The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1897-05-26
THE CONSULS' REPORTS.
Secrets That the State Department 80 Long
Kept Hidden.

The secret archives OF the state depart
ment, which have held the consular reports
on the Cuban war from the public, were
partially disclosed Wednesday. by senator
Foraker, Of Ohio. Especially startling was
the letter from Secretary Olney, in which
this country offered mediation to Spain, and
the refusal OF that country to accept the
proffered aid.
While one Of the consular reports was read
without the name OF the author being dis
closed, IL is stated to bs a communication
from Consul General Lee, which fully sets
forth his idea OF the condition that exists in
Cuba.
The extrac: was quoted partly as follows.
no date being given
"I cannot understand the truth OF the
claim that all the provinces OF the island are
pacilied, except that Of Santiago do Cuba,
because there are more insurgents under
arms Mt this time than when first reached
tho island, about ten months ago and do
not think 1t n fair inference to draw from ex-
istlng conditions that the war IL approach
ing termination, because, in pursuance OF
nn established policy, the insurgents avoid
AS far as possible all serious engagements.
81 conclude that the war will drag its
weary length along SO long rs the insurgents
can dig sustenance from the ground on the
one side,o money to be obtained by the 9TH
or. with the continued result OF untold hu-
man suffering. loss OF human life. the mur-
der OF innocent men, women and children
by both sides. and the frightful havoc which
disease makes IN the ranks OF the soldiers
particularly among the unacclinated Span
iards. The poverty and distress OF the peo-
pie are increasing, and the loss OF property
OF all sorts daily Is becoming more enor-
nous. No one can fully appreciate the sit
uation without being here In person. The
number OF ! oor. distressed, starving women,
children and old men OF all races has great
ly increased In this city within the past few
weeks, while In other points on the island
the suffering has been proportionately
greater"
The letter from Secretary Olney to Span
| ish Minister de LONE under date OF April 4,
| 1896, IL the one In which Intervention is sug-
gested. In the letter Mr. Olney said;
at Is impossible to deny that the ex pecta-
tions you entertained OF putting down the
rebellion have been completely disappoint-
ed. The insurgents seem to command 4
larger part OF the island than ever before. It
can hardly be questioned that the insurrec-
tion, instead OF being quolled, Is to-day more
formidable than ever, and enters upon the
second year OF its existence with decidedly
| improved prospects OF successful results.
| Whether a condition Of things emitting the
insurgents to recognition as belligerents has
yet been brought about may, for the purpose
OF the present communication, be regarded
as immateria
After explaining tho interest the United
| States has in the case, Mr.. Olney proceeds:
"To find a way to cooperate with spain In
the immediate pacication OF the island on
| such plan as, leaving spain her rights OF
sovereignty, shall yet secure to the people
OF the island all such rights and powers OF
local seli-governm-nt a. they can reasonably
ask IL the object. To that end the United
States offers and will use her good offices at
| such time and in such manner as may be
deemed most advisable"
In closing he says the communication Is
prompted by the friendliest fesiings toward
| Spain and the Spanish people. and adds:
| "The United States has no designs upon
Cuba. and no designs against the sovereign
| ty Of Spain"