The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-21
GEN. LEE REJOINS HIS CORPS.
PASSED THROUGH SAVANNAH ON
HIS WAY TO JACKSONVILLE.

Says the Cuban Commission VIII Go
Over to Havana Sept. 10 or 12-His
Corps VIII Go About Oct. L Unless
Gen. BIancO Leaves Before That
Time-In That Event Gen. Lee
would Have 20 Go at Once and As
sumo the GOVernOr-GeneraIs
Gen. Lee Preferred to Remain
with His Corps.
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee OF the Seventh Army
Corps, who has been in Washington for
several days In consultation with admin
istration authorities with reference 10 Gu
ban affairs, passed through Savannah yes
terday by the Plant System on his way
to Jacksonville to rejoin his command.
Gen. Lee was called to Washington be-
fore the appointment of the Cuban COM
mission, the administration having select
ed him as one Of its members. but, as has
been reported, he declined that appoint
ment. saying he preferred to remain in
command Of his corps. Gen. Lee prac-
tically confirmed that statement in an in
terview on the train yesterday morning.
In speaking of coming events in conpec-
ton with the work in Cuba, he said:
From what I learned In Washington
the Cuban commission will go to Havana
about the first of September or to be
more exact, about Sept. 10 or r. My
preference to remain with my corps was
accorded me, and the plan is to send 1t to
Havana as the army of occupation in the
island. In all probability we will be sent
over TO Havana about Oct /, after the
rainy season has passed, unless something
occurs to call for the services of the corps
There at an earlier date. There has been
some talk about Capt. Gen Blanco's leav-
ing the island shortly. In that event the
government would be left without head,
and the forces would have to go to Ha-
vana in that event earlier than Oct. l.
What will be done In that direction, how
ever, must depend on future develop
ments"
Gen. Lee did not care to enter into any
discussion of the coming government of
the island. That Is something which must
be developed in accordance with circum-
stances. Gen. Lee will be the military
governor of Cuba, and in the event of
Blanco's early departure 1t would, of
course, be necessary for him to go over
with his force or a part of it, earlier than
present plans contemplate.
"As to the form of government for
Cuba" Gen. Lee said when questioned on
that Point: There is nothing definite that
can be said at the present time think
the best element of the Cubans and Of
the Spaniards who are natives of the ISL
ana VIII with the proper assistance be
abe 10 form good government for them
selves in the course of time. AOf course,
the United States will have to look after
Cuba for some time to come, a upon it
devolves the present duty of protecting
life, liberty and property"
Gen. Lee is looking extremely we'll and
as a gentleman who was on the train
with him remarked, there Is no doubt
that hard tack and hominy have well
agreed with HIM
Upon the subject of politics In Virginia
Gen. Lee had little to say He stated he
would be candidate for the United States
Senate before the Virginia legislature but
he said little on the subject of his race.
His duties, 1t seems, will call him else
where during the campaign. but he has
many friends I'm the state who will doubt
less see that his interests are well taken
care of. Gen. Lee will be a valuable adj
dition to the Senate, especially in arrang-
Ing the matter of a government for Cuba
Gen. Lee was glad to get back to his
command in which he takes the greatest
interest Recently several regiments have
been added to IL for the purpose of making
up a fun corps of 1900 men, with view
TO sending 1t to Cuba as soon as condi-
tions there will permit. Gen. Lee expressed
himself as glad of the termination of the
war, and believes that the results will be
most beneficial to all concerned.