Page:Messages of the President of the United States on the Relations of the United States to Spain (1898).djvu/84

 Rh From the investigation so far made, I estimate if provision can be made to care for 25,000, whatever may be deft will manage to survive.

Upon this estimate I beg to say that to keep this number alive will require 50 tons per month.

With the supplies reported in transit we can carry them through until the 12th of the coming month (April).

While, as stated in a very recent dispatch to the Department, the military have thrown every conceivable obstacle in the way of carrying out this humane work, I have, when convinced of their sincerity, acted in conjunction with the civil authorities.

Of the 5,000 utterly destitute in this city, the mayor, by popular subscription, has made an effort to issue a scant ration of rice and beans to about one-third of this number. Yesterday he called to say that he had a telegram from the acting Spanish minister in Washington, suggesting that he offer to aid me in the distribution of the supplies being sent from the United States; that he had no funds with which to do anything.

Being a good active man, I gladly accepted the offer of his services.

It is with pleasure that I say to the Department that Senor Leonardo Chia, "administrador" of the Sagua, as also the "administradores" of the Santa Clara and Cienfuegos railroads, have not only transported free the supplies for the reconcentrados, but have used extra effort to have them reach destination in due time.

Consul.

Sagua la Grande, March 14, 1898.

The inclosed letter from Mr. Valle, of Sancti Espiritus, whom I have every reason to believe will not misrepresent the case, together with the fact that in other places I find I have underestimated the number in my jurisdiction in need of relief. It is therefore that I beg to increase the amount required, as stated in my No. 294, of the 12th instant, from 80 to 100 tons per month.

Consul.

March 24, 1898.

Washington:

Closer investigation disclose larger number destitute than estimates sent. Fifty tons needful now. Distress far greater than my reports show.

Consul.