that there can be no doubt that the insurgent leaders are sincere in
their declaration that they will have nothing from Spain but
independence.

Here is Gomez's proclamation:

"HEADQUARTERS OF THE GENERAL-IN-CHIEF OF THE }
CUBAN ARMY, SANCTI-SPIRITUS, NOVEMBER 15th, }
1897, THIRD YEAR OF THE INDEPENDENCE. }

"The news I have received of the establishment of autonomy
in Cuba by the Spanish Government compels me to remind the
military and civil leaders of the revolution once more that
our only aim is independence. Therefore,

"Article 1.--Any military commander of the Cuban army
accepting proposals of autonomy from the Spanish Government,
or even conferring with Spanish envoys for any arrangement
of peace, shall be immediately put under arrest, summarily
court-martialled, and, if declared guilty of such acts,
sentenced to death as a traitor to his flag.

"Article 2.--Any envoy from the Spanish Government, or from
any Spanish or military commander, or from any political
party favoring the Spanish dominion in Cuba, who shall
approach our lines and confer or try to confer with any
military or civil representative of the republic of Cuba,
and propose to him the acceptance of autonomy from Spain,
shall be immediately put under arrest, summarily
court-martialled as a spy, and, if declared guilty, hanged