New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-08

COLONEL HECKER'S PLANS APPROVED
BY SECRETARY ALGER.
TROOPS TO RE orARTERED At MARIANAo-PRE-
CAUTIONS AGAINST INFECTION.

TROOPS TO RE CHARTERED At MARIANA0-PRE-
CAUTIONS AGAINST INFECTION.
Washington. Nov 7--Coonel Hecker with
Colonel Lee. Of the board which was sent 10
Cuba 10 select camp sites for the American
Army ot Occupation. has reached Washington
and has had several conferences with the Presi-
dent and Secretary Alger. During colonel
Hecker's absence in Cuba ne made several re-
ports by mail and although he probably VIII
supplement these by another report. he has al
ready communicated verbally 10 the President
end Secretary Alger the salient facts OF the
forthcoming statement. Acting on TINS report
ARRANGEMENTS are being made for the reception
of the troops Secretary Ager has approved tho
locations selected by the Hrcker Board for the
principal garrison which win be in the neigh
borhood Of Havana.
The place selected lies about eight miles south
of Havana in the neighborhood of the town of
Marianao for Colonel Hecker advises strongly
against the quarterirg of unacclimated troops
in permanent structures which may be infected
with fever Two camps will he pitched at this
point one on either side Of the splendid aque-
duct. which supplies Havana with water This
acouoduct will he tapned and the water drawn
lv steam pumps from it to supply 'he camps
which will be pitched on a plateau one hundred
feet above the sea level. The greatest care has
been given to sound hygienic conditions in the
selection.
MEASURES To PRE- ENT INFECTION.
Al the nearest point to the camp on tho sea
beach pior is being constructed. and while it
will not reach watcr deep enough to permit INC
accommodation Of large transports it viii
serve to receive good-sized lighters. The troops
Will be- landed al this point and marched di-
rectlv 10 the camp. the purpose being to avoid
exposure to possible infection in Havana The
work on this pier is being pushed with the
greatest energy. and its construction has given
employment % about fifteen hundred insurgen'
soldiers. who were glad to receive the oppo"-
tunity 10 make a pcacoahlc living by toll
Colonel Bliss who was member NJ the Camp
Site Board has been left in Havana to carry
ont the orders Of tho Department in the execu-
tion ~ tho Board plans. He will SOC n It
that before single soldier reaches camp water
connections viii 10 provided. transportation
routes opened ur hoard floors placed and tents
pitched. Similar arrangements are being made
in the noighborhood ~ Puerto Principe. which
will be the first point to b. garrisoned, the
principle being observed there. as in the case
Of the Havana garrison. of keeping the troops
from direct contact with the towns. This Is
done under the best medical advice. but ono con
sequence Of the adoption Of the rule is to obigo
the Government to look to some other power
than the military to police the towns
PRAISES HAVANA'S CIVIL GUARD.
Colonel Hecker has been able 10 make most
fattcring report as to the good qualities Of what
il known as the Guarde Cva in Havana for
this work The mon composing this force are
usually chosen from the best men in the army.
and. at any rate All arc picked for their physi-
cal and Intellectual qualities. They are able
To command al once the respect and obedience
OF the rather restless Havana population even
better than soldiers. II is not doubted that
they would be- willing 10 continue in the DIS
charge Of their duties when tn" United States
takes militar! possession of Havana. and If this
can he arrangcd the Government Will feel chat
q great load of responsibility has been lifted.
Already numerous incidents have happened IN
some Of the towns. not only in cuba. but in the
Philippines 70 show that the United States sol
der is utterly untitled for the task Of policing
towns in time Of peace. this unftnesS being
founded not only on ignorance OF the customs
OF the people but on a strong rcpugnance to
that kind Of duty
It may be thai Congressional authorization
would be required for the employ ment Of the
Guarde Civllia In the manner suggested. but il
is believed that assert will be speedily given
to the proposition when il is preached by Secre-
tarv Alger. One strong recommendation for the
plan j. the fact that 1t will serve 10 give en-
ployment to a number OF people who otherwise
might be a charge upon the community. 1t IS
understood that the mere suggestion that the
Civi. Guard will be employed has given grcai
satisfaction 10 the Cubans Colonel Hecker Suf-
fered severely in health while in Cuba, and was
reduced at least thirty pounds In flesh though
he began 10 improve as soon as he started North