The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-05-22
MKlNLEY'S CUBAN POLICY.
HE DOES TAPPRoTE OF THE SEN
ATE BELLIGERENCT RESOLUTION.

n. Believes II to Tie an Attempt on the Fart
lion Q. TO Postpone Action Until Special
comnls,ioncr Calhoun Make His Report.
WAsuiSGroN. May 2l.-what action will be
taken by the House concerning the Senate reso-
lution recognizing the belligerency Of the Cubans
IA something nobody can tell ut the present time.
president Mckinley. while In hearty sympathy
with tho cause OF the insurgents and ready to
extend to them the moral assistance of the
United States Mt the earliest moment he be.
Icvcs practicable, would like the House to hold
the measure in allegiance until the Executive end
Of the Government can see its way clear to act.
He indicated this pretty omphatically at to-day's
meeting OF the Cabinet during n general discus
,on OF the Cuban situation. The passage OF the
Morgan resolution formed the first subject.
and led to tho consideration OF tho struggle
Going on in the island, with especial reference TO
the interest OF this country in bringing 1t to an
end. Mr. Mckinley gave an earnest expression Of
his views on what he believed to be an attempt on
the part OF Senators TO force his hand. What no
said showed very clearly that he does not intend
to be swcrvcd from his purpose to postpone ac-
ton until Mr.. Calhoun, the special Commits.
sioncr to Cuba. makes his report.
II is generally understood that the President
intCnuS 10 NV III tuul uc CuH " ~ DTlnH NUOuJ
Cuban independence. but he believes that tho
Executive and not Congress should tax the in
itiative. The President and his advisors are of
the opinion that the most critical feature of the
situation is the attitude Of tho liberal party in
the Cortos toward the war. Action in Madrid is
more likely to precipitate a crisis than action by
the Congress Of the United States, and the sug-
gestion that Spain may make the final move
toward the freedom Of her Cuban subjects is
said TO have some supporters among the men,
hers of tho administration Mr.. Hannis Taylor,
the United States Minister in Madrid, is keep
ing the State Department informed of the politi-
cal situation there, and news OF the speedy fall
Of the Canovas Ministry would not surprise this
Government.
Meanwhile Consul-General Lee is devoting
himself to the relief of distressed Americans in
Cuba. He is not sending any interesting de-
spatchcs to the State Department and is seem.
ingly awaiting tho end with a complacency born
ofthe knowledge that he has not been deceived
at any time by the claims Of the Spaniards that
they would ultimately conquer the insurgents.
Part of The relief fund carried by the joint reso-
luton which passed the House yesterday was
placed at his disposal to-day. This was done on
the suggestion of Consul Brice, who telegraphed
from Matanzas that American citizens there were
In need of immediate relief. A despatch was
hNSOlulhbly btil' u oSh. iSV, uilCNtihB hluu u
draw on the State Department for the imme.
date purchase of supplies and medicine for the
relief of American citizens and transportation
Of such rs arc without means who desire to re-
turn to the United States, not to exceed &c.
000." The part quoted Is from O statement
given out by the State Department. Gen. Lee
was also instructed "to furnish Consuls in
Cuba. in his discretion. sums for this pur-
pose" and Consul Brice was directed to COM
municate with the Havana Consulate-General
for funds.
These directions were sent Gen. Lee in the
understanding that the relief resolution would
be signed by President Mckinley to-day, but q
hitch has occurred that prevents the money
from becoming available until Monday. Vice
President Hobart did not sign the resolution
when II passed the Senate, and as he Is required
to announce his certification in open session, the
measure cannot be sent to tho President until
the Senate meets again on Monday. This has
not caused any embarrassment. however, as any
money drawn by Gen. Lee prior to that time will
be charged against the emergency fund of the
State Department until the resolution Is
formally approved. The $4,000 placed at the
disposal OF Gen. Lee is merely for emergency
cases, and the remaining 10000 will be dis
ributed in a manner not decided on by the
Government. Some consideration was given
this point at the Cabinet meeting. and the
Probabilities arc that tho larger sum will be
expended under the direction of United
ststes Consular officers, assisted by medical
and other officers of this country.
Beyond the despatch about the immediate re-
lief fund nothing was sent to Consul-G encral
Lee by the State Department to-day. and moth
ing was received from him. Senior Dupuy de
Lone, the Spanish Minister. called on Assistant
secretary Day this afternoon, but 1t was learned
that his visit did not concern the political as
pect OF Cuban affairs. Among the Presidents
callers to-day was Representative Mills OF Chi
caGo. He told Mr.. Mckinley that the feeling In
the West was unanimously In favor Of the
recognition of the Cubans. The President, he
said, replied that the West was no greater
friend of Cuba than he was.
President Mckinley knew what he was do
Ing when no commissioned Mr.. Calhoun TO in.
v~estigatc the Ruiz MURDER" said Representa-
tive Warner of Illinois to THE sun reporter to-
night. Mr.. Calhoun is In sympathy with the
Cubans. know this. for l have had it from his
own lips. And IL there Is the least shadow Of
excuse for making n request favorable to the
insurgents, i believe he will do 30. l don't
think ! am going TOO far when ! say that the
President knew Mr.. Calhoun's sentiments on
the Cuban question whom he appointed him.
Mr.. Warner is an enthusiastic supporter of
the Cuban cause. and he believes that the Presl-
dent will take a forward step after having heard
from Commissioner Calhoun.