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.
I am, etc.,
Consul.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 273.—Telegram.]
Mr. Barker to Mr. Day.
States that food, medicine, and clothing are required by more than 50,000 persons in his consular district, and that a reliable estimate of the number of starving in the Sagua province is 100,000. Advises the immediate need of relief by supplies through Consul-General Lee at Havana, or directly by the Munson Line. Says that some money will be needed, and that municipal authorities will aid in distributing supplies sent.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 273.]
Mr. Barker to Mr. Lee.
Dear Sir: I hand you herewith a telegram which I beg you will send from your office—by cable—in cipher if you deem best.
I need not tell you that the situation demands immediate action and relief.
I do not transmit this message for the reason I have no cipher "code." A copy of this telegram, with reasons for sending you to be transmitted, will follow in a dispatch to the Department.
Yours, truly,Consul.
Note.—Should the Department not regard it ill-advised, and will telegraph me authority to so act, I can, by wiring message to personal friends in New Orleans, Mobile, Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Charleston, obtain needed contributions much more promptly.
Mr. Barker to Judge Day.
No. 278.]
Sagua la Grande, January 15, 1898.
Sir: 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;
