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 44 There are numerous people badly ruptured and in a distressed condition. I am skilled in handling trusses, but I hardly think it advisable to send trusses, as each case needs a stock to select from.

I would not advise sending any more medicine except quinine for the present.

Everything sent has been of a superior quality. The Highland brand of condensed cream and flour are specially fine.

The medicines have had almost miraculous effects. Should you make further shipments, keep beans, rice, and codfish in the foreground, but everything comes in play.

Smallpox has again broken out, and I have requested Surgeon-General Wyman to send to you for me a quantity of vaccine virus. Should it come to hand I will thank you to furnish me with a moderate quantity.

I am, gentlemen, with highest consideration, your most obedient servant,

United States Consul.

Santiago de Cuba, March 24, 1898.

Three sugar estates owned or managed by the house of Brooks & Co. are making sugar on a small scale, but have little faith in their ability to go ahead. These plantations are located near Guantanamo.

Property holders, without distinction of nationality, and with few exceptions, strongly desire annexation, having but little hope of a stable government under either of the contending forces, and they view with regret the indifference, nay, repugnance, of the American people to such a union, and still hope that a combination of circumstances will yet bring it about; but such a move would not be popular among the masses.

On Sunday last an election was held in this city to elect officers to hold an election on the 27th instant. No one seemed to know anything about it until it was over, and the autonomists won the election. A member of that party told me that "we met quietly and done our voting." There is no evidence that the people in general intend to take any part in the coming election. Circulars are now out urging the people to turn out and sustain the government, to the end that peace and prosperity may speedily come.

Very respectfully,

United States Consul.

Sagua la Grande, November 11, 1897.

It may not be improper that I give the Department my impressions of the status of affairs here concerning the new policy promised by Spain to this island.

By the attitude openly demonstrated against autonomy from the two only existing parties that have to decide its results, the Cuban separatists, including the armed men in the field and their supporters in the towns, and the Spanish conservatives, with followers in Cuba and Spain,