The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1896-12-10
THE HORRORS OF WAR
May Yet Move Congress to
Interfere in Cuba.
SENATORS TALKING CAUTIOUSLY
No Definite reformation as to De-
cfsion for More Summary Action
by the Administration.

Washington, Dec. 4.-Reports were
in quite general circulation here today
that the United States had given the
Spanish government, courteously but
firmly, to understand that the Cuban
rebellion must be crushed within three
months, Or the United States would be
compelled to intervene to stop hostili-
ties. 1t was said that prominent Re-
publican senator had been the author
of this report. The reports, in their
general features, were similar to rumors
prevalent, about month ago, and en-
phatically denied at the time by off,
Gals of the government, and also at
Madrid. No confirmation of the latest
reports could be obtained in official cir
cles.
Senators who have been active in for
eign affairs and have consulted the
state department officials ON the Cuban
situation expressed the opinion that the
administration had not made any rad
ical change in its attitude, but mum.
Der of them gave it as their personal
opinion that congress would adopt Wig
orous 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 to-
day that it would not be possible for
the president to send a pro-Spanish
message to congress, in view of the re-
port which Consul General Lee has
made to Secretary Olney. Speaking
generally of the views of General Lee,
the senator said they were well enough
known to make it clear his report
would not be favorable to the Spanish
contentious.
1t is known that the report which
General Lee made shows very grave,
not to say horrifying, condition of
affairs in Cuba. One of the conditions
he describes is that of the situation OF
nom batants, peaceable 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 Gu
ban lines, they plant their crops to OBJ
tain living, only to bave their terri
tory occupied by the Spanish forces.
who Immediately destroy crops, burn
the houses and other property of the
planters, and upon the slightest pre-.
text, it is alleged, put the men to death
or imprisonment. The report of Gen.
eral Lee, besides showing what diff
cuities n-com batants have to contend
with in the matter of securing enough
food to sustain life, also points out
how they are often hurried to prisons
and condemned without trial. Ameri-
cans are accustomed to see Justice given
to persons charged with offenses. 1t
is known that General Lees report
shows that cruelty is practiced on both
sides, but, it is said, it states that
cases have come to his knowledge OF
wrongs on the part the Spanish.
A very conservative member of the
enate committee on forcing relations
said today conditions in Cuba were
such that Intervention 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.