The herald., 1896-12-03
F,TzHUdH LEES REPORTS
Make q Pro.Spauish Message "a lmpos'
sibiiity
Cannon Humanity Demands That the United
States Intervene
The Feeling Grows Even Among Con-
servatives That Congress Will Take
Vigorous Measures to End the
Barbarous Cuban War.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-Reports
were in quite general circulation mere
today that Secretary Olney, some time
in November, had given the Spanish
government, courteously but firmly, TO
understand that the Cuban rebellion
must be crushed within three months or
tho United States would be compelled to
intervene to stop hostilities. 1t was
said that prominent Republican SEN
ators had been apprised OF this uiti-
matum. The reports, In their general
features, were similar to rumors preva-
lent about month ago and emphaticaliy
denied at that time by officials OF this
government and also at Madrid. NO
confirmation of the latest reports couid
be obtained in Official circles here TO-DAY,
and it was denieStthat Spain had been
given any such uematum.
Senators who have been active IN for
eign affairs and who have consulted the
state department officials on the Cuban
situation expressed the opinion that the
administration had not made any radi-
cal change In its attitude. but number
of them gave it as their own personal
opinion that congress would adopt vigor-
Gus measures to end the present state
Of affairs. 1t is said that the president
will take early occasion to send to con-
gress the report which 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 today that it would not be possible
for the president to send pro-Spanish
message to congress in view of the re-
port which Consul-General Lee had
made to Secretary Olney.
Speaking generally Of the views os
General Lee, the senator said they were
we'll enough known to make 1t clear his
report would not be favorabl to the
Spanish contentious. 1t is known that
the report which General Lee made pre-
sents very grave, not to say horny
ing, condition of affairs in Cuba. one
of the conditions he describes Is that of
the situation Of the non-combatants,
peaceable citizens who have no .hter-
est in the war except to see 1t ended.
These people. whether within the Span
ish lines or the Cuban lines, are sufferers.
If within the Cuban lines, they plant
their crops in order to obtain living,
only to have their territory occupied by
the Spanish forces, who Immediately
destroy the crops, burn the houses
and other property Of the planters, and
upon the slightest pretext, 1t is alleged,
put the men to death or imprison them
on the ground that they have been aiding
the rebellion. In fact, 1t is regarded aS
aiding the Cubans If crops are raised
which they might obtain. Non-com-
batants within Spanish territory that is
treatment, on the ground that they SYM
pathize with Spain. The report of Cen
eral Lee, besides showing what difficult
ties the nonIcombatants have to con-
tend with In the matter of securing
enough food to sustain life, also points
out how they are often hurried to
prisons and condemned without trials.
Americans are accustomed to see justice
given to persons charged with offenses.
1t is known General Lees report shows
that cruelty Is practiced on both sides,
but it is said it states that more cases
have come to his knowledge of wrongs
on the part Of the Spanish.
A very conservative member Of the
oCudSC COuillllICC Ou AOiCi6u ACldtiOHo
said today that the conditions in Cuba
were such that the Intervention by the
United States in the cause of humanity
was demanded. and he had no doubt
that congress would early take stand
in the matter.
Treasury officials have been advised
that the suspected 1llibuster, Dauntless,
which left Brunswick. Ca, yesterday,
has arrived at Jacksonville. Last Mon
day the commander Of the revenue cut
ter 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 Boutwell's departure the
Dauntless got up steam and without
clearance papers started for Jackson
vile. but for what purpose is not known.
The commander of the Boutwell, today
was instructed to keep the Dauntless
under strict surveillance. 1t is under
stood that under no circumstances will
the Dauntless be permitted for the
present at least, to leave Jacksonville
harbor.