"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 constitute 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 institution 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.