The times., 1898-10-07
WORK OF PREPARATION.
Active Measures for Taking Posses
sion of Cuba

sion of Cuba
Active steps are being taken by the
War Department for the occupation of
Cuba by the American forces at an early
date. perhaps within three weeks.
Orders for the preliminary work are
being issued already. so that when the
troops reach the island they will find
their camp sites and supply depots in
readiness for them.
The commissary department Is prepar-
ing for the shipment of vast quantities OF
food supplies to Cuba. and as the stormy
season is almost at hand, it is proposed
to send large supplies of such staples as
hardtack, salt beef and pork. sugar and
coffee during the present month so that
it will not be necessary to make many
shipments during the severe Winter
months.
The subsistence officers will also be au-
thorized to purchase in Cuba fresh sup
plies, such as beef and vegetables. as
they are required by the troops.
In addition to the several commissary
officers who were directed Wednesday to
proceed to different points on the island
and establish supply depots for the army,
the following order was issued yester-
day afternoon:
by direction OF the Secretary of War
Capt Samuel W. Ham, assistant quarter
master, United States volunteers. will
proceed from Washington, D. c., to Tam
pa. Fla, and take the steamer Mascotte,
sailing from that place on Monday, Oc-
tober 10, and proceed thereon TO Havana,
| Cuba, where, upon his arrival. he will re-
port to the commanding officer of the
United States troops for assignment to
duty as disbursing, purchasing, and is
suing quartermaster at Nuevitas, Puerto
Principe province. Cuba"
Capt. Jacques de L. Lafitte, assistant
quartermaster United States Volunteers.
has also been ordered to proceed to He-
yana ON the Mascotte for assignment to
duty as disbursing. purchasing and issu-
ing agent at Gibara, Santiago de Cuba
Province.
Lieut. Col. Charles W. Williams has
been ordered to Havana TO take charge OF
the principal quartermaster's depot to b.
established there. Large quantities OF
uuartermaster' stores are being prepared
for shipment to Havana. which will ba
the principal point OF distribution.
report on the progress of the work
of selecting camp sites In Cuba Tor the
| army of occupation was made 10 the
! War Department yesterday afternoon by
! Col. ]. G. C. Lee, who is at the head
/ of the special board recently appointed
! TO make the selections. The boards 5 rec
/ ommendation that garrison quarters for
/ the troops composing the army OF occn-
/ nation be provided at Havana, MatanZaS,
( Mariel. Cfenfuegos and Gibara, has been
| approved by Secretary Alger. The worh
! of constructing barracks, hospitals ana
/ other necessary buildings at these points
! will now be hurried and large force OF
! mechanics will be employed for the pur-
( pose. The board Will start for Cuba IN
! few days.
! Another special military board, OF
which Col Hecker and Major Warins
/ are members has already started lot
| Cuba to visit the cities where mih'arS
/ posts are to be established with view
! 90 taking measures for the improvement
! of the sanitary conditions Oh lie ei'ies
/ named.
! of occupation are the First Infantry Bri-
/ gada composed of the Fifteenth United
! states Infantry and the Fourth United
/ states Volunteer Infantry. under conl-
| mand of Brig. Gen. Snyder; the Second
| Infantry Brigade, composed of the First
| United States Infantry and the SlNh
| United States Volunteer Infantry, COM
| manded by Brig. Gen. Williston, and a
cavalry brigade composed of the Sew
! enth and Eighth United States Cavalry
| commanded by Brig. Gen. Carpenter
| These troops will start for Cuba. If the
| War Department program Is carried out
| between October 20 and the last OF the
| month II is expected that Gen Lee .
| army the Seventh Corps. will start Tor
| the island about November 10.