The San Francisco call., 1898-04-12
CORRESPONDENCE OF CONSULS ON THE
 HORRORS IN CUBA

that 50 per cent have already died and that many of those left will die, and most of these are women and children I am in formed an order has been issued in some parts of the islands suspending the disposition to reconcentrados. The condition of those peo- pie Is simply terrible I hear of much suffering in the Spanish hospitals for want of food hear also that the Spanish merchants in some parts of the islands are placing their establish ments in the name of foreigners to avoid hay ing their provisions purchased on credit by the military administration. In some parts of the island, I am told, there Is scarcely any food for soldiers and citizens. and that even cats are used for food purposes, selling for 30 cents apiece. It is a fair inference to draw from the Governor General to relieve the present situation with the means at his disposal
 December 14 General Lee sent another communication that the total number of reconcentrados in Havana Province will reach 1500 900 and that the death rate from starvation alone will be over 50 per cent. For the relief of these people, he says, $l2,5Oo in silver had been set aside, "so that if every dollar appropriated reached them, the distribution will amount to about F cents to person, which, of course, would be. rapidly exhausted. and ing afforded, 1t is easy to perceive what little practical relief has taken place in the condition of these poor people"
 December 29 Lee makes the first com munication about the new scheme of au- tonomy. He says that he has been in- formed that the authorities are engaged in forming an autonomistic Cabinet, ar- ranging for the members to take the re- quired oath on January 1, and "also for an election thirty days thereafter"
 General Lee acknowledges the receipt of President McKinley's proclamation, calling upon the people of the United States to make charitable contributions for the relief of the distress in Cuba. Other telegrams follow during the next few days as to the class of contribution, with view of relieving the suffering.
 Conditions existing in the various prov inceS are covered by the reports of con- suls. Here is specimen of all of them. From the province Of Santa Clara Consul Barker writes on March 4:
 When Spain will admit defeat, no mortal, in plan of settlement, autonomy. is a failure Is not to be questioned Pending this admission on her part. thousands of human beings, guilt less of crime or having any part in the insur- condition must continue to increase. The United States, in taking action relative to Cuba clash with Spain. Then let Congress alter our citizenship laws by amending the statute rela- tive to the declaration required of persons be- coming citizens by naturalization, that the subjects or citizens of any Government at pres ent residing in Cuba may go before any United States Consul on the island and make declara- United States. which shall entitle them to recognition as citizens until the expiration of two years. when they may be required to re- side in the United States until five years shall have elapsed before being granted naturaliza- tion papers. With such privilege. I am con- fdent that the per cent of resident Spaniards the hitherto dominant party and taxpayers will avail themselves of this opportunity for re- buking the mother country for attempting to foist upon them changes in the existing laws Of the island Such 2, step would cause the Quiesce without disturbance and without the loss of the island.