The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-19
In Preventing Rapine, Incendiarism
and other Forms of LaVvlessneSs
and in Restoring Peace.
OCCUPATION PLHNS CHANGED
CIENFUEGOS TO BE THE LAST PLACE
EVACUATED BY sPANIARDS.
Only About One-Half of the Troops
First Designated Likely to Be Sent
to Cuba-BriEandaGe Near Havana.


session to-day was devoted to a large ex-
tent to consideration of complaints that
have reached the War Department alleging
that state of practical anarchy prevails
in Porto Rico. These complaints asserted
that the lawless elements in Porto Rico are
committing depredations of the gravest
character and that the seriousness of the
situation is increased by reason of the fact
that United States troops stationed in the
island likewise have been guilty of gross
misconduct. The Cabinet took cognizance
of the reports and on adjournment Secre-
tary Alger, at the instance of the President,
cabled General Brooke inquiring as to the
accuracy of the complaints.
The most serious allegations are against
brigands and lawless elements in the
smaller towns away from the coast. 1t is
said that, taking advantage of the unset
tied state of the country due to the trans
fer Of the government from Spain to the
United States, bands of men have organ
lied for robbery and rapine, burning houses
and plantations and levying tribute upon
the people wherever possible. In one case
it is said that they made raid on a small
town Of about $1,000 inhabitants, fifteen
miles from the nearest troops and burned
and destroyed property to a considerable
been instructed to use the full strength Of
the military forces at his command for the
suppression of rioting and the restoration
OF peace and order in the land.
The question of opening a port on the
western or southwestern coast of Cuba was
also under consideration by the Cabinet. 1t
appears from information just received that
there are approximately $1,000 Spanish
troops near Cienfuegos, which it was in
tended to occupy first, and this fact may
necessitate the selection of another port
1t is said that the planters in the interior
of the island are in great need OF supplies
and machinery with which to care for the
present sugar crop The plantations in
many parts of the island have been COM
pletely devastated and the machinery
broken up, and unless a new supply can
be had very soon the crop in a measure
will be lost. The presence of the Spanish
troops at Cienfuegos has complicated mat
ters and the government is now undecided
as to what other port should be selected.
Cienfuegos was regarded as a particularly
desirable port, as from it a large part of
the island could be reached by rail. The
Spaniards, it seems, are disposed to evacu-
ate Havana earlier than was expected, but
it is said to be probable that Cienfuegos
will be the last of the large towns they in
tend to evacuate. The government is now
in communication with our evacuation COM
mission at Havana, and another port than
Cienfuegos will likely be decided on within
very short time.
The War Department does not anticipate
any trouble in Porto Rico growing out Of
disorderly conduct of troops recently sent
there. There was some trouble with SOL
diers of the Sixth Immunes and Forty-sev-
enth New York about the time of their
arrival, but it was soon quieted. The lack
of discipline in the volunteer organization
is believed to have been responsible for the
disturbance. but the officers are getting bet
ter control of their men.
Adjutant General Corbin says there is no
intention at present to send the Sixth
Massachusetts and other regiments recently
returned from Porto Rico to Cuba. These
men were given sixty days furlough, but
were not ordered mustered out because it
was thought they might be needed later. If
they are not needed they will not be
called from their furIoughs, but will be
mustered out
AT the War Department to-day there
seemed to be All impression that not nearly
so many troops will be needed in Cuba as
was designated in a general order issued
some time ago. Then three corps were
named ard their stations determined on.
Three regiments were to be sent TO the
province of Cienfuegos, but now it seems
likely that not more than one regiment will
be sent there. Other points where large
garrisons were expected will not have the
quota assigned to them, and perhaps not
more than half of the troops first selected
will have to so to Cuba.
Assistant Secretary VanGerlip sails to-
morrow evening for Porto Rico to familiar
ize himself with the financial conditions Of
the island, its possibilities of revenue, and
its requirements of expenditures. One of
the most difficult problems which presents
itself for solution In connection with the
change in sovereignty is that of the cur
rency. 1t is the assistant secretary's inten-
ton to give especial attention to this SUBJ
jcct with a view of speedy action on the
part of the Treasury Department. His first
port will be San Juan and after looking into
conditions there he viii go overland TO
Ponce, probably visiting Mayaguez to look
into the affairs of the branch bank there
He expects TO return to Washington in
about a month, when he will render his re-
port.
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