Speech #590102829

The committee shall inquire and report whether under such government in the Isle of Pines any official abuses or oppressions have occurred with reference to the people of that island affecting their liberties. their persons. or their schools. their churches. their sepultures. their taxation. their employment or vocation. their property of any description. their intercourse and trade on the island. or with other ports or places. or with shipping engaged in the trade of the island. They will inquire and report In respect of any alleged judicial proceedings. civil or criminal. conducted or entertained by any judge. magistrate. or alcalde acting under the laws of Cuba. against any of the inhabitants of the Isle of Pines. resulting in their imprisonment or amercement in fines or forfeitures. and of the places at which such trials were had. and as to the removal of such defendants. by force or compulsion. to any place in the island of Cuba to answer such accusations or prosecutions. And also whether the alleged Judicial officers so employed in such proceedings were appointed by the Government of Cuba or of any department thereof." Said committee will further inquire and report as to the number of American citizens that were residing In the Isle of Pines at the time when the Government of Cuba was turned over to the Congress andpeople of the Republic of Cuba and before that time. and when the immigration of such citizens into said Island first begun. They will further ascertain and report as to the progress of such immigration. and the classes of people who settled in the island as seekers and builders of permanent homes or places of residence. and the number of such citizens who now reside In the Isle of Pines as permanent settlers. and also What increase or decrease of population and of what citizenship. respectively. has taken place in that island since the evacuation of Cuba by the Army of the United States. The committee will also examine into the conditions of the island as to agriculture. fruit growing. and the extent to which the immigrants from the United States are landowners and cultivators. and whether their crops. orchards. and farm productions. such as cattle. hogs. and poultry. are becoming productive and prosperous. They will also give descriptions of the topography of the island. Its waters and water courses. and its coasts. bays. inlets. and harbors. with reference to navigation. and its roads and bridges and by whom constructed and paid for. its forests and their value. the healthfulness of the island. and the character and conduct of the citizens of the United States who reside there. and. generally. any facts that will inform the Senate as to all material facts concerning the duty of the Government toward the safeguarding. protection. and regulation and control of its citizens who inhabit the Isle of Pines. 2.