Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-16
CUBAN GENERALS BLAMED
Believed to Be the Source of the Dispute
Over Payment
Constantly Raised Obstacles in the
Way of n Peaceful Dfsarma-
ment of the Troops.

Gen. Brooke has not yet made report
TO the War Department, and it is not be-
iieved at the department that any alarm
need be felt regarding the condition of
affairs. No advice is given Gen. Brooke as 1t
has been the policy of the President to clothe
the officers in command In the islands
with plenary powers to deal with situa-
tions as they arise and hold such officers
responsible. The confidence of the War
department in Gen. Brooke was strength
ened by the visit to Cuba of Secretary
Alger whose personal observation showed
that what has been done and what was
going forward were for the best interests
OF all the people of the island 1t is said
to be the policy of Gen. Brooke to deal
mildly with the Cubans and to avoid as
lar as possible any action which will tend
to irritate them, but that he will be firm
When 1t is necessary, and the disturbers will
be made to understand that no overt acts
will be permitted.
DisgruntIed Generals,
If Gen. Brooke has made any report to
the War Department it has not been given
TO the public but the officials understand
that the source of the present trouble is
that the generals of the Cuban army are
disappointed because they are not likely to
reallze as much out of the money appro-
priated for the army as they think they
should have. These generals all believed
that they would obtain a proportion of the
money equal to their rank and their own
estimate of their services The whole
trouble regarding the payment of the
money and the delay can be traced directly
to these officers, who, members of the
assembly, or the supporters of Gomez have
constantly raised obstacles in the way of
peaceful disarmament of the Cubans and
settlement of the affairs of the island.
One thing is assured beyond all other con-
siderations. The United States will remain
In absolute and full control Of the island
and the orders of the officers in command
will be sustained by the government at
Washington.
Difficulties in the Way
Information has reached the War Depart
ment showing that considerable difficulties
are encountered in the payment of the
Cuban troops. The men in charge of the
money do not yet know what method is to
be followed in making the payment or how
it is to be conducted. great deal of work
is necessary In connection with receiving
the arms and in making sure that the
money goes TO the proper parties. Many OF
the CubanS cannot write their names and
already it has been suggested that in such
cases an officer of the organization should
certify for such persons. AS far as can be
learned there are no companies, regiments
only organization Is that of CORDS Just
how one corps is to be distinguished from
another has not yet been ascertained. 1t
was expected that the payment would begin
yesterday, but the action of Gen. Gomez
postponed the arrangements that had been
made for early payment.
Officers Who Are Making Trouble
Majs Gilmore F. Taggart of the commits
sary department has recently returned here
from Cuba and talks Interestingly about
the conditions which exist there. The rank
and file of the Cuban army are negroes.
while the officers are Cubans of Spanish
descent. 1t is these officers who are MAX
Ing all the trouble and trying to prevent
the Cubans from disbanding. All difficult
ties could be avoided SAYS Mai Taggart
if there could be found places in the gov
ernment service for all the officers with
little or nothing to do. This is their idea
OF existence, but 1t is not the plan of the
United States authorities to grant their de-
sires. Maj. Taggart believes that these Of
ncers, as far as they can, will foment trou-
Die and incite insurrection if they can. 1t
may become absolutely necessary to arrest
and punish many of them, as they are the
kind of men who are satisfied with nothing
but absolute control. That is not possible
MAJ. Taggart says, for the government of
the island cannot be safely intrusted to
such men.
Gen. Wilson's Department.
control of Gen. James H. Wilson is in very
good condition. Gen. Wilson knows what is
going on in every part of his command and
has the respect Of the people. They obey
him and believe in him. The men that are
in authority in the different cities and
towns throughout the provinces of Matan-
zas and Santa Clara know that when he
gives an order it must be obeyed or they
cannot remain in Office.
Another officer whom Maj Taggart saws
mas his command well under control is Gen
Carpenter, in Puerto Principe In all the
provinces named the Cubans are nearly all
disarmed. and where they can find employ
ment, are at work.
The major says great desolation prevails
IN the island, and many plantations are
now covered with underground, which will
cost as much to reclaim the land is
worth. Many families seem to be absolute
ly without means of subsistence and they
VIII have to be cared for until they can
raise some crops or get employment.