The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-20
willing to Forgive the Spaniards Now
that They Are About to Leave.

willing to Forgive the Spaniards Now
that They Are About to Leave.
HAVANA via Key West, Oct. 19-The
Cuban general, Mayia Rodriguez, before
leaving for Santa Cruz del Sur. to attend
the Cuban Assembly, issued proclamation
to his troops. 1t is known to have been
written by the Marquis De Cervera, the
Spanish military commander at Marianao,
with whom Rodriguez is upon most init
mate terms. The document, which bears the
earmarks of the Spanish officer, is inter-
esting as showing the change of language
and tone a Cuban commander is ready to
adopt to-day in speaking of his hated enc
mics of yesterday. The proclamation runs
as follows:
Soldiers, during many consecutive years
you have shared with me the painful alter
natives of formidable struggle, sustained
in defense of our legitimate ideals against
a powerful enemy, having in their favor,
as complement of their personal heroism,
the dazzling military prestige of the illus
trious general who to-day represents Spain
in Cuba
IF, on every occasion, ! have admired
your valor in action, your generosity in vic
tory and your resignation in defeat no less
have l praised the subordination and dis
cipline which could serve as an example to
regular armies. To-day, when the welfare
of our country demands my leaving you
for awhile have to make some oDserva-
tons and to give some advice which, though
possibly unnecessary owing to your loyalty
and abnegation, is always useful and adj
vantageous.
Remember that we have consecrated
every effort and all our energy to create an
Independent nation which shall figure as
free sovereign state i'm the concert of ma
Dow a1.nr i
followed a proud and stainless flag. Re
member that 1t is imperative that nation
atty be constituted strong and vigorous if
the flag is to shine with all the Splendor of
| glorious victory. To obtain that result will
require exquisite prudence, special tact and
delicate judgment.
I'VE have no longer enemies to fight but
brothers to recognize. On our country's
altar there cannot be and should not be
sacrifice Let us lay aside all sectaran
hatred party rivalry and difference of birth
and proclaim that under the majestic shad-
ow of the Cuban flag there is room for all
honest men, From to-day forget the resent
ment that would bring to your minds pain
full recollections. We are already free. Let
us become great throughout our virtues and
be respected
In pitching our camp at Playa de
Marineo we depend not alone on. our right,
o9t 5sG On the meyer
nowned warrior, deserving our highest re-
spect and most profound veneration. whose
enlightened policy is ably seconded and car
ried out by the civil government of Havana
and the military commander and mayor of
Mariana. Be careful to avoid clash or
disagreement with the Spanish forces. They
have but done their duty. like ourselves.
They have defended their flag, as we have
ours. Be honest throughout seeking the
concord and harmony which lead to pros
perity and greatness. In temporarily in
trusting my command to the distinguished
general, Mario Menocal, whose energy and
tact are well known to me, ask you to
give him the cooperation of exemplary dis
cipine and subordination until my early re-
turn"