Page:Messages of the President of the United States on the Relations of the United States to Spain (1898).djvu/80

 Rh Voluntary letters just received from the mayors of four of the principal towns of this immediate zone show not only the necessity for instant succor, but evince an earnest desire on the part of these recently installed officials to render aid in distributing whatever relief the charitable people of the United States may send this suffering people, not forgetting, as I shall not, the many Spanish soldiers whose every appearance is indicative of destitution.

This consular district—due to the fact that nearly thirty towns are embraced in it—will require more or less expenditure of money in lieu of food; yet I am assured of gratuitous transportation for supplies by the Sagua Railroad.

Within a few days I hope to have an official list from the mayors of the number of destitute in their respective municipal districts to forward to the Department.

Consul.

Sagua la Grande, January 15, 1898.

I beg to submit the following: In this consular district a reign of terror and anarchy prevail which the authorities, be they so disposed, are utterly powerless to control or in any measure subdue.

Aside from the suffering and desperation caused by the unparalleled destitution, I regard the situation as rapidly assuming a critical Stage;