New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-26
CABINET DISCUSSES CUBA.
RELIEF MEASURES AND THE GENERAL
SITUATION CONSIDERED.

A REPORT FROM Mr.. CALHOUN EXPECTED IN
ABOUT TWO WEEKS. WHEN DEFINITE
POLICY MAY BE ANNOUNCED.
Washington May 25-The Cabinet again to-
day gave most Of Its time to the discussion of
Cuban affairs. including not only the methods
of distributing relief to the distressed Ameri-
cans in the island, but also the general subject
Of the instruction. AS to tho latter the pro-
ceedings were confined entirely to discussion. and
1t was not attempted to outline any definite
plan OF procedure at this juncture Everything
appears TO depend on the conclusions reached
by Mr. Calhoun and realizing that they are
dependent for a fair statement of the actual
conditions in Cuba entirely that agent. the
members OF the Cabinet are indsposed to bind
themselves to any line Of action in advance.
That this does not necessarily imply any great
delay in treating the question with purpose TO
accomplish something more than has yet been
the case is made probable by the fact that the
President expects Mr.. Calhoun to complete MS
mission in Cuba and be on his way back 10
Washington in the course Of a week or ten days
Allowing for the time he may require to re-
duce the form and embody, perhaps in an OIL
cial report, the conclusions he has formed as to
the conditions in Cuba. the President should be
In full possession Of all the important facts
Mr. Calhoun has collected in the course of two
weeks from this date. unless occurrences In
Havana Unexpectedly prolong his stay 49,,
Assistant Secretary Day, who is charged Win
the execution OF the Presidents wishes respect
ing the relief measures. had long interNie"
with President Mckinley at the White HouSe
this afternoon just after the Cabinet meeting
The decision was reached that having advanced
funds to Consul General Lee to meet all propa-
BILE immediate necessities there was no necessity
been heard from. The Committeeman IN turn Is
consulting his subordinate consuls in Cuba pre-
paratory to recommending 10 the state Depart
ment a definite plan OF action in the dlstrloutlon
Of relief. He has called a meeting at Havana TO-
morrow of all the United States consuls In Cuba
who can reach that city conveniently for the
purpose Of consultation. These officers are eX-
pected to bring all the facts and flgures as 10 the
extent Of the relief demanded in their respective
localities and upon that basis q pro rata distri-
button of supplies and money can be made.
The question OF sending food supplies being
again under consideration here. General Sulil-
van the Commissary-General OF the Army. mas
been called upon TO give the beneht or ms ex-
perience TO the State Department offlciaIs. Reai-
izing that owing to different climatic condltlons,
the same ration that .s sufficient in the Unlted
states would not do at all in Cuba, 1t was found
rrudent TO call upon General Lee for statement
Of the kind Of food supplies that would be most
accountable and proper for the distressed Amerl-
turned the State Department probably VIII ask
General Sullivan TO make the necessary pur-
chases through the well-eQuipped depots or the
con1missary department. IL Is 1elt tnat all lHe
eunnlies necessary can be procured In New \ OK
ar short notice. II the money at nand. ABOUT
$4,000 does not suffice, as 1t Is reared IL may
not, Congress Will be called upon again.