Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1897-05-17
Mckinley MESSAGE
il ii asks an appropriation ot $50
ooo for Relief Of Americans
in Cuba.
NO ACTION TAKEN TO-DAY
The Cases of tho Sugar Kings,
Hayemeyer and Searies, Ad-
jOurned.
STILL FIGHTING IN EAST

WASHINGTON, d. c., May 1f.-
A cabinet meeting convened, thil
morning. The members of tho cabine
were summoned to the executive
mansion by special couriers, shortly af
ter 9 a. m. !, and Sherman, Alger, Long,
Mckenna and Gage promptly respond
cd. Prior to the cabinet meeting,
Senator Davis, chairman of the com
mittee on foreigu relations, was closet
ed with President Mckinley. The
cabinet meeting lasted until Ii O'Clock.
1t was determined to send SPECIAL
communication to congress at once, the
president confining himself to aconcise
statement of the situation in Cuba
respecting the destitution that prevails
among Americans. Without offense to
Spain, the pres dent recommends that
prompt measures tor the relief of the
sufferers be taken by congress. Crowds
of persons blocked the corridors of the
white house, this morning, while the
cabinet was considering. Cuban affairs,
and the excitement ran high.
Following IS the text of the presi-
dents message which was read at
1890:
TO the Senate and House of Rep
reSentati0es:
Official information from our con-
suls in Cuba establishes the fact that q
large number of American citizens in
the island are 10 q state of destit ution,
suffering from want OF food and
medicines. Thi, applies particularly
to the rural districts OF the central and
eastern parts. The agricultural classes
have been forced from their farms into
the towns, and are without work or
money. The local. authorities of the
towns, however well disposed. are un-
able to relieve the needs of their own
people, and are altogether powerless
to help our citizens. The latest report
of Consul General Lee estimates that
600 or 800 Americans are without
IN cans of support. have assured him
taat provisions will.be made, at once, to
relieve them, and to that end, suggest
taat congress- make an appropriation
of $50,0G0 Immediately available for
ule under the direction of the secretary
OF state. It is desirable that part
should, 10 the discretion of the secre-
tary of state, also be used as help for
the American citizens who desire to
return to the United States.
(signed) WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, May 18th, '97.
WASHINGTON, d. c., May II -
When the presidents message was read
in the senate, Davis immediately pre-
scented q resolution carrying out the
suggestions and asking its immediate
consideration. 1t was promptly and
unanimously passed.
The Allen resolution, relating to
Broker Chapman, was laid on the table.
AT 2 o'clock, Mr.. Morgan called up
bis Cuban resolution, and debate on 1t
began.
la the house, directly after reading
the message asking $4,000 appro-
priation, Hit offered resolution ex-.
tending the amount. Bailey said he
would not object but would like to
offer an amendment.
plDgley produced a profound sensa-
tion by declining to grant Bailey a
hearing, demanding vote. In view
of this Bailey objected, effactually
checking any action. The house is in
an uproar over Dingley's startling ac-
tion. Bailey's amendment was Nor
gan's resolution declaring the belliger-
ency Of Cuba, which Speaker Reed OBJ
jects to.
LATER -Tha house has adj,urne
until Thursday, without acting on the
resolution to relieve tie suffering Of
the Americans in Cuba.
Speaking on the general situation 10
Cuba, this morning, Senator Roger g.
Mills said s.It is the duty OF this gov
ernment to get further than the mere
temporary relief Of the starving. It's
duty is to end the war at ONCE All
that is necessary for the government to
do to accomplish &C this, is to tell Spain
she mu i go. She dares not fight the
United States
Their Cases Adjourned,