The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-21
COMPLETE SURPRISE
Acceptance of Garcia's Resigna-
ton Was Not Expected.
SOLDIERS ARE SUFFERING
A Great Lack of Food Among the Gu
bans-They Have No Money-Pay-
ment OF the Troops a Sc
rious Problem.

New York, Sept 2o.-Major Benjamin
Giberga OF the Cuban army, who arrlv-
ed from Santiago on the transport Port
Victor, was at the headquarters of the
Cuban junta last night. He went to
Cuban in April last. and for a short
time served as secretary to the presi-
dent of the provisional government. He
then Joined General Garcia and be-
came his secretary. Major Giberga, left
General Garcia On September 4. after
the latter's resignation from the Cuban
army. Garcia was then at Baire, with
a few members of his stan. Barre is
about so miles from Santiago, in the
interior of the islands, n is the town
where the present revolution started,
on February "a, 1895.
According to Major GibeTga, The res
ignation of General Garcia and its ac-
complete surprise TO the civil officers
of the Cuban republic. 1t was known
that there was some friction between
the two officers. but no one though
Garcia would resign from the army,
and even If he should present his resig-
nation, they did not believe Gomez
would accept IL. The whole AFFAIR Of
the resignation and acceptance was
carried on without the knowledge Of
the civil authorities. as General Com
ez. as commander-in-chief of the army,
promptly accepted IL without consult
ing the civil authorities.
Major Giberga was inclined to believe
hat Garcia's resignation would cause
no d~issension. although IL 1t had been
rendered prior to the cessation OF hos
Utilities IL might rave been injurious to
the Cuban cause. In speaking of the
conditions now existing in the Interior
OF the island, the major said:
THE Cuban soldiers are suffering for
lack of food. Before peace was declar-
ed they could obtain food by foraglng
from the county. but now they cannot
do this. As a result. the men who have
not been paid since they Joined the ar
my, are suffering from starvation. They
have no money with which to purchase
food, and canno take il from the fields.
The troops should be paid off as soon
as possible and allowed 10 return to
their homes. where they can once more
engage in peaceful pursuits. The BAY
ment OF the troops is, however, a Sc
rious problem, which will have 70 be
solved at an early day.
II do not believe that II will be neces-
sary for the United States to send n
large army TO Cuba. In fact, ! think
10000 men would suffice TO look after
the island. There is nc danger of a
conflict between the Cubans and Span
iards. The latter are pleased that the
war Is over. and are friendly with the
Cubans. AS an illustration of the way
the Spaniards act, ] would say that
just before j left Cuba a party Of Gu
ban officers in uniform went into Hol-
gum and were greeted in a most friend
ly way by the Spanish officers there.
The latter embraced the Cubans and
invited them to breakfast.
"E%verythink was quiet at Santiago
when ] left the city. The people are
satisfied with the way that General
Lawton handles the affair. He is our
teous to all classes of people. Some
improvements are needed there, such
as the r~e-opening of the schools, but
that will come in good time"