The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-06-08
Our New Consul General at
Havana
Visits the Ell MOrO's Dark and
Filthy Cells.
HE FINDS AMERICANS
Languishing There 80 One of
Them the Artist
Who Secured All the RecentPic-
lures For Harper's Weekly.

New York, June S.-A special to the
World from Havana says:
A local newspaper prints an inter
view with Consul General Lee on the
subjct Of his mission in which General
Lee is quoted as saying that he came to
inform himself on the problem present
ed in Cuba and would report to Wash
ington with strict impartiality and JUS
tice-
The reasons why he was selected
were first, his great friendship for
Cleveland, with whom he is identified in
ideas and sentiments; and second, hav-
ing commanded Gen. r.. z. Lees caval-
~ and been accustomed to reconnoiter,
ne better than anybody else, is capable
to understand the kind OF war the in
surgents are Waging-
Consul General Lee has visited the
several Americans imprisoned in Ca
banas fortress. He found the COmpetit-
or men very Wretched and in filthy quar-
ters. He VIII apply for their relief at
once.
1t is reported that no formal charge
has been made in the case of Thomas
r. Dawley, the correspondent of Har-
pers. 1t is expected that he viii be re-
leased soon. He complains that his
arms were tied behind him when he
was arrested and that he was threat
ened with OATH because he could not
carry baggage. General Lee has receiv-
ed this letter from Dawley, written in
prison.
sir. I have the honor to call your
attention to the fact that ] am an Amer
lean citizen, born in New York and am
now imprisoned in a military prison
without having any hearing, whatever
took UP my residence in Artemisia
about the 4th Of Nay last. The ceIadOr
of the place threatened me with arrest
at the time because I was an American.
I obtained permission from the officer
i'm command there to remain. About a
week ago this officer came to Havana
and General Melquizo went to Arte-
misia. The celador tried again and sue
ceeded In having me arrested. I am con
fined among political prisoners, who are
awaiting court martial
Trusting that you viii give your i'm
mediate attention to this case, I am
your obedient servant.
THOMAS r. DAWLEY"
Gen. Melquizo. who had Dawley ar
rested is the same general who is
charged with the responsibility for
many murders of pacihcOs.
Gen ArOlos, whom he succeeded. has
recently gone back to Artemisia to re-
sumo command of the Trocha.
Americans in Havana breathe more
easily now that Gen. Lee has come. He
has pleased every body. His promptness
in the Dawley case gives promise of
vigorous administration Of the consul
ate in the interest Of Americans It
may be Of interest to know that a Ha-
vana newspaper has already nominated
MIN AOL wee president on a Llcker with
Cleveland.
Dawley has been in Cuba for some
time as correspondent of Harpers
Weekly and all the recent work in that
journal on the Cuban war has been
from him.
Notwithstanding the reluctance Of
the American government to recognize
the state Of war existing here, Gen.
Weyler and the Madrid government
seem to recognize it. In denying Gen
Bradley permission to visit Dawley in
Moro castle. the captain general used
these significant words: Under
Spanish laws, no foreigner can enter a
Spanish fortress in time of war"
The words are much commented on
in Havana. They are commended to
the consideration of Mr.. Olney.
Another fact of much interest here
is the act Of the Madrid government in
sending a note to the powers complain
ing of the alleged use of explosive bull
let's by the rebels. Why since no war
exists and the rebel government is not
recognized as belligerant power,
should Spain do this2
1t is customary for a government not
only to avoid bringing its domestic
concerns to the attention of foreign
powers, but even to resent any notice
taken by other governments of its do
nestle troubles.