as the concentration measures have caused, it becomes necessary to proceed in this matter with the foresight, good sense, and tact imposed by events and which the authority can not ignore.
In view of these considerations and haying resolved to make the causes of this evil disappear as far as possible, prudently, and for the benefit of all, until obtaining the complete reestablishment of the normality in the life of the rural population I have decided to order as follows:
First. All reconcentrados possessing farms, as owners, lessees, or in partnership, and who possess elements and resources to help themselves, can again establish themselves in same and commence to work, for which they shall count with the protection and aid assured to them by the last instructions regarding the reorganization of agricultural and industrial labors. To this end, they shall obtain from the proper civil or military authority the piece of land where they are to establish themselves, a permit bearing the name of the individuals composing the family, the names of the persons accompanying them, number and kind of animals which they may keep, agricultural and other implements which they may need, and the kind of labor they will undertake; and they shall at the same time prove how they will obtain the implements, clothes, and effects which they may need from the moment of their establishment.
Second. Those not comprised in such case, but who attend to the industrial and agricultural labors, as artisans and laborers, can do so, provided they reside in the farm or plantation where they work, that they pass the night within the fortified place of said farm or plantation, and that they always carry with them their proper personal documents.
Third. To this end the sugar estates, cane fields (colonias de cana), tobacco plantations, coffee plantations, and other farms or plantations of importance properly defended shall be considered as centers of labor, and their owners are authorized to have in them the necessary employees and laborers—the present reconcentrados as well as persons who having invoked pardon have complied with the formalities of surrender. Special care should be adopted that the proper hygienic measures are carried out which may guarantee the health of the laboring population.
Fourth. In all cases to which the preceding paragraphs refer to, are the owners, lessees, or partners of the farms or plantations obliged to build centers of defense of the zones of cultivation which they comprehend, and in the exterior circuit of which shall be established, in compliance with orders from the general staff of the army, the basis of operations of the columns in charge of fighting the rebels and of defending such centers whenever necessary. To this end the owners, lessees, and partners of farms or plantations are authorized to carry arms for their defense, and the employees and laborers are authorized to carry revolver and machete for the defense of the zone which guarantees the elements of life to their persons and their families' subsistence—after obtaining due permission from the local authorities in accordance with the owners of the farms or plantations.
Fifth. The families and persons now concentrated who will not be able to enjoy the benefits which those comprised in the foregoing cases may obtain, either because they have no piece of land, or because they have no resources with which to establish themselves in same, or because they are unable to work, shall remain in the towns under the direct protection of the boards for the protection of the reconcentrados which shall be constituted with Government funds and with the aid of public charity.
Sixth. These boards shall be immediately organized in the capitals of the provinces by the civil governors, by the alcaldes (mayors) in the municipal districts, and by the deputies from the city governments (ayuntamientos) in the towns, and they shall act under the direction and presidency of the said civil authorities, who for the purpose of constituting said boards shall associate themselves as follows: (1) To the military commandants, who are already instructed by the general staff of their obligation to ration the reconcentrados; (2) to the parish priests, whom the ecclesiastic authority shall inform them of the cooperation they shall tender to such humane purposes; (3) to the municipal physicians, to whom pertains the medical aid of those who may need it; and (4) to the proprietors, merchants, traders, and agriculturists whom the presidents may designate.
Seventh. The protection afforded by these boards shall extend under the same conditions, not only to the reconcentrados, but to persons coming from the rebel camp and who have invoked pardon, while they lack means of subsistence.
Eighth. These boards shall report their works every fifteen days to their respective presidents or to their superiors, who in turn shall report to the secretary's office of the General Government of the island.
Ninth. The civil and military authorities in charge of the execution of these provisions shall see that they are strictly complied with, under their responsibility.
Havana, 13 November, 1897.
