The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-05-21
GOVERNMENT is Waking T.
The Condition Of Americans
in Cuba Revealed.
SENATE COMMITTEE REPORTS

American Citizens Destitute and Help
less in the Towns of the Pearl of the
Washington, May 15.-There was a
sudden and violent outbreak of Cuban
sentiment today at the capitol, and
during the early hours the drift of
opinion was strongly toward speedy
and radical action by both congress and
the executive, but later there was some
what of reaction upon it's becoming
known that the president, while keenly
alive to the situation, and anxious to
learn everything possible that could
guide his conduct of our Cuban and
Spanish relations, felt that further in
formation was necessary, and for the
immediate present the question was
not one of, recognition of the belliger-
ency or independence of the Cuban in
surgents, but of relief for the American
citizens. destitute and helpless in the
towns of the Pearl Of the Antilles.
The foreign relations committee, it
should be stated, while agreeing upon
the necessity of relief for the suffering
Americans, is favorable to more radical
measures, and number of its mem
bers are earnestly desirous of instant
action by the executive in aid of the
insurgents, but have not succeeded in
converting the administration to their
views that present action is appropriate
and imperative.
The event of the day was report to
their colleagues by subcommittee
which yesterday examined the state de-
partment's Cuban reports. This state
ment, though not given to. the public,
was so far disclosed in character as to
give rise to a. good deal of excited COM
ment among senator's and members.
The report, based upon facts present.
ed by the United States consuls in
Cuba, it is said, brings out in strong
relief the destitution which exists not
only among the Cubans, but among
Americans and pacificos now in the ISL
ands who were driven from their farms
and into the towns by Weyler's orders,
and are thereby prevented from sup
porting themselves.
For several days past, the subject
matter Of this report has been under
discussion quietly among few of the
friends of Cuba in congress, and they
have lost no opportunity of impressing
upon the president their convictions
that it is his duty, as the chief execu-
tive, to delay no longer in taking active
steps to terminate the present condi-
tion of affairs in Cuba. These repre-
sentations, however, have not been suf
Acient to induce hasty action. The
president is moving .steatlily and with
all speed that safety and sound judg-
'nsent warrant in The collection. OF facts
touching the conditions that exist upon
the island today. To this end, Mr.. Cal
houn is now in Cuba, officially on an
other mission, but also charged with
the observation Of the conditions that
prevail. When he has reported to the
president and the latter has obtained
what he regards as sufficient store of
information, based on facts that cannot
be questioned, he will be ready either
to take himself, or to suggest to con-
gress, such action as these facts war
rant.
Meanwhile, he has under considera-
ton the best means of affording relief
to Americans suffering as a result of
the conditions on the islands.
Today, the president saw, by ap-
pointment, Edwin w. Atkins, of Bos-
ton, who is largely interested in Cuban
sugar plantations. MIR. Atkins gave
him faithful picture of the economic
conditions that prevailed in Havana
and in other parts of the island when
he left.