Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-03-23
LIBERTY OR DEATH.
Cuban Junta to the American People.

Cuban Junta to the American People.
The following proclamation to the
people of the United States, was issued
by T. Estrada Palma, at the Office of
the Cuban Junta, in New York, last
night:
ITO the American People-The fire.
quency with which there has lately
appeared in the public press sugges-
lions made by malicious or misinform-
cd persons that Cubans would accept
or could be forced to accept autonomy
or anything short of independence,
has impelled US to make definite and
final statement on this subject.
"From the first our motto has been {:
Independence or DEATH We are now
more firmly than ever determined to
carry out that program. AS we would
not accept, we will not even discuss
the proposed measure of autonomy.
After three years of the most sanguin-
airy, barbarous and unciviized warfare
of modern times, carried on by Spain,
we are stronger than ever. 1t is for
US to say what will satisfy US, not for
others. Our ideals and national honor
we can confide to the keeping of our
selves alone.
81 cannot think that the American
people have forgotten the principle
laid down in their own declaration of
independence, nor can l believe that
any true American can be found who
will advise us to forsake the ideal of a
republican government for the mon
archial even in its most liberal form.
"There is no way to compel the Gu.
bans to accept autonomy except by
force of arms.
ave have fought three years-not
against Spain alone.-but against the
whole world. Not helping hand was
extended to us; no country gave us
equal rights with Spain. The right to
arm our people by purchasing weapons
in this country and Transporting them
TO Cuba is admitted, and although en-
gagged in lawful traffic we had to run
the blockade to get from these shores
and then run the gauntlet to get to
Cuba. Our ships and cargoes were
seized, subjected to delay; but invaria'
bly, restored by the slow and costly
process of the law. Nevertheless we
never faltered. We always appreciate
the fact that the sympathy of the
American people was with us. Spain
has proven impotent TO compel us by
force TO accept autonomy. She now
desires the aid of the United States 10
compel us TO accept.
IL cannot believe that the American
people will ever lend itself to the most
treacherous, blood.stained monarchy
of history for such purpose. Should
such prove to be the case, however,
declare in the name of the Cuban
people in arms that force alone can
compel our submission. We, who
have seen hundreds of thousands of
our race and families eXterminated by
slow starvation by cowardly decree
of the most inhuman commander OF
sanguinary Spain, will fight against
anything but independence, no matter
who opposes US.
"If, unfortunately, this increditable
proposal be carried into effect and
American bayonets are arrayed against
us in our struggle for freedom and in
aid of the Spanish monarchy, We will
fight on, sadly but determined, and let
history judge whether the vanquished
had not Il purer ideal of free institu'
tions than the victors. In such case
we will be exterminated but future
generations will again take up ouI
flag and our aspirations and Cuba will
vet be free. Nor will we ever agree
10 a truce until our independence is
established
ave will continue to fight as did
the Americans under Jackson at the
battle of New Orleans, even after the
treaty of peace is signed, if it should
be necessary.
"rhe Cubans cannot be convinced
that the United States will ever try to
force us 10 remain under the Spanish
flag; but l have deemed it my duty tc
appeal to the generosity, thesympath!
and the patriotism of the American
people 10 the end that they may un
derstand the justice and firmness o
our demand for complete independ
ence." THOMAS ESTRADA PALMA.