The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-10-04
MACON TO GOVERN CUBA.
Continued from First Page.

This afternoon he was told to go to Cuba
apd report to Secretary Taft. He received
this second instruction from the Presi-
Dent through Gen. Bell, Chief of STAT o
the Army, whom the President told to tell
o Magoon to proceed to Havana. But
the President did not send word by Gen.
Bell that Gov. Magoon would be Governor
Of Cuba and tonight Gov. Magoon was
uncertain as to precisely what he was going
to do in Cuba. He went to dinner at the
White Hous tonight, however, and then
the President doubtless told him all about
it. He will leave Washington on Saturday
and will sail for Cuba from Tampa on
Sunday.
The President also instructed Gen. Bell
TO report to Secretary Taft in Havana. Gen.
Bell will accompany Gov. Magoon. Gen.
Bell said to-day that he did not kno just
what duties he would undertake in Cuba,
but he will doubtless be in practical COM
mand OF the American soldiers in the island.
He is senior in rank to Gen Funston, h
was yesterday ordered to command the
first eXpeditionary brigade to Cuba. Gen.
Bell will make his headquarters in Havana.
while Gen. Funston will be in the field with
his command, or portions Of it, in various
parts Of the island. The President wants
Gen. Bell to assist in the settlement Of the
Cuban trouble because Of his confidence
in the officers great tact and diplomacy.
Gen. Bell will lave with him his aide, Capt.
william NJ. Wright of the General Staf
Corps.
Secretary Taft wanted Gov. Magoon
to go to the Philippines Immediately. For
some time, owing to the various promotions
and changes which have been made in the
Philippines Commission the insular Gov
eminent has been without a regular head
for its treasury department. The Philip
pines nave always been closest to Mr.. Taft's
heart and he was very anxious that Gov.
Magoon take hold in Manila az soon as
possible. He did not even want him TO
remain in Washington until he, Secretary
Taft, returned from Cuba, although the
date of his return is not more than a fort
night away. With the conditions in the
Philippines in mind, Secretary Taft picked
Gov. Winthrop of Porto Rico to take the
~Governorship Of Cuba. and even went 80
far with his plans az to send the cruiser
Denver from havana to San Juan to get Mr..
Winthrop.
The President favored the appointment
Of Gov. Magoon, but Secretary Taft eK-
planned the need OF the Philippines for
Gov. Magoon. But finally. after the Presi-
dent had further communication with
Secretary Taft and a conference with
Secretary Root, it was agreed by all three
that perhaps il would be better to allow
the Philippines to do without the services
Of Gov. Magoon for a time and to send
that official to handle a more critical situa-
ton in Cuba.
The appointment Of Gov. Magoon is
we'll received. He is regarded as admirably
fitted for he place. lie came into the
Government service from Nebraska as
aw officer Of the bureau Of insular affairs.
This was in March, 1899. when Secretary
Root was Secretary Of War. During the
occupation and reconstruction OF Cuba
Gov. Magoon went deep into the legal
phases Of the operations. He knows all
about Cuba and is thoroughly informed
concerning any matters of diplomatic
precedent or law which may arise.