Mr. Carpenter. Will the Senator now allow me to ask him one question?
Mr. Sumner. Certainly.
Mr. Carpenter. My question is, if it be not the most favorable opportunity to obtain the facts to libel those boats and get proof on the question?
Mr. Sumner. The Senator will pardon me, if I say I do not think it is. I think that the better way of ascertaining the facts is to send to our authorized agents in Cuba,—we have consuls at every considerable place,—and direct them to report on the facts. I understand such reports have been received by the Department of State. They will be communicated to the Senate. They are expected day by day, and they are explicit, unless I have been misinformed, on this single point,—that, whatever may be the inspiration of that insurrection, it has not yet reached that condition of maturity, that corporate character, which in point of fact makes it belligerent in character.
Mr. Howard. I do not wish to interrupt the Senator, but I should like to ask a question at this point.
Mr. Sumner. Certainly.
Mr. Howard. I wish for information on this subject, and I think we all stand in need of it; and I should be very much obliged to the Senator from Massachusetts, if he is able to do so, if he would give us a statement of the amount of military force actually in the field in Cuba, or the amount of force that is available; and whether the insurgents have established a civil government for themselves,—whether it be or be not in operation as a government. On these subjects I confess my ignorance.
Mr. Sumner. The Senator confesses we are in the dark, and on this account I consider the debate premature. We all need information, and I understand it will be supplied by the Department of State. There is information on the precise point to which the Senator calls attention, and that is as to the number of the forces on both sides. I understand on the side of the insurgents it has latterly very much diminished; and I have been told that they are now little more than guerrilleros, and that the war they are carrying on is little more than a guerrilla contest,—that they are not in possession of any town or considerable place. Such is my information.
Mr. Howard. Have they any government?
Mr. Sumner. I understand they have the government that is in a camp. With regard to that the Senator knows as well as I; but that brings us back again to the necessity of information.