You will also remember that permission was given some of these poor
fellows, and that they started out full of energy and hope, only to be
shot down and killed by the Spanish soldiers as soon as they were
outside the city limits.
The country people have not forgotten this, and it will be hard to make
them believe that this order to leave the city is intended for anything
else than a general massacre. Blanco will find it no easy task to make
the people believe he means well by them.
Immediately on taking charge of affairs, the new Captain-General issued
a proclamation to the people, in which he said that Spain had sent him
to bring peace and prosperity to Cuba, and to extend her forgiveness to
those who were willing to seek the protection of her flag.
He stated that he had been ordered by the Queen to govern the island
with kindness and generosity, but added that the rebellion must be
brought to an end. He declared that while Spain would show mercy to all
who submitted to her rule, she would punish with the utmost severity
those who still remained in arms against her.
* * * * *
In the mean while the Cubans are going right ahead.
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