The times., 1898-09-28
THE OCCUPATION OF CUBA
A Division Of the Garrison
Force Ordered Formed.
GEN. WADE NAY COMMAND
He Has Reen Recommended by Gen.
Miles-The Troops VIII Probably
begin Their Stay on the Island by
November 1-Western Provinces to
BE Evacuated First.

The detailed plans for the military
occupation of Cuba have been determined
by the War Department, as far as 1t is
possible to do so before definite informa-
ton in regard to the result of the Ha-
vana Commissions deliberations is re-
ceived in Washington.
The organization of troops into a divi-
sion, preparatory to dispatch to the ISL
and, was begun in an order issued from
the War Department. directing that a cav
airy brigade consisting of the Seventh
and Eighth Regiments and an infantry
brigade consisting of the Fourth and Fiji
teenth Regiments, and second infantry
brigade consisting of the First and Sixth
Regiments be organized at Huntsville,
Ala. The commanding officers for these
briGades were designated and directions
were given for supplying the organiza-
tions with the usual materials necessary
for field duty
The exact date on which troops will
leave the United States for Cuba has
not been determined, despite the fact that
October 20 was mentioned In a confden-
tial telegram to commanding officers at
Huntsville as the date on which the
troops are to be ready 10 start.
1t is probable that several days will
be occupied in getting the troops TO
Charleston and Savannah, and TO such
other points as may be selected for en-
barkation and in loading the troops on
board ship. 1t Is probable, therefore,
that the occupation of Cuba by our
troops will not begin before November l.
Acting Secretary MeikIejohn said yes
terday afternoon that the occupation OF
battery posts would probably be begun
at the western end of the islands and
proceed gradually eastward as the Span
ish garrisons should be withdrawn The
arrangement, so far as agreed upon be-
tween the Spanish and American Com
missioners at Havana, is that the Span
ish forces shall withdraw from the west
ern provinces first. II will probably be
some time before Havana is occupied by
our forces.
There will be no large expeditions to
Cuba, and the occupation of the island by
a military force will be brought about
gradually. Troops will not be sent faster
than Spanish troops are withdrawn, al
though the withdrawal of the Spanish
forces will be urged forward as rapidly
as the transportation facilities will per-
nit
The quartermaster generals depart
ment is making preparations TO transport
our troops to Cuba safely and comforta-
bly,. The fact that there were no at
tacks of the enemy to fear and no haste
will be necessary will make IL possible for
the quartermaster's department to insure
facility and comfort.
The War Department has decided TO
send five divisions of troops to Cuba for
garrison duty. Each division will prob
ably consist of three brigades of only two
regiments each. II has been decided TO
establish the headquarters Of the several
commands at Havana, Puerto Principe
and Santiago. 1t is certain that Major
General Wade will be assigned to the
chief command, being stationed at Ha-
vana Gen. Lawton will continue in
charge at Santiago and Gen. Fitzhugh
Lee will have the chief command at
Puerto Principe.
Gen. Wheeler will have command of the
cavalry forces in the island, which will
form one of the five divisions of troops
to be stationed at the several garrisons.