New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-30
IN AID OF CUBAN CHILDREN
AN INTERESTING ADDRESS BY GENERAL
LEONARD WOOD.
HE SPEAKS AT A RECEPTION IN HIS HONOR
GIVEN BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE
CID QppIIAN Find
CUBAN ORPHAN FUND.


The trustees OF the Cuban Orphan Fund gave
reception yesterday afternoon at the Chamber or
Commerce in honor OF Brigadier-General Leonard
Wood Military Governor OF Santiago Province Inc
purpose OF the fund is TO provide homes ana educa
tonal facilities. That movement has the warmest
sympathy OF General Wood, who recognizes that
the question Of properly caring for the fifty thou
sand or more children who have been left without
parents as a result OF the hostilties OF the last
few years Is one OF the most difficult problems
which this country is called upon TO face In CUBA
About $1,000 has already been subscribed TO the
fund and the intention OF the trustees TO begin
their benefcent work for the unfortunate children
of Cuba without delay.
About hundred and fifty members and sub
scribers assembled 10 meet General Wood, and
after he had been presented 10 them in turn ne
was asked by General Francis V. Greene. the presi
dent OF the fund TO acquant the gathering with
the condition Of the orphan children in Cuba.
In making the request General Greene said that
from Maine to Arizona, from Alaska to Santiago
wherever the people OF this land admired courage,
ability and integrity. there the name of General
Wood was known and admired. In the course OF
his address General Wood said:
don't know whether you quite realize the un-
They have been left absolutely destitute 1t Is
true that the climate Is warm and the country Is
live perhaps but great many OF them are dying
especially the young children, Of neglect 1t is
twelve years old without clothing. They are grow
ing up without attention and often sleeping in the
for the present at any rate is in hands. 1t
seems to me that We should take care OF these
sponsbilities OF the future. whatever those respon
si6ties may be. know of no better plan for
this purpose than your plan Of establishing
orphanages for the children and connecting with
the lower branches OF trade and mechanics. To-
day in Cuba cdrpentering, horseshoeng and such
trades are unknown. There is a great Opportunity
trade which will secure them livelihood in the
A constant request that hear in Cuba is Can
h TOT you give us some more schools and some more
icanzed. There is better way OF doing this than
by beginning with the children. The orphans OF
lutely no attention II is no unusual thing
be 10 steep aroma me camp ana beg for food
We are responsible for conditions in Cuba and it is
ilshment or homes and schools for them will be OF
inesumsble good for the future generations Their
brought up with no regard for cleanliness. morality
and decency. The children Of the better class how
poorer children are entirely without care. We are
feeding them. It is true. but the work should he
given to them which will At them to take care of
themselves in the future.
buildings The houses there now are simple adobe
or stone, only one story high and built entirely
without regard TO hygiene sanitary conditions
II VIII he necessary. also, at the outset to send your
in cuba are looking to us for those institutions
and abroad. can assure you that the Cubans are
wholly appreciative OF all We have done for them
and every further effort will be appreciated One
man said to me: we have a great respect
for your flag but should think great deal
more Of II II YOU brought some Of your institutions
out here" The present system of education and
municipal government must be reformed and the
part YOU must take in that work Is properly 70
bring up and care for the orphans and II YOU do
that YOU are going to settle Of the n st diff
1cu problems for in Cuba
In the course OF the reception the following tele-
gram was read from Governor Roosevelt:
Am on train or would be with you to greet Gem
eral Wood In person heartily as I do now by
telegram. He is one of those who empha tically de-
serve well of the country
Among those present were John C1afin, Charles
Stewart Smith. the Rev. DR.. William r Hunting
ton. Abram s. Hewitt. General Daniel Butterheld.
Cornelius n. Bliss Charles A. Schieren William J.
Scheffelin Charles r Flint and Irving NJ Scott
OF San Francisco.