Omaha daily bee., 1899-05-20
BROOKE ASKS FOR ORDERS
Refers Request of 0ubans Concerning Sur
render of Arms to the President.
LIKELY TO IGNORE THE MALcoNTeNTs
In Case Agreement liz Not Reached
Soon United states VIII Deal Di-
rectly with the Privates
of the Cuban Army.

WASHINGTON, May 19.-"It is the sheer
est nonsense" said Secretary Alger today, in
commenting upon the published story that
the president or himself had countermanded
any order made by General Brooke relative
to the disarmament of the Cuban troops.
The state of the case, in brief is as fol-
lows: The president canvassed very thor
oughly with Secretary Alger and General
Brooke the best method of securing the dis
bandment of the Cuban troops and their re-
entry into industrial life. 1t was decided
that necessary step toward this end was
the surrender of the arms held by the Cuban
soldiers. 1t was apprehended, that retain
ing their arms, some, If not large portion,
inclined by their past predatory existence,
would lapse into brigandage. So the presi
dent himself ordered General Brooke to
cause the arms of the Cuban soldiers to be
delivered up to representatives of the United
States army. With these instructions Gen
eral Brooke has been patiently striving to
carry out the presidents plan. He has ar
rived at that point where the Cuban leaders,
as a matter of sentiment, they say, make
1t condition of disarmament that the arms
shall be placed in the custody of the mayors
of the Cuban towns Realizing that to as
sent to such conditions would be contrary
to the presidents instructions, General
Brooke has telegraphed to Secretary Alger
the facts in the case and asked for de-
cision. The secretary in turn has COM
municated with the president and asked for
instructions, for he feels that he is not
authorized to amend or revoke an order
originally emanating directly from the pres
ident. That Is the state of the case at
present The president has not yet notified
the War department Of his intentions.
1t is said at the War department that
should the Cuban leaders refuse to accept
General Brooke's proffer, whether it Is con-
ditioned upon the surrender of arms to the
United States army officers or to Cuban
mayors, that will terminate the efforts Of
the governor general to come to a satsfac-
tory arrangement with these leaders. For,
thereupon, General Brooke will proceed to
address himself directly to the Cuban private
soldiers. He will have his agents-Unted
States army officers-pay off every bona fide
Cuban soldier who is willing to comply with
the conditions laid down by him and this
will be done without further reference to
any of the malcontent leaders, who have so
long retarded settlement.
HOT SPRINGS, Va, May 19.-Adjutant
General Corbn arrived here today bearing
some documents upon which he desires the
presidents action. 1t is understood that
they refer to the situation in Cuba regarding
of the Cuban troops. question has been
submitted by General Brooke as to whether
or not the arms should be turned over to
the mayors of towns or to United States
officers. General Corbin was with the pres
ident only for a few minutes before the en-
tire presidential party started off for a
drive. General Corbin probably will return
to Washington on the special which leaves
here at 1890 O'Clock tonight.