New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-16
RELIEF PLANS CONSIDERED.
HOW TO HELP DISTRESSED AMERICANS
IN CUBA.
A DIFFICULT PROBLEM PREsENTED-THE PREsf-
DENTS MESSAGE NOT LIKELY TO BE
READY MISUNDERSTANDING IN
THE SENATE.
lny TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIDUNE.l


my TELEGRAPH TnIDUNE.]
Washington. May 1o.-The absence Of President
Mckinley in Philadelphia to-day caused a tenn
porary lull in current speculation on the scope
and effect OF the Cuban message which is to be
sent BY the Executive TO Congress early next
week. AS Major Mckinley is unwilling to do any
work on Sunday which can possibly be avoid.
ed. there is strong probability that the antici-
pated message will not be ready to go to the leg
slative branch on Monday morning. Besides, as
the Administration is making every effort to
cure by telegraph some further information re-
sDcctng the sufferings Of destitute Americans in
Cuba. a delay of day or two in transmitting
the reports already received would be perhaps
both expedient and natural
While the Presidents message waits. action in
the Senate on Mr.. Morgans resolution acknowl-
edging Cuban belligerency is clearly out OF the
question, although the Alabama Senator Is al
ready showing signs of disposition to use the
interest aroused by the disclosures of American
suffering in Cuba lever to force an immedi-
ate declaration by the new Administration on the
different and far wider question Of National pol
icy toward the revolted island. Many Repub
can Senators who have hitherto followed Mr..
Morgan In his efforts 70 secure recognition for
the insurgents hesitate 10 sustain him now in
effort 20 force the Presidents hand by cOnpH-
eating the simple duty of relieving the distress
OF American citizens deprived of means and oc-
cupation by the severity OF General Weylers
military edicts with the more difficult issue Oh
determining whether conditions in Cuba are or
are not such 20 justify the acknowledgment Oh
the Junta and It's forces belligerent power
Action OF some sort is perhaps necessary "
relieve the tension OF feeling II. the senate pu'
the Republican friends Of the CUBAN cause
will be fully content 10 support proGrainii,ie
which, for the present. looks singly ana soIeI!
TO meeting the necessities OF Americans suileI-
Ing from the general prostraton OF asrlculture
and business caused by the two years war.
What means will ultimately be adopted 70 al
ford relief 10 American sufferers is SUN uIceI-
tain The problem is difficult one because
the plan accepted will have 10 command the ap-
prevail or, at least the acquiescence OF the
Spanish Government. But the sensitiVeness OF
Spanish opinion is so well known that resistance
is sure TO be encountered 10 almost any PROPOSE
ton on the part of this Government when
even hints at nominal intervention IN Cupai
affairs Disbursements of food, clothing ana
money through American consuls and consular
agents and the free deportation or Americans
from the island have been suggested as practica~
bic programmes Of relief. But until some deh-
mite recommendations have been made 10 Con-
gress by the Executive opinion as to the form
expected legislation is 10 take remains nope
lessly vague and cOnjecturai.