The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-07
DEsTITUTIoN In CUBA.
Consul Barker Says the Situation Has
Not Been EXAGGERATED.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 6.-Hon. Charles w.
Russell, assistant United States attorney in
the Department of Justice, has just received
the following letter acknowledging the re-.
ceipt of a New York draft mailed to United
States Consul Barker, at Sagua la Grande
Cuba, whose district of Las Villas embraces
Santa Clara, the capital of the province of
that name San Domingo, Remedies and an
other city in the same province, in the east
ern part of the island. In explanation of
his estimate of the number of deaths from
starvation, UP to the time of his recent
visit, namely. 100000; Mr.. Russell says that
he got that number from the common talk
in Cuba. For instance, he asked a. Cuban
what the insurgents said about accepting
the offer of autonomy, and the answer was
. that Spain had put 100000 corpses between
her ard them, referring evidently to the
reconcentrados. The letter follows: 1T is
with unfeigned pleasure, as we'll as mex
pressible gratitude of your valued favor of
the 18th inst, transmitting $6S United States
currency as a donation to the dispensario,
d charitable institution to care for the des-
titute and sick children of this city-con-
tributed, as you say, by certain employees
of your department. l must tell you and
the other good souls contributing, that the
remittance was most timely, as their ex-
chequer was empty and one remarked
when this relief was made known, we had
God, and only God to look to, in order that
our treasury be replenished. To God and
those charitable Americans are due our
thanks Mrs. S., of Boston, has notified me
that she has sent to my address a case of
condensed milk for the same purpose as also
for the remnants of families of reconcen-
trados in an old warehouse OF whom have
heard / assume it was you who called her
attention to these poor starving outcasts."
After speaking of the good done by Mr..
Russelrs visit to Cuba, the letter proceeds;
up to date my district has received moth
ing OF the relief sent by our people, except
through your thoughtful remembrance. or
course, Consul General Lee has not, nor will
he ever, ip my humble judgment, have suffi-
cent contributions sent to Havana to share
with us, so remote and inaccessible in trans
porting supplies. In view of this, contribu~
tions-lil1e yours-in money, will aid in saw
ing thousands, who must die without susie
nance and medicine Immediately if not fur
nished. For instance, this remittance from
the generous employees in your department
will prove more beneficial than ten times
the sum thirty days hence. 1 have certifi-
Gates signed by the alcdueS Oh the pliiSlpdI
cities and towns in my Sagua la Grande
zone alone, showing that my estimate of 5O,-
900 perishing souls was under rather than
above the mark. To my mind and TO all
Christian people. there is but one-solely one
issue in this Cuban question-namely. de5-
titution and starvation. The status quo IS
as when you left-save the restitution grows
and the death rate increases hourly. l have
mot the authorities-selected and named a
relief committee, composed OF women. as
we'll as men. who will distribute all contri-
buttons received and render needed relief TO
all the destitute. Say to the generous people
of America, who have never turned n deaf
ear to the cry of the distressed whether AT
home or in a foreign land, 10 send us 1000.
medicine and clothing for the sick.
Mr.. Russell says that any contributions or
money may safely be sent to United States
Consul Walter b. Barker, at Sagua la Gran
de- Cuba. AS money can be transmitted
with greater certainty and promptness to
that particular region. he advises sending
New York drafts rather than food supplies
which can be purchased there.