Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-23
HE WOULD ANNEX 1T
Senator Gallinger Describes Condi-
tions in Cuba.
TEE MOST CRUEL WAR IN HISTORY
Distressing Scenes in Havana and
Matanzas.
TIME TO TERVEN E

Senator Gallinger of New Hampshire de-
scribed to the Senate today his observa-
tons during his recent visit to the Island of
Cuba. He spoke in part as follows:
''Mr. President, after the calm, dispas-
sionate and touching statement made in the
Senate concerning Cuba by the distinguish
ed senator from Vermont (Mr. Proctor) it
might be well for me to remain silent; in
deed, Mr.. President, that was my purpose
when 1 returned from the island, but yield
ing to the expressed wish of many of my
senatorial colleagues 1 have consented to
give plain recital of what 1 saw during
my recent brief visit to that unhappy coun-
try, in the hope that it may add something
to the already deep interest felt by the
masses of the American people in the
struggle now going in that island.
neither the c1r1ticiSmS-many of them ut
terly unkind and unjust-which have al
ready been made regarding that trip, nor
the fear of the denunciation of the apollo
giSts and defenders of Spain will deter me
from plain speech, or the expression of
views quite as honestly held as those of
the men ana newspapers who indulge in
the Senseiess cry of lingo whenever a
word is uttered in favor of freedom and in
dependence for a people who for three GEN.
turles nave been oppressed beyond endur-
ance In 1929, in 1914, in 1913, in 1850 in
1871, in 1868, and again in 1895 have the
brave people of Cuba endeavored to break
the chain that bound them, and to estab-
nsh for themselves free government on the
SOIL that rishtfully is theirs. The failure
OF the ten years war, ending in 1878. is
fresh in the minds of US ALL and the viola
tlon OF the promises made by Spain to the
insurgents, as a condition of peace. is a
matter OF history which need not be re-
peated.
For many years I had felt a desire to
visit Cuba, and when the opportunity Of
1ered for me to go In the company of some
OF my congressional associates l was glad
TO do SO, as 1t would enable me to see with
my own eyes the devastation and wretch
edness that l believed existed in that fer
tile but smitten land.
After somewhat tempestuous and
eventful voyage Havana was reached on
the morning of the 10th instant Looking
out through the mists of early morning
MORO Castle. with it's gloomy memories.
and the fortress of Cabanas within whose
walls hundreds of brave men have been
snot 10 death, stood out in bold relief. The
Deautlful harbor was entered in which
We're many vessels flying the Spanish flag,
Whlie the Montgomery alone had at its
masthead the stars and stripes-glorious
emblem of freedom and liberty. No, not
alone, for as our vessel passed the wreck
of the great battle ship that so recently
was destroyed an American flag f1oated
from her also
Very soon after our arrival Gen. Lee
called upon US at ine hotel and graciously
oHered to accompany the party to the
palace to meet Gen. Blanco. Cen Lee is
deserving of the highest possible praise for
the manner in which he carries himself in
Havana. Cool and fearless in the midst of
d1ffcultles and dangers, he never loses
sight of the fact that he is an American
citizen, and the representative of this great
government. nor is he ever unmindful of
the tremendous responsibilities and duties
of his position"
Character of the War.
Il recall the fact thar in the debates had
in the Senate on the Cuban question there
have always been those who have denied
that real state Of war exists in the is
land. 1t does not take long for one on the
spot to determine that war does actually
exist. A desolated country and stricken
people tell the story of war in language
MORE eloquent than 1 can use. 1t is a pc
culiar kind of war, not the kind that this
country became acquainted with at Shiloh
ard Vicksburg, at Charlottesville and Get
tysburg, and which General Sherman sum-
med up IN those three laconic words, War
is hell 1t is not the kind of war that
Grant and Lee, Sherman and Jackson
Sheridan, Longstreet and Logan partici-
pated IN from 1861 to 1863. In Cuba it is a
war of starvation and extermina tion-a
war more cruel than any the world has
ever known.
1.-THE Spanish military do not impress an
American with the idea that they are grea.
soldiers. l witnessed three military drills
and in each case the story of the Awkward
and smoking in the ranks were noticeable
and neither officers nor soldiers seemed to
possess the true military spirit. 1t is said
that the rank and file of the Spanish army
haa moi f0r civ
they certainly are poorly clothed and in
fed. The high officers appear to
do most Of their fighting in cafes and
hotels. the actual fighting in the field being
done under the command of officers Of in
ferior grade
las to the insurgents it is said that they
are we'll fed and comfortably clad, their
chief lack being guns and ammunition
They good Soldiers, under strict mill
tary discipline. They occupy a large part
Of the island and in my judgment, can
take Havana or Matanzas whenever it
suits their purpose. but for want of ships
they could not hold those cities if taken.
THE scenes in the streets of Havana are
narrowing beyond description. People in
want and suffering are everywhere seen,
and walking skeletons meet one on every
hand. Naked children, emaciated and rag
Sed women, and diseased and starving men
thronS the streets, the hotel Hobbies and
every place of public resort. 1t is terri
tle sight-one that sickens the heart and
qulckens every impulse OF human sympathy
and love.
Il have said in the public prints, and 1
repeat, that the kingdom of Spain is carry
ing on a war in Cuba more utterly cruel
and indefensible than any that the world
chronicles. unless perchance a parallel may
be found in the expressions that the Ar
menians have suffered at the hands of the
unspeakablc Turk My observations were
flrst made, not in the rural districts where
the most horrible conditions are conceded
to exist, but right in Havana under the
shadow of cathedrals and churches, where
SPANS authority is absolutely unquestion-
ed The world has heard with horror the
story OF the starvation of hundreds of
thousands of innocent people on this island,
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