The times., 1898-10-31
GEN. RoDRIGUEz's LETTER.
II Says Nothing of His Troops Duty
to America.

to America.
Here is the farewell letter that Gen.
Rodriguez, insurgent commander in the
provinces of Havana and Pinar del Rio.
wrote to his troops before he started for
Santa Cruz del Sur to attend the Cuban
convention:
Soldiers: For many consecutive years
you have shared with me the painful
chances of formidable struggle, sus-
tained in defense of our legitimate ideals
against powerful enemy, who had IN
his favor. in addition to his personal
bravery the great military talents of the
illustrious general who today represents
Spain in the Antilles. and If on all occa-
sions have admired your valor in CON-
bat and your generosity In victory, |
have also admired your obedience and
your discipline, which might be a model
to regular armies.
To-day, when / am about to separate
from you accidentally. since the welfare
of our country demands IL, i have an OBJ
servation to make to you and advice to
give you, observation and advice which,
knowing your loyalty and abneSation,
may be perhaps unnecessary. but will at
Remember that we have consecrated
all our efforts all our energies. to the
creation of an independent nationality
which may figure free and sovereign in
the general concert of natiOns:' that we
have raised a spotless banner, and that II
Is necessary that this nationality be con-
stituted vigorous and strong. and this
banner shine with all the splendOr OF
glory.
TO obtain these ends We have need
of exquisite prudence, of special tact, OF
delicate Judgment: we have now no enc
mics to fight but rather brothers to ac-
knowledge.
"on the affairs of the fatherland there
neither must nor can be sacrifices and sac
rifced Let US put aside sect hatreds,
party rivalries. and differences Of birth
proclaiming that under the majestic
shadow of the Cuban banner there /:
room for all honorable men. From today
forever after past resentments must be
forgotten which may bring 10 our mind:
the sad recollection of painful agonies.
Now We are free; let us learn how Il
become great through our virtues. in order
that by becoming great We may be re-
spected.
I'm pitching our camp on the beach Of
Marianao We rely at the same time on tn.
justice OF our aspirations On the DtltNO
lence, which has never been known u
fail of the ilIustrious Gen. Blanco, a dis
tinguished commander worthy of oul
greatest respect and profound veneration
whose enlightened views are seconded
with notable skill and prudence by tins
distinguished civil governor of Havana
by the colonel, military governor of Mar
ianao, and by its alcalde
Let us then avoid any conflict. any dis
cord. any friction with the Spanish forces
because We and they have accomplished
our respective duties. they in defending
the banner to which they had sworn ale
glance, We in defending ours.
Let us be honorable To the very end
and seek for the concord, the harmony
which is to lead us to prosperity auC
greatness.
In handing over the command for tn,
interim to the distinguished Gen. Mari,
Menocal, whose high qualities of energ!
and brilliancy are so well known to me.
am sure that he will spare no sacrifice o.
care to maintain and raise our prestig,
to the greatest height. Give him. then
the powerful assistance of your correc
behavior and receive my parting greeting
| Your general, ]. NJ. RODRIGUEZ.
| Headquarters Military Encampment o
! FL Mayor, Oct. 10. 1885