Willmar tribune., 1898-12-07
CUBANS At TIE CAPITAL.
The Commissioners Will Present q
Scheme for Internal Peace on
the Island.
FUTURE OF The COUNTRY AND PEOPLE.
Disposition Of the InsurHent Army In
One OF the Leading Questions-ISen.
Garcia Talks About Annexation
Has Confidence in the Government
of the United States.

Washington, Dec. 1.-The members
Of the commission delegated toyvisit the
United States to discuss with officials
Of this government the many problems
which confront both Cubans and Amer
leans on the island have arrived in
Washington. The mmission is head
ed by Gen. CaliXto Garcia, the veteran
soldier and leader.
The cuban Army.
In general sense it is the purpose
Of the commission to discuss with the
officials of the administration all ques-
tions relating to the future of the island
and its people. 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:
1T would be a hardship for the Cut- I
army to disband at this time without re-
ceiving pay for its services in the field.
When the revolution began the Cubans left
their homes to fight for the freedom and
Independence of the island. Through the
assistance of the United States the yoke
of Spain has been thrown off forever, 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 where
by they may be given sufficient means to
gain new start in life"
Annexation.
Concerning the proposition which has
been made to annex the island to the
United States, Gen. Garcia said:
II do not think that it is question which
can be discussed or settled at present. be-
cause the congress Of the United States
has declared by most solemn enactment
that the people of Cuba ought to be tree
and independent l have such faith in the
honor and integrity of the United States
that / am satisfied that declaration of
congress will be carried out. Other thin~s
are matters of time and detail"
Acting In Good Faith.
Gen. Garcia says the Cubans are act
ing in the utmost good faith, and that
they believe the United States govern
1nent is acting and will continue to act
in the same way. He and other Cubans
are willing to join this government in
lis effort to obtain for the island free,
independent and stable government.
He believes the Cuban people are pre-
pared to establish and maintain such a
government, and is satisfied that time
will demonstrate the accuracy of his
views. He has no objection to the send
ing of American troops to the island to
afford the population protection pend
ing the establishment of the new gov
ernment and the creation, under that
government, of proper army and po-
lice force. Indeed, he says, the Cubans
themselves are willing to be enlisted as
such garrison force, in whole or in part
as this government may deem desir-
able, but suggests that when Amer
ican soldiers are sent to the island
they be placed under smart restraint
in order to prevent the recurrence of
such affairs as that at San Luis. In
making this comment, Gen. Garcia dis
claimed any reflection upon the Amer
lean army. for which he expresses the
highest respect.