Proclamation of General Menendez, of Salvador., May 17, 1885

Proclamation of General Menendez, of Salvador.

Francisco Menendez, general-in-chief of the liberating army and provisional President of the Republic, to his fellow-citizens.

Salvadorians: I have placed myself at the head of the national, insurrection against the corrupt and corrupting Government which, during the past nine years, has weighed upon the honor and shame of the country, and God having given victory to the cause of liberty and justice, we have defeated the hirelings of tyranny in Santa Ana, in Bejuco, in Sonsonate, and in Atiquizaya.

Dr. Zaldivar, valiant only in beating and assassinating helpless citizens, has fled shamelessly at the sound of our conquering arms. His ring, notwithstanding, remains in power—that ring of swindlers and miscreants.

Fellow-citizens, continue, as hitherto, to support with enthusiasm the efforts now being made by the noble sons of the west of the Republic, that we may have morality, country, liberty, and laws, and in a few days we shall have torn up by the roots the cursed tree of eastern tyranny, planted here by Zaldivar, and here by him and his ring irrigated with the tears and blood of a brave people worthy to be free.

Soldiers of the Liberticide Faction, the sacred right of revolution belongs to you; you are, like ourselves, rational beings, not machines, and, like us, citizens of a Republic which has so written it in her laws, and engraved it with immortal deeds in her history. Do you not blush in still defending those infamous men who carry on their foreheads the brand of public indignation, the brand of infamy (“thief”)? In their stratagem they may at some time attempt to disguise themselves under an honest exterior, as if from the glorious ranks of the opposition; but do not trust them, they who, like lepers, infect the hale with their miasmas and the atmosphere with their pestilential presence. Throw down your arms and come to fight on the side of morality and law.

Salvadorians! God protects our cause. Rally round the provisional Government, and soon the capital itself will be redeemed by our arms. The victory once consummated, the cannon silent, law shall speak and a constituent Congress shall carry out your wishes and crown the only aspirations of your friend and compatriot,