The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-14
WASHINGTON. Nav is-There was a

WASHINGTON. May fs.-There was a
sudden and violent outbreak of Cuban
sentiment today at the capitol. and dur
ing the early hours the drift of opinion
was strongly toward speedy and radical
action by both congress and the execu-
tive. but later there was somewhat OF a
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 information was necessary. and
for the immediate present the question
was not one of recognition of the beilig
erency or independence Of the Cuban In
surgents, but of relief for the American
citizens destitute and helpless in the
towns of the Queen of the Antilles.
The senate foreign relations committee,
IL should be stated while agreeing with
the necessity for relief of the suffering
Americans. is favorable to more radical
measures. and a number OF its members
are earnestly desirous of instant action
by the executive in aid of the insurgents,
but they have not succeeded In converting
the administration TO their views that
present action is appropriate and impera-
tive.
The event of the day was a report to
their colleagues by a subcommittee OF
terday examined the state departments
and Cuban reports. This statement.
though not given 10 the public. was 80 far
disclosed in character as to give rise TO
a good deal Of excited comment among
senator's and members. The report. based
upon facts presented by the United States
eonsuls In cuba. II Is said brings out in
strong relief the destitution which ex-
lists not only among the Cubans. but
ha Arna pH
in the island. who have been driven from
their farms into the towns by Weyler's
orders. and thereby prevented from sup
porting themselves.
Mckinley to Aid the Sufferers.
For several days past the subject mat
ter of this report has been under discus
sion quietly among few OF the friends
OF Cuba In congress. and they have lost
no opportunity OF impressing upon the
president their convictions that II is his
duty as chief executive 10 delay no longer
In taking active steps 10 terminate the
present condition OF affairs i'm Cuba.
These representations however. have not
been sufficient 10 induce hasty action.
The president Is moving steadily. and with
all the speed that sound judgment war
rants In the collection OF facts touching
the conditions that exist upon the island
today. 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 gathered what he regards as q suf-
fcleut store OF Information based on facts
that carnot he questioned. he viii be
ready either TO take himself or 10 slig-
gest to congress such action as these
facts warrant Meanwhile he has under
consideration the best means OF afford
ing relief TO Americans suffering as a re-
suit OF the conditions OF the island.
Today the president saw by appoint
ment Edwin w. Atkyns. OF Boston. who
Is largely interested in Cuban sugar plan
tations. Mr Atkyns was IN Washington
on personal business. which brought him
in contact with Secretary Long. an old
friend After finishing Mr.. Atkyns' husi-
ness. the secretary took him TO the White
House and presented him 20 the president.
The latter. learning that Mr.. Atkyns had
islzt returned from Cuba. began 10 chat
with his visitor as 10 the condition OF af~
fairs as they revealed themselves TO
faithful picture OF the economic conditions
that prevailed In Havana and in other por-
tionS of the island when he left. His story
was so interesting tha; the president sum-
rnoned Judge Day. assistant secretary of
state across to the White House 20 hear
II. Mr. A.kyns had very little 70 say about
,he military situation IN Cuba. and what
he ala utter in that connection ala not in
aseate any leaning on his part toward
either the Spanish or the insurgent side.
Distress an Incident Of War.
At the Spanish legation the news % the
sevelopmenfs At the capitol today was re-
Te4vas with composure. OF course the ac-
ton Of the committee could not Re openly
discussed without violation of the strict
ssiauefta which governs the diplomatic
suosv in its relations 20 congress. but u Was
suggested that the fact that the entire at
,an,sou Of the senate for months 10 come
v.oF.ld he eugroxsed ~ the tariff biil
,.sets have determined the friends of cuba
;. sraezvor 70 secure some sort OF action
hx- congress before discussion of the tariff
bin begins
i, is not denied at the legation that
sny~rtux exists In Cuba but such suf-
fars1w ii was said. ES almost always in
-fsass 70 war II IS confer9ed that the
Suamlsh government has done all thar IL
could with the means AZ hand 20 alleviate
this distress /; was pointed out that
Snatn had granted permission TO tire Red
Crnxz Society through Miss Barton 20
extend SIS Offices 70 the destitute IN Cuba
ard. moreover will not place any ohsfs-
cles IN the way of any proper charity ~