The Spanish Minister has very graciously replied that Spain will not
oppose the plan, but will do all in her power to help the United States
to carry it out.

The Minister was kind enough to add that Spain will distribute the
supplies for us, if we wish it. He stated that he fears that, unless the
American supplies are handled by the Spanish authorities, they may fall
into the hands of the insurgents, and hinder General Weyler in the
carrying out of his plan to force the rebels into submission.

This offer will not be accepted.

If the appropriation is made, Congress will order the supplies to be
distributed by the American Consuls, who are well able to tell the
difference between armed insurgents and starving women and children.

When the President's message reached the Senate, a resolution was at
once passed that the sum asked for be appropriated.

In the House of Representatives the request was not so quickly granted.

Some of the Congressmen met the demand with a plea that the resolution
for the appropriation be added to the Morgan Bill for recognizing the
belligerency of Cuba, and that the two matters be discussed and voted
on at the same time.

This did not please the majority of the members, and the House adjourned
without a vote being taken about the Relief Fund.