?S 2^^ ■ bs Cz /^ file |uban |atni)t$, AN ORIGINAL DRAMA. } ||i |iiki I A DRAMA OF THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE GEM OF THE ANTILLES. IN THREE ACTS. WRITTEN IN ENGLISH BY A JVATirJS CUBAJV. PHILADELPHIA : 1878. TT yo'Ko^'' Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by Adolfo Pierra, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. Right of translation reserved. 2^ -^1 4 INTRODUCTION. This drama was not inspired under the excitement produced by the butcheries of the ill-tated Yirginius prisoners ; nor is its object to add fuel to the flame of just indignation enkindled by the revolting atrocities perpetrated by the Spaniards in Cuba. The plan was conceived five or six months ago, and ever since the author has devoted to the work every minute of time he eould spare from his regular occupations. The aim of the play is to present a faithful picture of the stir- ring events, manners, and life in the Central Department of that unfortunate island during the first half year of the present strug- gle for independence. The action is laid in Puerto Principe (the author's birthplace) and surrounding country. Although the battle in the last act did not take place as repre- sented, it is within the bounds of likelihood. Several engage- ments of about the same magnitude occurred at the time in that same district (Camaguey), in one of which, at least, the Spanish troops, under General Puello, were defeated with very serious losses. The requirements of the plot have compelled the author to locate Senor Blanco's hacienda close to the Cascorro Mountain, when in fact no hacienda of any importance is found v\ithin ten or twelve miles of it ; but this does not impair the versimilitude of the action. A great many well-to-do, and even wealthy fami- lies, in that part of the island abandoned the cities at the com- mencement of the revolution, under the impression that they would be safer in their country properties ; but hunted subse- quently by the Spanish troops with fiendish eagerness, they were often forced to seek rei'uge in tiie density of the forests or the fastnesses of the mountains, this being particularly the case with those families whose male relatives w^ere in the ranks of the patriots. Ko pen — ^no language could convey an accurate idea of the sufferings then endured by disabled old men, invalid matrons, ' delicate maids, and tender children. IV. In regard to the ferocity displayed by the Spaniards, both regulars and volunteers, in their war against the Cuban patriots, the author has purposely avoided touching the extremes. Act« of cruelty have been committed by them too revolting to be ex- hibited on the stage. Even in portraying the Spanish characters brought forth in the drama, the writer has endeavored to be moderate and just. Whether the author has been able to carry out his design j whether he has succeeded in so working up the action as to make it interesting; whether his characters are well delineated and sus- tained, are questions for an enlightened public to decide. THE AUTHOR. Philadelphia., Pa., Dec. 8, 1873. PRONUNCIATION AND EXPLANATION OF SPANISH NAMES AND WORDS USED IN THIS DRAMA. Almanegra, Spanish volunteers. A CorpoAil, ) Perico, a negro slave. A Cuban Aid-de-camp. A Cuban Surgeon. A Spanish Sergeant. ConcMta Blanco. Rosita Blanco. Camila, a middle-aged mulatto servant. Spanish Volunteers, Cuban Patriots, Negro Slates. Time of action. — Act. I. December, 1868 ; Acts II. and III. April, 1869. ISr For costumes and properties, see last page. ACT I. Scene I. — Elegant drawing room in Seiior Antonio Blanco's house in Puerto Principe; walls painted white or a light color; large main door, one shutter open, U. R. ; large window, shut- ters wide open, with light iron railing on street, L. R. ; door in flat, C. , communicating with bed-room; large arched door, without shutters, L., leading into dining-room; a piano, ma- hogany cane-hottomed sofa and rocking-chairs, R., between door and window; co^rpet between sofa and rocking-chairs; round marble table with newspapers, C. ; chandelier lighted, cane-bottomed chairs, pictures, ^c. Time — night. Enter Ricardo Agudo and Enrique Blanco, R. ; take off and lay their hats on centre-table. Ricardo. My dear Enrique, I have highly important informa- tion to communicate to you privately. Enrique. I am impatient to hear it; but let us first make sure that we are not heard. We have to be extremely cautious just new. {Goes up to window, 'R, followed by Ricardo). Enr. {pointing off). Do you see those volunteers in that corner shop ? Ric. I do. Enr. Our house is closely watched by them. ( They come down, C. ) Oh, Ricardo! you, that have just arrived from the United States — from that classical land of liberty — do not know all we have had to suifer here lately. It was bad enough when we had to endure the despotism of the Spanish government alone; but since we are in the power of the volunteers, it is a hundred times worse. You won't recognize our native city. Puerto Principe is deserted to-day, half her dwellings abandoned to the rapacity of the vol- unteers, — of those men, who come to Cuba penniless, enrich themselves, and then become our worst enemies! Ric. How I long for the moment when I can face them in the field! Enr. Face them in the field! They won't give us the chance. They will let the regular army do all the fighting, whilst they will hold to the cities, seaports, and fortified places, where in safety they can oppress the defenceless inhabitants, and gloat over the bloody executions of the unfortunate patriots who may fall into their merciless hands. Ric. The villains! But we ought rather to be thankful to th«m, Enrique. They are learning us that we have nothing to expect from Spain in the way of justice and liberty, and they have thus assured our ultiiKiate independence. S THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. Enr. But to your news. Ric. 1 am coming to it. When 1 tirst heard in the United States the tidings of the Revolutionarv outbreak of Yara, I re- solved to come righi oti" and join my brothers in the tield. Having served in the Union army, my little military experience I knew Avould be of some value to my beloved country; but desiring to bring some material of war, which we so sorely need, I came first to Nassau, where in company Avith General Quesada and other ]^atriolS, I succeeded in loadijig a schooner with a cargo of arms and ajumunition. As I was not yet suspected by tiie Spaniards, I came by steamer, via Havana, in the (nciinary way, and I have been these three days anxiously waiting to hear from that expe- dition. And now (lotoermg his voice) I have received private advice to the effect that General Quesada has succeeded in safely landing the arms at Guanaja. Ear. [cUUghted) Hurrah! My dear boy, give me your hand [they shake hands warmly). That is a Godsend to us. Why did you keep it so long from me? Ric. 1 must be oft' to-night, join my men in the Cubitas Moun- tains, and proceed under Gen. Quesada to distribute the arms where they may do most good. Ear. I w ould like to accompany you, Ricardo. Ric. You (mly anticipate my wishes. Being well acquainted with that part of the country, you are the YQvy man I want. Besides, by your influence among the peasants of that region, where one of your father's haciendas is, you can help to increase our forces. Enr. I have already over a hundred good men there, who only await my orders to move; but they are poorly armed. Scarcely one-half of them have firearms, mostly shot-guns. Ric. They will be well armed w-ithin twentj'^-four hours. Get read}^ to depart. I only w^ait to see Conchita — I mean your father and sisters, and bid them good-bye. Enr. They will soon be home. I left them at uncle Diego's. You know" that his family is preparing to leave the city with father and sisters. To morrow, before daybreak they will start for our hacienda on the Cascorro Mountains. Ric. I hope they will be safer there. Enr. {crossing to window). I think I hear them coming.' Y^'es, here they are. Enter Senor Antonio BiiANCO, Conchita, aiid Rosita, R. Senor Antonio, crosses the stage greatly agitated., deposits his hat and icalking-cane on piano., recrosses, and sits on rocking- chair, rocking and fanning himself with his handkerchief. Ric. {saluting). My best respects to you, senoritas. ( Young ladies acknowledge salute with a slight bow ) Scene I. THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 9 Ros. Your humble servant, cabellero. S. Ant. I choke! I choke! Con. {going up to him). But, papa, don't take it so much to heart. Treat them with the contempt they deserve. Ric. (soHcUously). What is the matter, Seiior Blanco? 6". Ant. Don't ask me, Agudo, — don't. Con. Those-; volunteers at the corner have been speaking dis- repectlully of my father as we passed by. Ric. {angrily). The insolent curs! Enr. But what did they say? Ros. They called father old filibuster, mamhi^ and other stupid things. Ric. If I only had my lite to risk this moment, I would give them a lesson; but my country's interests compel me to be prudent just now. (CoNCHiTA aiid RosiTA take off their shawls, come down to piano, and lay them on it. Ricardo foUotcs them, and leaning on the piano., earnestly converses loith Conchita in dumb show; Enrique converses with Kosita.) S. Aiit. {out of temper, rises and walks to and fro). This is outrageous; tiiis is beyond endurance. 'Tis not enough for them to oppress up, to plunder us, to murder us. No, sir; they must add insult to injury, mockery to insult — Enr. (litopping and coaxing him.) Calm yourself, dear father. We will enter that in the long account we have to settle with them. Ros. Besides, papa, don't you know that the Spaniards vent their spleen in that way whenever they have intelligence of any reverse? That victory they claim in this morning's papers must have been rather a defeat. S. Ant. {cooling down). God grant it is so; Rosita! God grant it is so! Enr. And I have very good news to give you {lowering his Tjoice). General Quesada has landed with a cargo of arms. S. Ant. The Lord be praised, my son! the Lord be praised! ( Converses with Enrique. ) Ros. llowgladlaml {Runs to Conchita.) Did you hear the news about Quesada? Con. Yes, Agudo has been telling me all about it. Ros. Isn't that good? Con. It is, indeed. (Rosita returns to C.) Enr. I promised Ricardo to go with him, I counted, of course, on your permission. S. Ant. Go, my son, go. I wanted you to accompany us to Cascorro, but the country is first. 10 THE C UBAN PA TRIO TS. [ Act I. lios. Why, Enrique, are you going to leave us just now? Enr. Yes, Rosita, I am sorry I have to; but duty compels me. (IlosiTA runs to Conchita and Kicaiido, and converses with them.) S. Ant. I wish I was young, Enrique, I do; and, even old as I am, w^ere it not for my poor motherless girls, 1 would have been ere this fighting to iree my dear oppressed Cuba from the grasp of those Vandals. {Enter Camila, L. ) Cam. Master, su])per is on the table. S. Ant. All right, Camila, all right. {Exit Camila, L.) 8. Ant. By-the-by, Enrique, at w hat time did Panclio leave with the pack-horses? Enr. At six o'clock; they were just ringing the Angclus. S. Ant. Did you send all the powder? Enr. I pftcked the fifty pounds so nicely with the victuals tiiat it will be all but impossible to find it out. 1 did it myself. Pow- der is at present more precious to us tlian gold dust. 8. Ant. Let us have supper then. (To Rieardo.) AgiidS'. Ant. It is, it is. I). Ju. Get me a crowbar. 8. Ant. Perico, run for a crowbar. Hurry up! Per. Yes, master. Exit Perico, running. L. D. Ju. We will break through one of your back rooms into the yard of that house. We can easilj" climb over the wall that sepa- rates that yard from my own. Once in my house you are safe. Nobody suspects me. I will afterwards find means of getting you out of the city. 20 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act I. Enter Camila, L,, running a ad frightened. All start. Gam. Oh, Master Antonio ! Master Antonio ! the volunteers ! the volunteers! Thej^ are at the carriage-gate; I saAv them, I heard them. Oh, Lord! 1). ■hi. {quickly). Is the gate fastened? Cam. It is locked. D. Ju. Follow me, then. Exeunt omnes, L., in great alarm and confusion., Senok An- tonio endeavoring to make all go befoi e Mm. {Loud and repeated knocks at the door, L.) Voices {without, imperiously"). Open the door! {Thumping and clanking of muskets ; murmurs.) Voice. Knock down the door! {After heavy and repeated blows the door is broken open.) ^Vi^^r Lieutenant, Sekgeant, Corpokal, a^icZ Volunteers, acting in a riotous manner. Volunteers {shouting). Viva Espana! Borne Vol. Down with the insurgents! Others. Death to rebels and traitors. Lieut. Order, boys, order! Corporal, take some men, and com- mence 3^our search from that bedroom {pointing to door, C). Sergeant, you go through the dining-room {pointing to door, L.) into the yard. Be cautious; they are in the house; but try to take as many of them alive as you can. Serg. I vrill, lieutenant, if I can. Corp. Hang the traitors! I would give no quarter to any — ex- cepting the girls — they are pretty. Ka! ha! ha! Several Vols, {laughing). Ha! ha! ha! j&a:ewn^ Sergeant and some Volunteers, L. ; Corporal and some others, C. Lieut. Search everything, boys. {He and some Volunteers walk to piano, open every p^art of it, take out papers, ^-c.) 1st Vol. Here is more damning evidence — a bullet-mould ! {Passes it to others.) %d Vol. Two revolvers! {Hands them to others.) \st Vol. This is a neat case! Let me see. {Op)ens it.) Bits of silk stuff! By Jove! the insurgents' colors! Some silver stars! Confound them! {Tosses case across the stage.) Lieut, {looking at some neicspapers). These are some Yankee papers! Aha! degenerate race! They would even renounce our beautiful Castilian language ! Down with them all ! {Flings papers away indignantly.) Scene L ] THE C UBAN PA TBIOTS. St Ut Vol. I tell you, lieutenant, this house was a hotbed of trea- son. M Vol. {looking at a picture on wall). Halloo! here is that cursed filibuster. (In a rage tearing canvas with his bayonet.) There! I -would do the same to your old carcass if I had you here this minute. Enter B'EUGBA'iii atncf Yolukteehs, L., hurriedly and agitated. All crated around him. Great excitement to end of Act Serg. (breathless). Tliey have escaped! L.ieut. (quickly). Wllat^vay? Serg. Through a hole in the Tvall into the next house (poipjing back). They are just through, for I heard some noise as we came on the spot. Lieut, {runs to door., R., and speaks to men without). Lieu- tenant Perez, run with your men and break into that adjoining house. IBe smart; the birds are there now. {Returns, C.) Ser- geant, you go after tliem through tliat passage iu the wail. (Ex- eunt Seroeant and some Volunteers, L.) We will catch them yet, boys. Volunteers. Death to insurgents! Viya Espana! K2^D OF ACT I, 82 THE C UBAN PA TRIO TS. [ Act IT. A.( T II. Scene. I. A craggy slope on the Ca'^corro Mountains; rocks i7iterspersed icith luxuriant freer, and other tropical vegeta- tion; a cliffy L.L; a rustic hut thatched with palmetto leaves, l^i.U.] o7ily entra7ice, U. Time— noon. Pektco, Camila, and Negroes, the latter lounging about. All the Negroes carry the machete, and some of them pjistoh in their girdles. Per. Are you tlirougli with your work in tlxe hut, Camila? Our master and misses will sliorlly be here. Cam. I liare made it as comfortable as I can. Poor nifias! so tenderly raised, and to be compelled to live in ihrse mountains like runaway negroes! 'Tis awful, this war! All is friixhts and dangers, and you hear nothing but fighting, and burning, and shooting, and killing — {putting her hands on her head)., Oh, Lord! May the blessed Virgin Mary protect us! Only three months ago we had to fly the cit}- to escape the fury of the volun- teers, and now we have to abandon the hacienda for fear of the troops coming so near; and the Lord only knovrs whether we are safe even here. Per. You can be easy on that point, Camila. A fev,^ men can prevent any number from ever reaching here There is but that one {pointing downicards, R.) narrow and very steep path leading up to this place. Cam. But if the Spaniards find out that we are here, can't they shoot at us with Ihose big bursting balls ? Per. Do you mean that they may shell us? No danger of tliat, They should have first to clear away the thick woods suri'ound- ing and covering this mountain. I wisli they vrould venture into the job — wouldn't we then have jolly times killing Spaniards? CiLm.. You greatly relieve me, Perico. I would' die with grief if anything happened to my misses, particularly to Nina Conchita — she is so good! I love her as my daughter ; I nursed her ever since she was born. (J. sharp lohistle oyithout, R.) Cam. What is that, Perico ? Per. That is a signal from our nearest guard. It means that some fi'iendly people are approaching. We have two more posts farther down at lU'oper distances; so we needn't fear a surprise. {Looking off., R.) Master is coming. Ca7n. They will be awful tired. Poor ninas! (Ooe}{>me papers in his hand). I wonder how wrong and iniquity do sometimes prevail over right and good! I come here across an infamous proclamation, just issued by Gen- eral Valmaseda, which stamps the ofiicial seal upon the atrocities perpetrated by the Spaniards in Cuba. Read that, father. {Hands him a paper, and marki it icith his finger.) 8. Ant. {iake.'i the paper and reads, growing indignant as he proceeds). "Every man above the age of fifteen found outside his habitation without a justifiable motive shall be shot. Every house not displaying a white flag shall be reduced to ashes. AH men and women found outside their dwellings shall be, willingly or by force, carried toBayamo or Jiguani." {In a passion, walking to and fro.) But this is infamous! this is atrocious! this is fiend- ish! Houses burned down! Mere children shot! Women carried ofi" by force! Are we in the nineteenth century? Are the Span- iards civilized ? Enr. Spanish v, riters have excused the cruelties of Pizarro and Cortez during the conquest of America by attributing them to the barbarism of that age. How will they now justify these barbari- ties in Cuba? 8. Ant. {stopping abruptly). Enrique, I must go immediately to the hacienda. Enr. I do not think it prudent, father. 8. Ant. What is your last information about Almanegra's col- umn ? Enr. They were encamped this morning two leagues oflf, near the village of Cascorro; but likely their scouting parties are hov- ering about. 8. Ant. That is precisely what prompts me to go to the haci- enda. The houses wall be assuredly burned down. No white flag shall ever be raised on any of my properties to save them 28 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act II. from destruction at the hands of the tyrants, — never! But, En- rique my son, I liave a treasure there I must try to save for my children's sake. Enr. Your life, dear father, is worth more than any treasure. S. Ant. It won't take me long. You know that black coffer. It is not very large ; but it contains, besides the little gold we have left and your sister's jewels, many invaluable papers — the titles to my estates, my will, and other precious documents. I thought they ivere safe; but they are not safe against fire. I will secure them better. {Turning to ^'e.gho'e.^, and calling.) Boys, I want four of you to come with me to the hacienda. Negroes {coming down hurriedly.) Me! master, me! Per. Master, we are all ready, and willing to follow you any- where. 8. Ant. Perico, pick four stout men to go with me. 1 want you to stay here. (Perico selects four, who heep waiting; tJie rest disperse up.) Enr. Why don't j^ou wait awhile, father? Ricardo will soon be here. I have an appointment with him on very important matters connected with the service. I will accompany you after I see him, or take measures for your safety. S. Ant. Never mind, Enrique; moments are precious now. ( Galling. ) Gondii ta 1 Rosita ! Enter Conchita a7id Rostta fro7n hut. Con. Sir! 8. Ant. My children, I have to go to the hacienda. Con. Oh, papa! can't I have a full hour without trouble. You know it is dangerous. 8. Ant. Be ea&y, Conchita; in two hours I will be back. (To Negroes.) Come, boys. Bos. I will accompany you to the first post. Exeunt Senor Antonio,- Rosita, and four Negroes. ( Whistle as before.) Enr. That must be Ricardo. Con. It is my fate never to enjoy complete happiness. The pleasure of meeting Ricardo after three months' absence is now embittered by apprehensions for my father's safety. Enr. I tried to dissuade him from going just now, although I have not much apprehension. I hardly expect any of the enemy will risk coming to the hacienda — it is too close to these moun- tains, where they know we are in some force. Enter Ricardo and Rosita, R. Conchita rushes to meet Mm, and they fall into each other^s arms. Bic. {kissing her impassionately). Conchita! Con. Ricardo! ScekeL] the CUBAN patriots. 29 Bos. {to Enrique). Let them alone now. Etc. How do you feel, my darling? You look rather tlii and a little sunburnt,' but as beautiful as ever. Con. Oh, dear Kicardo! how much I have suffered all this time I was without news from you! But this moment's happiness fuMy compensates me for years of torture. Bic. {turning to Ekrique and ernhracing him). How are you, Enrique? Enr. Very well; how do you do? Bic. Well and hearty. Rosita, I salute d you before. Bos. You did, Hi — I am at a loss to know how to address you. Let me see. {Counting on Jier fingers.) Plain Ricardo, Senor Agudo, Doctor Agudo, Major-General Agudo, of the Cuban arm3^ My goodness! how much can be contained in a future brother-in- law 1 Bic. Always the same, Rosita! Bos. Certainly, always the same. I intend never to be trans- formed into anybody else. Oh! I see 3'ou carry a small telescope. Bic. This is "my lield-giass. Bos. Lend it to me, v;ill yon? I was missing so badly my opera-glass to look at the fine country around! Bic. (giving her the glass). Be careful not to let it fall on those rocks. I could not do well without it. Bos. {pleased). Thank you; I will take care of it. {Buns be- hind the cliff and climbs up it.) (Ricardo and Concuita sit dotcn by eccch other and converse.) Enr. Take care, Rosita! You may slip down and hurt jomy- self. Bos. {on top of cliff^). ISTo fear of that; I can climb up like a wild- cat. {Looks through glass, Jj.) That won't do. I must adapt it to my sight. {Adjusts the glass and looks again.) JSTot quite yet. {Adjusts it again and looks.) That's it. How plain! I see Cas- 001 ro; and yonder is Gruaimaro. {Brings the glass to bear doion- ■wards, L.) And here is the hacienda! It looks as if I could reach it with my hands. {Keeps looking off.) ( Whistle as' before.) Ric. Dear Conchita, I shall have to forego the happiness of your company. That is undoubtedly Colonel Ramsey, whom I am waiting for. I bade one of my aids-de-camp lead him here. Enrique, I will introduce you to a brave American officer in the Cuban service. He arrived by the steamer "Perit" with Gen- erals Cisneros and Jordan. There he comes. {Bises and ad- vances to meet him.) Enter Colonel Ramsey. Conchita retires up a little. Bic. {grasping his hand warmly). How do you do, Colonel? 30 THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. [Act II. Col. Ram. Very well, I thank you, General. {Takes off his hat, wipes Ms forehead^ and fans himself with his straw hat.) Ric. {pointing to a chair). Rest yourself. You ;ire fatigued. Col. Ram. Oh! not at all. I am not so tired as I arri overheated. It is rather too warm to come up such a steep mountain. {Puis on his hat.) Ric. I beg your pardon for giving you such exercise in the middle of the day. {Introducing.) Colonel Blanco — Colonel Ramsey. {They shake hands heartily.) Col. Ra7n. How do you do. Colonel Blanco? En7'. I feel extremely happy with your acquaintance, Colonel Ramsey. Ric. {calling) Conchita! {Introducing) Colonel Ramsey — Seii- orita Blanco, my betrothed! Col. Ram. {taking off' his hat and bowing). I feel highly flattered with your acquaintance, Miss Blanco. Con. {bowing). I am honored with yours, Colonel Ramsey. Enr. I am very sorry that Vv-e cannot extend to you our hospi- talities in this wilderness as we desire. But we can otter you some refreshment. Conchita, have something prepared for us. {Conchita starts up.) Col. Ram. Don't disturb yourself on my account, miss. I had some dinner before I came up. Con. You won't refuse some fruit at least. Exit Conchita into hut. Ric. Let us sit down, and to our business. {The three sit down.) Col. Ram. I delivered the arms and ammunitions I convoyed salely into the hands of your quartermaster. Ric. I gave orders to distribute them as soon as the}^ were received. ( T6» Ek kique. ) I left instructions to send some fixed ammunition to your command. Enr. Vie cannot move unless we get it. Ric. Our Chamber is in session at Guaimaro, and I have orders to prevent thaL Spimish column from disturbing them at all hazards. Have you estiuiated their strength ? Enr. They have four regiments of infantry, a hundred horse- men and four field-pieces. Considering that their regiments are not full, we may compute their forces at tAventy-five hundred men. Ric. How ir.any available men have you got, Colonel Ramsey ? C'l. Ram. Tv»'o hundred men. Many of them are Americans. j.ic. What is ycur strength. Colonel Blanco ? Enr. I have "tour hundred men — two hundred of them well moimied. {r,ui'^e, RicAiiDo muse.i.) feci.^ eL] the c uban pa trio ts. a 1 Bic. We will attack them to-night. Incluc]in,r all, I v.ill iur\'o tAvo thousand men. Colonel Kanisry, I yaIII increase your force with three hundred of my best men. 1 give 70U some of those iron soldiers of the Eastern Department, v.'hose mettle has been severely tested. They are worthy to stand side by side with your gallant American freemen. Col. Bam. I saw some of them fight at El Canalilo. Yriih such men I will not hesitate to rush into the fra}'. Eic. (looking at his ica^ch anJ rising. All rine.) It is half-past twelve. As soon as v^■e take some j-eireshment we v^ ill set oui. I will communicate ri\j plans to you. We have no artillery; our arms are very inferior to those of the Spaniards; and Ihey are even numericallj,' superior; but some strategy, courage, and, above all, the justice 01 our cause, will make up for these deficiencies. Col. Bam. It is to be regretted that such a brave people cannot command the same resources as their implacable foe. Bic. Ah, my dear Colonel Ramsey! if we were only recognized as belligerenis l)y some po^.vorfal nation, so that we could have some war-ships, ^ve v.ould make short work of the Spanish domi- nation in Cuba. Col. Bam. I am truly sorry that, deeply as the American people sympathize with you in your heroic struggle for freedom, our gov- ernment is so bound up by the law of nations, that it can do nothing in your behalf. liic. My dear friend, I admire and love your country. My heart has always glowed Avith enthusiasm for the great North American Republic; but I am going to speak in general terms. What is international lavr ? By what convention, by what con gress of nations were its provisions enacted that it should be bind- ing on all? Mark the consequences. Here, shut up from the v.orld, is a downtrodden people forced into w^ar. Ours is the struggle of right against wrong; of liberty, in the broadest sense of the word, against oppression in its most hideous form. Yet all the governments on the face of the earth are against us. When we send afloat an armed vessel flying our colors, she is treated b,y every nation like a piratical craft, whilst the ships of our oppressors are protected and honored. Is that strict, impartial justice ? Is that right? The heart of the American people — the conscience of mankind — say emphatically, " No ! " But then, that is international law^. Col. Bam. I hope the day is not far distant when, my country leading, a code of law^s founded on a higher standard of justice will be adopted by the civilized nations. Enter, from hut,, a Negress and Negro Boy carrying waiters with glasses full of cocoanut milk, sliced pine- apples , oranges, bananas, ^c. Enr. Let us have some fruit, Colonel Ramsey. Help yourself. 32 THE C VBAN PA TRIO TS. [ Act II. This is some cocoanut milk. I wish I could offer you something belter and in a better style. ( TJiey take each a glaiat.) Col. Bam. I could not desire anything better just now. {Toast ing.) The Cuban cause — may it come out triumphant. Ric. and Enr. Thank you, Colonel. {They drink.) Enr. Let us take another glass. {They do it.) Col. Ram. As yow please. Enr. (toasting). Here is the health of our gallant guest. Col. Ram. I thank you, Colonel Blanco. {They drink.) Enr. Now have some fruit. {They eat.) Col. Ram. This pine-apiDle is as sweet as honey, Ric. Colonel, I fear w-e shall have to become vegetarians if the Spanish bullets spare us long. We have some cattle yet, but I apprehend a very protracted struggle. Col. Ram. It is impelled by a love of universal freedom that I have devoted mysell to your glorious cause, and no hardships shall discourage me. Ric. {warnxly). And Free Cuba will pr< perly appreciate and requite your noble self-abnegation. Enr. Try some bananos, Colonel. Col. Ram. Thank you, I have had enough. Rdc. {taking from his pocket a cigar-case, and offering them some cigars.) Let us have a smoke now^ Colonel, these are some good Yaras. The tobacco was raised on the very soil where our first blow for freedom w as struck. Col. Ram. {taking a cigar). This is then a patriotic cigar! I thank you, General ; I can appreciate its merits, and will enjoy it W'ith double gusto. (Enbiqtje strikes fire with flint and steel, lights his cigar, hands lighted cigar to Col. Ramsey to light Jiis, and then to Ricardo. All smoke.) Col. Ram. This cigar has a very sweet flavor and smokes freely. ( Whistle as before. ) Ric. What is this now ?) {All look off\ R.) Enr. It is too soon for my father to be back. Ric. {looking off, R.) It is Captaili Mendez, one of my aids-de- camp. Something must be the matter. He comes in such a flurry! {Goes up to meet him.) Enter Aid-de-Camp, out of breath. Ric. {impatiently). What new^s ? Enr. Let him take breath. {Offering him a chair.). Sit dow^n Aid. General, Almanegra's column is advancing on the road leading to Senor Blanco's hacienda. (Enrique starts; Aid-de- Camp sits down.) Ric. {astonished, but gratified). Advancing this way ! But ^Ol SckkeL] the CUBAN patriots. m that commanding officer must have lost his wits. We could wish for nothing better. Enr. I tremble for my lather's fate, Ricardo. Likely he is in the hacienda now. But hush! {Lowering Ms voice). Let us not alarm ray sisters. We must call Rosita down before she sees the troops. {(J ailing). Rosita! Ro8. {from cliff). Well, Enrique ! Enr. Come down. I want you. Ros. Can't you come up here? It is the same distance both waj^s. Ric. (slyly tearing the cockade off' hi^ hat). Come, Rosita, I want you to do a little work for me. Ros. We have no more slaves — every one has to do his own work now. Ric. It is a patriotic work. Ros. Is it ? I will do it then. ( Comes down. ) (Enkique converses icith Colonel Ramsey.) . Ros. What is it? Ric. {showing his cockade and hat. ) Coming up through the thickets I had the cockade you gave me torn off my hat, Will you be so kind as to sew it on again ? Ros. [taking hat and cockade). Certainly I will ; but you must not be so ?^?ikind as to let it be torn off again. . Exit Rosita m^(? hut. Ric. (quickly). Ko time to lose now. (T6» Aid-de-Camp.) Cap- tain, go down as fast as you can, and tell Colonel Miranda to have all the forces under arms, but to take everj^ precaution in order to avoid a conflict before I join him. (Aid de-Camp bows.) Exit AiD-BB-CxMP, R., hurriedly. Ric. That column is doomed, Colonel Ramsey. Come and see. {They cliinh up the cliff, and look downwards, L.) Col. Ram. I understand j^ou, General; we can gain some of those hills {pointing off') and rake them. Enr. The artillery is just coming through that cattle-gate. Ric. {to Enrique, pointing off). Is all the space between that hill and this mountain covered with manigua ? Enr. It is. Ric. What is the nature of the ground on this side of that stone fence ? Enr. Fifty yards on this side is the bed of a brook, dry at this time of the year. About a hundred yards farther this way the forest begins. {Pause. Ricardo is absorbed in thought.) 34 THE (J UBAN PA TRIO T8. [Act II. Bic. I have my plan, Colonel. I will send a small force to attack them on the right ; this will be onlj"^ a false attack for the purpose of dividing their forces. As soon as they are stirred up, I will, with the main body of my brigade, assail and try to carry that stone fence, behind which they will assuredly intrench them- selves. At the first firing you will start your men at double- quick, endeavoring to gain that hill under cover of the thickets. From that hill you can turn their left flank. Col. Bam. That is an excellent plan! They will not be able to withstand us half an hour. Enr. Am I going to take no part? Bic. You wnll have your share. Should the enemy be able to retreat in some sort of order, they have only that road {pointing off) to take. As soon as they come out on the open sabana, let your horsemen loose upon them, and — Enr. I will turn their defeat into a complete route. I will give you a good account of my work. Bic. Let us hasten then, each to his post. Ah! I want my hati Enr. I would rather avoid taking leave of my sisters. They can read in my face that father is in danger. So I will go before you. Col. Bam I will accompany you, Colonel Blanco. I want to see that my forces are all right. Bic. I will follow you in a few minutes. Exeunt Enrique and Colonel Kamsey, R. Bic. .{going up and calling). Rosital I want my hat. Bos. {within hut). But your hat does not want you yet. Enter Conchita and Rosita from hut., the latter sewing cockade on hat. Bos. I am sewing the last stitch. I could not sooner find my sewing material. {Oives him the hat. As Ricardo puts it on about a dozen distant musket-shots are heard. Ricardo listens anxiously.) Con. {startled). Where is that, Ricardo t (Rosita runs to cliff, climbs up., and looks through glass. ) Bic. {trying to conceal his excitement). It is, — I don't know, — that is nothing, — I hope no collision has taken place. Con. {alarmed). Oh, Ricardo! you are concealing something from me. Where is Enrique ? Bos. {frightened). Oh, Conchita! the troops are in the haci- enda! Con. {throwing her arms around his neck). My father, Ricardo! They won't spare him! Bos. {with a wail of anguish). Oh, my Godl They have cap- Scene I.] THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 85 tured my poor father! (Conchita fainU in Ricardo's anm.) They have him! {Comes down weeping). Oh, Conchita! Oh, Ricardol Bic. {alarmed). Oh, God! Conchita has swooned! (Camila, Pbrico, Negroes, and Negresses eome down alarmed. Rosita Bohs. ) Cam. {weeping). Oh, Lord! Nina Conchita! my darling child! Ric. {deeply affected). Come to life again, my beloved one. Before the sun rises once more on Free Cuba, your father shall be rescued, or I will avenge his death. END OF ACT 11. 86r THE CUBAN PATRIOTS. Act IIL ACT III. Scene l.—Room in Senor Antonio Blanco's hacienda: door, L. R. , leading into piazza; a small tcindoio, U. R., six feet above floor; tioo windows in flat, barred icithiron railing; door., L., communicating with adjoining room. Furniture plain; a square table., C., icith writing material ; chairs^ §'c. Time — before sundown. A Spanish Sergeant discovered at table writing. General Almanegra, Captain Montero. Oen. Al. Captain, have you the necessar}^ pickets posted in such positions as to guard us against a surprise? Capt. Mon. I have taken every possible precaution, General; but we cannot eflFectively prevent a surprise liere. Oen. Al. Issue a general order directing regimental command- ers to be in readiness to move to-morrow before daybreak. (Capt. Montero goes up to Sergeant and speaks to him in dumb show. Gen. Almanegra j:)«ce.9 the stage arrogantly.') Capt. Mon. {coming down). Are we going to attack the insur- gents on that mountain? Oen. Al. No; we are going to countermarch on Cascorro. Capt. Mon. I beg your pardon, General; I do not understand our movements. Gen. Al. Captain Montero, I had always confidence in you, and I will trust you with a secret. Clear the room first. Capt. Mon. Sergeant you may retire until I call you. Sergeant rises., takes up his hat., makes military salute, and Exit, R Oen. Al. My object in coming to this hacienda was not so much to fight the accursed insurgents as to revenge a personal grievance ' Capt. Mon. And have you succeeded. General? Oen. Al. Not quite yet, but I will very soon. You know that old man whom our forces captured to day? Capt. Mon. Senor Blanco, owner of this hacienda and many other properties? Oen. Al. The same. He has a beautiful and accomplished daughter. I fell desperately in love with her; I declared my passion, and offered her my hand, Would you believe it, Cap- tain? She peremptorily rejected my offer! Capt. Mon. She did I Scene L] TBE CUBAN PATRIOTS.. 37 Gen. Al Yes, Captain! {Indignantly.) She spurned me, then a colonel, now a brigadier general in the Spanish regular army! Nobody has ever"^ offered the shadow of an insult to an Almanegra witiiout having paid very dearly for it. Cap. Mon. And you intend to v, reak your vengeance by hav- ing her father shot? 'Gen. Al. Under other circumstances her father would have been executed ere this; but I have spared him in order to bring her into my power. Capt Mon. How will you accomplish your purpose, General? Gen. Al. I wrote her k note by one of the negroes captured with her father. I told her that if before the sun sets she is not here in the hacienda, her father shall be executed. Capt. Mon. Will that bring her down? Gen. Al. I am certain it will. (Sarcaftically.) She is so fondly attached to her parent. Cr-'pL Mon. And once she is in your power? Gen. Al. I will have my sweet revenge. I will humble her. She disdained to be my lady — I will compel her to be something less honorable. Enter Sergeant, R. Serg. (taking off hi.^ hat and making military salute.) I bes your pardon, Captain. {Hands Mm a paper.) E.vit Sergeant, R. Gen. Al. What is it, captain? Capt. Mon. {looking over if.) It is Colonel Gomez's official re- port of yesterday's engagement. Gen. Al. Read it. Capt. Mon. {reading). "As I was marching \vith my regi- ment on the road to Cascorro, covering the rear of your column, we were attacked by several hundred insurgents, who, under cover of the thickets, kept up a lively fire for about fifteen min- utes. My troops behaved as gallantly as is customary witli Spanish soldiers. We have to lament the death of Captain Lin- arez and Lieutenant Tellez. We had besides, twelve men killed, fifteen wounded, and eight missing. We could not ascertain the losses of the enemy." Shall I iiave this report transcribed for headquarters? Gen. Al. {vexed.) Nonsense! Will these officers never learn to do what is right? Destroy that communication. Capt. Mon. {tearing paper.) How shall I report this affair? Gen. Al. Saj^ that several companies of one of niy regiments attacked a thousand insurgents stronglj^ intrenched in the woods; that we put them to flight; that the enemy left about a hundred dead and wounded on the field, and that We had only one man killed and several slightly wounded. 88 THE CUBAN PATUIOTti. [Act III. Oapt. Mon. And how shall I account for the missing men in our monthly report? Gen. Al. Ascribe their loss to yellow fever. Capt. Mon. Excuse me, General, but I can't see the use of thus concealing the real facts. Oen. Al. You can't see the Use I Do you not understand that such accounts as that of Colonel Gomez will encourage the dis- affected Cubans who arc not yet in the rebel ranks? Capt. Mon. I speak with due respect, General; but, in my humble opinion, your course will have the effect of bringing our despatches into discredit. Oen. Al. Never mind that. The first impression produced by them has always a powerful influence. Besides, Captain, {loioer- ing his voice) those reports of continued success arc a wonderful aid to our personal advancement. I will see that you, as my ad- jutant general, share in my promotions. Capt. Mon. Many thanks, General. Gen. Al. By the way, I want you to impress on every com manding officer the necessity of carrying out to the letter the in- structions contained in General Vairaaseda's last proclamation. Capt. Mon. I will, General, although my heart rebels against some points in that proclamation, I am willing to wage war to the knife against the insuigents, but not against their women and children. Gen. Al. {growing out of temper.) Away with that mawkish sentimentalism. Captain! War is war, and a soldier should be a soldier. Capt. Mon. But, General, cruelty will exasperate the enemy, and render unsuccessful all our efforts to subdue them. Gen. Al. So much the worse for them. We will annihilate them ! Capt. Mon. What will the civilized world say about us? Gen. Al. {angrily.) Let the civilized world go to the devil! Capt. Mon: We may even provoke some posverful nation to interfere, Gen. Al. {^in Oj passion.) The}'^ will never dare, Captain Mon- tero. The very name of Spain makes them tremble, Capt. Mon. {meekly.) I beg your pardon, General. I did not mean to irritate you. I was only expressing my humble opinion. Oen. Al. Keep your opinion to yourself; do you understand, Captain Montero? Your duty is to obey your superiors' orders without any comments. Capt. Mon. But, General, I — Oen. Al. {indignantly.) Not one word more! I can dispense with your presence. (Capt. Montero hows and talce.^ a, few steps toicards door, K. ; then turns.) Scene!.] TUE CUBAN PATRIOTS. 89 Capt Man. Excuse lue, «creneral, but— Qen. AL {yelling at Mm). Captafu Montero! Exit Captain Montero, R. Qen. Al. {walking too and fro angrily). By all the saints in lieaveu ! Enfet' Sergeant, U,, hat in hand, and stands respectfully near door^ mOjkincj military nalute. Gen. AX. What is the matter ? 8erg. Miss Blanco and her servant arc outside, General. Gen. Al. Let her walk in. Exit See GE A NT, K., saAvMny. Enter Conchita andj Camila, R. The former appear.^ distressed, . but calm , the latter greatly troubled. Gen. Al. I want to see you alone, riefiorita Blanco, Your ser- vant may retire into that room. (Points to door, L.) Cam-, (uneafiily), I won't leave you, Nina Conchita! (on. G-o, C-.\inilaI (wM-tpers in her ear mysterioiCHly.) Exit Camila, L,, reluctantly.) (Gen. Almanegra bolt,t have spared you a minute! {Great indignation among the Patriots. Some of them approach him threafeningly.) Ut. Pat. Death to the tyrants! 2d Pat. Let us hang him ! Ric. (energetically). Hold! keep off! (Patriots delist.) Not a single hair of his Jiead must be touched. I will see that justice is done. (Perico, machete in hand, come-i down, and kneels.) Per. (passionately entreating). Nino Ricardo, for what you hold most sacred ; for the memory of your good mother, let me avenge my kind master. Release that man; give him a weapon, that I may meet him in fair fight — that I may have tlie satisfac- tion of hacking him to pieces, even if it costs me my life! Ric. (firmly). No, Perico, (Perico ri^es, grievously disap- pointed.) If it were a question of vengeance, I should be the first to wreak it. It is a question of justice. {To Aid-de Camp.) Captain, convene a court-martial to-morrow morning to try that prisoner. Let him be punished for his revolting offences; but let it be done according to the laws of civilized warfare. Take him in charge. You will be responsible to me for his safe -keeping. •Exeunt Gen. Almanegra, Aid-de-Camp, and Guard, L. Ric. {taking the Cuban flag, and holding it up. All uncot&r their heads). My countrymen! here? under the folds of this — our single-starred banner — by the blood of our noble martyrs — let us solemnly resolve never to lay down our arms until we shall wipe out the last vestige of Spanish tyranny in America. Cubans, three hearty cheers for Free Cuba! All. Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! THE END, COSTUMES AND PROPERTIES Iight^carneff^3am^^^^^^ Act I. gloves; white liandker4ief anhln^ °^f,t^%Wack silk hat, ki( general's uniform-^%hf-c^^^^ 1 nf ; .^''l' ^ ^,^^ ^^I' cibai two golden stars on cSllaiS ^^-'^ ^^^ j^^^^t ade on left side; svvord revolver Lld^^^^ ^ ^"''^"^ ^^^^ SeS'or Antonio Blanco WHpI^ '''^^^■''*'^' ^^^^l^- white linen pants and vesTwhUp npr.t ^.k'^. i^'^? ^*^^- ^ct I. . iat, spectacles. Act II S Iht oX^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^*^' ^^^3' «ilk jacket, straw liat ' ^ ''''^'''^^^ ^^^^'^ Pants, vest: and Pf^-^'"^-^^^^^^^ {^ w^ite linen gloves ; second dress, colored HneTi' nint '^l ^°'] '^^^ ^^^' ^id hat, spurs. Act II, cS coWrf^ '-/"'^^ and jacket, straw and jacket, shoulde •-straTwUh thll ""Y^ ^^'^ linen pants Fith Cuban cockade; wirdreyo^^^^^^ 1T ,''^'^'u^f ^^^^ ^^' pers, &c.; tinder-box, Ct and Itl?'' '^'""^'^ ^^^^ l^^^^-s. Pa- A^tspf^^l^SJ^^tnrS^f?^ l^.-^PP^^/^-e. scSb^e^d J^rr-^^^^^ ^-^^ ctl^coK^^^^^ captr'su^rr--''^^" ^^--^-^-^ ^- close. Spanish bhSrp^aLTstl^strfc^ (a red circlet with a braL^XntTent T'^ ^^^^^^^ ^°^^^^« Ac^^HnTfiti^tr^^^ £rk ^^^ ^-^- machete and revolver ' "^^° -1^^^^^ straw hat; ^roM^^^lt^ei^.^^^^ clress, silk em- and III, plain light-colored lawn ^^^^^^^^^ tastily dressed. Acts II shades of colortwo^Xrcockadr ~""'"" "''■■^' ^'^-'-S '» chEf«ed"7onferht"''"'''=°''^^^'' '""^ "andanua handker- Negro srAvr^'^R^'-T^^"" '"'ove) mSsket., &c. cJeTsomf^fsSa-^frJ'r^s'"'"'^ ^"'^ ^hin.' straw hat; ma- ERRATA. 15 16 16 18 22 36 8 22 31 36 5, 8, 11 4 READS repectfully thkir near him Enters 8, Al M. R. revenge SHOULD READ respectfully, their, near her. Enter. G. Al. U.R. •avenge. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 001 266 592 1 i For permission to perform this Play, apply to the author, Adolfo Pierra, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS QOOlEblDSTEli Hollinger Corp. pH8.5