The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1899-02-11
Serious Difference of Opinion.

While the bill to increase the regular army
from %, 900 men to 10000 was under consid-
Grafton in the House of Representatives, it was
said that $4,000 would be needed in Cuba.
Opinions to this effect were obtained from Gen.
Brooke and others, and the opinions were made
much of by both the advocates and opponents
of the bill-by the former to show the necessity
for augmenting the army; by the latter to prove
that the Cubans did not want interference IN
their affairs by the United States.
Recently Mr. Mckinley appointed Robert
P Porter as his personal representative (by
what authority it is not known) to go TO Cuba
to look over the field and report to him on
the conditions existing in the island. Mr.
Porter had an interview with Gen. Gomez,
and arranged with him, it is said, to pay the
Cuban soldiers $1,000, 900 and secured his
services to aid the disbanding Of the Cuban
army. Where the President obtained author
ity to paw this sum of money is not known,
for money has first to be appropriated by
Congress before it can be spent. But, that
is not matter of much consequence to Mr..
Mckinley; he has done many things without
any warrant of the constitution or laws there
under. And it is of no consequence in con
nection with this article-it is simply men,
toned as a fact.
Mr. Porter, according to report by the
Associated Press, gives an entirely different
idea Of the need of troops in Cuba from that
of the Mckinley Administration. Before
leaving Cuba for Washington last week, he
said
while the situation here has been improved and
simplifed by the declaration of General Gomez
that he will Immediately take part IN the faelhca-
ton Of Cuba. the advantage thus gained should De
followed up by the American authorities The en-
tire policing of the Islands should be done BY the
Cubans themselves The real police work IS in fact,
now in the hands Of Cuban soldiers aud law ANA
order are wei maintained. There should NOT be
momen1s delay in the full organization ana equip
me 1t OF the civil guards.
The bulk of the American soldiers must be taken
out OF Cuba by April There Is really no necessii!
for more than two regiments IN each prov lnce' 10
serve as A background OF support for the Cuban po-
lice. In giving She best Of these people, employ
men all the more VIII be left Of the relief iund iof
those who must be helped
Two regiments in each province, all that
are needed. according 10 Mr. Porter, would
mean but :, 500 msa to the province, or l5,-
600 for all OF Cuba. There Is considerable
difference between $4,000 and $4,000, and
either the Administration or Gen. Porter Is
mistaken. In selecting Mr.. Porter TO inves!i-
gate aud report on affairs in CaoA Mr.. Achin-
ley did harm 10 his policy ofimperiaiisn. To
prevent his opinion from having weight, Mr..
Mckinley will have to repudiate his ambassa
dor. aud the next one who IS sent 10 report
on Cuban conditions. If one be sent. should be
given explicit instructions on the kind OF a
report desired.
The difference, as to the size Of the army
required in Cuba, between Mr. Mckinley
and his personal representative. Mr.. Porter
Is likely to be noted when the army increase
bill i taken up IN the Senate, aad the opinion
Of Mr.. Porter is likely to have much weight.
Mr.. Mckinley should be certain Of his men
before sending them upon special missions or
give them full instructions. Conflicting oPiu-
ions may re,ard the progress Of the policy OF
Imperialism.