Evening star., 1898-10-28
SPANISH ARMY IN CUBA
Over 100000 Troops of All Glasses Scat.
tered Over the Island.
Many Expected to Remnin-Eyacua-
'ioh Looked for by January l.
Former Foes May BE Enlisted.

Information recently received at the War
department indicates that the Spanish army
IN cuba is much larger than had been orig
lhally supposed. Recent adyices to the ad-
Jutant general show that there are now
over 2oo,oOo Spanish troops of all classes
including volunteers, scattered throughout
the Island. This number does not include
the troops deported from Santiago. Most of
the spanish soldiers remaining on the is
land are congregated in the vicinity of Ha-
V&na, Matanzas and Cardenas, awaiting
transportation to Spain. OF the number
there are about 5000 volunteers under
arms. There is an impression that about
loo,oOo of the Spanish soldiers will take ad-
vantage of Gen. Blanco's recent prcpcsi-
tlon and remain in Cuba after the formal
surrender OF Spanish sovereignty The Of
hciais mere are satisfied that the evacuation
OF the island by the Spanish army will be
practically accomplished before the LIST of
January, the date now set for the United
states government to take absolute posses-
sion. 10 accomplish this it will be neces-
sary Tor Spain to transport about 100 900
so-uieis Wltnln the next two months.
Spanish May Be Enlisted
1t is probable that many of the soldiers
row serving the Spanish king, who have
cchcluded TO remain in Cuba will be en-
listed in the United States army for garri-
son duty, after the formal occupation has
taken place. 1t is said that the President
ana his cabinet have given the subject
tut troush consideration and have concluded
that II would be a wise step to provide en-
pioyment for a limited number Of Cuban
and Spanish residents by enlisting them in
TO the United States army. There is no in
tentlon TO discriminate against any class of
residents, and Spanish soldiers regulars or
volunteers, who may elect 20 remain on the
he a
Undoubtedly be accepted for military 6uty
there.
Secretary AIGer's Recommendation
In his annual report to Congress, Secre-
taly Alger will recommend the enactment
OF legislation and appropriations for the
maintenance of the armies to be kept in
our new colonial possessions for the next
iscal year. He will request that authority
be expressly given for the enlistment of
CUBAN and Spanish soldiers 1t is estimated
that there are many thousands of men in
tne regular and volunteer armies of Spain
VINO VIII elect to remain in Cuba under the
new regime and large percentage of them
VIII seek enlistment in the ranks of the
american army if the doors are oDened to
them 1t is also estimated that there are
about 60,UD Cuban Insurgents who wculJ
accept service in the ranks OF the Amert-
can army.
The Garrison for Cuba
The authorities have no intention of TAX
ing so great a number into the United
states service, as it is estimated that not
mora than $1,000 men altogether will be
necessary to form the garrisons now con-
templated for Cuba. The Cu1ans first en-
isted will be selected with great care 1t
is not proposed at first to acc~pl Cubans as
organizations. but to enlist The men indi-
vldually and assign than 10 regular regi-
ments with American troops
The War Department proposes to give
employment as far as possible, TO residents
OF the Island, not only in the army, but in
connection with other works that may be
undertaken. BY thus encourag ging indus
try, the authorities hope to avoid any clash
with the insurgents and to be able t. es:ab-
llsh without delay a stable government