Page:Messages of the President of the United States on the Relations of the United States to Spain (1898).djvu/63

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Santiago de Cuba, November 26, 1897.

Yesterday I cabled you as follows: "Day, Washington. All political prisoners freed. Hyatt."

This cable I now confirm. The order of release opened the doors to 12 military prisoners in Castle Morro and a somewhat larger number in the city prison, including persons of different nationalities; but no Americans, all such having been from time to time released by special orders, which is a cause of much favorable comment to our nation.

The text of the new autonomy, as published here, is not meeting with favor by the most ardent friends of Spain.

There is, however, a feeling of relief and safety since the change in the captain-generalship.

2em

Santiago de Cuba, December 5, 1897.

The situation in this part of Cuba is not destitute of activity; nevertheless, if seems to be one of expectancy, both sides posing and waiting to see what will happen in the United States.

There is a more secure feeling since the arrival of Governor-General Blanco, otherwise no perceptable change. The reconcentration order is relaxed, but not removed; but many people have reached a point where it is a matter of entire indifference to them whether it is removed or not, for they have lost all interest in the problem of existence.

A census of the island taken to-day, as compared with one taken three years ago, I feel confident would show that two-thirds of the residents are missing; and the Spanish army would make no better showing.

The rainy season is practically over, and cooler weather is apparent, the thermometer ranging from 70° to 88° F. through the twenty-four hours, in the shade.

His Excellency Enrique Capriles, a former governor of this province, has returned to this post of duty. His former record is a sufficient guaranty of an honorable administration.

Mr. Rigney, an American sugar planter near Manzanillo, was preparing to grind during the coming season. A few nights since the insurgents fired seven cannon shots among his buildings, one ball passing through the roof of his house. Americans were hopeful that they would be allowed to make their crop, and several are making ready to do so; but the action of the insurgents toward Mr. Rigney gives the problem a doubtful aspect. It may have been a personal matter against Mr. Rigney.

The number of destitute Americans fed by this consulate decreased from 89 to 64, but is again on the increase. Since being fed, sickness