Page:Messages of the President of the United States on the Relations of the United States to Spain (1898).djvu/70

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Santiago de Cuba, February 1, 1898.

The military conditions here upon the surface are not materially changed, but to one who watches the signs of the times and knows the character of the men who act the drama the situation is not without portent.

The era of good feeling is passing away, while bitter words and cruel acts are again coming to the front. Those engaged in works of mercy are denounced for keeping alive a tribe that ought to be dead. But it can not be said there is no excuse for harsh judgment. The stoppage of all agricultural pursuits and the blowing up of cars containing innocent people can not be justified even under the guise of war. Extremists of both sides seem able to dominate the sentiments of their respective parties, while a deep feeling of personal hatred pervades their breasts.

General Blanco's mild and humane policy meets with but a feeble response from his own followers, while the insurgents laugh at the old man who throws sods and grass instead of stones.

Autonomy is already a dead issue, while buying insurgent leaders thus far is not a marked success, the insurgent generals having already imprisoned several officers suspected of venality.

Colonel Marsh, of General Blanco's staff, said recently—

I do not believe that the Western Continent has ever witnessed death by starvation equal to that which now exists in eastern Cuba.

Very respectfully, etc.,

United States Consul.

Santiago de Cuba, February 15, 1898.

In the matter of distribution of American relief, I have to report that up to the present time nothing but medicines have reached us; but I understand that food is on the way.

As soon as I learned that quinine was coming I at once addressed a polite note to his excellency informing him of the fact and requesting him to suggest through what channels it would be best to make distribution.

The governor answered very politely, but said, as they had their own physicians who were looking after the poor he did not see the necessity, but should the emergency arise would be very glad to avail himself of the generous offer.

Fortunately, a well organized corps of the first ladies of the city were doing the best they could with the means at hand to help the unfortunates, and to nearly every family in this part of Cuba quinine was as acceptable as gold. Twenty of these ladies called on me for quinine