The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-15

army on that point. If he says 1000. then
that is undoubtedly adequate as he has
been on the ground and knows the situa-
tion."
What is your personal opinion, without
reference TO the recommendation of the
Cuban commission, as to the number of
men needed in Cuba?' asked Mr.. Hay.
Il would not have an opinion against such
commission" responded the general.
The riotous events of the last few days,
he feared, might he the casting of the
shadows of future events" No one could
see ahead as to Cuba, and il was a most Sc
rious question as to how long it would take
to establish order on a stable and perma-
nent basis on the island. A volunteer re-
serve would not answer. The National
Guard afforded an admirable body of men
Tor ordinary emergencies, such as the
breaking out of riots, but were not best
suited for a regular soldiers life.
When members of the committee referred
TO the superior Intelligence of the volunteers
coming from civil life above that of the
regular soldier, General Corbin said he con-
sidered the regular the equal in intelligence
TO the volunteer, owing to the rigid require
ments now made. The character and inteili-
gence of the men who went into the San
uago campaign was second to none that ever
saw service, he declared.
The general was asked II he had received
any complaints from the volunteers as 70
their treatment during the recent war. He
said he was yet to hear a complaint from
a volunteer soldier Such complaints as
came were from outside sources. knowing
nothing about the facts and conditions.
Would it be proper under military usage
for a subordinate to submit complaint ?"
asked Mr.. Hay.
Not only proper, but it is the very thing
he should do" answered General Corbin
Mr. Mahaney and Mr.. Eenton. specifying
complaints reaching them, General Corbin
reiterated that he had never received a COM
plant adding that he had asked volunteers
with whom he had come in contact as to
their views. Chairman Hull added the
statement that the army Jared well or
better than any army that had ever taken
the field.
exact forecast could be made as TO the
Philippines, the possibility of trouble, etc.
Aguinaldo was reputed to have an army
of $4,000 men. but what that army would
do no one could tell. 1t was too large a
field of conjecture TO enter upon In this
off-hand way.
Owing to opportunities of congressman
for the release of volunteers the Associated
Press was requested to send General Cor
bins statement that point. He said:
1.-The department is disposed to deal very
leniently as to letting off men who are
needed at home. In some cases colonies have
been instructed to reduce companies TO
eighty men so as to let off men who were
urgently needed at home And even below
eighty we making discharges on salts
factory statements that the presence OF the
men are needed at home.
The House committee on appropriations
continued it's hearings on the army DEN
cheney bill to-day, General Miles being be-
fore the committee for more than an hour.
The pending proposition is an amendment,
supported by several members. providing
for the immediate muster out of $4,000 vol
unteerS. 1t is understood that Secretary
Alger and Assistant Secretary Mikeljohn
opposed such a provision and Adjutant
General Corbin said. in view of the recon-
mendation of the Cuban military commits
sion that it would not be advisable. Cen
eral Miles said to-day that he thought 25.00
men would be enough for Cuba. He sa id
the island must in time, and at an early
day be policed by natives. who should be
recruited into the army under American
officers. Americans could not stand the CHI
mate unless they were immunes. He
thought the standing army should be in
creased to $4,000 men, and said at least some
of the volunteers should be continued in
service until the increase was made