The Indianapolis journal., 1898-12-01
Money Needed to Reimburse the In
surgent Soldiers for Their Long
Services in the Field.
BLANCO EN- ROUTE TO SPAIN
SAILED FROM HAVANA YESTERDAY
ON THE STEAMER VILLAVERDE.
His Departure Unmarked by Cere-
mOny-CastcIIanO Not Pleased
with the Food Given Soldiers.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3O-The members
Of the commission delegated to visit the
United States to discuss with officials Of
this government the many problems which
confront both Cubans and Americans on
the island arrived in Washington this even
ing on the Pennsylvania congressional linn
tied from New York. The commission is
headed by Gen. Calxto Garcia, the veteran
soldier and leader. Associated with him on
the commission arc Maj. Gen. Jose Miguel
Gomez, who won distinction by his gal
lantry in the late revolution; Col Manuel
Sanguilly, Jose Antonio Gonzales Lanuza
and Col. Jose r. Villalon, a civil engineer
who served on the staff of General Maceo
Senor Valone is the secretary of the COM
mission. The commissioners were met at
the station by Senor Gonzales de Quesada
and Senor Casanova. Accompanying the
commissioners were Horatio s. Rubens
counsel in New York of the Cuban govern
ment and Richard Kohh The party went
directly TO the Raleigh Hotel, where apart
n1ents had been reserved for them. 1t is the
present expectation of General Garcia and
the other commissioners to remain in Wash
ington about ten days. Tomorrow General
Garcia will call upon Secretary of War AL
Stis buS uSyOlll lllftl Ccii ITO arrangements
have been perfected for the movements of
the commission.
In a general sense. it is the purpose of
the commission to discuss with the officials
OF the administration all questions relate,
ing to the future of the island and its pep
pie. One of the principal questions will be
that relating to the disposition of the Cuban
army. In the course of an interview. Gen.
Garcia said it would be a hardship for the
Cuban army to disband at this time with
out receiving pay for it's services in the
field. When the revolution began the Gu
bans left their homes to fight for the
freedom and independence of the island
Through the assistance of the United States
the yoke of Spain had been thrown off for
ever, and the soldiers are now anxious to
return once more TO peaceful pursuits In
a majority of cases, however, their homes
have been destroyed and their lands laid
waste. They hope some method may be
provided whereby they may be given suffi-
cient means to gain a new start in life.
General Garcia has no suggestion to make
as to the method of providing this means,
but expresses the hope of obtaining
through the assistance of this country, a
sufficient amount partly to reimburse the
Cubans for their services in the field. This
sum may be advanced on the security Of
the Cuban revenues or obtained in any
other way that might be satisfactory to
this country General Garcia says that the
Cuban government stands pledged to pay
its soldiers and will in good faith live up
to any agreement that may be made for
the adjustment of the temporary difficulty
Concerning the proposition which has
been made to annex the island to the
United States. General Garcia said: II do
not think that is a question which can be
discussed or settled at present, because the
Congress of the United States has declared
by most solemn enactment that the people
of Cuba ought to be free and independent.
have such faith in the honor and integ-
rity of the United States that 1 am satis-
fed that declaration of Congress win be
carried out. Other things are matters of
time and detail"
General Garcia says the Cubans are act
ing in the utmost good faith and that they
believe the United States government is
acting and will continue to act lii the same
way. He and other Cubans are willing to
join this government in its effort to obtain
for the island free, independent and sta
BILE government. He believes the Cuban peo-
pie are prepared to establish and maintain
SONA O. SONNi hAASiiN alAN - ildb
time will demonstrate the accuracy of his
views. He has no objection TO the sending
of American troops to the island to afford
the population protection, pending the
tablshment of the new government and the
creation under that government, of a prop
er army and police force. Indeed, he says,
the Cubans themselves are willing to be en-
listed as such garrison force, in whole or
in part, as this government may deem de-
srable, but suggests that when American
soldiers are sent TO the island they be
placed under smart restraint. i'm order TO
prevent the recurrence of such affairs as
that at San Luis In making this comment.
General Garcia disclaimed any reflection
upon the American army for which he ex-
presses the highest respect.