Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-22
THEY DISCUSS THE wAR-CLoUD.
Opinions of Richmond Military Men
on the Cuban situation.


The gravity OF the situation between
this country and Spain was the principal
topic Of discussion here yesterday AS
far as could be gathered from interviews
with prominent military men ana olher
students of the situation, the preValifls
opinion seemed to be that America should
not interpose, and by so doing preclplldle
a war with the Spaniards.
Governor O'FerrIll In a communication
TO the New York Journal, put himself
ON record last Friday as follows;
81 do not now think that the United
states would be warranted In according
belligerent rights, and thereby place hsr-
self I'm q hostile attitude 10 Spain, Whlch
would almost certainly involve us IN a
war. But war with Spain means, IN my
opinion. more than a war with Spain. IL
means that Spain viii not fight her bat
tie alone.
Il agree. however. with the President
that the time may come when humanity
as well as American interests, will de-
mand a cessation Of bloodshed ana des-
truction Of property.
"As to the number OF volunteers VIZ
ginia would furnish, / can only say that
the loyalty of Nirginians TO the nag OF
their country will never fal when they
are needed, on land or sea. The present
available volunteer force of the State
is about 800 men,"
Brigadier-General Charles J. Anderson,
Adjutant-General said yesterday: Il am
oppos d TO the whole OF II. / do not see
that IL IS incumbent upon us, morally
or physically, to take any action that
would lead to war. We have no organ
lied government 10 treat with. People
who reflect must realize that Il would
be n great mistake 10 recognize Cuba
at this time. am afraid it would pre-
cipitate war with other European coun-
tries because they do not accept the
Monroe doctrine and would join issue
against US. In such an event, I have
great faith in the friendship Of England
for US 4 modern war, under the cOndi-
ton OF high-power guns and explosives,
would be injurious to life and 10 civiliza-
ton. If the House endorses the action
of the Senate committee, I think II would
result in q declaration OF war In very
few days"
Major Sol. Cutchins. OF the Blues. said
he ala not like to discuss the matter at
this juncture but he thought the atti-
tude Of the President was very correct
one. The boys under his command, he
said, have not given the matter much
consideration.
Iteutenant-Colonel 10 lane Stern As
sistant Inspector-Goneral. said that he
was Of the opinion that the United
States would not be justified in recogniz-
ing the Cuban republic.
Colonel Henry G. Jcres. commanding
the First Regiment of Infantry. politely
declined to discuss the matter IN any
Of its beraings, but he added
that in the event OF war with
spain his command could not be sent
ont of the country. but would have 70
he chartered at Fort Monroe.
Major ". II. Sands. Of the First Regi-
ment. Cavalry. said. 81 believe that all
Americans are very much interested I'm
the ultimate liberation OF Cuba. The
whole thing is very unfortunate at this
time. vet ! think the United states
should interfere in the interests Of hui
mainly"
General Dabney IT, Maury said he be-
Iieved the Presidents suggestion. which
was eminently wise, should have been
adopted.
CAPTAIN Cunningham. commandant OF
Company p. First Regiment, said: II be-
lieye every member Of my company
stands ready and willing 70 answer the
call OF duty. War with Spain would de-
monstrate beyond peradventure the 10y
atty Of the southern people to the
/ Union"