The Cuban Minister to the Secretary of State.
Washington, October 3, 1906.
My Dear Mr. Root: I am in receipt of your letter of October the first, transmitting the dispatch sent from Habana to the State Department by Mr. Bacon, in which the honorable Secretary of War of [Page 488] the United States, provisional governor of Cuba, hopes that I will not resign my position of minister of the Republic of Cuba in Washington; states that my services will be of value to Cuba in this great crisis, and feels sure that I will be willing to render assistance in the restoration of my country to her constitutional government; in which letter you add your own personal and eloquent request for me to contribute to the accomplishment of the preservation of Cuban independence.
Those kind and lofty words have the same inspiring ring of Americanism and fair play as the generous and historical message written to me by that true American—and Cuban by our love—President Roosevelt, on the 14th of last month, wherein he adjured the Cuban patriots to band together and sink their differences, thus assuring the permanent success of Cuba as a republic. Such declarations can not fail to sustain my hopeful courage and to confirm my belief in the future of my country, in her liberty, her independence, and her capacity for self-government, and in the right of her heroic sons to all those blessings, supported by such staunch and real friends and well-wishers as the American people, and the earnest efforts of men like the President and yourself, who helped Cuba when in need and created her a sovereign nation.
I never doubted for an instant, as you have so timely said, that under the Cuban constitution and under the treaty by virtue of which the United States is now acting, you intervene but for the “preservation of Cuban independence.” I am convinced that the American people are not covetous of us; only feel sympathetic concern in our sufferings and are not anxious for our downfall. I, as well as my people, trust the American administration in this sad hour of Cuba’s history. I am convinced that the United States will do what is right by Cuba.
Your American patriotism has appealed to my Cuban patriotism, and, confident as I am that Cuba will come out of this severe trial stronger and the United States with still greater glory by her just and unselfish guidance and aid, I shall remain in my post while I can serve Cuba and while I can assist in promoting her relations of confidence and mutual trust with her sponsor before the world—the United States of America.
For myself, Mr. Secretary, and for the people of Cuba, I thank you for your cordial letter; it is the honest voice, the noble pledge, of the great American nation.
Faithfully, yours,