It is absolutely certain that all the natural and political ties that have bound "the Ever Faithful Isle" to the mother country have been so completely severed that it is utterly impossible they should ever be united again. The unique banner of Cuba, with its blue and white stripes and a single star upon a red triangle, has cost more blood and treasure than any revolutionary flag known to history. When this war is over, and Spain has learned her lesson, severe but well-deserved, and we hope salutary, then shall that flag take its place among the honored ones of other nations; then will the Cubans show their ability to prize and cherish the liberty for which the blood of their heroes has been spilled; then, under the protectorate of the United States, but as an independent republic, will Cuba, in the words of our own General Lee, emerge from the dark shadows of the past, and stand side by side with those countries who have their place in the sunlight of peace, progress and prosperity. Oh! Cuba Libre! as Longfellow said of our own Union, so do all Americans, who are now fighting with you shoulder to shoulder, say to you: "Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee; Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, Our faith triumphant o'er our fears, Are all with thee--are all with thee!" (THE END.) * * * * * [Illustration: book's back cover] Transcriber's note: Both Hatury and Hatuey appear in the text. Due to the fact that there were so many typographical errors in the printing, it is assumed that Hatury is also one. Hatury has been changed to Hatuey which is the original Spanish spelling of the Taino chief's name. The spelling of the country, Chile remains spelled Chili. The spelling of reconcehtrado was changed to reconcentrado; add nauseam.=>ad nauseam. The title page carrie the error: IT'S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. This has been corrected: ITS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.