New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-23
THE STARVING RECoNCENTRADos

RELIEF OF THE SUFFERING IN CUBA NOT
SMALL PRoBLEM-LooKING TO THE RED CROSS.
Havana Nov. 22-General Pando has arrived at
Matanzas, has visited the hospitals there and
has ordered the distribution OF one thousand raons
OF food daily to the "reconcentrated" people.
Much has been written against the edct OF re-
concentration issued by General weyer. but 1t is
said here that careful study Of the question would
show that the result of the abollshment Of that
system would be TO intensity greatly the suferngs
Of the destitute people mostly women and chill
dren, who have been gathered together near the
towns held by the Spanish troops. for nearly all
the country homes and peasants huts have been
destroyed by fire and the soil Of the country has
been laid bare. Under these circumstances, the
fortunate people who are "reconcentrated" would
have means to shelter feed themselves. and
the thousands of peasants who are now lying idle,
almost penniess and nearly famine-strickep IN or
near the different towns OF Cube would be worse
of even than now If the edct referred 10 was sud-
denly abolished and these unfortunates were driven
away from the towns to starve and die. In all
probability. more rapidly than they are doing at
present The Spanish authorities are seeking TO
grappe with the question TO the best OF their
sleepy ability and are making endeavors 10 give
work TO the 'reconcentrados who are strong
enough to work and are trying TO succor those
who are TOO weak TO do anything for themselves;
rection can be expected of the Spanish Government
when II is remembered that the authorities are
eight months IN IN paying tHe eoiuieiS
are fighting for Spain and that they are expert
encing the utmost difficulty In providing food Tor
the men battling against the insurgents in the
field. How. then can the Government be expected
TO provide for the many thousands of helpless re-
concentrates" especially when 1t is an open secret
that many of the husbands, brothers or other male
relatives OF the women hudded about the towns
are In the insurgent ranks. fighting for the indie
pendence Of Cuba.
Under the circumstances, there is only one way
open to succor these destitute people and that Is
70 appeal to the charitable women Of Cuba for aid.
and 10 ask the International Red Cross Society 10
take the matter In hand. Indeed, many people
have been heard TO express surprise at the fact
that q strong Red Cross movement was not started
long in Europe. at least In behalf Of the long
suffering peasantry OF Cuba TO say nothing OF the
door boy soldiers of Spain But here. again. the
pride Of the Spanards bars the way. and II is likely
that the distressing state Of affairs existing In Cuba
will continue until some public spirited persons
arise in Europe or In the United states and make
a determined effort TO assist those whose only
crime IL that they are compelled TO obey the
orders Of their superiors. The Spaniards In some
20 even further than this and take the ground
that the Red Cross movement should be started in
The United States adding that as II IL from ne
United States that the insurgents receive their aid
60 IL should be from the United States that the
movement in behalf Of the suffering OF both sides
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