The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-01-27
Says the Soldiers Are Hardy
and Under the Best of
Discipline.
Half the Number Would Make q
Fine Body of Native
Troops.
Other Half Should Be Given
Work. Orphans Of Recon-
centratiOn.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 26.-Assistant Sec,
rotary Of War Meiklejohn has given out
the report of Major General Francis E
Green, concerning the duties recent,
assigned him in Cuba.
Speaking of an inspection which hi
made of the Cuban troops, General
Green found them to be of all colors
mulatto and white. They were an able
bodied lot of men, although smaller in
stature than Americans. They had
been Injured to hardship during the last
three years, seemed we'll disciplined and
so fully controlled by their officers that,
although their suffering from lack Of
food. was great, no case of pillage had
been reported. Their equipment was
wretched.
Officers Impressed Him.
The officers impressed General Green
most favorably. For the most part they
were intelligent, educated men, well
mounted and we'll dressed. General
Green gives it as his opinion that this
force possesses the elements Of a fine
body of native troops, provided they are
properly organized, equipped and their
regimental and, possibly, battalion
commanders selected from American
officers.
1t is his opinion that the organization
of these troops should be begun at the
earliest possible moment, otherwise
there is danger that the force may dis.
integrate and turn into brigands. Under
existing conditions Of lack of food and
clothing, it will be difficult to hold them
much longer. The chief of one of the
cavalry regiments. Colonel Delgado
was, in his youth. one of the most noted
bandits in Pinar del Rio province.
General Green believes that this Of
ficer and his men under proper disci-
pline would be very efficient as part OF
a rural constabulary. The roaming life
they have led for several years has dis
qualified them for the work of peaceful
farmers. 1t would be possible to ge,
from 10000 to IS. 200 such men wht
would be suitable for military service
About 5000 men suitable for militar,
service could probably be obtained from
the discharged Spanish soldiers.
Should Give Them Work.
The remaining half of the Cuban
forces, about 5000 to $1,000, who arr
not especially adapted to the life of 6
soldier, and are peaceful labOrers anG
farm hands. seemed ANXIOUS to return
to their homes. but as their homes have
been destroyed. their families having
persisted in the Recommendation. thei1
fields having grown up with weeds, anG
as they ave no money to purchase i'm
plements for farming purposes for the
time being. this is impracticable. 1t il
OF the utmost urgency to provide work
for these men. In General Green.
opinion money could be put immediately
into the hands of the starving laborina
class by employing them in construc
ton and repair Of roads: the rebuilding
Of hospitals, asylums and public build
ings.
In & few months, by pursuing this
course, they would be enabled TO re
turn to their homes and start life oyel
again.
Orphans of the Recommendation.
The most important question affecting
the future Of Cuba is the care and edu.
cation Of the great number Of orphans
whose parents persisted in the concen
tration. The estimates of mortalit,
during the three years since Weyler's
Recommendation proclamation was is
sued, vary from 400, 900 to GOO, 600 per.
sons, or from 30 to 40 per cent of the
population Of the island. The humble.
OF orphans cannot be ever APPROX
mately estimated, but there must be q
great many thousand of them. The,
are found in every town and village, in
a semi-starving condition, and living or
a %precarious charity. If they are not
cared for they are liable to grow up a.
savages and destitutes.
"Old Shoto" Dies.