Evening star., 1898-10-29

this country a few days ago, and has spent
the intervening time at his home. He
was accompanied to this city by capt. r.
G.. Mendoza and Capt. Edward l.. King of
his staff and by Mr.. a. E. Maestro, a ma
tive of Cuba.
Gen. Lawton says that the situation of
affairs in the province of Santiago was
satisfactory at the time of his departure
and il is his belief that affairs in that coun-
try will gradually adjust themselves to
the new order of things. He spent some
time in consultation with Secretary Alger
and Gen. Corbin and accompanied the lat
ter to the White House to pay his respects
to the President and to give his views re-
garding the situation in Cuba.
The White House Conference.
There Is no disposition to change the
plans fixed for the assumption Of control
by the United States and the date fixed for
taking possession is January i. The ques-
tions discussed today related mainly to
transportation, ships. equipments, landings
and camps The reports of the Cuban mill
tary commission as we'll as the reports of
the army board sent to investigate and To-
cate sites, including the reports of Colonel
Hecker were fully considered.
General IaWton gave the President lnfor-
nation concerning the conditions in Cuba
that have come under his observation
During his conversation with General
LaWton the President expressed his gratl-
fication at the victorious conclusion OF the
"a amnaien In Santiago province, and at the
manner in which the officers and men ac-
quilted themselves.
The Hecker report gave list Of the most
desirable places on the northern coast or
Cuba near Havana for the landing OF Amer
ican troops to be sent there to occupy the
island after its evacuation by the Spanish
army. The beard also gave list OF artl-
cIes which will be Immediately necessary
fpr Hp tai - n
lumber and all sorts of garrison supplies.
The quarterma ster's department has pre-
pared advertisements inviting proposals for
these articles, and they will be published in
the board, who are now in Havana, have
Eeen Ordered to come to Washington at
once to report more in detail and to assist
in the prepara tions for the embarkation and
ac accommoda tior of the troops which will
form the army of occupation.
Does Not Expect to Return.
Gen. Lawton afterward declined to dis
cuss the reCommenda tions which he will
make to Secretary Alger respecting future
operations OF the army and the government
generally in Cuba; nor has it been definitely
determined " neither he Uawton) will return
tn the command at Santiago, but the gen.
eral expressed the opinion that he probably
would not. The department of Santiago is
now in comm and of Gen. Wood
ton in response to questions on the subject
TO express an opinion to the length of
time 1t Will be necessary for this govern
ment 10 maintain military supervision Of
the Island of Cuba. This will have to be
determined entirely 10y the course OF future
events. The Cubans are, generally speak
lrg, Cen Lawton added, "a quiet tract
able people, and he did not think there
would be any trouble in managing them
so far as this might be necessary pending
the formation of an Independent govern
ment on the island. So far as the cities
are concerned, General Lawton did not be-
lieve there would be any difficulty in main
tanning discipline and order and in the
agricultural districts. the formation of a
cOnStabulary composed of the native people
would bring about the desired results
Many Questions Considered.
Secretary Alger and Gen. Corbin were in
conference with the President over two
hours. Secretary Alger admitted afterward
that the conference had determined the
questions of when troops will go to Cuba
what troops will 60 who will command
and where the camps will be located.
These questions. with even the details
were agreed upon and orders will issue
| in accordance. The Secretary said. how
ever, that 1t would not be wise to make
any OF the plans public.
We could not afford to tell Spain our
plans" he said. The conference went SO
| far to decide the number of sol
diers to be stationed on the island and the
points st which they are to be stationed