The age-herald., 1898-08-14
MUST NOW FEED
 THE POOR CUBANS Peace Has Not LeSSoned Labors of Commissary Department. .4
 STARVING RECONCEN TRADQS Will at Last Have an Opportunity to Get Good Square Meal-Cien-
 fuegos to Be Reliev-
 ed First.
STARVING RECONCENTRAD

Washington, Aug. 13.-With the coming of peace the commissary department or the army will not have it's labors lessened in Cuba. For awhile they are likely to be increased It is understood to be the purpose of the administration to supply rations to the Cuban troops which have been under Gomez and Garcia. This will open the way for wider distribution to the starving population of the island, to relieve which was impossible after the de- claration of war in April. How many of the reconcentrados survive is not known. Many of those who were receiving aid when hostilities broke out undoubtedly troops were withdrawn from the interior to the seacoast towns, 1t is believed that a portion of the reconcentrados were able to return to the country and that they have found subsistence there. At Cienfue- gos, on the south coast, they received some supplies when the blockading vessels were there. Since then word has been received by the naval commanders of the great distress which prevailed and of the need of early assistance
 Cienfuegos probably will be among the first places to receive relief. Matanzas, Sagua and other points on the north coast will follow quickly. Havana presents a situation in itself.
 While the aid to be given will last only long enough to enable the people of Cuba to help themselves, 1t undoubtedly will tend to increase their confidence in the friend ship of the United States. The informa- tion is likely to be especially marked on the men who have composed the Cuban army. They will receive rations as allies of the United tSates, the same as will the American troops who will remain during the period of military government as gar risons in the island. This will continue after their disbandment, for that is ex- pected to follow quickly on the heels of peace. It is recognized that the problem of the Cuban soldiers is one of the most serious that has to be met.
 Three years in the insurgent ranks have left them without means of support of any kind. As members of a loosely organized army they have been able to secure some mears of subsistence, though often close to starvation. WheS> they cease to act as a body and each individual has to look out tor himself, their immediate resources will be of the most limited character. Many lf them have no homes to which to return. The Issuance of rations by the United States through the commissary department If the army will meet this difficulty. ~ NO friction Is apti6ipated. ips bIjp 2d1P 1PPne hos
 Q[3clIl close the part of the Cubans. Nor is There likely to be a repetition of the misunderstanding which arose between Generals Shafter and Garcia at Santiago. While the military control of the United States will be complete pending the estab- lishment of a stable government in Cuba this will be done in a way not to offend the sensibities of the Cubans or to enable their leaders to say they are deprived of the fruits of their long struggle.
 All the Cuban commanders will be off, cially notified that peace has been agreed upon. General Gomez has been recog- nized as commander in chief of the Cubans and he will be communicated within that capacity now.