The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-07-17

proposition discussed by the cabinet ap-
peared TO have very practical aspect
about Il. Technical men had made OBJ
lection TO the further conduct of the
Chinese campaign with an international
force without some understanding as TO
the duty OF each power represented. 1t
was suggested that an international con-
ference be called hastily at one of tho
capitals-London, Berlin, Paris or wash
ington--to define the part TO be taken
by each power and the quota OF troops
TO be furnished and arrange for the Sc
lection OF commander in chief of the
allied forces. This suggestion did not
meet with a favorable reception. 1t was
felt by the cabinet that the United States
should send what force II could dispose
of to China, as far as seemed necessary
and should not make an agreement with
other powers TO the number. This de-
cision involves the increase OF the force
of troops destined for China. The respon-
sible officials evaded any specific state
rnent as to the extent OF this increase.
II was. however gathered that the REIN
forcements would be limited only by the
ability of the government to spare troops
from those commands now in the United
States and Cuba
Force of 10000 Available.
The estimates varied as TO how many
could be spared, hut the general opinion
was that somewhere between 400 ana
5000 could he spared to the East IRON
cuba and the United States, In addition
to the troops already under arms a
statement prepared by Adit. Gen. corbin
shows that there ara now n grand total
OF i066s officers and men In China, en-
route to China, en- route to Nagasah or
under orders for Nagasaki. This, OF
course. includes the Inflated Ninth In
fantry, which may not be in condition
for further service.
Gen. Woods last reports indicate that.
owing to the tranquility prevailing In
Cuba II will be entirely safe 10 decrease
the military force there quite largely.
But even with these Cuban troops II Will
he necessary, II the cabinet plans are
carried out. 10 divest the home posts OF
garrisons. save in the case of heavy ar
tillery organizations at seacoast points.
About ALI of the troops within the bor-
ders OF the United States which would
be available for Chinese service under
call are these regiments: Second, Fifth
Seventh and Eighth cavalry regiments
intact; one squadron each of the First
and Sixth cavalry. the First Tenth and
Eleventh regiments OF infantry complete;
one battalion each OF the second, Fifth.
Seventh, Fourteenth Eighteenth. Twen-
ty-thrd and Twenty y.tfth infantry regt-
ments and three companies OF the Twen-
ty-fourth infantry. This available force
of cavalry and infantry aggregates about
$500 men. Some artillery undoubtedly
would be sent, and there nre light bat
teries out OF the First artillery. A and r.
OF the Second: & and r. OF the Third. IL,
OF the Fourth: H. Of the Fifth. and &
and q, OF the Seventh. available. There
are besides. Companies 9 ana D. Of the
engineers and four companies Of the
signal corps.
Secretary Root WAS reiuctant 10 admit
that there was any necessity for more
American troops In China and at the
close OF the day he said that 80 far he had
issued no orders for reinforcements