[Inclosure No. 1, with Dispatch No. 709.]
WESTERN MILITARY DEPARTMENT.
To the inhabitants of Cuba:
Upon the initiation of the winter campaign by General Blanco, after the failure of the bloodthirsty Weyler, I wish to remind you of our firm resolution to continue fighting until the attainment of absolute independence.
Our principles are well defined. We wish to have a republic where all its inhabitants shall enjoy equal rights and live in fraternity. We do not hate the Spaniard. Our conduct toward the Spanish wounded and prisoners prove it. Remember "La Larga," "El Senado," "Remon de las Yaguas," "Guaimaro," and "Victoria de las Tunas" in Oriente and Camaguey, and "Lomitas" in Las Villas, as well as Vinales and "Ojo de Agua" in Pinar del Rio. Our wounded have, nevertheless, been mutilated, our prisoners shot, and the peaceful inhabitants, even women and children, murdered without pity, as if the Spanish representative, sent to Cuba by the unfortunate Canovas del Castillo, had proposed to exterminate the inhabitants of this country.
Spaniards, we only consider as enemies those who combat against us.
Cubans, do your duty and the end of the struggle will be abbreviated, and the horrors and ruins suffered by our country will terminate.
Long live the Cuban Republic!
November 10, 1897.
J. M. Rodriguez,
Mr. Lee to Mr. Day.
No. 710.]
Havana, November 23, 1897.
Sir: I have the honor to briefly submit a statement of what appears to be the present condition of affairs in this island.
First. The insurgents will not accept autonomy.
Second. A large majority of the Spanish subjects who have commercial and business interests and own property here will not accept autonomy, but prefer annexation to the United States rather than an independent republic or genuine autonomy under the Spanish flag.
Third. The Spanish authorities are sincere in doing all in their power to encourage, protect, and promote the grinding of sugar. The grinding season commences in December.
Fourth. The insurgents' leaders have given instructions to prevent grinding wherever it can be done, because by diminishing the export of sugar the Spanish Government revenues are decreased. It will be very difficult for the Spanish authorities to prevent cane burning, because one man at night can start a fire which will burn hundreds of acres, just as a single individual could ignite a prairie by throwing a match into the dry grass.
Fifth. I am confident that General Blanco, and Pando, his chief of staff, as well as Dr. Congosto, the secretary general, with all of whom I have had conversations, are perfectly conscientious in their desire to relieve the distress of those suffering from the effects of Weyler's reconcentration order, but unfortunately they have not the means to carry out such benevolent purposes.
I have read letters stating that charitable persons in the United States will send clothing, food, and some money to these unfortunate people, and I have arranged with the Ward Line of steamers to provide free transportation from New York. I hope to secure the permission of the Spanish authorities here for such things to be entered free of duty. I am told, however, that they must come consigned to the bishop of
