The History of Cuba Volume III Part 15

Connected with it is one of the ill.u.s.trious names in Cuban history--a name which has been borne by some of the most famous Cuban patriots.

However, it has been said that there is no family which has not its black sheep.

Augustin Arango gave his life for his country, when he was murdered by the Spaniards, while on the way to the conference at Puerto Principe, under safe conduct from the Spanish leaders. Two other members of the Arango family were prominent in the support of the revolution. It remained for Napoleon Arango to disgrace his family. He had taken an active part in the revolution upon its inception, but had not been accorded a high place in the revolutionary government, or the rank which his ambition craved in the army, because his loyalty had been suspected.

Angry and disgruntled, he made an attempt to betray his friends to the Spanish troops. His action was, however, discovered in time, and he was arrested, tried, found guilty and sentenced to death. The high standing of the Arango family, and the fact that his brother had given his life for the cause of liberty, were urged as reasons for commuting his sentence, and he was finally taken from confinement, and driven outside the Cuban lines, with orders never to return under penalty of having the death sentence executed. He quickly made his way to the Spanish army.

All this happened in 1869, and for almost a year Arango had been living under Spanish protection. Suddenly, in April, 1870, the Spanish authorities caused the report to be circulated that Arango had surrendered himself to them, bringing with him a large force of Cubans, who had declared their allegiance to Spain, and the Spanish Government in Cuba cited this as an indication of the weakness of the patriots, and as an augury of their approaching dissolution and of the ultimate triumph of Spain. As a matter of fact, Arango had always been a trouble maker and a potential traitor; he had been characterized by one Cuban officer as a "poor, despised, worthless creature," and it is needless to say that the whole story was false from beginning to end. However, Arango issued a grandiloquent statement, in which he explained his supposed action, and urged the Cuban revolutionists to lay down their arms and follow his example. His open letter to Cuban patriots is to be recalled as one of the curiosities of treason. It ran as follows:

"Cubans!"

"When Carlos Manuel de Cespedes thought of raising the cry of Independence and expected the other cities of the Island to second him, he received as a reply, from the jurisdiction of Holguin and Puerto Principe, _that they would not support him_; and the Cinco Villas and other towns maintained an att.i.tude of expectancy. Notwithstanding this, Cespedes said that he had no need of the _reminder_ and that he _would p.r.o.nounce_ on the 14th of October as he did in fact but somewhat in advance of that date. Having so many reasons, as I have, to know the country as well as the character and tendencies of its inhabitants; and also what Spain would do and what was to be _expected of the people_ on the Island; knowing moreover the policy of the United States and the effects as well as the consequences that must follow a revolution especially when it was an _extemporaneous outburst_; and being convinced besides that owing to the heterogeneous nature of our population and to the little _enlightenment_ of the ma.s.ses, _nothing but extermination_ could be expected for Cuba, I took part in framing the reply given to Cespedes by Puerto Principe, stating that _since he took pains to carry out so wicked an idea, he should not be seconded by us_; and _we made him responsible_ before posterity for the evils which he was about to bring on Cuba.

"Cespedes and his inexperienced fellow-believers proclaimed Independence at Yara without any supply of arms or munitions of war, without provisions, clothing, etc., etc., with which to support their movement.

Ignorant of what revolution is, they bunched forth just like children who heedlessly play with a wild beast, in entire ignorance of its nature. The first movement of enthusiasm on the part of the people, and of surprise on the part of the Government gave them the victory at Bayamo; and they at once thought that the Independence of Cuba was already secured. This was a fatal error, a sad illusion, which blunted the common sense and gave _loose rein to their pa.s.sions_. It was the fatal error of those men who had not sufficient strength of will to be able to wait. Ah! how fatal it is not to know when to wait!

"The Camagueyans were aroused at the enthusiastic shout for liberty, and they wished to help their brethren of Bayamo, driven on by a sentiment of fraternity and by their yet stronger love of liberty;--that n.o.ble aspiration which G.o.d has imbued in the hearts of all men. I shared not in these desires, although I did really in their sentiments, but I was restrained by experience and by my knowledge of the situation. Anxious to be of service to my country, I offered to go to Bayamo as a representative from Puerto Principe, which I did.

"From my first steps into the Eastern Department, I was _convinced of the error_ into which the people had fallen, and the _impossibility_ of keeping up so unequal a contest. Moreover after studying the revolution and sounding the feelings of the people, I discovered that they _did not desire_ the movement but had been dragged into it; without noticing in the beginning, owing to their blind precipitation, that they were not prepared to receive a successful issue.

"In some private circles I spoke of the propriety of _changing_ the cry for Independence into an acceptation of the _Cadiz programme_;--an idea which was _well received_ and seemed so to change the course of affairs, that I saw a great risk, being threatened by the few who persisted in their original intention. I spoke to Cespedes and made known to him the untimeliness of the revolution; that if he really desired the welfare of Cuba, this latter consisted in withdrawing from a war that must be ruinous and unsuccessful in the end; that the liberties offered in the Cadiz programme _were perhaps even more than would suit Cuba_, etc., etc. Cespedes, _convinced_ by my reasoning _agreed to my proposals_; and if he then failed to follow my advice it was, to use his own words, because he feared that he would not be obeyed by those who had already proclaimed for Independence. They did not understand the true policy that should be followed in the guidance of returns. They began badly and will end worse.

"On my return to Puerto Principe I found the country in insurrection, _dragged on_ by two or three men who were led wrong by their ill-digested ideas of liberty or by their own _private interest_, and whose only wish was _revolution in whatever way it could be brought about_. I grieved at this mistake, but without losing heart, and always firm in advancing the prosperity of Cuba, I called a meeting which was held at Clavellinas. There I made known the result of my observations during my trip to Bayamo; and after some discussions, the force of my arguments _prevailed_. With _one_ exception all agreed that we should _adhere to the Cadiz programme_. I was afterwards appointed General-in-Chief with _especial charge_ (thus it was set forth in the record) _that I should have an interview with General Valmaseda for the purpose noted above_.

"In a conversation with that gentleman he manifested the _best of intentions_ in favor of a pacification, but stated that he was not empowered by his government to make any concession. He offered nevertheless to grant _effectual ones_, so soon as he could obtain the power. He called my attention to this; that whatever the liberties which should be granted to Cuba, the rights of the Cubans would have to be regarded as attacked if they did not _send representatives_ to have a hand in everything that might be done in regard to this country.

"I knew too well the _reasons_ of General Valmaseda, but fearing that my fellow countrymen might not seize the force of his reasoning, we agreed upon a truce for four days which I requested in order to call another meeting more numerous and one which should decide the matter. This meeting _took place_ at _Las Minas_; and there as well as at Clavellinas, the majority was _not for a continuation of the war_ but for _accepting the Cadiz programme_. Had a vote been taken, it is certain that this choice _would have carried_; but I refrained from calling a vote in order to be consistent with the Caunao district which had made known through its delegate, Don Carlos L. Mola, Junior, that it wished to have no voting; because in case thereof they would be bound to its result; and that district was only in favor of _accepting_ whatever the government _chose to grant them_.

"An _immense majority_ was in favor of the _programme_, and, nevertheless, the war was kept up because those bent upon it spared no means nor suggestion to entice away those in favor of the _Cadiz programme_. That is to say that, taking advantage of family ties, of friends.h.i.+ps, and of an ill comprehended a.s.sociation, etc., etc., they dragged along with them the _unwary_ and the _inexperienced_, who were _reluctant_ enough and who now know their error, as I never wished to force upon anyone (not even on my own brothers) my own ideas, nor to make use of any other means than persuasion, in accordance with reason.

I confined myself to simply resigning the rank that had been conferred on me and withdrew to my plantation. From that time forward, I busied myself merely with enlightening the people, showing them the mistakes into which they were led by those who were interested in the continuance of the war.

"I have not sought to impose my notions upon anyone, but I do not any the more accept those of others when my reason and my conscience reject them. And I believe there is no right, nor law, nor reason to support those who willingly, or through force, wish to force upon others their own ideas however good or holy these may be.

"Those who are at the head of the Cuban government and guide the revolution believe their triumph possible; they think their ideas are correct and their way a good one. Very well; but not believing as they do, I move aside from that government, whose _pressure and arbitrariness_ are such, that it will not even admit neutrality in others. I will not wage war against you; I will not take up arms against you except in personal defence; but I separate from men who wish to _impose_ their own notions on others _through force_. You are free to think and act as you like, and I reserve to myself the same right and act in accordance therewith.

"But there is more. In the position where, unfortunately and much against my will, events have placed me, I occupy a place as a public man, as a politician in Cuban politics; and I should not remain inactive while I behold the destruction of Cuba and look out merely for my personal safety under the protection of the Spanish government. No, Gentlemen, I would then be a bad patriot, and I love my country before liberty or rather I do not understand the former principle as divorced from the latter. Both are intimately bound together; and in order that the first be worthy, honorable and beneficial to humanity it cannot be separated from the second.

"I am a Cuban, the same as yourselves, and I have consequently the same right to busy myself with the welfare of my country. Let everyone have his method; you pretend that you obey the popular will; that you are at the head of government, because the will of the people and popular choice; that you act in uniformity with ideas and sentiments of the Cubans; and finally that you are provoking the welfare and prosperity of Cuba. _I shall prove entirely the contrary._

"The favorable reception with which my ideas were met at Bayamo, the meeting at Clavellinas, that at Las Minas, and the desire--almost unanimous--to accept the _concessions_ offered by General Dulce, prove sufficiently that the country wanted peace, nevertheless you maintain war. Hence, popular suffrage in the country is but a chimera.

"Let us see how the actual government was formed. On the one side, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes who, _for himself_ and in _his own name set himself up_ as the _dictator_ of Cuba, _appointed_ a certain number of deputies for the cast, at the famous meeting in Guaimaro. That is a fine representation of popular will and an admirable republic, when the deputies are not elected by the people! On the other hand, the a.s.sembly at Puerto Principe was _illegally const.i.tuted_ and _entirely unauthorized_; and, finally, some deputies from the Cinco Villas--the only ones which perhaps held a legitimate representation--met together and formed the actual government, which they should have called the _Venetian_ rather than a _Cuban Republic_. They formed the government by _sharing with each other the offices_, and they propose thus to shape the destiny of Cuba. A _handful of men_ thus representing over a million souls, who _have had no share_ in their nomination, does not a.s.suredly const.i.tute popular election.

"The Cubans want the liberty of a.s.semblage, freedom of speech, respect of property, personal security, the liberty to leave the territory of the Republic,--which is a right secured in all nations of the world to every individual, they want, in fine, to be governed as the majority choose, and not according to the will of a few. But _nothing of all this is done_. Whoever puts forth ideas _contrary_ to those of the government or any of its _functionaries_, is _threatened_ with four shots, _property is a prey to the first comer_, who, with arms in hand can take _possession_ of what suits him; the _lives_ of men are _sported_ with, just as children sport with flies; and in fine whoever attempts to abandon the government, even without intruding to wage war on it, is persecuted to death. Hence the conduct of said government is not in conformity with the ideas and sentiments of the country.

"If to all this be added the _arsons_ and the complete _destruction_ of Cuban wealth, the _demolition of towns_ and--what must follow in the end, can there be one sensible man who will maintain that all this const.i.tutes the prosperity and well-being of Cuba? a.s.suredly not.

"You employ _force, deceit, terror_ to _drag the ma.s.ses_ on and carry out whatever you judge beneficial for the cause of Cuba; I use only reason, truth and the irrepressible logic of facts and of experience, not the material argument of arms.

[Ill.u.s.tration: DOMINGO GOICOURIA]

"Well, then, knowing as I do that the country _does not want war_, and that it continues therein under the _pressure_ of the Cuban government in the one hand and on the others out of fear of the punishment which the Spanish government might inflict, knowing as I do that nothing is to be expected from the United States as it was attempted to make the people believe; knowing that since the beginning of the Insurrection, 40,000 men have come from Spain, and that many more will come--a fact generally unknown in this country; aware, as I am, that over 100,000 men are under arms; that the coasts are well watched, and that the New York Junta lacks resources to send material aid to the Insurrection; aware moreover that the _Cuba_, the _Lillian_, the expedition of Goicouria and others are lost resources; that the Insurrection is almost stifled in the East and in the Cinco Villas; that in the Vuelta-Abajo far from there being any secessionists, it is the country people themselves who pursue the insurgents, as has taken place in Guines; knowing as I do that the families to be met with in the fields are anxious to return to the towns; and aware of the importance attached to my conduct, both in the Island and abroad, I have made a new sacrifice for my country. I have come forward with my family to prove by my example that I do not believe in the triumph of the Insurrection, nor do I fear the Spanish government; which animated as it is with the best of wishes is ready to draw a veil over the past, provided the country can be pacified and many tears, much blood and loss of property be spared.

DOMINGO GOICOURIA

General Domingo Goicouria, one of the pioneers of Cuban independence was born in 1804, and was an active partic.i.p.ant in the Lopez expeditions and other uprisings. He was one of the leaders in the beginning of the Ten Years' War, but was captured by the Spaniards, at Cayo Guajaba, and was put to death at Havana on May 14, 1870.

"It is a sacrifice indeed, Gentlemen, for I expose my name to the evil-tongued and make it the b.u.t.t of false interpretations.

"I believe firmly that the happiness of Cuba and the welfare of humanity consists in the pacification of this beautiful country, and maintain this in the presence of the whole universe with my hand on my conscience and head erect as becomes a man of honor.

"There is no man who is infallible, and perhaps my opinions and determination may be wrong; but I can at least affirm that I am acting in good faith, having for sole object in view the welfare of my country and of humanity and making total abstraction of my own personality, as well as of my own interests.

"I am not a time server but a man of fixed principles; I am convinced of my opinions and feel the energy of my convictions. I now maintain what I have maintained since the beginning of the revolution, even previous thereto. My actual conduct is not therefore an apostasy but the energetic continuance in my opinions and principles. These I do not mean to impose on any one; merely make them known, inviting all to examine them in every detail, and I am sure that they will follow my example.

But if blind to reason and unmindful of the events which for a year and a half have supported my predictions, they persist in a struggle which I believe hopeless, let them keep on, but without _extending the horrors of war to families_. Let the women and children whom _government_ wishes to _foster_ and _daily supports_ with rations of bread, rice, b.u.t.ter, etc., come to the city; and let you keep on, if unfortunately you refuse to listen to the voice of reason and patriotism, in that senseless contest, which you must later repent having ever begun.

"Reflect a moment; examine thoroughly, and not merely the appearances of the situation, and you will see that the existing strife is an unqualifiable mistake, and its continuation an unparalleled blindness.... What has become of the intelligence of Cubans? Where are the energy and the influence of men of intelligence and character?

" ...Cubans! You have seen that I have always been a protector to the people; that I have tried to enlighten them, that they might have a partic.i.p.ation in everything and know what they were doing, so as to follow their own ideas and not be carried off by others; but what has been the result? I was treacherously and illegally arrested, at the request of those who wish to rule the ma.s.ses; I was sentenced to death, and over twenty times they have tried to put an end to my life....

Natural sense shows clearly that when an attempt is made to annihilate him who speaks the _truth_, who _enlightens_ and never _deceives_; who instead of speculating on his fellow countrymen and growing rich on the revolution makes use of his own means to succor the ma.s.ses (let all Yaguajey speak); who never makes use of any pressure to enforce his ideas, who allows himself to be ruined from the neglect of his own interests, in order to give himself up solely to the welfare of his country; does it not show clearly, I say, that the attempt is made only because his adversaries have different pretensions and a different line of conduct from his? Now what is this difference? It consists in _violence, deceit_, the use of _force, spoliation_ of the neighbor for _his own benefit_; it is despotism, based on the ignorance in which the people are kept. I have sought to have the country governed as it is its wish to be governed, in accordance with universal suffrage; your government, _on the contrary_, pretend to rule it as they see fit. They state that they want liberty for the people whilst the most _cruel despotism_ weighs upon you....

"The people are told that from the United States will come reinforcement and resources; that there are elements to spare for the continuation of the war; that the Spanish soldier carries a cartridge-box and wears shoes of rawhide and is short of provisions; that there are _no troops_ nor will _any come_ from Spain; that the _taxes are ruining_ the country, etc., etc. Well, I ... tell you all this is _illusion, deceit_, and a fatal chimera.

"The government of the United States does not busy itself nor can it with the Cuban Insurrection. Look at Article 16 of the Treaty of 1797 and you will learn that they cannot favor the Cubans in the least efficacious way without failing in national dignity and exposing themselves to a coalition against themselves. That government is too polished and financially shrewd to compromise itself in a war that would entail serious mischief upon its commerce; and moreover there are other motives that would be too lengthy to detail....

"I have just read a manifesto of Manuel Quesada, published in New York under date of the 8th inst., in which he sets astray entirely the opinion that should be formed of the state of insurrection. I shall tear off the bandage. He states that the Cuban army numbers 61,000; that there are here five powder factories; that firearms are manufactured here as well as swords and bayonets; that there are thirteen public schools and thirteen churches; that three thousand shoes are made every week and four thousand hides tanned every month; that the soldier receives for daily ration, beef, sugar, coffee, vegetables and rice at his discretion, tobacco, etc.; that there are many sugar mills grinding for the state; that several warehouses are filled with tobacco, sugar, hides, etc., to the value of many millions of dollars, that the territory which is occupied by the Cubans in insurrection is in a cultivated and producing condition, such as has never before been witnessed, even during years of the greatest abundance; that thousands of percussion caps are daily made; that he (Quesada) left here under commission of importance after having temporarily put Jordan in command under instructions, as well as the other leaders, etc., etc., to an endless length. I address you, fellow countrymen, who are there on the ground of this insurrection, whence I have lately come. You all, as well as myself, know that all these things are _false_, entirely _false_.

"Quesada states that he has gone to seek means and bring arms, with which to end the insurrection, but for what _does he need them if he has 61,000 men_? Is it possible that it should not occur to the inhabitants of New York to ask him _what need he has of more means when he has so many thousand men? When he has over 20,000 arms and can make more as well as powder and caps?_ Why has not _that soldier of fourteen years'

campaigning_ taken possession with that army of _one single town_ at least wherein to _locate the government_ of the republic? Why has he not _captured one single port_ through which to get aid, export the productions of the country to the value of millions, and thus acquire a right to recognition as belligerents? _Where are schools? Where are those churches?_ Have those at Guaimaro and Sibarncu, which _were burned_ by that renowned general been perchance rebuilt? Why are the soldiers _unshod_ or wearing _strips of raw hide_ if there are three thousand shoes made weekly and four thousand hides tanned per month?

_Where is the abundance_ for the soldier? _Where has he got coffee, rice, tobacco, etc.? Where are those sugaring mills_ in regular running order?... Then as to the commission of Manuel Quesada and his separation from command, do you know as well as I do that he was _ignominiously deposed by the Chamber_, and that _during his stay_ in Cuba, from his first arrival his conduct has been _blameworthy under all aspects_?

"Well, then, Cubans, this is the plan followed from the beginning of the revolution. They are deceiving you and our brethren in New York as well as the whole world. For these reasons I say that the edifice is raised on insecure and imaginary foundations. For these reasons have I always tried to undeceive the country and let them see clearly, so as to prevent Cuba from sinking into the abyss wherein she is intended to be cast. Withal I have not been understood. There has been no lack of someone who, out of exaltation and under pressure of some sad aberration has qualified my conduct as treasonable. Ah! Whoever stated that knows not even the meaning of his words! When did I ever recognize this government? Never; but rather have I always been in opposition thereto.

For as I wish my country's welfare I could not second an _illegal, arbitrary, despotic_ government that is _annihilating_ our land.

"They recognize their error, but they have not loyalty enough to confess it, they are aware that they are neither statesmen nor lovers of liberty, nor patriots and their consciences sting them; they know that I have always seen farther than they could, and more clearly, that all my predictions have been fulfilled; that I have been alone in maintaining energetically my principles; bearing up against all kinds of privation and danger; and they do not forgive me for these advantages over them; they know that my past and my present career have been free from all stain; and they do not forgive me for that.

"Well, if to have thus behaved, to have made entire abstraction of self and my interests, to look after the welfare of Cuba, to have done harm to no one, but much good; far from having taken life, to have saved the lives of many, without distinction of nationality; to have respected always the property of others, and never have let my hand touch the incendiary torch, to forward pacification, when I know that the country needs it; and that by it alone can tears, blood, and destruction be prevented;--if to have done all this const.i.tute treason, ah! then I am a traitor; yes, Gentlemen, I am one and feel proud of it.

"Your government claims to favor liberty for the country; why then does it not consent to _freedom of one's principles_? Why does it not _admit of neutrality_? Why does it force people to take up arms without _distinction of persons_? Why has it always been opposed to _speaking out in public_? Why did it oppose the _country's acceptance_, when so close, of _General Dulce's concessions_? Why does it _persecute to death_ whoever tries to separate himself from said government without having any intention of waging war against it? Why? I will tell you.

Because then there would _remain in the camp of the insurrection only a dozen men; the only ones interested in the continuance of this war_ between brethren; this war of desolation and extermination.

"I agree that there was reason for the Cuban people to complain and be resentful against the government that ruled them; but all this has changed, not only with regard to the inst.i.tution but as to the manner of being as well. I am myself an example of what I state. I presented myself to the Captain-General who received me in such a way as to prove by his manner alone, his good wishes; even if these were not confirmed by the conduct which he followed in the Villas and wherever he has been able to make the impress of his own feelings felt. In his proclamation he offers a pardon to all who will present themselves; but as every medal has its reverse, so whoever fails to do so must suffer the cold and inexorable rigor of the law.

"Fellow-countrymen, my brethren, let us throw a veil over the past. Let us look to the future of our families and to the prosperity of our nation.

"You know well how many persecutions, privations and even vexations I have suffered. I forget it all and forgive from my heart all who have sought my death and wanted my blood. I forgive all who, directly or indirectly have offended me, of whatever nation or condition they may be. I sacrifice all, all, on the altar of my country, and for the welfare of humanity. Why do you not follow my example?

"Brethren! let there be no more tears, no more blood, no more ruins!

Return to your presides and let a fraternal embrace unite forever both Spaniards and Cubans and let us all together make of this beautiful Island--the Pearl of the Antilles--the Pearl also of the world. Cubans, I await you, and the undeserved consideration shown to me by the first authority of Cuba which fortunately is held by Senor Don Antonio Caballero de Rodas I offer to use in your behalf. For myself I seek only the satisfaction of having always forwarded the welfare of Cuba.

"NAPOLEON ARANGO.