The sun., 1899-05-19
MUST GIVE THE ARMS TO US.
GEN. BROOKE'S ARRANGEMENT WITH
THE CUBINs DISdPPROTED.

Secretary AIger Says the Proposed surren-
der to Cuban Municipal Authorities Is
Contrary to tho Presidents Instructions
Sends Gen. Corbin to Hot Springs. Va, to
Lny the Case Before tho President-Th
Question Now in the Presidents Hands.
WASHINGTON. Nav 1S-The execution OF the
agreement between Major Gen. Brooke and
Gen. Gomez for the distribution OF the $4,000
900 furnished by the United States among the
soldiers OF Gomezs army on condition that
they lay down their arms has been suspended.
owing to the disapproval by Secretary Alger
OF the arrangement made that the arms shall
be turned over to the Mayors OF Cubarmunici-
paities instead OF to the American military au-
thorities. Secretary AIger sent long tele
gram to President Mckinley ut Hot Springs
to-day calling attention to tho fact that the
agreement that the arms should be surren-
dered to the Mayors was In violation OF the in
structions given by the President to Gen.
Brooke. The Secretary advised that Gen.
Brooke should be directed to adhere to his
original instructions and that the agreement
should not 60 into effect until the clause con-
cerning the surrender OF weapons had been
changed 40 as to provide that they should he
turned over to United States officers In
order that the President E:ight be fully in
| IOTWeu III the nldteT anu flS NleWS soCuTeu
at length. Secretary Alger directed Adjt. Gen.
Corbin to 20 to Hot Springs for consultation
with the President Gen. Corbin left Wash
inRton for Hot Springs tonight.
No reflection on the judgment OF Gen Brooke
10 intended by the action OF the War Depart
| ment. but the military authorities believe that
they could not have dcne otherwise. on account
Of the very specific instructions Of President
Mckinley to Gen. Brooke that the arms OF
| Cuban soldiers must be surrendered to officers
| OF the United States Much surprise was ex-
| pressed. however. over the fact that Gen.
Brooke did not adhere to his instructions.
| Secretary hlger is apparently convinced that
outside OF tho failure OF Gen. Brooke TO follow
the directions OF tho President. the plan OF
permitting the rifles Of the Cuban soldiers to
| oe retained by the Mayors Is not wise policy
| He has urged the President 20 adhere to his
| original idea.
| There ia un1uestionably a feeling In the
| War Department that the possession Of so
| large a number OF weapons by of1lcials who
| are not directly responsible to the Government
OF the United States constitutes source OF
| danger which should not he overlooked at
| this time. Some OF the military authorities
| do not agree with the Secretary that the con-
| cesson OF Gen. Brooke to Gen Gomez is un-
| wise. They maintain that tho Mayors OF Gu
| ban cities are the creatures OF the Governor
General and can be prevented from using the
| arms for unlawful purposes should they have
desire to iniure the interests Of the United
| States. SECRETARY Aleer is understood to be-
! leve that this Government should show firm
| hand at this time in dealing with the Cubans.
| and that any exhibition OF weakness might lead
some OF the hotheads among the inhabitants
| OF the island to attempt to make trouble for
| the Americans.
The outcome OF Gen. Corbin's visit 70 Pres
ident Mckinley is awaited with great interest
at the War Depart mont. and it is not likely that
any additional instructions will he sent to Gen.
| Brooke until Gen. Corbin returns and EXPLAINS
to Secretary AlRer the views OF the President.
| Meanwhile the agreement between Gomez aud
Brooke cannot be carried into effect. A very
| hopeful feeling prevails at the War Depart
ment. however. and no further trouble over the
question Of he distribution Of the money and
the surrender OF the Cuban arms is antici-
| pated.