The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-05-20
HELP FOR CUBA.
Sentiment in Her Behalf Increases
at Washington.
The President Keenly Alive to the
Serious Condition of Affairs ON
the Island-Relief for Destl-
tute Americana.


sudden and violent outbreak Of Cuban
sentiment Thursday at:the capitol. and
during the early hours the drift of opin-
ion was strongly towards speedy and
radical action by both congress and the
executive, but later there was some
what of reaction upon its becoming
known that the president, while keenly
alive to the situation and anxious to
learn everything possible that could
guide his conduct of our Cuban and
Spanish relations, felt that further in
formation was necessary and that for
the immediate present the question
was not one of recognition of the bellig-
erency or independence of the Cuban
insurgents, but of relief for the Ameri-
can citizens destitute and helpless in
the towns of the Queen of the Antilles.
The senate foreign relations committee,
it should be stated, while agreeing with
the necessity for relief of the suffering
Americans, is favorable to more radical
measures, and number of it's mem
bers are earnestly DESTROYS of instant
action by the executive in aid of the in
surgents, but have not succeeded in
converting the administration to their
views that present action is appropriate
and imperative.
Great Destitution.
The event OF the day was a report to
their colleagues by the subcommittee
of the foreign relations committee,
which examined the state department
Cuban reports. This statement, though
not given to the public, was SO far dis
closed in character as to give rise to a
good deal of excited comment among
senators and members. The report.
based upon facts presented by the
United States consuls in Cuba, it is
said, brings out in strong relief the
restitution which exists not only
among Cubans, but among the Ameri-
cans anu pacificos now on the island.
who were driven from their farms and
into the towns by Weyler's orders and
thereby prevented from supporting
themselves. For several days past the
subject matter of this report has been
under discussion quietly among a few
OF the friends Of Cuba in congress, and
they have lost no opportunity of i'm
pressing upon the president their con-
victions that it is his duty as the chief
executive to delay no longer in taking
active steps to terminate the present
condition of affairs in Cuba.
President Moving SlovIv.
These representations, however. have
not been sufficient to induce hastv &C.
ton. The president is moving
steadily and with all the speed
that safety and sound jurgment
warrant in the collection OF facts
touching the conditions that exist
upon the island to-day. To this end
Mr.. Calhoun is now in Cuba, officially
on another mission. but also charged
with the observation of the conditions
that prevail. When he has reported to
the president, and the latter has gath
cred what he regards as a sufficient
store of information. based on facts
that cannot be questioned, he will be
ready either to take himself or to sue-
gest to congress such action as these
facts warrant. Meanwhile be has under
earnest consideration the best means
of affording relief to Americans suffer
ing as a result of the conditions on the
island.
Calhoun Reports.
Washington, May NV. J. Calhoun,
special commissioner to Cuba. has sent
in his first report, not on the Ruiz case,
which it was said would occupy his
whole attention.. but on affairs of the
island. Mr.. Calhoun says:
II, of course, have not had time to make
thorough investigation. but the informa-
ton have obtained warrants me in say
ing that affairs on the island are in q de-
plorable state and that the reports you
have received regarding the destitute con-
dition of American citizens are by no means
exaggerated. But I am not at this time
prepared to advise immediate relief, as the
means of successful distribution are doubt
full. Will communicate later"