322
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
occupations, renounce all irrational pretensions, and follow the example of the most enlightened nations, studying their institutions, adopting those which are good and discarding those w,hich are not. In a word, if they hope to obtain their freedom and support a form of government consistent with the enlightenment of the United States and civilized Europe, it is necessary that they acquire beforehand some of the virtues of those nations and place themselves on a level with their learning and customs. This cannot be done all at once, but gradually-it has to be the work of time. 'fhe eradication of any kind of error is always a diffi- cult task, but it is doubly so when that error is stamped on the heart, consitlered a <c.luty, and hallowed by time. The habits of a people, their customs, modes of thinking, their superstitions and all the ills of a pernicious education cannot be changed and corrected in an instant as though by magic. 'l'hey have to be eradicated slowly and gradually, and sane and healthful reforms in all departments, in the government as well as in the church, have to be introduced almost imperceptibly. All who for that reason wish to liberate their enslaved country, should look first to the betterment of their social and moral condition, en- lightening the mind of the people with new knowledge and instilling in their hearts the eternal principles of truth, justice and" urbanity. And should the Cubans continue in their present oppressed condi- tion until the clay that they arrive at that state of civilization and political instruction which so eminently fits the North Americans for a republican government? They will never attain that benefit while tyranny prevails in that country. How can they undertake an illustrious career while the government and the clergy oppose everything that tends to this end and severely punish those who dare to undertake the thorny task of making the people recognize their rights ? Is there no other means of obtaining liberty and independence than by this slow and even impossible system of advanc.ement of learning? I re_IllY that there is, and that means is the annexation of Cuba to the American Union. This measure would put a speedy termination to all her ills, and the Cubans can at once commence· a career of glory and happiness. I present these two propositions, which I consitler true, without the least doubt. First, that the Cubans are not even prepared for a revolution; and, second, that, supposing that they could shake off the yoke of Spain, they do not yet have sufficient experience to support themselves as a free ancl independent nation. Every attempt that is conducive to this end would be futile. Her fate would be like that of Mexico, and perhaps worse because of her greater weakness. Let us turn our attention to that ruined republic. 'What a melancholy idea of poqr nature-deplorable human condition of that nation! Mexico broke the bars of her ultramarine tyrants, but she could not strike a single death blow to the religious despotism which for so many centuries has held the human intellect bound by the chains of ignorance and superstition. She attajned her political independence, )Jut she did not insure her mental liberty, and for lack of this, she has not been · able to make any perceptible advance in her condition. She has done no more than change one class of oppressors for another-she has ex- changed the repose of despotism for the turbulence and murder of anarchy. }'or thirty years she has been a republic, and what has been
Powered by FlippingBook