The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-14
CONGRESS AROUSED ON CUBA.
AMERICANS BADLY TREATED ON
THE ISLAND.


on the knowledge That the Presi-
dent Is KeenIy Alive to the Situn-
tiOn.
Washington May 1S.-There was a sud
den and violent outbreak OF Cuban senti-
ment to-day at the capitol. and during
the early hours the drift Of opinion was
strongly toward speedy and radical ac-
ton by both congress and the executive,
but later there was somewhat of a reac-
ton, upon its becoming known that the
President, while keenly alive to the situ-
alton and anxious to learn everything pos
sible that could guide his conduct, of our
Cuban and Spanish relations. felt that
further information was necessary, and
that for the immediate present the ques.
tion was not one of recognition of the
belligerency or independence of the Cuban
insurgents, but relief of American citi-
zens destitute and helpless in the towns
of the Queen of the Antilles.
The Senate foreign relations committee
1t should be stated. while agreeing with
the necessity for the relief of the suffer
ing Americans is favorable to more rad
ical measures. and a number of its mem
bers are earnestly desirous of instant ac-
tion by the executive In aid Of the insur>
gents but have not succeeded in convert
ing 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 the subcommittee Of
-,
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 a
good deal of excited comment among sem
ators and members. The report, based
upon facts presented by the United States
consuls in Cuba, it is said brings out in
strong relief the destitution which exists
not only among the Cubans, but among
the Americans and Pacificos now on the
island, who were driven from their farms
and into the towns by Capt Gen. Weylers
order and thereby prevented from sup
porting themselves.
For several days, the subject matter of
this report has been under discussion
Cuba in congress, and they have lost no
opportunity of impressing upon the Presi-
dent their convictions that 1t is his duty,
as the chief executive, to delay no longer
in taking active steps to terminate the
present condition of affairs in Cuba.
Those representations. however have not
been sufficient to induce hasty action. The
President Is moving steadily, and
with all speed that safety and
sound judgment 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 re-
ported to the President and the latter
has gathered what he regards as sum
cient store of Information, based on facts
that cannot be questioned, he will be ready
either to take himself or to suggest to
congress such action as these facts war
rant. Meanwhile he has under investiga-
ton the best means of affording relief TO
Americans suffering as a result of the
conditions on the island.
To-day the President saw, by appoint
ment, Edwin y. Atkins Of Boston, who
is largely interested in Cuban sugar plan
tations. Mr.. Atkins was in Washington
on personal business, which brought him
In contact with Secretary Long, an old
the secretary took him to the white house
and presented him to the President. The
latter, learning that Mr. Atkins had just
returned from Cuba, began to chat with
his visitor as to the state Of affairs as
they revealed themselves TO a business
man, and Mr.. Atkins gave him faithful
picture OF the economic conditions that
prevailed in Havana, and in other portions
OF the island when he left His story was
so interesting that the President an
nounced Judge Day assistant secretary
of state. across TO the white house TO hear
IT, Mr.. Atkins had very little to say about
the military situation IN Cuba. and what
ne did utter In that connection did not
Indicate any leaning on his part toward
either the Spanish or the insurgents.
At the Spanish legation, the news OF the
developments at the capitol was received
with composure. or course. the action of
the committee could not openly be dis
cussed without violation Of the strict cit
quette that governs the diplomatic body
in lis relations 70 congress. but II was sug-
Rested that the facts that the entire at
tention OF the Senate for months would be
engrossed by the tarif bill might have de-
termlned the friends OF the Cubans TO en-
deavor to secure some sort of action by
congress before the debate begins.
II is not denied al the legation that suf-
ferng exists In Cuba, but such suffering,
war. IL Is contended that the Spanish
government has done all that a could
with the means at hand 10 alleviate this
distress IL was pointed out that Spain
has granted permission 20 the Red Cross
Society. through Miss Barton. 20 extend
lts good offices 70 the destitute IN Cuba,
and. moreover, will not place any obsta-
eles in the way Of any proper charity IN
the United States which has the Same OBJ
iect IN view. All that Il asked Is that the
food supplies contributed for the relief
OF the destitute are not used 10 maintain
the Cuban insurrection IN resistance to
the Spanish government.
The Senate committee on foreign rola-
tions to-day considered the report OF the
subcommittee appointed yesterday 20 con-
fer with the President aud Secretary
sherman. The report. which was prepared
BY Senators Davis and Foraker. confirms
the Newspaper reports as 10 the situation
OF affairs IN the island, and even goes
further In depicting a deporable situation
than do most Of the newspaper stories.
Especial stress Is laid upon the condition
OF American citizens In the island. or
these, II b. positively stated thai there are
hundreds In a starving condition and most
Wrctchedly clothed They are scattered In
marta Of the Island and are shown no con-