You will be glad to hear that Gen. Rius Rivera, the insurgent leader, has been released from the Cabana fortress by a royal decree.
He has sailed for Cadiz, Spain, where he will remain in exile.
It is said that General Blanco sent for Rivera, and asked him if he would promise not to take up arms against Spain if he were set free.
Rivera replied that as soon as he was free he would return to the insurgent camp and fight for Cuba till the last drop of his blood was spilled.
General Blanco then asked him if he would go to the rebels and offer Home Rule to them.
This was met by another firm refusal. The Cubans are feeling very proud of his bravery and firmness.
You will remember General Sanguilly promised, if he were freed, never to fight against Spain, but Rivera prefers imprisonment or exile to giving a pledge which he could never keep.
Rius Rivera was the general who took Maceo's command after that leader had been killed. He was captured last March, while severely wounded.
There is a rumor that Gen. Julio Sanguilly has gone over to the Spanish cause and offered his services to General Blanco.