The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-05-20

tory and commerce, and the control of the Gulf
of Mexico We must avoid not only conquest
but the appearance of conquest. Though Spain
has forfeited her right to such consideration
from us by tho indecent haste she showed in
recognizing the Southern Confederacy. we
must carefully avoid the appearance Of sinister
designing. Congress feels that VIC have long
ago reached the limit of consideration and for
bearance. and it repeatedly showed disposition
TO force Mr.. Cleveland's hand. Its temper IS
the same now, except that it has confidence in
the present Administrations doing the right
thing aud will wait for it's leadership.
Expectation was strong at tho close of last
week that the President would send in
sage OH Monday or Tuesday which would he
| weighty with consequences. The message
came on Monday. and WAS as follows:
To THE SEN sTE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTA-
TIvKs OF THE UNITED STATES:
Official information from our Consus in
Cuba establishes the fact that large numbsr
OF American citizens i'll the island are in state
of destitution, suffering for want of food and
medicines.
This applies particularly to the rural districts
of the central and eastern parts.
The agricultural classes have been forced
from their farms into tile nearest towns, where
they are without work or money.
The local authorities of the several towns,
however k indy disposed, are unable to relieve
the needs of their own people, and are alto
gether pOwerless TO help our citizens.
| The latest report Of Consul-General Lee esti-
mates 600 to 500 Americans are without means
| of support. ] have assured him that provision
| would be made at once to relieve ihem
To that end recommend that Congress make
| appropriation OF not less than $50, 000 TO be
| Immediately available for use under the direc-
| ton of the Secretary of State.
| 1t is desirable that part OF the SIM which
may be appropriated by Congress shouId in the
discretion of the Secretary of State also be used
| for the transportation Of American citizens who
| desire to return to the United States and are
| without means to do so.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, May II, 1897.
THE RESPONSE OF CONGRESS.
| The Senate Immediately responded to the
| message by passing the bill appropriating the
money ask ed for. An attempt was made to do
| the same in the House. but was temporarily
frustrated by the Democrats, under the lead Of
Mr.. Bailey, attempting to secnre priority for
q resolution asking that Cubans be granted
| belligerent rights. 1t is altogether likely the
| resolution will BIO passed on Thursday, and a
| ship will at once be sent with the relief. In
the meanwhile Congress may take a still more
| decided stand.
| WHAT WILL THE RESULT BE?
The next step will be awaited with the deep
est interest. Though this is the mildest posi-
BILE form of action by our. Government, and
certainly something that We are bound to do,
yet it can hardly help being pregnant of con-
sequences. The Spanish press speak of it in the
most hostile manner, for they see in it the thin
edge of the knife which is to reach the heart of
the matter. 1t will put them at disadvantage
at the very outset. For them to refuse to allow
US to succor our starving citizens will put them
in the worst light before the world and arouse
the Indignation Of our people SO that war can
not be avoided. On the other hand, if they
allow our relief parties free access to the Cuban
towns and cities there will be such shocking
revelations of their barbarities that the whole
civilized world will with one voice demand
their expulsion from the island they have mis-
governed, tortured and robbed for four long
cruel, bloody centuries.
Their predicament is the old one in which
Satan found himself:
Which way / Fly ID he'll,
j Myself am hell.