Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-12-05
CONSUL LEES REPORT.
It Win Not be Favorable to the
Spanish Contentious.
THE NECESSITY FOB ACTION
On the Part Of Our Government, in the
Interest Of Humanity-Non-Comb atants
Are Made she Sufferers, Being Abused
hv Roth gidaa

On the Part Of Our Government, in the
Interest Of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Are Made she Sufferers, Being Abused
by Both Sides.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.--Reports were in
quite general circulation here today to the
effect that Secretary Olney, some time in
November, had given the Spanish govern
ment courteously but firmly to under
stand that the Cuban rebellion must be
crushed within three months or the United
States would be compelled to intervene te
stop hostilities. It was said that promi-
nent Republican senators had been In
formed of this ultimatum. Ne coufrma,
ton of the reports could be obtained in Of
fetal circles here and IL was denied that
Spain had been informed of any such ulti-
lnatum, but it Is expected that the presi-
dent will take early occasion to send to
congress the report Consul General Lee
has submitted 10 the secretary of state on
the result of his observations La Cuba.
& prominent member of the senate CON-
mittee on foreign relations said today that
1t would not be possible for the president
to send pro-Spanish message to congress,
in view Of the report which Consul General
Lee had made to Secretary olnsy. Speaking
generally of the views Of General Lee the
senator said that they were well enough
known to make 1t clear that his report
would not be favorable to the Spanish
contentious. It is known that the report
which General Lee made presents very
grave, not to say herrifying condition OF
affairs in Cuba. One of the conditions he
describes is that of the situation of the
nen-eombatants, peaceabls citizens, who
have no interest in the war except to see
1t ended
These people, whether within the Span
ish lines or the Cuban lines, are sufferers.
Ii within the Cuban lines they plant their
crops in order to obtain 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 imprisen them on the
ground that they have been aiding tia re-
bellion In fact, 1t is regarded rs aiding
the Cubans If crops are raised which they
might obtain. Non-combatants within
Spanish territory, when occupied by the
Cubans, are given like treatment on the
ground that they sympathize vita Spain.
The report of General Lee, besides show
ing what diff the non-combatants
have to contsild with in the matter of Sc
curing enough food to sustain life, also
points out how they are often hurried to
prisons and condemned without trial It
is known that General Lees report shows
that cruelty Is practioed on both sides, but
it is said that more cases have come to his
knowledge Of wrongs on the part Of the
Spanish.
A very conservative member of the sem
ate committee on foreign relations said
that the conditions in Cuba were such that
Intervention by the United States In the
cause of humanity was demanded, and he
had ne doubt that congress would early
take stand in the matter.
Representative McCreary, of kentucky,
the leading Democratic member of the
foreign affairs committee, who returned
to the city yesterday, said he was In favor
of the Independence of Cuba. He thought
there should first be friendly intervention
with a view to bringing about peace, but
If that should not cause hostilities to cease
civilization and humanity would justify
steps being taken looking to according
belligerent rights to the insurgents or
IoCogHLlnS tnelF lhuep6uueHce.
Vice President and Mrs. Stevenson and
their daughter, Miss Letitia, returned to
the city yesterday. Concerning the Cuban
question, Mr.. Stevenson said he did not
know what action was contemplated.
There is, he said, very strong feeling in
the country in favor Of Independence. The
sympathies of the great mass of people of
the United States, in his Judgment, were
with the Cubans