New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-16

Davis Judge advocate general None OF these
officers would admit that he had discussed the
question OF moving troops or preparations for
hostlities, but it pointed out that the gath
ering offered an excellent opportunity for an
exchange OF ideas between those who would
shape the policy of the department in the event
of Intervention. should that extreme move be
determined upon. Rear Admiral Converse, the
Acting Secretary of the Navy did not meet
Secretary Taft tonight, although early in the
evening It was announced that he probably
would be at the department Neither any
member Of the military Intelligence bureau
called into conference by Secretary Taft.
The Secretary said tonight that while he could
make no intelligent prediction regarding his mis-
sion 10 Cuba, he hoped 10 finish il and TO return
TO Washington within ten days.
AT the Navy Department II is learned that the
Tacoma will clear from Norfolk for Cuban waters
tomorrow. and that the Dixie is expected to
reach Havana tomorrow afternoon.
ARMY FULLY PREPARED.
At the War Department II is said that some
time ago the General Staff formulated plans for
the occupation OF Cuba, although II is not ad-
mitted that these projects bore any relation TO
an expected revolution in the island The War De-
partment possesses accurate and detailed maps
and other information regarding Cuba and there
is nothing lacking TO make the military occups-
ton Of the island a comparatively easy task.
1t would be case. of course OF trained soldiers
against somewhat unorganized rebels. who might
be expected to have no great system and no
especial resources.
The Subsistence Department and the Quarter
masters Department are prepared with pro-
visions. shelter and clothing 10 meet any emer-
gency. and there would be no delay in getting
into the island at once at least 10000 troops.
fully equipped for a long campaign. Most army
officers are inclined to think that IL the employ
ment OF the navy does not suffice. and the Cuban
revolution increases il will be only necessary
to have a force Of 1000. or at most. 1000 regu-
lars in the island. It is believed that probably
two regiments Of infantry and possibly four
five troops of cavalry would serve the pur-
pose Of quelllng the disturbance In that case
the troops would probably remain in Cuba for
some months. that the influence % their pres
ence might be felt in permanent pacihcatlon.
The medical officers OF the army are consider
ing the steps which should be taken in preserv-
ing the health Of troops ordered 10 Cuba, and
have arranged for the shipment Of medical and
hospital supplies in such case. According 70
army surgeons, there is much more TO be feared
ment between the American troops and the
armed disturbing element, and il is considered
OF great importance to surround the soldiers
who go 70 Cuba with all possible protection
against individual disability and epidenies
which may be caused by the climate.
The exact location of the troops which would
be sent to Cuba would depend entirely on local
conditions. OF these, the War Department is
keeping advised, to the end that II may know IN
just what places TO put soldiers. The govern
ment at Havana would be counted upon to aid
I'm all possible ways by the employment Of its
own troops and in giving Information Of locali-
ties which require surveillance. 1t is known
that there are strongholds OF the rebels and II
is planned that there would be at such places
American troops in such force as would be
necessary.
Nothing is vouohsafed from the War Depart
ment as 10 the particular troops which would be
sent 70 Cuba but they would probably be drawn
from the force which at the breaking I'D OF
the camp OF instruction at Mount Gretna will be
found at the regular garrisons near New York
These posts would probably provide strength
necessary for at least the first operations.
The quartermaster. commissary. and medical
depots in New York would. of course. furnish
the supplies necessary, and by this arrangement
there would be the least amount Of transporta-
ton from garrisons or storhouses 20 the
steamers