The Irish standard., 1898-03-26
TELLS A VERY SAD STORY
Senator Proctor's Narration to tho
Senate of the Terrible Sit
uation in Cuba.
THE REPORTS OF STARVATION ARE TRUE
The Condition of the Recommendations
DcEEars Description - Spaninr ds
Hold Only What Their Army Sits
On-Do Not Want Autonomy-Sena.
tor Gallinxer's Views.

SUNDAY from an EXTENDED trip 10 ana
through the island of Cuba, on Thurs
day afternoon made statement to tho
senate of his observations on the island.
From many viewpoints the statement
was remarkable. 1t lad evidently been
'nost carefully prepared. Every ele-
ment of scnsntionalism had been STU
diously eliminated from 1t. and except
SO far as the facts recitcd were sensa-
tional it bore not the slightest evidence
Of an effort to arouse the public mind.
already kcenly alive to the condition Of
affairs OH the island.
Senator Proctor was accorded tho
closest attention throughout his speech.
He confined himself to his manuscript,
and ut the conclusion. while there was
no demonstration. he was cordially con-
graduated by many of his colleagues.
Senator Proctor read his speech from
manuscript. speaking rapidly but clear
ly. A synopsis follows:
Senator rr"ctor's Statement.
He began by saying that more impor-
lance had been attached to his visit than
necessary but he thought public state
ment would be beneficial. The only thing,
he said. that he had said about the mat.
ter to the president was that he was 20.
Ing and asked il there was any objection
to It. and was told that there was none.
He had letters from Assistant Secretary Of
State Day and business men Of the United
States. He SAID that Gen. Lee and other
United States representatives in Cuba at
forded him opportunity to secure informa-
ton.
He denied that he made the statement
that the Maine was blown up from the
outside. but might have said that was
the opinion in Havana. The senator
,oht N 1nGn I'M In
to be obtained upon this feature.
Outside of Havana there was desola-
ton and misery. People were surround
ed by trochas and controlled by forts
were in the four western provinces. Out
side of the trochas and forts there were
no habitntions or people living. The Span
iards. he said. held In the four provinces
Only what their army sits on.
Awful Condition of Recommendation.
Senator Proctor described at some
length the condition of the reconcentrados,
saying one-half of them had died owing
to the manner in which they had been
kept in the small houses and bad santa
ton. 1t was no wonder that half had
died. he added. He went to Cuba. he said.
thinking the condition of the people had
been ovcrdrawn. but found their situation
terrible. What he saw he could not tell
30 others could In one place In Ha-
vana. the senator said. he saw 400 people
lying on stone floors with little clothing.
The children had no clothing, american
people may be assured" he continued.
that their bounty will reach the desti-
tute," and. he added: THE condition OF
I'll peace comes. Gen. Blanco's order Of
November 10 is Of little practical use. No
beneficial results have followed" For this
he did not blame Cen Blanco. as Blanco
Of view.
The Military situation. -
AS to the military. he said there were
about 10000 Spanish troops He thought
they would fight we'll. There was no ar
tilery. The troops live In barracks. The
said tho Cubans had about 10000 men in
the field and were very active. The Cubans
were we'll armed. but poorly supplied with
ammunition. About one-third Of the Cuban
nish their own horses. The dividing line
between the parties is sharp. 1t is Cubans
against Spaniards. The autonomists he did
not consider. they were inconsiderable
In number.
DO Not Want Autonomy.
Tho Spaniards did not want perfect au-
tonomy, as 1t meant government by the
Cubans. He inquired as to autonomy of
men of wealth. business and professional
mon. Without exception their reply was
that 1t was too late for autonomy. 1t
was. he said. too late for peace under Span
lsh rule. Some favored annexation by the
United States.
Senator Proctor said he was not In favor
of annexation. The conditions for self
government In Cuba were favorable and
not much danger OF revolutions. He would
not make any recommendations as to what
should be DONE He thought tho matter
might safely be left to all American presi-
dent and the American people. With these
words he closed.
senator GnllinRcr Talks.
Washington, March 10. - Senator
Gallinger, Of New hampshire. was at
the capitol yesterday, for the first time
since his return from Cuba. When re-
qucsted to make statement MS to his
observations on the condition Of affairs
on that island he Responded:
You can sign my name to any picture
you draw OF utter wretchedness and desti-
tuition In that country. The condition Of
affairs. SO far as had opportunity to OBJ
serve It. and was only In Havana and
Matanzas is simply Understandable. had
not expected to find 1t half as bad as 1t is
and do not believe anyone who simply
reads the accounts and does not SEQ for
himself can form nm adequate idea OF the
situation. The reconcentrados are wedged
into all available places in the cities and
are perishng by the thousand for want OF
the commonest necessaries of life. The
best Information obtainablc leads to tho
conclusion that there have been beyond q
doubt 400. 900 deaths AS a result of Spain's
brutal policy. and the tragedy goes on
from day to day."
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