Omaha daily bee., 1897-05-14

and without employment. are compelled to
subsist on almost nothing. They are not
allowed TO return to their plantations, even
to pick berries or to secure the least bit OF
subsistence. They are thoroughly under the
care OF the Spanish army, but the army rs
without a commssarat. They have no
means of leaving the island. Their condi-
tion is pronounced wholly deplorable.
The committee was especially impressed
with this recital and the opinion was gem
orally expressed that the situation should be
remcded II possible. II was considered as
placing even a worse aspect upon the quee-
tion OF our relations to Cuba than the i'm
pfisonment OF Americans, of which there are
now comparatively few instances. The re-
port also indicates the general wretched con-
dition Of all the inhabitants of the island
because Of the scarcity of food and money,
and especially in the centers of population
because also of the presence Of the most
malignant of diseases such yellow fever,
smallpox and dysentery. These diseases the
natives Withstand with comparative ease but
they are especially oppressive to the Spanish
sodiery
The reports indicate that the Spanish army
is not so strong now as 1t was a year ago,
largely on account of the ravages OF disease,
while they indicate no diminution of the in
surgent forces.
The reports on which the subcommittee
report was based were from various consus
including Consul General Lee. They make
no recommendations as to American policy,
but merely give the situation as they see 1t.
In view of the developments in the com
mittee Senator Morgan agreed not to press
the consideration OF his resolution today but
he will make an effort to have the question
made the unfinished business Monday at 2
o'clock. This acquiescence on the Alabama
senator's part to temporary delay is under
stood to be given under the impression that
1t will result In bringing to the resolution
the support OF the entire committee on for
eign relations. This will, of course, mater-
ally strengthen the resolution in the senate
and 1t is believed by its friends, will expe-
dite Its passage there 1t is now probable
that the committee will not make any formal
report and that the correspondence will not
be given to the public for the present.
The delay by the senate committee on
foreign relations in taking no action until
Monday is for the purpose of giving the pres
ident an opportunity to act. It has also been
represented that the matter of recognition
ought to be considered by the executive and
not by the legislative branch of the govern
ment. The president has been urged also
to take some steps looking to the relief Of the
starving Americans in Cuba.
1t is the belief of members OF the COM
mttee that the president will take action be-
fore Monday, but IL nothing is done by that
time there is no doubt that the committee
will urge the Morgan resolution in the strong
est terms possible There is practically
unanimous expression OF opinion by the for
eign relations committee. Some may raise
the constitutional question against it, but
will not urge 1t very hard. At the same time
they will express sympathy with Cuba and
say that some action ought to be taken, but
maintain that the action should be by the
executive and not by congress.
Members OF the foreign relations commit
tee have recommended to the president that
II necessary to secure the landing of food
or clothing necessary to relieve the wants
of Americans they should be accompanied
by an American war ship. The president
has listened to this advice. but has not in
dicated his intention to act upon it.
The committee has a list of heads of
families representing over 100 Americans
who are said to be in II starving condition.
They are represented to be "corralled" in
towns and unable to get out for food, even
If they had the means to procure it, The
correspondence represents that there are
thousau Is of Cubans in this condition.