The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-01-26
GEN. LEE is
WELCOMED.
Makes a Trip Into the Interior
of Havana Province.
Over Country Roads With a
Span of Mules.
CUBANS RECEIVE HIM
With Much EnthuSiaSm-ESc
of Insurgent Troops
Sent Out to Meet Him-Public
Reception at Guines.

New York. Jan. ga special from
Havana says:
Gen. Lee has returned to camp from
a trip to the southeastern part of the
province, ending at GuineS, which IS
the next largest town after Havana
The journey to GuineS was made with
a team of mules along the highway and
the return by rail. The battalion OF
the Fourth Illinois preceded Gen Lee
and was encamped there on his arrival
A battalion of the Second Louisiana
reached Guines before his departure.
The American troops were welcomed
everywhere and their presence was
made the occasion of demonstrations
Gen. Lee received an enthusiastic well
come at Guines. Insurgent troops eS-
corted him and the town was decorated
with the American and the Cuban flags
"A public reception was given in the
council chamber, of which Cen Lee
took advantage to explain his functions,
which ne was delighted with, as mill
tary governor of the province He SAID
he was exercising functions which per-
tanned to a temporary military occu-
pancy; that the American soldiers came
as friends; that there was 10 DISPOSE
ton on the part of the United States
government to interfere with the Gu
bans in the management of the affairs
of the island; that its only purpose was
to carry out the pledge of maintaining
order and to assist in the administra-
ton until the time when the people
We're ready to declare for themselves
what their wishes were. H cOunselled
federation of all classes toward one an
other, and cOmplimented the commun-
6ty on the good order which had been
preserved.
Gen. Lee also explained how rations
were being distributed by direction of
the president, and the American author
titles hoped to adopt measures of per-
manent relief He hoped ultimately to
see the establishment of agricultural
banks Personally he favored making a
loan of oxen and seed to the people so
thew could
crops.
Regarding local affairs, Gen. Lee said
it was the policy of the American au-
thorities to have the towns select as
far as possible their own officials by
getting together and indicating whom
they desired. Then he would make ap-
wishes. He also advised that they
change their municipal relations to meet
the new conditions.
Gen. Lees speech was received in ex-
cellent spirit. Various petitions were
presented to him. The Spanish colony
in formal document made known it's
satisfaction with the insurgent soldiers
for preserving order Gen. Lee will
make trips to other parts Of the prov
ince- He received many private assur-
ances that as soon as arrangements are
made for their payment, the inSurgent
troops will disband without trouble.
The practice marches of the battalions
have been quite beneficial and will be
continued. Gen. Lee has practically de
cided to move a full brigade from it's
present camp near Havana to the hills
of Candida, close to Guines. The loca-
ton is unusually healthy. The govern
ment transport Michigan arrived last
night with fifty tons of refrigerator
beef for the army. Unloading on light
ers was begun in a heavy rain and one
fourth of the beef was spoiled. The rep
resentative of Swift & Co. refused to
the beef was thrown back on the gov
eminent.