The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-05-16
To Aid Such Who, Owing to the War
Are in Real Need.
Notice to be Given Through Our Con-
suls to All Americans That Our
Government Will Undertake to Re-
move Them From the Island to the
United States, if They SO Desire

ering ways and means of affordlng SUD-
stantial relief to such American citizens
in Cuba as are in real distress, owing
to the war. the Administration has hit
upon plan which may be put in oper-
alton, if it is sanctioned by the united
judgment of the United States con-
sular officers in Cuba, who, being on the
ground, are supposed to be best quail
fed to judge of the efficiency Of pro-
posed relief measures.
This plan is to give notice through
the American Consuls to all American
citizens in Cuba that the Government
would undertake to remove them from
the island to the United States If they
so desire. To do this will require act
ton by Congress. not necessarily
specific authorization of the removal,
but merely the limitation of the appro-
priation to the general terms of one
for the relief of the American citizens
in Cuba. a course similar to this was
adopted with more or less benefit in
China during the rioting incident to
the Chinese-Japanese war, and during
the Armenian troubles. Mr.. Terrell,
United States Minister, was authorized
to take the conveyance Of American
citizens to the coast cities, where they
might have suitable protection.
The proposition as to Cuba goes lit
tie further than the measures adopted
in the case of China or Turkey, IN that
it contemplates the removal of the
Americans from the islands entirely.
Probably the reason for this is the be-
lief. founded on reports from United
States sul-General Lee and other
United States consular officers, that the
war has so thoroughly exhausted the
agricultural resources of the island that
it will be a long time before it will be
again in condition to maintain its pop
ulaton, and meanwhile the Americans.
who are dependent upon the soil for
their livelihood, will suffer greatly.
The consequent suffering can be re-
lieved by the Governments furnishing
the unfortunates supplies and medi
cines. but General Lee takes the view
that this relief must be continued
probably for long time.
The proposed American exodus from
Cuba must be purely voluntary, and it
is not even proposed to present the al
tentative of denying supplies if desti
tute Americans refuse to leave the ISL
and. 1t is simply proposed to give
can better their condition in the United
States. 1t is the belief of General Lee
that many persons will avail them
selves of such an opportunity, and it
is possible that his view will be adopt
ed by the President.
Figures are not obtainable as to the
number of American citizens in Cuba
who are in actual distress and in need
he of
Weyler's order bringing them into the
towns The State Department is now
in correspondence with the Consuls by
telegraph. seeking to get this informal
ton, as the basis for any message the
President may send to Congress on the
subject of relief. But so far as Off
cially known to the Department from
the reports from the Consuls made up
to this time, the number of Americans
in this condition is between $50 and
200. In explanation Of this small
number. it is said that most of the
Americans, natives living in Cuba, are
employed in the higher branches of in
dustries or professions, and are not
actual workers of the soil. The suf-
ferers are mostly naturaliZed citizens,
holding small parcels of ground upon
which they have depended heretofore
for livelihood. 1t is not doubted that
there are more of this class in need
than are now known to the Depart
1nent but it is hoped in the course of a
few days to have a fairly accurate
census of them.
Those to have charge of this relief
are the United States Consuls. and it
can be stated that the Spanish Govern
ment, through it's Minister here, so far
from opposing the exercise of such
charitable offices by the Consuls. has
professed it's readiness to assist in every
proper way in the distribution of relief.
which is taken to mean that il will
guarantee safe conduct for the trans
porting of parties over the island
IMPORTATION FROM CUBA.
PHILADELPHIA Pa). May 15-The
President received from Secretary of
State Sherman at Washington this
morning abstracts of kilograms and let
tiers from Cuba, said to relate largely
to the distress and restitution existing
on the island.
1t is stated that they confirm in great
measure information hitherto received
by the President. 1t is believed mes
sage giving the views of the President
on the situation will be sent to Congress
early next week.
1t is stated positively, however, that
such message has not yet been pre-
pared
BANKERS INDICTED.