The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-05-14
r1R. M'KINLEY URGED TO ACTION
Many Americans Said to
Be Starving on the
Island.
No Change in the Administrations
Policy Yet Announced.

WASHINGTON, May 13.-There was
sudden and violent outbreak Of Gu
! ban sentiment today at the capitol,
and during the early hours the drift
of opinion was strongly towards speedy
and radical action by both congress
and the executive, but later there was
somewhat Of reaction, upon its be-
coming known that the president, While
keenly alive to the situation, and anx-
ious to learn everything possible that
could guide his conduct Of Cuban and
Spanish relations, felt that further In
formation was necessary, and that for
the immediate present the question was
rot one of recognition of the belllger-
ency or independence Of the Cuban In
surgents but Of relief for the Amer1-
can citizens destitute and helpless IN
the towns of the Queen of the Antilles.
The senate foreign relations commit
tee. 1t should be stated, while agreeing
with the necessity for relief OF the
suffering Americans, Is favorable TO
more radical measures, and numper
of its members are earnestly deSlrOuS
of instant action by the executive IN
aid Of the insurgents, but have not
succeeded in converting the admins
tration to their views that present ac-
ton is appropriate and imperative. The
event Of the day was report to their
colleagues by the subcommittee Of the
foreign relations committee Wh1ch yes
terday 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
good deal of excited comment among
senators and members. The report,
based upon facts presented by the
United States consuls In Ouoa, 1t is
said, brings out in strong relief the des-
titution which exists not only among
Cubans, but among the Americans ana
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 tney
have lost no opportunity OF 1mpresslns
upon the president their CONVICTION
that it is his duty, as the ch1ef execu-
tive. to delay no longer In taking active
CSShAS
of affairs in Cuba. These representa-
tions, however, have not been sufficient
to induce hasty action. The president
is moving steadily and with all the
speed that safety and sound judgment
warrant in the collection of facts
touching the conditions that exist upon
the island today. To this end Mr.. Cal
houn 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 gathered
what he regards as sufficient store Of
| information, based on facts that can
| not be questioned, he will be ready
either to take himself or to suggest to
congress such action as these facts
warrant Meanwhile he has under
earnest consideration the best means
Of affording relief to Americans suf-
fering as a result Of the conditions on
the island.
Today the president saw by appoint
ment Edwin T. Atkyns, of Boston, who
is largely interested in Cuban sugar
plantations. Mr.. Atkyns was in Wash
ington on personal business which