Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-02-01
PORTER IN CUBA
His Mission Financial and Statis-
tical in Character.
Attorney General Decides Tha, We
May Advance Money To Pay Cuban
>oIdicry- Plans of the Admini,tra~
don Visit TO Gomez.
tBy Telegraph to vlrgin:an-pilo.,

Washington. d. c., Jan. 3t.-It Is
learned at the War Department that
MIR. Robert L. .Porters mission to Cuba
is entirely of n financial and statistical
character. and that he is not empow-
cred to make any payment to the
cuban troops. 1t is admitted that he
may find it within the lines of his duty
while in Cuba collecting this informa-
ton TO gather all the data he can re-
the Cuban troops.
The decision to send Mr.. Porter to
Cuba was reached after Il full discus
sion OF the situation of the inSurgent
army between the President and his
Cabinet. Mr.. Porter will confer first
with General Brooke and his mission
Is not 10 make nor to promise any pay
ments. but to gather information. He
VIII ask if the Cuban army will dis
Dand on present payment of $4,000, 900.
LEGAL RIGHT TO PAY.
Our legal right to make this payment
was referred to the Attorney General.
who held that this sum might lawfully
be advanced to the insurgent troops on
condition that the Treasury be sub
sequently reimbursed from the revenues
OF the island, and ii is understood that
this course will be pursued If it is
found that the desired result can be
obtained thereby. Mr. Porter was also
instructed to inquire into the workings
oil the customs regulations and local
taxation matters.
WILL VISIT GOMEZ.
Havana. Jan. 3l.-Robert p. Porter.
the representative of President McKin-
ley, and Senior Gonzales Queseda. the
oupan COMMISSIONER. who recently left
washington on special mission to
cuba. started ut o'clock this morning
Tor Cairibian, province of Santa Clara.
IN order TO see General Maxine Gomez
Mr. Porter's mission to General
Gomez is of a two fold character. to
discuss with him fully the position of
the cuban army, and to invite him to
Havana.
The Washington administration de-
slres an immediate and friendly set
tement of the Cuban army question.
AS the military chiefs decisIvely re-
fused to accept 100000 in complete
satisfaction OF the claims of the SOL
dleriy. Washington has determined. It
is understood, to offer a much larger
sum. even as high as SIS. 900. O00 if less
VIII not be accepted. Whatever Ia
agreed upon is to be n charge upon the
revenues of the island until it is paid.
THE CUBANS EXCITED.
The Cubans are in n state of excite
ment. The business classes are pleased
at the prospect of Il settlement Mer-
chants for a fortnight have been afraid
to place large orders. being uncertain
OF the future. Shares on the local
boursc rose from l To points to-day.
which is generally attributed to the
probability that the Cuban soldiery
will be disbanded and will return to
work.
SPANISH BANKER EXAMINED.
The examination of Senior Galbs
President of the Banco Espanol. before
the special Finance Commission inves-
tiGating Ilavana's finances, began to-
DAY: Although far from well. he said
he had appeared in response to the
commissions urgent request. which. as
a matter of fact, was a very percmp-
tory summons. The questions asked
him were of a general character. those
touching the supposed Irregularities OF
the bank and its transaction with the
Spanish government being reserved for