The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-05-16

citizens most Of them, Of course, natural
lied but there are also native-born Amer
leans. IL is learned that the Administra-
tion. when the facts as 10 existing destl-
tuition in Cuba first came TO the knoWl-
eye of the President, was disposed 10
move cautiously as it was feared precipi-
tate action might irritate Spain and pos
sibly endanger the lives Of our counsu-
lar officers when the character OF their
reports became known 10 the Spanish au-
th0rlties and he subjects OF Spain in
cuba.
ATLANTA, GA, May 15.-Hoke Smith
returned this mJrains from Key west
On legal business. On the steamer from
Tampa to Key West and return he spent
his time getting information about cuba,
an at Key West cOnversod with many
wl1ro he has been engaged Cor week
prominent men fIom Havana.
Mr.. Smith is impressed with the belief
tlat the time has come for the United
States TO intervene in the Interests OF
humanity, and quotes President CleVe-
lands last message 20 that effect, saying
it applies to the present situation. Mt.
Smith said.
Il met men who talked freely on the
conditions in Cuba, who mad recently
UNNu IN ltAhAAHs rRNrAAA w hNAtAAtA 'Nf
accurate an estimate Of the true condl-
tion Of affairs I'm Cuba as my opportuni-
ties offered and found that it was the
uubr0ken opinion that Spain had accom-
plished nothing toward putting down the
insurrection: the Cubans are more deter
mined and hopeful than ever Of success.
1 met a number Of educated men OF
means of Havana, who, 10 my surprise,
found were at heart with the insurrec-
uonists. and their supposed adherence
to tho Spanish cause, while in Havana,
was due 90 the fear of consequences to
follow an open ayOWal of their real opin-
ions. While the atrocities charged
against Spain may have been overdrawn.
yet circumstancial details. told by reli-
able men, show atrocities, such as TO
shock the most callous.
DISTRESSING CONDITION.
"The poverty. produced by the suffer
inc. caused by the inefficient effort OF
Spain to put down the struggle for free
dom by the Cubans. seem pitllul In the
extreme. Every part Of Cuba except that
actually occupied by little forts and tenn
porarily covered by Spanish troops. Is
practically in control Of the insurrection-
lists. for they go where they please and
exercise temporary control wherever
they 60
THE real cause Of the insurrectionists
failure 10 give battle to the Spanish
troops I'm the usual way is lack OF ammu-
milton. and a fixed policy, the purpose
of which IS TO wear Spain out, 10 ex-
haust her resources, and. finally, TO force
her 10 abandon the Island.
THE agricultural interests have been
almost destroyed and IL viii take years
of peace 10 restore it TO its former con-
diton."
REPEL AMERICAN INTERFERENCE.
MtDRID. May D.-The Hfraldo, re-
ferring 20 the possible action Of the
United States for the relief OF Americans
I'm cuba says: 'The Spanish Government
will have universal opinion on its side IL
1t acts with energy IN repelling American
Interference in our affairs. but this Opln-
ion will be hostile unless the Govern
ment ceases making concessions. These
displays OF weakness. IL they do not in
crease the difficulty Of solving the ques-
ton. certainly do not improve the sisua-
tion IN Cuba"
The Correspondence announces that
the reported increase OF the strength Of
the Spanish navy was decided upon. in
view OF the possibility OF International
conflicts