America has its
past and its present. America will preserve a clear intelligence;
she is not dominated by friars and tyrants like Spain; she is
liberal; she has liberated her slaves against the will of the
Spaniards who were, for the most part, their owners. A country
is known by its national character; review its past history
and it is easy to understand the calumny launched against the
Americans. But even though we became English, should we not gain
by it? The English have conceded self-government to many of their
colonies, and not of the frail delusive sort that Spain granted
to Cuba. In the English colonies there are liberties which Spain
never yielded to hers in America or the Philippines.

Our country is very rich, and as a last resource we can buy it
from the Americans. Do not be deceived by the Spaniards! Help
the Americans, who promise us our liberty. Do not fall into
the error of taking Spain to be a civilized country. Europe and
America consider her the most barbarous of the century. There the
weakest is the most persecuted. In no country to-day but Spain is
the Inquisition tolerated. It is proved by the tortures imposed on
the prisoners of Montjuich, of the Philippines, and of Cuba. Spain
did not fulfil the agreement entered into with Maximo Gomez at
Zanjon, nor that made with Aguinaldo at Biac-na-bato. Spain is
a nation always more ready to promise than to perform. But ask
for friars, soldiers, and State dependents to come and devour
our wealth, and instantly you will get them. Spain has nothing
else to give, and God grant she will keep what she has. Spain
will flatter you under the present circumstances, but do not be
deceived. Submit every fawning offer to your conscience. Remember
the executions of the innocents, the tortures and atrocities which
have been the means of covering with decorations the breasts of
those who took the blood of your fathers, brothers, relations
and friends. Providence will aid the Americans in their triumph,
for the war is a just one for the nation elected to lead us to the
goal of our liberty. Do not rail against the designs of Providence;
it would be suicidal. Aid the Americans!

_(Anonymous.)_

On the other side, far richer in poetic imagination and religious
fervour, is the Allocution of the Archbishop of Madrid-Alcala published
i