The age-herald., 1898-05-14
WOULD FIGHT
 IN THE RANKS Gen. Fitzhugh Lee Only Desires to Serve His Country. HAS NOT RECEIVED ORDERS The President Has Not Yet Intimated Where or When Gen. Lee Shall Begin Active Ser vice-ls Ready to Accept What
 ever Orders That Come
'om the Washington Times.

From the Washington Times.
 The following interview was granted to the Times yesterday by Major General Lee:
 "Is. there any truth in the story that you are going to have a desk near that of Sec- retary Alger in the war department until Cuba is occupied, and that you are then to be made the dictator or military gover- nor of the island until such time as the insurgents have established stable form of government, under the supervision of the United States?" was asked.
 'I have heard nothing of it." was the re- ply, spoken slowly and with the emphasis which attaches to truthful statement. Then General Lee added: 'I do not yet know what they are going to do with me. General Miles has been ordered to remain in Washington, hear. We'll the president is the ommander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and he knows his business"
 "You do not know. then, when you will be sent to the front?'
 II do not-they have told me nothing about 1t. I am awaiting orders just the same as any soldier in the ranks-where by the way, would just as soon fight as anywhere else. My services are at the dis posal of the government. and it can do what it rleases with me-"
 Do ycu think that we should hold the Philippines ?''
 "By all means! They are ours by right of conquest, and we must hold them. They are ours by right"
 Painful Experience in Cuba
 ''You must have seen some trying times during your stay in Cuba," was remarked, tentatively.
 "Yes, did!" There was world of sad ness in the words. For over two years had the daily strain or whatever you call it, of knowing that I was among f1ends who would not hesitate to take my life if they were not watched carefully. I saw scenes which will not leave my mind, try as I will to forget them, and am de- termined to do whatever I can to rescue those helpless beings from their plight"
 no you think that the Cubans are en- tirely capable of governing themselves?"
 That is something I cannotetalk about. You will have to pardon me-" he said, courteously. 4s
 ''Then you do not think that they really are able to look after themselves?"
 "You must excuse me-"
 It was evident that General Lee would not commit nlniSelI un tn6 SuDJeCl.
 "But they have some very able men in their government, as it now exists, have they not?'
 ''Oh, yes! Alle and vigorous-minded.'
 "Why could they not select only such men as these to take the leading places in their new republic, after the United States has recognized it?"
 q suppose they will do so," was the cautious reply.
 ''Tkere is stIong sentiment of love for ycu in the fearts of the American people. General-I suppose you are aware of it?"
 "Yes, know they believe did my duty" was the simple reply. Then he added: 'They are very kind.''
 DO I understand, then, General, that you would not accept the dictatorship. practically, of Cuba, until a stable form Of government, such as referred to by the president and by the congress. is estab lished?"
 T will do whatever the president directs me to do."
 "one thing more. General-have you re- ceiyed definite orders as to when you are to proceed to Cuba for active duty at the front?"
 "No. sir, have not"