Page:Messages of the President of the United States on the Relations of the United States to Spain (1898).djvu/69

 40 Citizens of Santiago say that he did the same thing in the former rebellion.

But the military situation is completely overshadowed in importance by the starving, struggling mass, whose cry is "Bread, or I perish."

This consulate is besieged to an extent that blocks the entrance, and greatly retards business. They have heard that the people of the United States are giving funds for their relief, and have not the patience to wait. I could name three Americans here who contribute monthly over three hundred dollars toward feeding the poor, but it is as nothing compared to the people's necessities.

Men, women, and children, homeless and almost naked, roam the streets by day, begging of everyone they meet, or door they pass, and sleeping at night anywhere they can find a place to lie down.

If the present death rate is continued, there would not be a soul left in the city at the end of five years.

For the masses it is speedy help or sure death.

Very repectfully,

United States Consul.

Santiago de Cuba, January 31, 1898.

I desire to inform the honorable Department of State that Captain-General Blanco arrived at this port on Friday night, the 28th instant, but remained on shipboard until the next morning.

The consular corps called soon after his arrival. Most of General Blanco's remarks were directed to the French and American consuls.

Colonel Marsh, of General Blanco's staff, called upon and dined with me the same evening. He speaks fairly good English, and is a gentleman of rare social qualities. On leaving he said, "I shall be at all times most happy to use whatever influence I may have with General Blanco in securing a favorable resolution of any matters that you may desire to present to him."

I told him I was prepared to take advantage of his offer at once, as there had just arrived at the custom-house in this place a quantity of quinine which the collector of customs said he could not deliver duty free without instructions from Havana. The colonel promised to lay the matter at once before the Captain-General, and the quinine is released, and, as I understand, it is ordered that all future shipments are to be promptly delivered to me, if any shall come.

On Sunday morning the regular passenger train on the Sabanilla and Maroto Railroad, when 5 miles out of Santiago, was blown up by dynamite bombs, exploded by electric wires; two cars were shivered in atoms, Five passengers were killed outright and twenty-two badly wounded, some of whom have since died. It is thought by some that the insurgents believed that Captain-General Blanco was on the train; by others that they merely wanted to notify the general that they were around and attending to business.

I am, etc.,

United States Consul.