The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-05-20
THE ARMS OF THE
CUBAN TROOPS
THE QUESTION OF THEIR SUR
RENDER TO MAYORS.
Referred to President Mckinley by
Secretary Alger - Denial That
General Brooke Has Acted Con-
trary to His Instructions or That
His Order Has Been Counter
manded.

Washington, May 19.-"It Is the
sheerest nonsense" said Secretary Al
ger today, in commenting upon the pun
lished report that the president or hiin-
self had countermanded any order maue
by General Brooke relative to the DIS
armament of the Cuban troops.
The state of the case in erief Is as
follows: The president canvassed very
thoroughly with Secretary Alger ana
General Brooke the best method Of Sc
curing the disarmament of the CUBAN
troops and their re-entry into private
pursuits 1t was decided that neces-
sary step toward this end was the sur
render of the arms held by the CUBAN
soldiers 1t was apprehended, that, re-
. tanning their arms, some, II not large
portion, inclined by their past preda-
tory existence, would lapse into brig
andage.
So the president himself ordered Cen
eral Brooke to cause the arms OF the
Cuban soldiers to be delivered up TO
representatives of the United states
army. With these instructions General
Brooke has been patiently striving to
carry out the presidents plan. He has
arrived at that point where the CUBAN
leaders, as n matter of sentiment, they
sav, make it condition of disarma-
ment that the arms shall be placed IN
the custody of the mayors of the CUBAN
towns. Realizing that to assent to such
conditions would be contrary 10 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 directiy
from the president The president has
not yet notified the war department OF
his intentions.
Brooke's Offer Refused.
II is said at the war department that
should the Cuban leaders refuse to ac-
cept General Brooke's proffer. whether
IL is conditioned upon the surrender of
arms to United States army officers or
TO Cuban mayors. that will terminate
the efforts of the governor general TO
come to a satisfactory arrangement
with these leaders. For, thereupon
General Rrooke will proceed to ad-
dress himself directly to the Cuban
private soldiers. He will have his
agents-l7nited states army officers
pay off every bona flde Cuban soldier
who is willing TO comply with the con-
ditions laid down by him, and this VIII
he done without further reference tc
any of the malcontent leaders, who
have so long retarded a settlement.
4 despatch has been received at the
war department. announcing that the
president will leave Hot Springs to-
night at 10 o'clock, arriving in Wash
ington tomorrow. It is now believed
that the president will make no dispo
sition OF General Brooke's inquiry un
Ill after he has discussed the subjec
with the cabinet in Washington.
Hot Springs Va, May l9.--Adjutan
General COrDin arrived here toda!
bearing some documents upon whiCt
he desires the presidents action. 1t |!
understood that they refer to the sit
uation in Cuba, regarding the plan fO
the payment and disarmament of th'
Cuban troops. A question has beeI
submitted by General Brooke as t,
whether or not the arms should b.
turned over to the mayors of towns
or to United states officers. Genera
Corbin was with the president only 70
few minutes before the entire presi
dents party started off for a drive
General Corbn probably will return t
Washington on the special whicl
leaves here at 1880 o'clock tonight.