New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-15
SPANS RECORD IN CUBA.
q Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: The persons writing over the name OF
Charles Cakes and Sidney G. Ashmore object to
my referring to the crueltes Of Spain to the Moors
In the Innuisiton and In her South American COL
onies because these are "ancient history In loll.
when the Spaniards entered Cuba, they attacked
a most peaceable people, burned the ruler at the
stake for no cause other than that he was the
rightful ruler then made slaves OF the people who
had their homes tho island. and so cruelty
treated them that they practically exter-
minated i'm forty-three years. Slavery like this Is
not found in history elsewhere Slavery and blood
shed are the record OF Spanish rule In Cuba.
In President Monroes second annual Message 1t
IL disclosed that Spanish officials In authority In
cited the Seminole war, giving arms. munitions
and supplics to carry forward the killing Of women
and children by savages in this country. In Presi-
dent Jacksons third annual Message we find an
account Of gross outrages by public and private
shps OF Spain against our merchant marine. In
lS4s President Polk authorized the American MIN
lister then at Madrid to offer Spain slOo,WWo Tor
Cuba: such was the desire OF our people to bring
peace to its outraged inhabitants. This offer was
rejected In true Spanish fashion. In 1853 the
Senate OF the United States considered PROPOSE
ton to place 100000 in the hands Of the Presi-
dent with "a view to the acquisition OF the island
there was desire that something should be
done to give relief to the oppressed people of Cuba
In 1870 Secretary Fish submitted terms OF ccssion
OF cuba 20 the United States. with view to bring
neace 10 a mild and worthy people that were being
outraged the proffer was rejected In character
istic manner. A..
our territory. and there Will come a time wnen our
great stock OF patience will he exhausted. and the
''bluN" OF Spain will be called" That our public
mon have had no desire to do an act OF injustice
TO Spain is not only evident In the peaceful meas
most provoking conditions but Is found In the
official expressions by Monroe: Polk; Grant ana
other Presidents. by Secretaries Adams. Marcy
and Fish by Mr.. Clay. Mr.. Calhoun and others. TO
the effect: with existing colonies or any Euro
pean Power have not interfercd ana shal not
interfere"
The United States Minister at Madrid reported
to the United States Government that in the con-
nct I'm Cuba prior 1873 there were $500 prison.
crs that were killed. admitted by the Spanish
Minister these being in addition to men killed III
battle General Namasedl issued proclamation
decrceing that males fifteen years old should he
shot II found away from their domice. and every
house that did no; display white flag should he
burned IL was death 10 dsobey this. In another
decree he ordered every inSurgent captured 10 be
shot and that all who surrendered should be given
life imprisonment. In 1871 eight schoolboys were
hung for the dcsccration Of grave. without PROOF
that IL was desccrated or II desecracd. that these
youths did It: that they were natives was sum
cient.
An English authority before 1850 says Of Cuba
manner scandalously unjust" and in speaking OF
the conflict which lasted till 1878 says. The
struggle carried OH with varying success ana
4sten with unexampled ferocity."
This IS ancient history. but II confirms
What was ciassed by your correspondents The
and having more priests to IA given population
than any other country. have a record for cruelty
that would shame savages.
CHARLES f.. BUELL..