This does not look as if the island would soon be pacified.

* * * * *

The Government in Spain appears to be satisfied with the President's
Message, the substance of which you will find in this number of THE
GREAT ROUND WORLD.

You will see, when you look at it, that the President does not think it
wise to interfere for the present, but thinks it right to give Spain
time to try what Home Rule will do.

It is doubtful, however, whether the proposed reforms can be made
acceptable to the majority of the Cubans.

A fresh proclamation, signed by a number of the lesser Cuban chiefs, has
been issued. In it the insurgents state very decidedly that they are
fighting for liberty, and will have nothing but liberty from Spain. They
declare, in so many words, that their watchword is "Freedom or Death."

It is not going to be easy to pacify so determined a people.

The Havana volunteers are now giving the Government much trouble and
putting fresh obstacles in the way of the success of the reforms.

We spoke about this body of men at the time of Weyler's leave-taking,
and told you how opposed they were to showing kindness or mercy to the
Cubans, believing only in Weyler's cruel methods.