The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-08-19
TO DlSBANO THE CUBAN ARMY.
The President Thinks il Should be the
First step Toward Restoring Order.


WASHINGTON. August H.-PIesident
Mckinley and the members Of his Caoi-
net are unanimous in the determination
that one Of the first official acts toward
bringing about q restoration OF peace ana
order I'm cuba should be the disbandment
OF the Cuban Army. As there Is no
longer a Spanish army IN the neld IN
Cuba, there is no longer any reason LOT
the existence Of the cuban army ana IL
Is therefore 20 be regularly mustered out
of service The administration mas no
idea. however OF adopting the QuiXouc
idea of paving the Cuban soldiers for
their services during the war or OF as
suming the responsibility for their pay
ment IL the idea were not in itself al
together a fanciful one there are AZ least
three good reasons why, IN the opinion OF
the President, IL would not be wise 10
adopt H.
Flrst-The United States would not un-
der any circumstances be justified IN pay
ing debt it does not owe.
Second-There is no appropriation OUT
OF which such payment could pc haue'
and Il would be necessary for congress
to first appropriate the money.
Third-TO place such "a large sum or
money as would be required i'm the hands
of the destitute and impoverished rank
and file Of the insurgent army would re-
suit In their utter Generalization and De
responsible for all sorts OF disorders.
The President has, however a plan In
mind by which the insurgent army can
be disbanded without the necessity or
turning the soldiers adrift with no sort
of recognition Of their services. The plan
contemplates the granting OF an honoFa-
bic discharge TO each soldier. accompa-
MED by a certificate Of service and 4
promssory obligation signed by the
Cuban General in command. 20 be made
good out OF the public resources when the
Cubans shall have established the stable
government which the United States lhas
pledged itself 10 help bring into existence
In addition 10 thus providing for the
soldiers OF the Cuban army the plan I'M
der consideration by the President con-
templates the mastering into the United
States Volunteer army Of a large num-
Der Of Cuban soldiers who are American
citizens Their services could be used
10 good advantage as members OF the
various immune regiments 20 be main
tanned on garrison duty In Cuba The
plan above outlined has the approval
OF some Of the highest officers OF the
Cuban army and IS likely 10 DO put
into operation very soon.
General Wheeler told the President
and the Secretary of War to-day that
when the mass Of the Cubans came 20
understand the United States, IFS purpose
and aims. and learned something Of its
language, they would be perfectly well
satisfied. At present great disoppoint-
ment is felt at the refusal Of the Amer
ican officers to permit the Cubans TO en-
ter in and take possession Of Santiago
when II was surrendered By General
Toral.
The Cuban people are suspicious.
proud. not easy 70 accept confidence, but
brave and loyal 10 those to whom they
give their friendship. General Wheeler
admitted that the process OF reaching
the confidence OF the Cubans would be
slow and the occupation Of the island
bv the United States might be prolonged
for several years.-New York sun.