The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-05-20

in depicting a deplorable situation than
do most of the newspaper stories. Special
stress is laid upon the condition of Amer
lean citizens in the island. Of these 1t
is positively stated that. there are hun
dreds in a starving condition and most
wretchedly clothed. Deaths of American
citizens from starvation are daily report.
ed. They are scattered in all parts OF
the island and are shown no considera-
ton whatever because of their American
citizenship. They are generally persons
who reside on the plantations but who
have been driven from their homes to
the towns, and who, being among strang-
ers and without employment. are COM
PEELED to subsist on almost nothing. They
are not allowed to return to their plan
tations even to pick berries or to secure
the least article of subsistence. They
are practically under the care of the
Spanish army, but the army is without
a commissariat. But they have no
means to leave the island. Their condi-
ton is pronounced wholly deporable. The
committee was especially impressed with
this recital, and the opinion was general
ly expressed that matters should be rem
edied, if possible. 1t was considered as
placing even worse aspect on the ques-
ton of our relations to Cuba than the
imprisonment of Americans, of which
there are now comparatively few in
stances. The report also indicates O
generally wretched condition of all the
inha bitants of the island because of the
scarcity of food and money, especially in
the centers of population, and because
also, of the pressure of the most malig.
nant diseases, such as yellow fever
the natives withstand with comparative
ease, but they are especially oppressive
to the Spanish soldiery.
The reports indicate that the Spanish
army is not so strong now as it was
year ago, largely on account of these
ravages, while they indicate no diminu
ton of the insurgent forces. The reports
upon which the subcommittee briei
was based was from various consuls, in
Guiding Consul General Lee. They make
no recommendations as to American pol
icy, but merely give the situation as they
see it. In view of the developments il
the committee, Senator Morgan agreed
not to press the consideration of his reso
luton today, but he will make an effor
to have the question made the unfinished
business Monday at 2 p. m. ...
This acquiescence on the Alabama sen
ator's part to the temporary delay is un
derstOod to be given under the impression
that it will result in bringing to the reso
luton the support of the entire commit
tee on foreign affairs. This will, O
course, materially strengthen the resolu
ton in the senate, and il is believed b,
its friends, will pass. 1t is now prOba
BILE the committee will not make forma
report and that the correspondence will
not be given to the public for the pres
ent. The delay by the senate COMMITTEE
in taking no action till Monday is TO
the purpose of giving the president a.
opportunity to act. Representations hav
been made to the president that there |
necessity for immediate action. 1t ha
been also represented that the matter O
recognition ought to be by the executiv
and by the executive branch of the gov
| ernment. The president has been urge
also to take some steps looking towar
the relief of the starving Americans i
Cuba. 1t is the belief of members of tn
committee that the president will act be
| fore Monday, but if nothing is done b
| that time there is no doubt the commit
tee will urge the Morgan resolution i
the strongest terms possible. There wi
| be practically unanimous expression G
| opinion in favor of the resolution by tn
| foreign relations committee. Some ma
| raise the constitutional question agains
it, but will not urge it very hard but O
| tut tllllc VIII CADIcSS
| with Cuba and say that some actio
| ought to be taken, but maintain that tn
action should be by the executive an
not by congress.
Members of the foreign relations con
| mittea have recommended to the pres
| dent that if necessary to secure the land
| ing of food and clothing necessary to II
| lieve the wants of Americans they shoul
be. accompanied by an American wal
ship. The president has listened to thi
advice, but he has not indicated his il
tention to act upon it.
The committee has list of heads G
| families. representing over 100 Amer
cans. who are said to be in a starvin
corralled in towns, unable to get OF
| for food. even if they had the means t
| procure it. The correspondence repre-
sents that there are thousands of Cuban
in this condition.
Speaking of his resolution for an al
preparation for the American people G
Cuba, Senator Gallinger said:
81 am informed that American cit
zens who recently came from Cuba tol
! me such was the fact. Then l am il
| formed that reports in the state depar
ment corroborate the statement. Th
picture drawn of distress is most harrow
| ing. These reports contain names tina
| are not Spanish, but American ndmes S
that there can be no doubt of the col
rectness of the reports. am of The opir
| ion that while we are sending aid t
India and to people who are in starvin
condition Oh the Mississippi river
would be we'll to pay some attention t
| the American citizens who are starvin
in Cuba. l asked to have the resa)utio
referred to the foreign relations commit
tee FOR such action as it may deem bes
| to take"
'There is some talk about sending
naval vessel to Cuba. Will you lad
such a provision as an amendment t
your resolution was asked.
II may do so,' responded Senator Ga
linger. 1T seems to me it would be we
to have an American warship in Ha
vana to back up the demands of tn
American consul and to send relief d
American citizens who are in need of it
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