The herald., 1897-05-14
INSTANT
ACTION
Demanded by the Friends
of Cuba
A SUDDEN SENTIMENT
Almost Takes the Capital by
Storm
THE PRESIDENT is PRUDENT
AND INSISTS ON KNOWLEDGE
BEFORE MOVING
THE PRESIDENT is PRUDENT
AND INSISTS ON KNOWLEDGE
BEFORE MOVING
Consular Reports Show That Nothing
Could Be Worse Than Continu-
ance of the Hideous Con-
ditions Prevailing
associated Press Special wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON. May 13-There waa
a sudden and violent outbreak Of Cuban
sentiment at the capitol today and dur
ing the early hours the drift of opinion
was strongly toward, speedy and radical
action by both congress and the exc
cutive but later there was somewhat OF
reaction upon it's becoming known
that the president, while keenly alive to
the situation and anxious to learn every
thing possible that could guide his con-
duct of our Cuban and Spanish relations,
felt that further information was nee
cessary and for the immediate present
the question was not one Of recognition
Of the belligerency or independence OF
the Cuban insurgents, but of relief for
the American citizens destitute and
helpless in the towns Of the Queen of the
Antilles. The senate foreign relations
committee, it should be stated while
agreeing with the necessity for relief
of the suffering Americans, is favorable
to more radical measures and number
Of it's members are earnestly desirous
of instant action by the executive in aid
of the insurgents, but have not succeed
ed in converting the administration to
their views that present action is ap-
propriate and imperative. The event OF
the day was a report to their colleagues
by a subcommittee of the foreign re-
lations committee which yesterday ex-
n ov,oIr ha OF "a ~ III
reports. This statement, though not
given to the public, was SO far disclosed
in character as to give rise to good
deal of excited comment among senator's
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 ex-
lists not only among Cubans but among
Americans and pacificos now in the
islands who were driven from their
farms and into the towns by Weyler's
orders and thereby prevented from sup
porting themselves.
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 conviction that it is his
duty as the chief executive, to delay no
longer in taking avtive steps to termi-
nate the present condition of affairs in
Cuba. These representations, however,
have not been sufficient to induce hasty
action. The president is moving steadily
and with all speed that cafe and sound
judgment warrants in the collection of
facts touching the conditions that exis.
on the islands today. To this end Mr..
Calhoun is now in Cuba officially, on
another mission, but also charged with
observing the conditions that prevail.
When he has reported to the president
and the latter has gathered what he
regards as sufficient store of informa-
ton, based on facts that cannot be ques-
| toned, he will be ready either to take
himself or to suggest to congress such
action as these facts warrant. Mean
while he has under consideration the
best means of affording relief to Ameri-
cans suffering as a result Of the condi-
tions of the islands.
Today the president saw by appoint-
ment Mr.. Edwin w. Atkyns Of Boston,
who is largely interested in Cuban sugar
laplantatons. Mr.. Atkyns was in Wash,
| ington on personal business which
brought him in contact with Secretary
Long, an old friend. After finishing Mr..
Atkyns' business the secretary took him
to the White House and presented him
to the president. The latter, learning
that Mr.. Atkyns had just returned from
Cuba, began to chat with his visitor as
to the condition of affairs as they re-
vealed themselves to a business man.
and Mr.. Atkyns gave him faithful pic
ture of the economic conditions that pre-
vailed in Havana and other portions Of
the islands when he left. His story was
so interesting that the president sum-
moned Judge Day, assistant secretary Of
state, across to the White House to
hear it.
Mr.. Atkyns had very little to say about
the military situation in Cph1t and what
he did utter in that conneuo)tn did not
indicate any leaning on his part toward
either the Spanish or the insurgent side.
At the Spanish legation the news OF
the developmnts at the capitol today was
received with composure. OF course the
| action of the comittee could not be open.
ly discussed without violation Of the
strict etiquette which governs the diplo-
matte bodyrin its relations to congress.
but it was suggested that the fact that
! the entire attention of he senate for
monhs to come would be engrossed by
the tariff bill, might have determined the
| friends of Cuba to endeavor to secure
some sort Of action by congress befora
discussion Of the tarin bill beein6.
| It II not denied at the len tlon mt
sufIerins exists in Cuba. up(
fering. 4 = seids = alFeyH ~