Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-12
THE SUFFERING IN CUBA
An Appeal to the People by the Central Re-
lief Committee.
Fully "OO.OOO Non-C ON bntnuts Hav,
Havann-Need for Supplies.

The central Cuban relief committee APP
pointed by the President and acting under
the direction OF the Department of State
has issued the following stirring appeal
to the people of the United States:
The President Of the United States by
recent proclamation, has laid before our
sympathetic people the sad condition Of al
fairs now prevailing in Cuba Multitudes OF
the peasantry, who have taken no part IN
the war, are suffering for the harest neccs-
saries of life. and thousands have already
died of starvation. In consequence OF the
stringent martial laws. tillage was pro-
hibited, and there has been neither SOW
ing nor reaping for several seasons The
result is widespread famine. which Is grad
ually becoming worse. and. unless sun
stantial help Is soon extended the sacri-
hce of human life from hunger alone Will
be appalling
According to the figures published In
the press of Havana, by the Diario. an in
huentlal newspaper. there are now .93l2
persons in single province-Matanzas-
who are absolutely without resources I'p
TO November ~. 1891. 2uO44 had persisted
of hunger. while L. IJ6 had disappeared
many of whom had doubtless also sue
cumbed to want. At this time there are
in the same province over 6upn persons
OF whom 2oHS are women and 24.,H0 are
children, actually starving. OF these IL Is
VIII surely die of the diseases induced ~
famine. The same authority adds that in
all the provinces fully 2on.pyo pacificos
n-CombatantsD have ALREADY died of
hunger. and an equally large number must
miSerably perish from the same cause ua-
ieSS relief Is speedily afforded.
These revelations must awaken a deep
sympathy FOR this unfortunate people re
Sardicss altogether of the military and
political aspect OF the struggle now going
on in that island. Toe question IL one OF
humanity alone: Shall these unhappy SUI
fcrerS Ice permitted To perish miSvrably Of
want and starvation while We have abund-
ance? 1t is not desired by this appeal to
excite any feeling that may be hostile to
the Spanish nation, but solely to Invoke
public sympathy for human suffering: and
free and prosperous republic Will not hcsi-
tate to respond promptly and generously.
The committee, in the name of the Pres
ident of the United States. earnestly ap-
pedls TO the governors Of states. the may
ors of cities and officials of every village.
also. to the public press and religious bod
les to organize relief committees and en-
gage In a systematic gathering of money
food, clothing and medicines. This COM
nittee will cheerfully furnish all Informal
ton relative TO TIE formation of relief COM
mittees, the remittance of funos and the
lee shipment of supplies.
1t is a work that should he conducted
with great prompttude ami vigor as the
reed is extremely urgent. We ask the
public To contribute literally for this laua-
able purpose, making the gift in all cases
as generous as hearts touched with sym
pathy for human suffering may dictate.
Remember that even single dollar small
though it may seem. will save life and
avert hunger for time in at least one poor
Cuban home while ten. hundred. or Il
thousand dollars will rescue the starving
ard produce benefiCcnt results i'm due pro-
portion. Every contribution will be duly
Acknowledged by official receipt.
al mCTtv and material contributed will
he Immediately forwarded to United States
Consul General Lee. in Havana. under
Under whose Supervision the distribution
Will be made, and reach all parts of the
island.
Checks and drafts for Cuban relief
should be made payable and addressed
Treasurer central Cuban relief committee.
Temple court. Kew York city "
tSiGned.) Stephen +. Barton. chairman of
the American National Red Cross. Chas.
A Schieren. treasurer. Of the chamber of
commerce. New York: Louis klopsch, OF
he Christian Herald.