davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
BRYAN FOR INTERVENTION.
He Says ''Humanity Demands that We
Shall Act.v

LINCOLN, Neb, March 31--Hon. w. j.
Bryan tonight made the following state
ment for the Associated Press in answer
to the question whether, in his judgment,
the time had arrived for the United States
to intervene in behalf of Cuba and bring
the war to an end:
"Yes the time for Intervention has ar
rived. Humanity demands that we shall
act. Cuba lies almost within sight of our
shores, and the sufferings of her people cam
not be ignored unless we as a nation have
become so engrossed in money making as to
be Indifferent to distress
Intervention may be accompanied by
danger and expense, but existence cannot
be separated from responsibility, and re-
sponsibiity sometimes leads a nation as
we'll as an individual into danger. A neigh
Dor must some time incur danger for a
neighbor and friend for a friend.
WAR is a terrible thing and cannot be de-
Tended except as a means to an end, and
yet it is sometimes the only means by
which necessary end can be secured. The
state Furnishes it's own citizens by irnprison-
ment or even death when counsel and per-
suasion fall War is the final arbiter be-
tween nations when reason and diplomacy
are of no avail.
"Spain might not resist intervention; it is
to be hoped that she would recognize the
right of the United States to act and imme-
dately withdraw from Cuba, but whether
she resents Intervention or not the United
States must perform a plain duty.
Spain has only herself to blame for the
condition of affairs in Cuba If she denies
TO her former subjects the rights of war
and calls the Cuban army mob let her re-
member the words of Victor Hugo: The
mob is the human race in misery No ma
tion can afford to make it's people miser-
able
IF the Cubans prefer death to Spanish
r,Ia II must be because Spanish rule has
robbed life of JOY and hope. If nation
soyvs the wind it mrst reap the whirlwind.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
Pinar Del Rio, Havana, Matanxas and
Santa Clara Provinces Alleged
to Have Been PaciRed.
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE
AND THE CAUSE OF THEIR MISERY
AS VIEWED BY SPANIARDS.
BIancO's Report to Minister Bernabe
with Causing Much Suffering.

HAVANA, March 31.-Captain General
Blanco has issued an important decree,
dated March 30 and published this morning,
in which he directs the end of the recon-
centration in four western provinces-Pinar
del Rio, Havana, Matanzas and Santa
Clara. The preamble sets forth that the
pacifcation of said provinces having been
considerably advanced by the combined ac
tion of arms and the natural effect of the
establishment of autonomy in giving secur-
ity to the country making possible the ad-
vancement of the sugar, tobacco and food
crops, it also being near the time when the
minor paintings give the means of living
to the laboring classes and peasants; also,
believing the time has come to resume the
normal conditions in the towns and viii
lagos, and to do away with the causes of
suffering among the people, to remove so
fas as possible all the effects of the recon-
centration, and, further, to give complete
liberty to all the country people to return to
such places as they desire, to do such labor
as they may select, this order is issued.
The preamble further says that for the re-
concentrates, who, being without resources
or instruments with which to labor re-
main in the towns or centers previously set
apart for their use, the colonial government
will with great urgency propose to the gov
ernor general plan for relief. In this plan
the mayors and alcaldes are expected to
take part, establishing soup kitchens. etc,
and doing all in their power to terminate
the existing misery. Then follow five ar
ticles carrying out what is set forth in the
pr Gamble.
Article 1 provides that, after the publica-
ton of this order, the reconcentrados and
their families will be allowed to return
home in the four provinces given above.
Article orders all relief committees and
civil and military authorities to facilitate
the workings of the decree, and also to aid
the reconcentrados in selecting and secur-
ing new houses.
Article directs the colonial government,
through it's secretaries and minor officers,
to prepare and execute all necessary orders
to secure for the country people work on
public improvements, ard also to give food,
by economical kitchens, to all the suffering
attention being called to those on the small
country estates.
Article provides that all the expenses
over and above the funds now in the hands
Of the committee are to be provided for un-
der the head of an extraordinary war
CT edit.
Article abrogates all former orders of
RECOMMENDATION.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
GEN. HARRIsoN's VIEWS.
Thinks silence is Golden at This Cri-
sis in Our Affairs.

sis in Our Affairs.
NEW YORK, March 81. - Ex-President
Harrison, who arrived here to-day made
the following statement regarding his visit
to this city,
my visit to New York is purely and
solely on professional business, at the re-
quest of my associate counsel and without
any suggestion from any other source. L
do not expect to meet or confer with any
one on any matter relating to public affairs,
nor will give any interview relating to the
Cuban matter or any other. No one has
been authorized to express my views. That
work / always do for myself when L think
it needs doing.
Il feel a grave and solfcitous interest in
our relations with Spain, but L am not
charged with the responsibility of conduct
ing them, and would not on any account
say or do anything that might embarrass
those who are. The President and Congress
will, 1 hope, continue in these relations of
confidence and harmony that are essential
in such crisis 1t would be very grievous
and very injurious If they should fall apart.
II am sure that 1 can serve my country
best by keeping silent just now, and per-
haps others might help in the same way. 1
shall be in New York for a week or ten
my newspaper friends TO accept this state
ment as final and not to ask for interviews
that cannot give
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
GENERAL BLANCo's REPORT.
Condition of the RecOncentradOs Is
Said to Have Improved.

WASHINGTON, March 31.-The Spanish
legation has received full reports from
Captain General Blanco, from the governors
of all the provinces of Cuba and from the
alcaldes and chiefs of police of the princi-
pal cities as to the condition of the recon-
centrados. 1t is elaborate treatment Of
this subject by the officers directly in charge
and gives the situation fully from their
standpoint. 1t IS noteworthy that they do
not seek to minimize the dreadful condition
of these people, but endeavor to show that
they are doing their utmost to alleviate the
misery and misfortune which exists. Gen.
Blanco's report is in substance as follows:
In the midst Of the painful impression
caused by the situation of the reconcen-
trados it is some satisfaction to note the
great improvement in their condition as
compared with what it was four or five
months ago. In response to the keen inter
est which the home government has shown
in the matter, this government has en-
deavored from the very first in every possi-
BILE way to alleviate so much misery and
misfortune. The cities overfilled with men,
women and children without work were un-
able to sustain population of consumers
who produced nothing; the destruction and
pillage of so many small hamlets by The in
surgents compelled the unfortunate inhabi-
tants to seek refuge in the towns to save
their lives, the only thing possible to be
saved from this wanton and barbarous de-
struction which had reduced them to a state
of the most horrible wretchedness. In
Puerto Principe nearly all the reconcen-
trados were of this class. The maladies
originated by this crowding together of hu-
man beings and the fatal belief in an in
evitable death combined to take away from
many the necessary energy to struggle for
life and to discourage private charity which
considered itself impotent, without a de-
cided help from official charity. Other and
sadder considerations may be made to ex-
plain a certain passive resistance among
some elements which regarded every con-
centrado as an enemy more or less dis
guised. The result of all this was the truly
formidable problem presented, all the graver
from the fact that it was a necessity of i'm
mediate urgency.
1.-The dispositions of this government were
directed to attack the evil at its source
BY the decree of Nov IA last the return of
all the reconcentrados to their homes was
permitted, and they We're authorized al the
same time to carry arms to defend their
property. In this the cities were relieved
of a large part of their abnormal popula-
ton, and check given to the diseases pro-
duced by overcrowding. Committees of help
were organized. Intervention in them being
given to the clergy. doctors and all the
most useful and respectable elements. ON
cial charity. few days after the establish
ment of these measures, provided them with
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
An Unsatisfactory reply.

WASHINGTON, March 31.-Speaking of
spain's reply received tonight the Post to-
morrow will say 1T is not what the Presi-
dent. hoping for the best, had expected. 1t
is at most vague and unsatisfactory note
from Minister Woodford, devoting more
space to his impressions of what the Span
ish government will and will not do than
a formal expression from the Spanish Min
istry of it's own position. Spain does not
accede to the American demands. Neither
does she positively and finally reject them.
The question is still left open for future
! negotiations. According to the traditional
requested and much evasion is manifested
One Of the reasons for asking further time
is the fact that the Ministry cannot act
without the ratification of the Cortes, which
is not now in session. Counter propositions
are also suggested, rather than plainly
stated, which look to the side-tracking of
the main issue which is the immediate and
complete independence of the Island Of
Cuba
1T is now a question with the President
whether he will continue to treat with Spain
further along the lines suggested in the dis
patch and grant the additional time which
is requested. No message will be sent to
Congress to-day. The reply of the Spanish
government will be considered at the meet
ing of the Cabinet this morning, and then it
will be decided whether an ultimatum will
be sent to Spain. Up to this time no ulti-
matum, in the diplomatic sense of the word,
has been forwarded. If sent it will mean
that Spain must, within twenty-four hours,
answer specifically as to the demands made
by the United States. In. the event of a
failure to answer a positive rejection of
the American propositions, the President
will suggest to Congress the advisability
of recognizing the independence of Cuba and
enforcing that recognition by military
demonstration. This will be practically a
declaration of war; although it will not go
literally to that extent"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
SHOT IN THE BACK.
Attempt to Assassinate Col. Hene-
dictO, a Spanish officer.

01ctO, n spanish O11cers
HAVANA. March 3l.-It is announced
that Lieutenant Colonel Benedicto, who
commanded the Spanish forces which
killed the insurgent leader Aranguren,
while visiting the house of DIR. Francisco
Vidal, at Guanabacoa, has been wounded
by revolver shot in the back. The col
ored man who fired the shot succeeded in
escaping. Aranguren was the insurgent
chief who caused the execution of Lieuten-
ant Colonel Ruiz, the aid-de-camp of Cap
tain General Blanco, who visited, in the lat
ter part of December, the camp of the in
surgents with the propositions of surrender.
Aranguren was surprised and killed about a
month later.
When the soldiers of La RENE Battalion,
under Lieutenant Colonel Benedicto,
learned that he had been shot in the back
by colored man while he was visiting at
the house of DIR. Francisco Vidal, in GUIANA
bacoa they became incensed. They armed
themselves and paraded through the streets
of Guanabacoa Ga suburb of Havana), as
saulting passers by, striking them in the
face with the butts of their muskets and
carrying many citizens captive to the bar
racks. These prisoners were, however,
finally released. Two of the citizens were
wounded and there is an unconfirmed re-
port that one was killed.
Lieutenant Colonel Benedicto's wound is
severe, but it is believed he will recover.
He has been taken to the military hospital
Alfonso Doce. No one doubts that the mo-
tive of his assailant was revenge for the
death of Brigadier General Nestor Aran-
guren, who was killed by the Spanish sol
diery under Benedicto
la Lucha, in ain editorial says to-day:
"We are at the end of the farce, drama or
comedy which has held the stage until now.
Heaven should apprise Senior Sagasta that
he is near the end, not only OF his political
career, but also of his life"
1t is asserted on good authority that the
government at Madrid and the local govern
ment determined to provision Havana city
for three months against possible blockade
of tae port by the American fleet 1t was
also decided to bring $1,000 tons of coal to
Cuba. as soon as possible. Lack Of money
initiates seriously against carrying out
either plan A strong effort will be made
to get a portion of the coal at least, but
the provision question has been to all ap-
pearances dropped.
General Blancos proclamation doing away
with the concentration system in the four
western provinces is believed to be "A shrewd
political move. in view of the announced
intervention of the United States on the
ground of humanity. Many doubt the prac-
tibility of plan to make any but the hard
iset Of the recoacentradoes self-supporting,
while others aver that there are as many
insurgents as ever IN the provinces of Pinar
del Rio and Santa Clara
1Continucd on Second Paae,l
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01

during the armistice, Spain will submit the
entire matter to President Mckinley as ar
bitrator, with the understanding that he
will decide in that event for the absolute
independence Of Cuba.
The New York Herald's correspondent
says that General Woodford cabled yester-
day asking: First, if Spains request to
have twenty-four hours more 10 answer on
Cuban and Maine questions could be
granted: second, whether the independence
of Cuba was necessarily prerequisite to
meeting the demands of the United States
To both of these questions the reply Eyes
was sent.
The Senate committee agreed to and Sem
ator Lodge reported a bill appropriating
$5OO0O00 to purchase one or more of the
Danish West India islands, to be used for
naval purposes The Senate committee had
before it Captain Sigsbee, of the ill-fated
Maine, and Captain Barker, Secretary
Longs naval aid. What these officers told
the committee is treated confidentially.
The committee from the Republican con-
ference reported to that conference q recon-
mendation that no action be taken until
Monday and it's report was approved, the
conference adjourning until that date. When
this committee returned from its consulta-
ton its chairman commended the course of
the President and expressed confidence in
what ne was doing. As to his plans they
said nothing, stating that they agreed to
treat as confidential such communications
as the President made to them.
There was a spirited debate in the House
of partisan nature, and its effect has been
to solidify the parties, the Republicans to
await action by the President and the Dem
ocrats to force the Cuban question to the
front.
Representative Wheeler, of Alabama, in
troduced a bill to-day appropriating $500 900
to purchase provisions for the use of the
Cuban noncombatants and directing the
President to cause them to be conveyed at
cnce to the starving people, and to use as
much of the militar7- and naval stores as
necessary to attain this purpose. 1t also
directs the President to notify the Spanish
government that this proceeding is an act
of humanity and not intended as an act of
war
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
Alleged Outline of the Reply.

NEW YORK, April IA special dispatch
from Washington to the World timed a.
m, gives the following outline of Spain ;
reply TO the note presented by Minister
Woodford:
Spain neither accedes TO nor declines
President McKinleys propositions. Sne
makes counter argument that Spain should
herself be allowed to propose terms as to
what should be done regarding her own ter
do so"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01

Gen. Lew wallace Believes the Pres
ident Cannot Hold 1t of.

fhenf Cannot HOI0 III On
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind, March Sl.-
General Lew Wallace believes that there
will h., war with Spain and that the avert
ing of it is now practically impossible. Said
he INV sympathy has been with the
President. but 1 fail to see where he will
find strength to withstand the pressure that
is for war. The war spirit is abroad in the
land ana in my opinion If the issue were
left to what our Populist friends call the
referendum the vote fayoring war would
be about four to one. Congress is keen for
a struggle and is likely to override the
President at any time. Again, believe that
the Spanish government will be obliged to
take up a losing fight for its own preserva-
ton The ignorant masses of that country
would so resent back-down as
this Nation would ask that the
mobs would rise and overthrow the
dynasty. The only salvation for it is fight
which has only one possible outcome-the
quick and complete success of the United
States.
People, however, do not begin to realize
the unspeakable horrors of modern warfare.
The awful scenes and frightful carnage of
the late civil war would be as child's play
to the battles which the inventions of the
last few years have made possible Orators
cannot tell and artists cannot picture what
"a general engagement by land or sea be-
tween the forces of our country and Spain
would be- The horrors Of Millions hell and
Dante's Inferno are pleasant pastoral
scenes compared TO what mans ingenuity in
Continued ON Third PageD
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
ublicLibrar 400

7sJ5 ina, Secretary Alger, Secretary
Bliss, Assistant Secretary Of State Day,
who dined with the President; Assistant
Secretary of State Adee. to whom was con-
fided the translation of the message; SEN
ator Spooner and Senator Aldrich. There
was an intensely expectant crowd of news
paper correspondents, larger than often
gathers at the White House at night, wait
ing in the lobby outside the Presidents Of
fee. But they were doomed to disappoint-
ment, for after the telegraph instrument in
the adjoining office had steadily clattered
for half an hour. Mr.. Porter, the Presi-
dents secretary, appeared with the an
nouncement from Secretary Day that it
was impossible 10 translate the message in
time to give out any statement tonight.
The telegraph instrument was still clicking
when the correspondents filed out. indicat-
ing that the message was at least quite
lengthy.
The visitors gradually drifted out from
the Presidents office till at midnight no one
was left but Secretary Porter He departed
half an hour later, leaving only the tele-
graph operator and the translators strug-
Cling with the message. Adjutant General
Corbin came over from the War Depart
ment at 1890 but did not go into the White
House. Meeting Secretary Porter at the
door, the two walked home together All
those who had been with the President
were reticent on leaving the executive man
sion, most of them declaring they had not
seen any OF the translation of the cipher
dispatch, and that they had no idea of its
purport.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
COUNTER-PRoPOsITION.
Spain Thought to he Scheming to
Gain More Time.


Special to the indianapolis Journal
WASHING1 ON, March S1-It is reported
that the Spanish government has submitted
counter proposition to that sent Spain by
this government providing, in substance,
that the reconcentrados shall be sent back
to their homes and be there aided by Spain
TO get on their feet. and for an armstice
which shall be- used by the Spanish in an
effort to arrive at an understanding with
the Cubans failing in which, the matter
shall be submitted to President Mckinley
for settlement, with the previous under
standing that he shall decide in favor os
Cuban independence. If this proposition
really has been submitted it is not known
whether it would be acceptable to the adj
ministration. but it is safe to predict it will
not be acceptable to Congress. The objec-
ton will lie chiefly against the proposed
armistice. 1t would be denounced simply
as a scheme of Sagasta's to gain time in
which to prepare to fight us. 1t would be
objected to as being concluded without con-
sultation with Gomez. and therefore of no
binding force on him. The chief difficulty
will be to convince Congress of the good
faith of Spain in making a proposition
which contemplates ultimately the mdepend-
ence of Cuba The objectors would ask why
Spain, if in earnest does not name day
when her troops shall be withdrawn from
the island. and the independence of Cuba
acknowledged. and thus end the contro-
versy.
The scheme TO purchase the independence
of Cuba was to-day absolutely repudiated
by General Grosvenor, who is in most
things, except civil-service reform the ad-
ministration leader on the floor of the
House, who said: "The government of the
United States has not and will not mix up
In any Cuban bond deal The President will
neither countenance nor support such a
scheme" II is claimed that this purchase
lC0ntiHued ON second Pagc.)
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01

WASHINGTON. March sl.-spain's Of
ncial reply to President McKinley's latest
demand in the Cuban situation was re-
ceiyed in Washington tonight. An anx-
ious party, comprising most of the Cabinet
aHd several close friends OF the administra-
ton waited till late in the evening in ex-
pectation of Developments. About 1880
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01

o'clock the message began to come. in ci-
pher, and the work of translation was be-
ever. that no intimatiop as to the nature
of the reply could be divulged tonight
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01
DAY OF MUCH EXCITEMENT IN Lew
Err BRANCH OF CONGRESS.
Utterances of Members Greeted with
Cheers, Jeers and Kisses from
Crowds in the Galleries.
SPEECH BY HENRY U. JOHNSON
WHO URGED LEGISLATORS TO AVOID
THE HORRORS OF WAR,

And Was Greeted with Cries of Dis-
approval, Mingled with Applause
for His FearIessness.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-01

Dse at the White House were
ina, Secretary Alger. Secretary
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-03-25
Owned by Colored People.

From the Baltimore Sun: The onl,
cotton mill in the country. 1T is. claimed,
owned exclusively by colored people.
is now approaching completion at Con-
cord, N. c.. and the last brick will be
laid before the close of the present
year. The mill is to have from 1000
to 10000 spindles and from $50 to $50
looms. The building is handsome
three story brick structure, 120 feet
long and 80 feet wide. Besides the
main building there are also engine and
boiler houses and q tower for water
purposes. It is expected the mill will
be put in operation by the LIST Of April.
The colored people Of Wilmington
alone have put $4,000 in the mill, which
promises to be monument to the en-
terprise and thrift Of the colored PEG.
pie Of the old north state.