The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-03
Insists That r b7llion Must be
Crushed in 9 Months.
40T CLEARLY CONFIRMED
Some Senators Think Admins
= tration's Attitude Unchanged
A THEORY OF GEN. LEES REPORT
Thought That He viii Urge lnterven.
ton to Protect Non-Combatants
and For Humanity's Sake
"Dauntess" Watched.

Washington, Dec 2.-Reports were in
quite genearl circulation here to-day to
the effect that Secretary Omey some
time in Novmber had given the Spanish
government courteously but firmly to un-
derstand that the Cuban rebellion must be
crushed within three months or the Uni
ted States would be compelled to inter
yenc to stop hostlities 1t was said
that prominent Republican Senators had
been Informed of this ultimatum The
reports in their general features were
similar to rumors prevalent about "A
month ago and emphatically denied at
the time by officials Of this government
and also at Madrid. No confirmation
Of the latest reports could be obtained
in official circles here to-day, and it was
denied that Spain had been Informed
Of any such ultimatum. Senators who
have been active in foreign affairs and
have consulted State department officials
on the Cuban situation, expressed the
opinion that the administration had not
made any radical change in it's attitude,
but a number of them gave it as their
own personal opinions that Congress
should adopt vigorous measures to end
the present state Of affairs 1T is ex-
pected that the President will take oc-
casion to send to Congress the report
Consul-General Lee has submitted to the
Secretary OF State on the result of his
observations in Cuba
A prominent member Of the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations said
to-day that it would not be possible for
the President to send a pro-Spanish mes
sage to Congress in view Of the report
which COnsul-General Lee had made
to Secretary Olney. Speaking generally
Of the views of General Lee, the Senator
said that they were well enough known
to make it clear that his report would
not be favorable to the Spanish conten-
tions. 1t is known that the repor' which
General Lee made presents a very grave,
not to say hOrrifying condition Of af-
fairs in Cuba.
One of the conditions he describes is
that Of the situation Of the non-conl-
batants, peaccable citizens who have no
interest in the war except to see it ended.
These people. whether within the Spanish
lines or the Cuban lines, are sufferers. If
within the Cuban lines they plant their
crops in order to obtain 4 living only to
have their territory raided and occupied
by the Spanish forces who Immediately
destroy the crops, burn the houses and
other property of the planters and upon
the slightest pretext, it is alleged, put
the men to death or imprisOn them on
the ground that they have been siding
the rebellion. In fact it is regarded as
aiding the Cubans if crops are raised
which they might obtain. Non-c0m-
batants within Spanish territory, when
occupied by the Cubans, are given like
treatment on the ground that they sym
pathize with Spain. The report Of
General Lee, besides showing what diff
culties the nOn-combatants have to con-
tend with in the matter of securing
enough food to sustain life, also points
out how they are often hurried to prison
and condemned without the trials Ameri-
cans are accustomed to see given to
persons charged with offences. 1t is
known that Genearl Lees report shows
that cruelty is practiced on both sides,
but it is said that more cases have come
to his knowledge of wrong on the part
of the Spanish A verf conservative
member of the Senate ,mmittee OF
Foreign Relations said t lay that the
conditions in Cuba were such that inter
vention by the United States in the
cause of humanity was demanded, and
he had no doubt that Congress would
early take a stand in the matter.
Treasury officials have been advised
that the suspected filibuster "Dauntless,"
which left Brunswick, Ga, yesterday,
has arrived at Jacksonville, Fla. Last
Monday the commander Of the revenue
cutter Boutwell,, who has been keeping
watch on the Dauntless at Brunswick,
obtained permission to steam down to
Jacksonville for stores. Within an hour
after the Boutwelrs departure the
1)auntless got up steam and without
clearance papers started for Jacksonville,
but for what purpose is not known. The
Of the Boutwell, to-day was
instructed to keep the Dauntless under
strict surveillance. 1t is understood
that under no circumstances will the
Dauntless be permitted, for the present
Mt least, to leave Jacksonville harbor.
INSURGENTS REPULSED.
Havana, Dec. 2.-It is officially an
nouneed that a small band Of insurgents
asst night fired upon Gunanabaco close
10 this city and burned a house OF that
town. The insurgents were repulsed.
eaving one man killed, after wounding
policeman who has since died Of his
injury.
,IR. STEVENSON INTERVIEWED
Washington, Dec. 2.--Ei Eiee-president
md Mrs. Stevenson and tho daughter.
Hiss Letitia, returned to the ,ity to-day
or the Congressional sessio. end took
at the NormauGe. In an
interview tonight, the Vice. President
xpressed doubt Of the enactment OF any
egislation at the coming session that
would provoke much discussion, or that
,as in any sense of political character.
lis judgment was that the Dingley bill
4 II