Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-12
THE ARMY OF OCCUPATION.

It looks as though the war would be
over soon. Spain cannot do aught else
than submit TO our terms. Her forces
will be withdrawn from Cuba and Porto
Rico, and from such portions of the Phil
ippines as we may claim for our own.
For all these possessions garr1sons will
be needed. In Cuba n large army will
be required until the insurgents have be-
come peaceably disposed towards the
Spanish residents. Indeed there are
many thoughtful men who believe that
no one now living will ever see the time
when there is not an American army i'm
Cuba. BE that as it may, we all know
that, for the present, a; least all the
towns there will have to be garrisoned.
Now, the question is: Are we to keep in
service as many of the volunteer regi-
ments as we shall need in addition to
the regulars, or shall Congress be appeal
ed 10 TO increase the regular army?
In each volunteer regiment there will
be found many officers and men who
are anxious TO return to their homes and
business pursuits as soon as the treaty
OF peace is signed. There are many
others who would as lief as not fill out
their two years enlistment, and serve
wherever ordered. Here, then, we have
two classes OF men in the volunteers
Ihose who are willing TO stay, and those
who are DESTROYS OF being discharged
as soon as possible.
After making some enquiry into the
subject, we entertain no doubt at all
that it would be in the power of our
government TO discharge all the men who
wish 10 be discharged at the close of the
war. and still have enough volunteers
to assist the regulars in furnishing the
garrisons for Cuba, Porto Rico, and the
Philippines.
1t would be well for the country that
the men in the army who have impor-
fant business interests at home should
be discharged. The army will not need
them after peace is declared, but their
business will. On the other hand, we
do not see why those volunteers who
wish TO. fill out their two years term
OF service should not be allowed to do so.
There are now 100000 volunteers in the
Aeld. Let us suppose one out of three
Of the volunteer regiments would be
needed. Would IT not be feasible 20
retain In service one-third of the regi-
ments. and let them ill their ranks to
the maximum with volunteers from other
regiments? If not. then the govern |
ment will have to keep IN Cuba, Porto |
Rico. and Manila such commands as are |
already there, or may be sent there soon, |
and disbsnd all other regiments. Or, |
Congress might authorize the increase |
OF the regular army 10 100000 or l25,Ou |
men. But we doubt IL that would be
popular move; certainly. 1t would not be
with such of the volunteer regiments
as are willing 20 stay in service to the
end of the two years.
II is certain that, for a year or two
10 come. our country must maintain a
very considerable army. The regulars
number about 5000 and. for the pre-
tent. we guess Congress will be 10th TO
authorize an increase. IL so. the other
troops we need must be taken from the
volunteers. Now, could not that be
lone so as TO release those soldiers who
have urgent reasons for wishing 10 come
nome. and have their places filed by those
Who desire to play soldier for some time
onger! Let the War Department think
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