New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-10
GOMEZ WANTS LARGE ARMY
FIFTEEN THOUSAND MEN ASKED FOR ON
THE ISLAND.
BROOKE MAKES NO ANSWER TO REQUEST
LITTLE NEED FOR MANY MEN TO
PRESERVE ORDER IN CUBA


Havana, May 9.-General Maxine Gomez is
trying to persuade vernor-General Brooke
that Cuban standing army of fifteen thousand
men is necessary adjunct to the proper gov
ernment of the island. His views he has pre-
sented in writing but without eciting a reply.
The proposition is not likely to receive much
consideration at headquarters, where consider
able surprise was occasioned by this magnifl-
cent project. which, If adopted. Gomez doubt
less believes would be placed under his per-
sonal control
The growing conviction that there is no need
of rural guards except in the wilder portions
Of the provinces of Santiago and Puerto Prin-
cipe is confirmed by the Investigations of Cap
tain Hickey. of the Governor-Generafs staff.
who returned yesterday from a trip Of two
thousand miles through the province east of
Havana, which has occupied two months. Cap
tain Hickey, in carefully written reports to Cen
eral Brooke. asserts that. with the exception
of few in Santiago Province. he found traces
of no bandits Political feeling in the country
districts" he declares. 'is far less intense than
in Havana, where the malcontents are gath
cred. Most of the Cubans of the provinces IA
vor ultimate independence. but they are willing
TO have the American military occupation con-
tnue for year at least, as they recognize that
the island revenues are expended nOHeSbiy uPOh
betterments."
PAYMENT OF CUBAN TROOPS.
The rules to be followed in the payment Of the
Cuban troops were published to-day The article
on arms and equipments is as follows:
Arms and equipments received from Cuban
soldiers will be taken under guard to the near
est station occupied by the United States troops,
from which they will be transported to Havana
or Santiago where they will be kept In arsenal
as souvenirs and cared for by armorers selected
by the Cornmander-in- Chief OF the CUBAN Army.
This question has been the principal cause OF
friction. The rules require the surrender OF
arms as a condition precedent to payment but
the Commissioners recognize that there are some
deserving privates without arms, having SOLO
them or lost them Consequently, in exceptional
cases. the money will be paid on proof that the
applicant actually saw service and made
proper disposition of his weapons
The Commissioners of the Fifth Army Corps
will meet Thursday to prepare for payment
T. R. Dawley proprietor Of THE Times. OF
Cuba has been arrested and locked up on libel
action brought against him by Charles Curwen'
formerly bookkeeper in his employ, whom he
had accused Of robbng him. Mr.. Dawley failed
to prefer charges. but talked freely and MT.
| Curwen brought the action. Believing that Mr..
Dawley was about to leave Cuba, Mr.. Curwen
laid information before the judge of the court
where the libel suit is pending, and the latter
ordered Mr. Dawiey to be placed under arrest
| fixing the bail at $500. Mr.. Dawley's friends
| probably will furnish bail bond without delay.
ATTACKS ON JUDICIARY.
Eel Reconcentrado" to-day Violently attacks
General Brooke's judicial nominees, declaring
that they are ell docie tools OF the military ad-
mnstration.
Major William L. Kneedler. chief surgeon IN
the Province of Pinar del Rio authorizes de-
NAL of the statement that an epidemic of typhoid
fever has broken out there. He says that only
four cases are on his hands, and all Of these are
| convalescent.
The Army Board, composed or the colonels Of
regiments. the chief quartermaster and the chief
surgeon appointed to investigate as to the best
clothing for the troops in this country. reports
that khaki is unsatisfactory After the material
is washed 1t seems to take great variety Of
colors, making the regiments unlike in uniform,
some being apparently white others dark others
brown and others "canary-colored."
ARMY OFFICERS COMPLAIN.
Army officers In Cuba are complaining that
their duties here have become too hard on ac-
count of the insufficient number Of commits
stoned officers who available for service
throughout the island. case in point is that
OF the Sth Infantry, from which half the officers
are absent making the labors of those who re-
main far greater It is said. than ought TO be ell
dured in this climate. majority or the men IN
this regiment are recent recruits. and require
constant drilling The officers. 1t is alleged are,
in the circumstances. practically drill sergeants
Walter A. Donaldson, Assistant Collector OF
Customs here, is about to return to the United
States on a two months leave Of absence. He
has received instructions to go to Washington
to confer with the Treasury officials there re-
gardng customs affairs. Mr. Donaldson has
been continuously on the island since July OF
last wear He was the first American Collector
Of Customs at Santiago de Cuba
THE HAVANA BREAKS A RECORD.