New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-12

cipai cities Of his district for the period oesinhns
January 1 and ending November Is. 1897. at N'Ss
This Is the official record and he declares that
fully Is per cent should be added 10 cover deaths
Of which no record was kept
SPANISH SOLDIERS VICTIMS TOO
Undoubtedly" ne says. "one-haf the concen-
trated people have died and to-day Spanish SOL
diers are companion victims OF the surviving non
combatants. This appalling death roll Is mute YET
convincing proof Of the terrible destruction OF HE
Of the main policy pursued IN attempting TO suoJu-
gate the island. With mo the conviction is hrinly
rooted that within sixty days 80 per cent OF the
populace will reach state OF craving munger nor
do l feel that am speaking chmerical.y when
include the rank and lle Of the Spanish Army. Inc
true status viewed at present will bear out THIS
opinion The suffering among the troops as well
as the reconcentrados simply beggars portrayal,
while discomfort ripens daily
On December 10 Mr.. Barker related the particu-
lars of visit he rcade 10 five OF the principal rai-
road towns In his consular district, which tour had
been undertaken to verify previous statements 1t
covered the towns of Santa Clara. Cruces. Esper-
anza Jicotea and Santa Domingo. The report says:
The restitution is simply too narrowing TO re-
cite. and must become intensified each day. Inc
death rate for last month shows increase OF
about % per cent. In these towns got my infor-
nation from the Mayors Of each. From them
learned while there Issue OF food running
from three to five days. beginning on the sih uit.
consisting OF six ounces OF bacon or Jerked beef
and six ounces OF rico fo- adults, with half this
allowance for children under fourteen years the pit
tance given sufficient only for one-fourth 20
one-tenth OF the starving. No further relief has
been given up date, and the Mayors OF these
towns authority for stating that the Captain
General had ordered discontinuance OF food to the
concentrates"
This order from tho Captain General was ap-
ri ~ he
food supply for the Spanish soldiers. The Mayor of
Santa Clara also told Mr.. Barker that the mill
tary commander had informed him that he was
to give food 10 one having relatives in the in
surrection. which would exclude rs per cent OF the
destitute. From this Mr.. Barker concluded that
however sincere might be the desire OF tho Spanish
authorities to help the reconcentrados they were
powerless TO do so for want OF means. he also
stated that all popular subscriptions had proved
total failure because the Cubans are poverty
stricken and the Spaniards will contribute nothing"
Mr.. Barker dwels In most OF his communications
the paucity OF food Of tho Spanish soldiers. In
his letter OF December Is he ION my recent trip
] found that the Spanish soldiers are not only SUI
fering for necessary food but was often appealed
TO by these pitlabe creatures for medicine. One has
only to look upon them to be assured OF the needs
complained Of"
sUGAR-GROWERS HELPLESS.
In his letter Of December Is Mr.. Barker repeats
his observations the suffering and restitution
among the reconcentrados, saying:
How could the situation be otherwise since the
island Is producing absolutely nothing save como
growing cane and a, the same time completely
exhausted OF all food? Relief alone can be obtained
from the outer world in the way OF charitable con-
tribution. To grind the without interruption
would be the means OF saving the lives OF thou
sands who without this outside aid within thirty
to nifty days must die OF actual hunger over
month since the planters were officially advised OF
Epains inability to provide protection In order to
operate the mills. This leaves the sugar-growers
entirely In hands OF the Cubans In revolt az 10
whether they will be allowed to grind without him
drance fear Of total destruction OF their prop
erty. know that strict orders have been given to
subordinate commanders that under no circum-
stances must mills be permitted 10 grind under
penalty OF destruction of property
In several places In Mr. Bakers letters stars are
inserted showing that portions Of them have been
omitted These omissions are generally in places
where he deals with the condition Of the reconcen-
trados
SANTIAGO DE CUBAS CONDITION.
The reports on the condition Of affairs at Santiago
are made by Consul Hyatt. beginning on November
IS Mr.. Hyatt had then only recently returned TO
the island. and he began his reports with review
OF the conditions Of the insurgents and OF the au-
Economists. He had been disposed he said. TO be-
Ieve that the insurgents were weakening and that
the autoromists were coming 10 the front. After
however. he was convinced that such
was not the fact
"The change Of policy as expressed by Captain
General Blanco has" he continued. doubtless mod
fed the feeling Of resentment which formerly pre-
vailed. and. should the near future prove discour
aging to the insurgents would doubtless smooth the
way to pacifcation
In the Same communication Mr.. Hyatt discussed
the policy which tho United States should pursue |
Among p-operty-holders. whether Americans or
~N&f - tkAvn
only one sentiment This sentiment was hands
off," or such active intervention as would quickly
terminate tho struggle. On November rs Mr. Hyatt
wrote:
Tho text Of the new autonomy. as published
here Is not meeting with favor by the most ardent
relief and safety since the change IN the Captain
Generaiship." portion OF this dispatch is with
held by the State Department.
Writing December 8. Mr.. Hyatt said The
RECOMMENDATION order is relaxed. but not removed
but many people have reached point where II Ia
q matter Of entire Indifference them whether Il
u removed not for they have lost all interest
IN tho problem Of existence. census OF the island
taken to-day. compared with one taken three
years ago. feel confident would show that two
thirds Of tho residents missing and tho Spanish
Army would make no better showing"
On December II Mr.. Hyatt wrote Tho order Of
RECOMMENDATION has now been practically wiped out
and. far the Spanish Government is concerned
men 60 about nearly as they please The insur-
gents and their sympathzers will unQuestionably
take advantage OF the revocation to get from tho
towns and cities what they need and otherwise
strengthen their cause.
Tho effects agricultural pursuits will be dis
appointing because tho great majority Of those who
would should take up the work Joined the insur
gent forces when compelled to leave their homes.
and the portion which came within the lines OF
Recommendation women. children. old and sickly
people, most Of whom seem to have little interest
IN the problem OF nfe There is to take
these people back to the fields and utilize their
manning strength. Their houses destroyed the