The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-05-16
A PLAN FOR RELIEF.
Americans to BE Brought From Cuba
to United States.
THEY CAN'T MAKE A LIVING THERE.
They Will Be Given Relief If They
Prefer to Stay.
BELLlC0SE SPANISH PAPERS
Leading Articles Would Lead to the
Inference That They Would
Like TO Eight.
6ELLlC0SE SPANISH PAPERS

Washington, May 15.--In considering
ways and means OF aflording substantial
relief to such American citizens in Cuba
as are in real distress owing to the war,
the administration has hit upon scheme
which may be put in operation. II it is
sanctioned by the united judgment OF the
United States consular officers in Cuba
who, being on the ground, are supposed to
he best qualified to Judge of the efficiency
OF proposed relief measures.
This plan is to give notice through the
American consuls to all American citizens
in Cuba that the government will under
take to remove them from the island to
the United States II they desire. To do
this will require action by congress, not
necessarily specific authorization OF the
removal. but merely the limitation of the
appropriation TO the general terms OF re-
lief for the American citizens in Cuba
y course similar to this was adopted with
more or less benefit in China during the
riotipg incident to the Japanese Chinese
war. and during the Armenian troubles in
AAht MI lAiAtllt Nlt NHAt'u s1ldAts tllA-
lister, was authorized to undertake the
conveyance of American citizens to the
coast cities. where they might have suit
able protection.
The proposition as to Cuba goes little
further than the measures adopted in the
case of China or Turkey in that it con-
templates the removal Of the Americans
from the island. Probably the reason for
this is the belief. founded on reports from
United States Consul General Lee and
other United States consular officers. that
the war has 10 thoroughly exhausted the
agricultural resources OF the island that
it will be long time before it will be
again in condition to maintain It's ponula
ton, and meanwhile the Americans who
are dependent upon the soil FOR tneir
livelihood will suffer. Tho consequent SUI
fering can be relieved b. the government
furnishing the unfortunates supplies and
medicines, but General Lee takes the view
that this relief must he continued, prob
eply for long time.
The proposed exodus from Cuba must be
purely voluntary and 1t is not even pro-
posed TO present tho alternative of deny
ing supplies if destitute Americans re-
fuse to leave the island. II is simply pro-
posed 70 give them an opportunity TO leave
the island If thoy believe they can better
their condition IN the United states. 1t is
the belief of General Lee that many per-
sons viii avail themselves of such an OPP
| "a. AZ. hat
will be adopted by the president Figures
are not obtaiuablo as TO The number OF
Ameroican citizens in Cuba who are In
actual distress and in need of food or
clothing as the result Of Weylers order
bringing them into the towns The state
department is now in correspondence Win
its cousuls hy telegraph, seeking to get
their information as the basis for any mes
sage the president may send TO congress ON
tho subject of relief. But, so far as OIL
cialIy known to the department through
the reports OF consuls made up to this
time, The number OF Americans In this
condition is between $50 and 200.
In explanation of this small number 1t
is said that most OF the American natives
living in Cuba are employed in the higher
branches of industries or professions ana
are not actual workers Of the soil The
sufferers are mostly naturaized citizens
holding small parcels Of ground upon which
they have depended heretofore for liyeii-
hoods. 1t is not doubted that there are
moro Of this class in need than are yet
known to the department, but it Is hoped
In the course OF few days TO have
fairly accurate census OF them, The asen-
rIos To be used 10 relieve these people are
lie United States consuls in Cuba and 1t
can be stated that the Spanish govern
ment through its minister so far from
opposing the course of such charitable Of
fees by the consuls has promised its rendi-
ness 10 assist in every proper way in the
distribution OF relief which is taken to
mean that It viii guarantee safe conduct
for the transporting parties over Inc IS