The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-03-26
is UNDERSTANDABLE.
Senator GaIIinger Draws . Picture
OF Utter wretchedness and
Destitution In Cuba.

Washington, March Ex-senator Gal
linger was at the capitol Friday for the
first time since his return from Cuba.
When requested 10 make n statement
as to his observations on the condition
OF affairs on that island he responded:
you can sign my name to any picture
you may draw OF utter wretchedness, des-
titution and hellishness In that country.
The condition OF affairs. so far as had
opportunity to observe II. and / was only
in Havana and Matanzas. Is simply inde-
scribable. / had not expected 10 ind IL
half as bad as II Is. and do not believe
that anyone who simply reads the accounts
and does not see for himself can FORM an
adequate idea OF the situation. The re-
concentrates are wedged into all available
places in those cities and are perishing by
the thousand for want OF the commonest
necessaries OF life The best information
obtainable leads TO the conclusion that
there have been beyond a doubt 100000
deaths as a result OF SPANS brutal policy
and the tragedy goes on from day TO day.
The society OF the Red Cross is furnishing
some relief by Its efforts, but the most OF
those people are beyond the reach OF aid.
whether through medicine or food. The
mortality in Matanzas for the last four
months previous 10 our visit has been
eqslal TO ten times the ordinary death
rate
with reference TO the military aspect
OF affairs In Cuba. / saw nothing that i'm
pressed me with the idea that Spain knows
much about modern warfare. The soldiers
saw are not drilled as our soldiers are
indeed. they lack every element OF solderly
bearing, whatever may be said OF theiI
merits as lighters. The drills that wit.
messed were a travesty on modern military
ideas. While they were undergoing their
evolutions the soldiers were talking to each
.lrfV aV.I
cernedly as they would do In their mess
rooms. From my observation OF them, ]
should not consider them very formidable
antagonists on the field OF battle.
Naturally there was much talk about
the Maine disaster. and NO far as could
ascertain, from my conversation with
Americans and with those not entirely I'M
der the influence OF the Spaniards. the
opinion was universal that the Maine had
been destroyed by an external agency.
and almost every person with whom l
discussed the subject in Cuba expects that
the finding OF the American court OF In
Quiry Will substantiate this view.
There IS a divergence OF opinion on the
island as 20 the probabilities or war be-
tween Spain and the United States. and
am sure that / am within the bounds OF
the truth when say that almost the en-
tire native population would welcome any
turn OF events, however tragic, that would
wrest Cuba from Spanish dominion. This
Is true. not only OF those who are avowed-
ly favorable to war for independence.
but OF many OF those who are ranked as
Spanish sympathzers. but who are at
heart advocates OF Cuban independence.
The fact Is that even IN Havana the alle-
glance 10 Spain Is Of very weak and
doubtful character. and II war should come
II will be found that there viii be an up
rising In that city against the mother
country which would be most important
factor In shortening the contest and de-
Gliding II against Spain"