The San Francisco call., 1898-11-22
GARCIA OPPOSED
 ID ANNEXATION Heads a Commission to See the President. DISCUSSES NEEDS OF CUBA SEES NECESSITY FOR AMERI- CAN OCCUPATION. But Does Not Wish It to Be Perma- nent-Longs for the Dawn of
 the Islands Free
 dom.
DISCUSSES. NEEDS OF CUBA
SEES NECESSITY FOR AMERI.
 CAN OCCUPATION.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

NEW YORK, Nov. 21.-General Ca- nXto Garcia and the other Cuban Com missioners from the Cuban Military As sembly at Santa Cruz del Sur, who are en route to Washington for the purpose of laying before President Mckinley resolution recently adopted by the As- sembly as to the future of the Island of Cuba, arrived to-day on the Ward dne steamer Segurancia-
 General Garcia and the Commission CTS were given an enthusiastic welcome by the members of the local branch of the Cuban Junta and many prominent Cubans Garcia, when seen on the steamer, said;
 T will go to Washington in a day or two to see the President, and after my work in the United States Is accom- plished l will return to Cuba. The Cubans have no other feeling for the Americans than those of friendship and gratitude. As for myself, l believe in American occupation of Cuba until or der has been restored. l believe in the United States having Cuba, but not for ever. l am for free Cuba, and so are all other Cubans. There is no sentiment on the island for annexation. All Cubans have faith in Mir. Mckinley.
 The commission of which l am the head Is not going to Washington with any propositions for the President s consideration. We are going to tell of the country and to better the ar rangements for the districts and in surgent troops, collecting the customs duties and the establishment of a post office system. American occupancy is a necessity-but not forever"
 General Garcia also said that at the Assembly at Santa Cruz del Sur there was the greatest spirit of unity shown. He said that he was in sympathy with General Buffers plan to employ Gu ban soldiers as police.
 T believe the plan is a good one" he aid. The men could be under the di- rectiOn of Cuban colonels, who would report to the general. The present plan is to keep the Cuban soldiers under arms until the Americans come into a district and then the Cuban officers in the district will offer the services of his men to the American officer. Those who are wanted are retained by the American officer and the others are sent home"
 General Garcia said he did not know where the capital of the island would be situated, nor did he know when the first Presidential election would be held. He said the evacuation of the island was progressing ''as slowly as the SpaniardS can do II. They still hate to give up their customs receipts. ,"
 He thought the stories of the trouble with the Spanish soldiers owing to their salaries being in arrears were greatly exaggerated and that in time what was due them would, be paid. General Gar cia said that there was still great suf- fering in the towns, the people lacking food and medicines. In the field. how ever, the men did not want as they were supplied by voluntary contribu- tior~ from the people. which were given in spiee need.
 He said that he had not heard that General Gomez had discharged all the Americans who were acting as officers of the Cuban arm. and that he did not know Gomez was unfriendly to the Americans.
 General Jose Miguel Gomez, who is not a relative to the commander in chief, said there was no truth in the stories that General Gomez was un- friendly to the Americans.
 T received orders from General Gomez to assist the Americans when they landed" he said, "and to facilitate their movements in every way. I did so, and since then the orders have not been rescinded."