Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1897-05-25
A. SPECIAL MESSAGE.
President Urges Congress to Aid
Americans in Cuba.
The Senate Promptly Passes a Reso.
luton ApproDriatinE Y5O,OOO-De-
lay in the HOuse-CalAOun
Makes u Report.

Washington, May NV. ]. Calhoun,
special commissioner to Cuba. has sent
in his first report, not on the Ruiz case,
which it was said would occupy his
whole attention, but on affairs of the
island. Mr.. Calhoun says:
II. Of course. have not had time to make
a thorough investigation. but the informa-
ton l have obtained warrants me In say
ing that affairs the island are in a de-
plorable state and that the reports you
have received regarding the destitute con-
exaggerated. But l am not at this time
prepared to advise immediate relief, as the
means OF successful distribution are doubt
tut. Will communicate later"
The Presidents Message.
Washington. Ma, ls.--TAe president
on Monday sent u message to congress
urging that $4,000 be appropriated, to
be Immediately available under the di-
rection of the secretary of state, for the
relief Of destitute American citizens in
Cuba. Prompt action was taken by the
senate, which passed without division
a resolution in accordance with the rec
concentration Of the president.
Mr.. Hit Qll.) introduced similar
resolution in the house, but immediate
consideration was blocked by MIR. Bailey
(Tex.), who insisted that an amend
ment be added embodying Senator Nor
CAMS resolution for the recognition of
the Cuban insurgents. Mr.. Dingley
(Me.) objected to the amendment.
whereupon Mr.. Bailey objected to the
resolution and the whole matter was
sidetracked.
Following is the message Of the presi-
dent us read in the senate:
ITO the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States: Official infor-
| nation from our consuls In Cuba estab-
fishes the tact that a large number Of Amer
ican citizens In the isla nd are in state
of restitution. suffering for want Of food
and medicines. This applies particularly
to the rural districts Of the central and
eastern parts.
The agricultural classes have been
forced from their farms into the nearest
| towns where they are without work or
! money.
THE local authorities of the several
towns, however kindly disposed. are unable
to relieve the needs OF their own people
and are altogether powerless to help our
citizens.
THE latest report OF Consul General Lee
estimates goo to 500 Americans are without
means Of support. | have assured him that
provision would be made at once to relieve
INe1n. % t0a< emu recommend tnat con-
GresS make an appropriation of not less
than u,VO TO be Immediately aVaila bic for
use under the direction OF the secretary OF
state.
lit Is desirable that part of the sum
which may be appropriated by congress
should. in the discretion of the secretary
OF state also be used tor the transporta ton
of American citizens who desiring to re-
turn 10 the United States are without
means to do so.
''<Signed) WILLIAM M'kINLEY,
"Executive Mansion. May II. 1887"
Memorial in Behalf of Cuba.
New York, May lS.-Firms and indi-
viduals in this city who are interested
in trade with Cuba and who desire
peace in the island as soon as possible
have sent to the secretary of state a
memorial setting forth how their bust
nest interests are suffering and giving
facts about the struggle in Cuba, in the
hope that measures may be devised to
terminate the war in the island.
Created u Stir.
Washington, May 2O.-The secret ar
chives of the state department which
have held the consular reports on the
Cuban war from the public were par
TALLY disclosed yesterday by Senator
Foraker, of Ohio, without stating from
whom they came, and created; a decided
stir. Especially startling was the let
ter from Secretary Olney, in which
this country offered mediation tc
Spain. and the refusal of that country
10 accept the protfered aid.