The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1898-09-16
THE DUTIESOF THE CUBANS.
A Manifesto Issued by the Council of the
So Called Provisional Government-An
Order TO Military Commanders.


council of the so-called provisional
government of the republic of Cuba,
met at Santa Cruz on September / and
formulated a manifesto to the Cuban
people, with an order to the military
commanders of the Cuban army, both
of which have been promulgated.
The manifesto touches on the his
tory of the movement for Cuban indie
pendence and the principles upon
which the Cuban people have fought
for their liberty. 1t proceeds in parts,
as follows:
Though the principal object of our revolu-
ton has been obtained, that is, the destruc-
ton of Spanish domination, the work of this
council is not yet at an end, for the Cuban re-
public-the ideal for which we have fought
has not yet been constituted Now that hos
tilitieS have ceased and Spain has renowned
her sovereignty. it is the duty of this council
to set before the Cuban people the feelings
and purposes Of the men who made the revolu-
ton.
I'VE always felt confident that through our
own perseverance we would in the long run
destroy Spanish domination; but we must ac-
knowledge that indefinite prolongation of
the struggle would have annihiiated the little
that was left of our wealth and population
The entrance upon the field of a powerful and
decisive factor, upon which we have always
relied and toward which the hearts of all Gu
bans have always turned has put an end to the
horrors Of war, to the benefit of all concerned.
This prompt solution we must acknowledge
we could never have obtained. 1t is proper to
acknowledge the evident truth. This is the
best title the United States has to our graft
tude. We were abandoned by the world, some
nations ignoring us through selfshneSs,
others, ignorant of our real condition. cOnsid-
ering us an obstinate and ungovernable peo-
pie because we did not accept the cajoleries
and batteries with which Spain tried to sOothe
our just anger.
This was our situation when the people of
the United States, their government and con-
gress came to our rescue and took upon their
shoulders the task of delivering US at once
from an unbearable yoke. as our sufTerings
could not be endured or permitted longer.
They have accomplished their programme
brilliantly. What is more they have liberated,
in one way or nother, from the rule of Spain
all peoples oppressed by her. The liberation
is definite and irrevocable. Spain has been
expelled from this hemisphere.
We are grateful In nations as well as in
individuals, gratitude is ennobling. AS we be-
gin now our national life We. more than any
other people, must be jealous of our national
honor. 1t is therefore the duty of this council
to explain to the people of Cuba what in its
opinion. are our duties toward the United
States and towards ouselves and what are the
rules that ought to direct our conduct.
When. after a long struggle, the United
States congress recognized the right of the
people of Cuba to be free and independent and
ordered the Spanish forces to withdraw from
the island, no Cuban government was recOg-
nized; but the one we had consti tuted though
not recognized, was not opposed and has not
been opposed. No steps have been taken to
dislodge it from the place where it exercised
Its functions. nor has it been considered an il
| legitimate authority which events have dis
solved or destroyed for the good of the people
of Cuba.
1T could not be otherwise. The United
| States could not interfere in our struggle for
the sake OF what our enemies might consider
| a political faction. The American government
could intervene for the benefit of the whole
| people of Cuba, part Of whom, being under
| Spanish rule, was not free to express pur-
! pose or a preference. The intention of the
United States was that, as soon as the OBJ
stacle of Spanish rule had been removed, the
whole Cuban people should choose a govern
ment that would shape the destinies of the
island
The people of the United States have all along
| appreciated the fact that the majority of the
| people of Cuba is in agreement with our prin-
| ciples; for the motto Of the United States gov
| eminent has been the same as our own-absO-
| lutte independence Of Cuba. Under these con-
| ditions, the Americans could not take hostile
| attitude toward US consider our authority il
| legitimate and harmful to the welfare Of the
| Cuban people.
| These considerations have convinced US
that we should not dissolve and that the pow
erS we have received from an assembly elected
| by the people under arms should not vanish.
| On the contrary we feel that We should remain
as a nucleus and guide for those who have
vested such power in US.
I'VE have therefore. decided to call together
another assem- bly,, which will determine our
future course
| In conclusion the manifesto gives number
of reasons why the proposed assembly should
| be convened and some government or another
chosen, mot with the character of a govern
ment as yet but as an official representation
| of those CubanS who fought against Spain and
of tn ose who. in the cities under SPANS con-
troll and in foreign countries have helped and
| supported them"