Evening star., 1898-06-21
GEN. ROSSER'S ASSIGNMENT
To Command Division at Ohickamauga, but
Expects to Go to Cuba.
His Views of War and Predictions as
to the Future of the United
States.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va, June 20
Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, the ex-confeder-
ate cavalry leader. who was a few days
ago confirmed by the United States Senate
as brigadier general of United States VOL
unteers, is at his home In this city for a
day or two, preparatory to entering upon
his new duties.
Gen. Rosser has been assigned to the
| command Of one of the divisions in the I'd
at Chickamauga Park, and will leave for
that point. he said. tomorrow or next day.
In answer to questions from The Star re-
porter Gen. Rosser said he did not expect
to remain long at Chckamauga but would
accompany an expedition to Cuba. He fur
ther said he has been assured by President
Mckinley that 1t is the latter's intention
to give him the authority to wear an adj
ditfonal star; IN other words, promote him
to the rank of major general as soon as
there is an opportunity to do so.
Asked If he expected to again visit his
home here before the close of hostilities
Gen. Rosser replied. laconically:
Not unless l am brought home on a
litter"
When the hope was expressed that no
such mishap would befall him the generals
answer was:
Il have had experience of that kind.
was most unfortunate during our late war
having been wounded nine times, and l
may have to go through a somewhat SIM
liar experience in our fight with Spain.
Il was opposed to the war" Gen. Rosser
went on to say, until war was declared by
our government, but now hope that oper-
atlonS Will be prosecuted vigorously, with
the view that the trouble shall be ended as
quickly as possible.
Il do not share the opinion Of many that
W hs of T haIin thn
Spaniards will make a determined resist
al ce, and that it will be a considerable time
before they ale brought to terms. Nor do
believe that ought to permanently hold
the Philippine Islands. l believe we
should retain them until the war indem-
nifty. which may be demanded shall be
paid, but not longer. AS to Cuba and Porto
Rico, the conditions are different, and I
think We ought to own them, and believe
we will.
Future Policy.
THE outcome of the war between the
United States and Spain will be, undoubt
edly, in my judgment. a widening of the
influence of the American republic in the
affairs Of the nations of the world the
building up of a powerful navy and the
establishment of large standing army.
To do this means immense expenditures
which must be provided for by increased
taxation. and this, in turn, means adding
to the burdens of the people generally.
But tn, die is cast, and our great nation
cannot afford to take any steps backWa rd."
Gen. Rosser was asked to explain what
he meant by a remark made by him not
long since that 1.-The United States govern
ment was not in need Of former confed-
crates who would not be able to mount
horse unless aided by the use Of a ladder"
and he replied:
Il used the expression you quoted, and
this was the occasion which gave rise to
it: One evening l was called UP over the
telephone at my house by friend in Char
lottesville, and asked If I had offered my
services to the United States government.
I replied had not. Just then there came
into my mind the recollection that 1 had
not long before read of an aged general on
the confederate side who had said he was
willing to go to the front. although as a
matter of fact, he cannot hear thunder;
and of another, who is SO nearly blind that
he has to have some one to lead him about
and of still another who is about as help
less as either of those above referred to.
So 1 added the words which you mentioned
to my previous message, and believe now
as l did then about the matter.
Il know Of one former confederate briga-
dier who is very anxious to have a COM
mand in the present war, and he has been
to see President Mckinley about it. The
President asked me what / thought in ref
erence to his application, adding:
- think, he Is nearly seventy years
of age, he Is too old. The best thing would
be for his constituents to re-elect him to
his present place.
'I told the President I was not so sure
that his constituents would do this. The
President did not seem to think the condi-
ton Of the gentleman's political fences in
his district imposed the duty upon the gov
ernment of providing him with a position
in the army at good salary, and l am
quite sure the applicant will not be ap-
pointed
High Regard for Gen. Miles.
Gen. Rosser said he was very anxious to
see the President again, before leaving
Washington for the front, Saturday last,
but had to deny himself the pleasure
There were so many persons waiting at the
White House to ask for appointment on his
(Gen. Rosser's) staff that he was afraid, II
he also called at the Executive Mansion,
something embarrassing might transpire.
1.-The President" Gen. Rosser added 'is
very approachable, but he will do much
| in response to a letter as to a personal ap-
! plication and will write to him what in
tended to say had met him Saturday"
The general has a high regard for Gen.
Miles, and says he does not think 1t at all
| does. to be made lieutenant general
| Every soldier" said he, "ought to have
| ambition. That is an incentive for deeds
| of valor. Gen. Miles was the greatest In
| regard him as a very able man. The fact
that he did not graduate at West Point
| ought not to count against him, for he
| graduated at a greater schooEthat of the
| field. When a man can rise from the posi-
| tion of dry goods clerk to that of major
] general commanding the United States
| army there must be something in him. 1
| think Gen. Miles ought to have the higher
rank.
| Death of Mrs. Mary w. Kelly.
Mrs. Mary w. Kelly widow of Moses