BETANCES RAMON: (1827-1898) Puerto Rican Nationalist, Writer and medical Surgeon. Considered the father of the ...

BETANCES RAMON: (1827-1898) Puerto Rican Nationalist, Writer and medical Surgeon. Considered the father of the Puerto Rican independence movement. Also known as ''The Father of the Poor''. Rare A.L.S., `Betances«, twice, four pages, 8vo, Paris, 19th September 1895, to Tomas Estrada Palma, future first President of Cuba, on his personal printed stationery, in Spanish. Betances addresses to his correspondent, referring to him as Delegate of the Cuban and Puerto Rican Revolutionary Party., and states in part `Today I have received the visit of Dr. Fernando Pons, owner of a sugar plantation in Oriente. He has received himself a letter from General Antonio Maceo, asking him for a war contribution of 40.000 USD. He declares himself sympathizer of the Revolution, and willing to contribute in order to get rid of the Spanish domination, but he thinks that by asking 40.000 USD General Maceo has made a mistake.« further explaining that his father was rich but not him and that the plantation is his only inheritance and belonging, saying `He also claims that since he is willing to contribute, destroying the plantation would not bring any profit to anybody, and if it happens so, he would abandon the plantation and will never try to restore it again.« Betances concludes with a post-scriptum saying `I have been right now informed that this man can and should satisfy General Maceo request, although in long term payments.« Betances signs a second time `Bet« at the conclusion of the post-scriptum to the left border. Folded, with several tears and small areas of paper loss to the edges, not affecting the signatures. F £250-350

Tomas Estrada Palma (1835-1908) Cuban Politician. First President of Cuba 1902-06.