The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-02-07
CUBANS ARE STARVING
Two Hundred Thousand have
Died From Destitution.
GOD AND THE AMERICANS
The Only Hope of Aid for the Unfortu-
nate Victims OF Spains Brutality.
Fifty Thousand Are Perishing
in Sagua LIE Graude.

Washington. Feb. 6.-Hon. Charles
w. Russell. assistant United States at
torney in the department of justice.
has just received the following letter
acknowledging the receipt of a New
York draft mailed to United States Con
sui Backer, at Sagua LIE Grande. Cuba,
whose district of Las Villas embraces
Santa Clara, the capital of the province
Of that name, San Domingo, Remedies
and another city in the same province
in the eastern part of the island
In explanation of his estimate of the
number of deaths from starvation, up
to the time of his recent visit, viz:
100000. Mr.. Russell says that he got
that number from the common talk in
Cuba. For instance, he asked Cuban
what the insurgents said about accept
ing the offer of autonomy and the an
swer was that Spain had put 200. 900
corpses between her and them, referring
evidently to the reconcentradoes. The
letter follows.
1T is with unfeigned pleasure, as well
as ineXpressible gratitude OF your val
valued favor of the 18th inst, trans
mitting SIS United States currency as
a donation to the dispensario a chari
table institution to care for the desti
,ute and sick children of this city. con-
tributed, as you say, by certain en-
pleyes of your department
Il must tell you and other good souls
contributing that the remittance was
most timely, as their exchequer 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. :. of Boston has notified me
that she has sent TO my address case
Of condensed milk for the same purpose
as also for the remnants Of families
of feconcentradoes in an old warehouse
of whom | have heard. | assume il
was you who called her attention to
these poor outcasts."
After speaking of the good done by
Mr.. Russelrs visit TO Cuba. the letter
proceeds: Up to date my district has
received nothing for the relief sent by
our people except your thoughtful
remembrances. OF course Consul Gen
eral Lee has not, nor will he ever, in
my humble Judgment, have sufficient
! contributions sent 20 have to share
! with us. 80 remote and inaccessible in
I transportation of supplies.
Il have certificates signed by the al
caldes OF the principal cities and towns
in my Sagua LIE Grande zone. showing
that my estimate of 10000 perishine
souls was under rather than above the
mark To my mind and to all Chris
tian people. there is but one. solely one
issue in this Cuban question. viz: des-
titntion and starvation. The statu
quo is as when you left. save the desti-
tuition grows and the death rate in
creases hourly.
Il have. and not the authorities. Sc
lected and named a relief committee,
composed 0f women as well as men who
will distribute all contributions re-
celYed and render needed relief TO all
the destitute. Say to the generous peo-
pie of America, who have never turned
"A deaf ear To the cry of the distressed.
whether at home or in foreign land.
to send us food. medicine and clothing
for the sick
MIR. Russell SAYS that any contribu-
tions of money may safely be sent to
| United States Consul Walter h. Barker
"A tSagua lie Grande. Cuba. As money
| can be transmitted with greater GER
| lainty and promptness To that particu-
| lar region he advises sending New York
| draft rather than food supplies, which
can be purchased there.