Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-06-25
THE CUBAN PROBLEM
Commissioner Calhoun and Minister
Woodford in Conference.
GOING over FORMERS REPORT
Announcement of the Administra-
TONS Policy Expected Soon.
DISAPPOINTED WITH SPAIN

Cuban Commission W. j. Calhoun leaves
for his home in Illinois this afternoon. He
spent last evening with Gen. Stewart l..
Woodfcrd, the new minister to Spain, going
over the leading pointC of his invest;ga-
tions in Cuba.
Indications are not wanting that some
announo ement may soon be had bearing on
the admins ration's Cuban policy. Leaders
in Congress who have been pressing for
some sign continue to receive assurances
that before Congress adjourns something
will be done to satisfy public sentiment
and possibly convince the country that
something better may be done for Cuba
than to recognize belligerency. Mr.. Cal
hour, besides his conferences with the
President and Assistant Secretary Day, has
had talks with Chairman Davis of the Sen
ate foreign relations committee and Chair
man Hit of the House committee. Signiii-
canoe is given the fact that Commissioner
Calhoun, who had originally expected to
give the result of his observations verbally
to the President was asked TO make
written report This he has done.
Mr Caihouns report is understood to be
in the nature of a judicial summing up,
and is very broad and comprehensive. 1t
reviews the actual conditions on the island
and is said to be pointed in the expires ssion
OF opinion that Weyler's recommendation
orders are not justifiable as military
measure. The fearful effects of this policy
In causing death by starvation and disease
are commented on. 1t is also stated that
Mr.. Calhoun reviews the military situation.
and gives much attention to the finan cial
prospects. His conclusion that neither the
Spaniards nor the Cubans can win Of
themselves, which was foreshadowed by
his first observations, is reiterated.
The Calhoun Report.
While the Calhoun report is in the nature
of confidential communication to the
President. 1t is likely to be the basis of
diplomatic action Confirming as it does in
many respects the official reports of the
American consuls in Cuba, the administra-
ton viii be guided by it rather than by
any representati, rs which may be made
by Minister de LONE in behalf of the
Spanish government. No faith is given the
present scheme CT reforms" They have
no part in the policy which President Nc
kinley is seeking to fcrmuiat tie, and for
the adoption of which the good Offices of
the United States will be rendered alike to
Spain and the insurgents. The hope which
seems to have been cherished by the cab
met at Madrid that the administration
would use its moral influence in behalf of
these reforms to the extent of guarantee
ing them never had a basis. What little
standing they might have had has been
taken from them ty Commissioner Cal
houn's investiga ton. He found the re-
forms utterly insufficient to meet the de-
mands of the situation or to insure stable
government Or even temporary peace. They
did rot bear analysis, and their promulga-
ton would not be accepted by the admin
lstration as prospective settlement CT
the trouble.
Spafn's Failure to Act.
There is evident disappointment over the
ia of naIn To toll tha
and ameliorate the conditions of the re-
of the war as a means OF preventing direct
intervention by the United States. If this
were done by Srain of its own accord it
was felt that American public sentiment
would be satisfied to await the outcome of
The conservative lines mapped out by the
President to be followed by Minister Wood
ford after his arrival in Spain. 1t is ad-
mitted now that the minister will not be
able to present his credentials and open
negotiations till fall
In the meantime the situation in Cuba
grows worse. Since the departure of Com
missioner Calhoun the shooting of pris-
oners of war has been resumed. Official
and private reports received in Washington
state that Weylers last recommendation
order is having it's intended effect and is
adding to the distress of the country peo-
pie by further concentrating them in the
towns and cities. This order is said to be
:
own subordinates, almost to the point of
mutiny by part of the army. Neverthe-
less, the Canovas ministry upholds Weyler
The immediate problem confronting Presi-
dent Mckinley is what to do about it.
Minister Woodford Mt the State De-
partment.
Minister Woodford spent nearly the en-
tire morning at the State Department. He
had long conference with Assistant. Sec
otor no.
Sherman. He told the latter that he would
be at the Arlington for several days, and
would hold himself in readiness for his
orders at all times. While in the State De-
partment Minister Woodford took occasion
to study and digest the correspondence Of
the department with Spain in regard to the
situation in Cuba, as well the volumin-
GUS reports from Consul General Lee and
the other consular officers in Cuba. He was
furnished with copies of the record in the
Ruiz case, including the reports of the in
ternational commission and the individual
reports of Mr.. Calhoun and Consul General
Lee. His desire to make himself perfectly
familiar with that case in all its phases is
believed to be predicated on the idea that
1t is to be made the basis of his first diplo-
matte dealings with the authorities at
Madrid. The claim for indemnity for DR..
Ruiz death is to be pushed, and unneces-
sary delays in its settlement will not be
tolerated.
No Change in the Situation.
A Star reporter saw Secretary Sherman
in his office at the State Department this
afternoon for a few minutes in regard to
the report that the United States govern
ment was about to demand speedy rem
edy of existing deplorable conditions in
Cuba. The Secretary said it was all news
to him. He added that there had been no
special change in the situation of late and
that SO far as he knew this government
TO immediate change in its
policy toward Spain.
whereabouts of the Wnrshlps.
The dispatch boat Dolphin arrived at
Portsmouth, N H., yesterday. with Secre-
on board.
Xle Monterey and MoEadnock have left
San Francisco for Portland, Oregon, where
they will receive a silver service intended