The San Francisco call., 1897-03-16
Patriotic Members of the Ladies
Auxiliary Were the
Donors,
RESOLUTIONS OF THANKS TO
THE CALL"
Prominent Citiz rs Delivered Stirring
Aidresses-Congress Ap.
pealed To.

SCUBA Libre" held full sway at Califor-
MIA Hall last evening. the Cuban League
being out in full force to testify 10 its
sympathy with the patriots and to receive
from the fair hands that made it the
Cuban banner emplematic of the Cuban
Republic. The Ladies Auxiliary of the
league, consisting of Mrs. A. Bertucci,
Mrs. NJ. Pepper, Mrs. M. Cricamo. Mrs.
L. Froment, Mrs. J. 81. Jones, Mrs. G..
Getz, Mrs. G. Fowler, Mrs. F. E. Mas
cherini, Mrs. l.. Smith, Miss NJ. Papa,
Miss B. Luz. Mrs. ]. Lamb buck, Miss F.
Luna, Miss L. Brown, Miss NJ. Brand, Miss
o. Cassins. Miss NJ. Lavare. Miss NJ. Mod
est, Miss g. Grath, Miss E. Podesta, Miss
II. Cashins and Miss l.. Guinass, was pres
ent in body, each mem Der wearing the
Cuban colors, and presented the hand
some banner amid much enthusiasm from
The crowded hall.
There were also present, in addition to
the me mbers of the league. number of
prominent citizens, and the speeches in
favor of free Cuba that were made were
received with spontaneous enthusiasm.
The meeting was called 10 order by
President John II. Jones and communi-
cations expressing regret st being unable
to attend were read by Secretary Mas
cherini- Among them were kilograms
from A. D. Jones. Senator Feeny and J.
Bohannon of Sacramento and w. ]. Jacks
of Winters and Mayor Phelan sent let
ter of regret expressing his best wishes
for the success OF the league.
President Jones called the attention of
the mem bers to the mass-meeting that is
to be held on Saturday evening and par
ticularly requesting that all present at
tend on that occasion.
Mrs. Frona E. Waite was introduced to
speak to the members on the Cuban ques-
tion and spoke OF the great pleasure she
took in addressing so many enthusiastic
friends of the Cubans.
II cannot understand" she said, "why
Cuba should be under the rule of Spain,
nor why the United States Government
should be so tender of the feelings of the
Spanish. Spain recognized the Southern
States forty days after the firing on Fort
Sumter. They say that the Cubans are
negroes. What of it? What if they have
colored blood in their veins, are they not
as worthy OF sym pathy as those who are
white? Are they not human beings with
the feelings and rights of men and
women?
at is time we helped Cuba, as we
wanted help while we were struggling for
freedom. Ii We are going to help Cuba we
should do it now.
Think of the indignities that Butcher
Weyler has heaped on the women of
Cuba. He forces them to wear in their
hair the Spanish colors, yellow and red,
instead of the red, white and blue that
they love SO well. But they show their
spirit by putting in a knot of black to
testify so their sorrow at their countrys
fate.''
Charles M. Shortridge was called on to
speak, but gave way to the Ladies' Auxii-
ary, which, represented by pretty Miss
Irene Bertucci, stepped forward and
handed the beautiful emblem to Presi-
dent Jones.
The speech that accompanied the ban
ner was in well-chosen words and was
warmly applauded. On either side of her
stood Johnny and Rosie Mascherini, the
children of the secretary, each bearing an
American flag.
In accepting the banner the president
spoke as follows:
Ladies OF the Cuban Auxiliary: On.behalf of
the Cuban League of San Francisco 1 accept
this ensign, the token of Cuba's future lib
erty-this banner constructed by the hands of
those whose hearts yearn and plead for the
freedom of an oppressed people AS l gaze
upon this handIwork l imagine how happy
and proud and with what renewed courage
those struggling patriots will battle when
they know that even in the far distant West
there exists band of courageous, energetic
and determined women who labor and pray
that the shackles of tyranny and oppression
may be torn from those whose heroic struggles
entitle them to the sympathy and assistance
OF the whole civilized world.
Whenever we shall look upon this flag it