The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 1, No. 32, June 17, 1897 A Weekly Magazine for Boys and Girls

Excerpt

There is a rumor that Spain will appeal to the Powers to help her in her Cuban war.

It is said that she cannot conquer the Cubans without some aid, and, as she can look for none from the United States, she will appeal to the Powers.

Spain, therefore, will try to convince Europe that she ought to receive the same kind of help that was given to Turkey, and that the Cuban Question is of the same nature as the Cretan Question.

It is stated that an endeavor is being made to convince the Powers that Spain's retention of Cuba is necessary for the peace of Europe.

The assertion is made that, if the United States obtains possession of the island, serious trouble may result to the English in Jamaica, and to the holders of the other West Indian Islands.

A similar appeal was made two years ago, and, if it is indeed renewed, it will be interesting to see what action the Powers will now take.

Mr. Calhoun's work in Cuba is nearly done. It is expected that he will leave Cuba about June 3d, and when he returns he will put the President in possession of what information he has gathered.

Very little light has been thrown on the cause of Dr. Ruiz's death by the inquiry which, as we told you, was the object of Mr. Calhoun's visit to Cuba.

Before the inquiry was commenced, General Lee said that it would be quite impossible to get at the truth of the matter. He declared that the people dared not tell what they knew for fear of Weyler.

His words have proved absolutely true. Not a single witness who had any important testimony to give appeared before the Committee.

The jailers and people around the prison who had had the care of Dr. Ruiz came forward and made statements as to the extremely kind treatment the doctor had received from them, and of the many privileges he had been given.

These accounts General Lee declared to be entirely false. He said he had several witnesses who could have proved the truth of his assertion; but he did not call them for fear of turning the anger of the Government against them.

The result of the inquiry was to have been in a written report, signed by both the American and Spanish Commissioners. The two parties, however, do not seem to be able to agree as to the facts to be stated in this paper. Each objects to signing the report prepared by the other. It is therefore supposed that two reports will be made; one by General Lee to the United States, and one by the Spaniards to the Government in Madrid.

Of course these reports will not agree with each other, and the two governments will, after they get them, be no wiser than before the Commission began its work.

It is stated that, under General Lee's guidance, Mr. Calhoun has seen a great deal of the sufferings of the people, especially of the unfortunates who have been driven into the towns.

The Cubans in Havana say that he has been much affected by the misery he has seen, and that his report to the President is likely to urge the necessity for immediate action.

The news that the United States is going to send relief to the starving people has got abroad in Cuba. The poor Cubans think that the help will be given to them as well as to the Americans, and they are crowding the doors of the United States consulates, begging for food....