The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-24
CONDITIONS IN CUBA
WOULD-BE RIOTERS AT HAVANA DE-
TERED BY 5000 SOLDIERS.
Death Still Busy Among the Recon-
centrados-Thousa of People
on Verge of Starvation.

HAVANA, via Key West, Fla, Feb %
1t was abnormally hot until Monday, when
a northerly wind made existence more en-
durable. The demonstration predicted for
Feb. 20 failed to materialize and all fears
that the carnival time would be signalized
by rioting proved groundless. 1t may have
been that the Maine calamity had de-
terrent effect, but the eight thousand regu-
lar soldiers in Havana probably was the
real cause of the quiet which prevailed.
Except for the presence of so many Off
GERS on the streets it would be hard TO
discover any indications of a state of war
on the Island Of Cuba. The discussion in
the cafes and the various public places as
to military and political movements were
plentiful and earnest, but there was no par
ticular excitement.
1t is reported that Senior Jose Congosto,
the secretary general, has been censured
by General Blanco, under instructions from
Madrid, for sending dispatches to a New
York newspaper with reference to the
Maine explosion and warned not to offend
again. 1t is feared that the excitement in
the United States over the explosion may
divert attention from the needs of the
starving reconcentrados and pacificos. The
condition of the peasantry and the poor of
the interior cities and those sent to the
seaboard can scarcely be exaggerated in
elements of horror.
From most trustworthy sources it is as
certained that while the Outward signs of
famine and disease are not so plentiful as
few months and weeks ago. it is because
death is busy and the sufferers who are left
are too weak to get on the street. AS an IL
lustration, in the province of Santa Clara
doned lime kiln. When their presence was
discovered by the authorities thirteen were
dead and the others too far gone to recover.
The story is officially corroborated. Miss
Clara Barton visited the village of Jaruco,
thirty miles distant, the other day, and
found between 5000 and 1000 starving per-
sons. She was almost Frustrated at the
scenes of desolation and misery she wit
messed. Without outside assistance this con-
dition of things must grow worse day by day.
and the native officials confess themselves
at the end of their resources. This is par
ticularly true of the towns and villages
outside Havana. Strangers visiting the city
and resident foreigners, as well as natives
able to do so, contribute to alleviate the
more acute cases of distress.
1t is suggested that a shipIoad of pro-
visions might be sent from the United
States direct to Mantanzas, where Consul
Brlce describes the conditions as simply ap-
palling. American contributors can rest as
sured that their gifts will reach the needy.
as any trouble or delay that may have ex-
listed heretofore in the receipt and distribu-
tlon OF stores by American officials in the
island has been eliminated
Inc latest dispatches from Madrid re-
ceiVed here confirm the reports that the
tlon OF the autonomous constitution in the
direction of a greater independence. This
depends upon the insurgents accepting the
conditions of peace.
In Well-informea circles it is confidently
believed that if the government attempts
to disarm the volunteers great disturbance
VIII ensue. In the presence of the CORE
spondent General Solano the second chief
OF staff, said yesterday: From the Queen
down, the sentiment of 100000 of the
Spanish people favors complete autonomy
for Cuba, except a small minority in Spain
and about four hundred Spanish residents
in Cuba, whose patriotism is measured by
their own personality and their regard for
s. pieces. But, despite their opposition au-
to grant the native political control, and is
willing to go SO far, if necessary, to secure
peace, as to make Maxine Gomez the head
of the autonomous government.
The censorship is very strict, and accord
ing to a recent order all dispatches must
be submitted in Spanish as well as Eng
lish. This doubles the trouble of the corre-
spondents and quadruples delay. The means
of communication in Havana, a large city,
are rather primitive, and work of visiting
ships in the harbor is tedious At the pail
ace, during the hours when Lieut.. Colonel
Mendez, the censor, is present, there can
always be found a lone. line of newspaper
men anxiousy awaiting his approval or dis
approval of their matter and his affiXing of
the official stamp, as well as all proofs of
daily newspapers published here and mat
ter for newspapers in Spain must be CEN
Sored.