the honor am pos
sessed in addressing you. and wishing
you and your great republic Godspeed, 7
am, CISNEROS BETANCOURT,
President OF Cuba.
"Cubitas Mountain. Cuba. March %,
1897"
SPANISH DEFEATED
NEW YORK. April IA dispatch to
the Sun from Havana says: An inn
portant Engagement is reported in the
province of Santa Clara between a
| Spanish column and the insurgents
commanded by General Garlic. The
Spaniards retired with heavy losses.
which are not mentioned in their Off
cial report
General Garlic has / 900 men under
his orders. nearly all veterans of the
last war. The recent small expeditions
! from the southern part of the United
| States, all of which have reached him.
have provided him adequately with
arms and ammunition
| The important town of Alfonso XII,
n railway station in the province of
| Matanzas. has been successfully at
1