Evening star., 1897-05-15

bat sted the agricultural resources OF the
Island that it will be long time before 1t
will again be in condition to maintain its
popula ton. and meanwhile the Americans
who are dependent upon the products OF
tie soil for II cir livelihood will suffer mis-
eraby. 1t is possible to reduce such suf-
fering by the supply of provisions, clothing
and medicine by the United States govern
ment. but. as indicated by General Lees
reports. this must be continued probably
for long time
A Voluntary Movement.
Tt was understood of course, that this
proposed movement of Americans in Cuba
must be purely voluntary, and it is not even
proposed to present them an alternative of
denying them supplies If they refuse to
leave the island. 1t is simply an opportu-
nifty to be held cut to those who believe they
can better their condition in the United
States. to get there through the aid of the
government
1t is the belief of General Lee that many
of the people will avail of such an oppor-
tunity. and 1t Is possible that bis view
will be adopted by the President. AS to
the number of American citizens in Cuba
who are in actual distress, in need of food
or clothing. as the result Of Weyler's order
bringing them into the towns, the figures
are not o5tainable. The State Department
is now in correspondence with its consuls
by telegraph seeking To get this tnforma-
ton as the basis for any message the
President may send II Congress on the
subject of relief. But SO far as officially
known to the department, through .he
reports OF the consUls male Up to this time,
the number of Americans in this condition
is between 100 and 200.
Agencies to he Employed.
In explanation Of this small number 1t is
said that most of the native Americans
living in Cuba are employed in the higher
branches of industries or professions and
are not actual workers of the soil. The
American sufferers are mostly naturaliZed
citizens, holding small parcels of ground,
upon which they have heretofore depended
for livelihood. 1t Is not doubted that
there are more Of this class in need than
are yet known to the department, but it
is hoped in the course of a few days to
have a fairly accurate census of them.
The agencies to be used to relieve these
people are the United States consuls in
Cuba, and 1t can be stated shat the Spanish
government, through Its minister here,
SO far from opposing the exercise of such
charitable Offices by the consuls, has pro-
fessed Its readiness to assist in every
proper way in the distribution of relief,
which is taken TO mean that 1t will guar
antee safe conduct for the transporting
parties over the island
No Message Yet Prepared.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa, May 15.-The
President received from Secretary of State
Sherman. at Washington, this morning alb
stracts of kilograms and letters that have
come to the latter from Cuba These are
said TO relate largely to tie subject of the
distress and destitution now existing on
the island. 1t is further stated that they
confirm in great measure the Information
hitherto received by the President on this
subject. 1t is believed that message CIV
ing the views of the President on the sit
uation in Cuba will be sent to Congress
early next week. 1t is stated positively,
however, by those in position to know that
such message has not yet beeen pre-
pared