New-York tribune., 1906-10-19
MAKES REPORT ON CUBA
Mr.. TAFT OPTIMISTIC.
General Bell to Remain IN Island
Plans for Administration.
fFrom TIE TRIBUNE Bureau. ]

IFrom The Tribune Buresul
Washington. Oct 1S.-Secretary Taft and AS
sistant Secretary Bacon held a long conference
with the President and Secretary Root to-day
TIE Secretary of War brought back most en-
coorsgfng reports Of the situation in Cuba SO
ararci. so tia; the President Immediately deter
Eilaec visit Panama. trip which had been
heid in allegiance pending Secretary Tafts re-
port.
Ne change viii be made in the administra-
tons Cuban policy. The Secretary recommended
the President that practically the entire naval
force now in Cuban waters be withdrawn, leav-
ing only fsw of the smaller vessels to main
tain communication with ports Of the line OF
railway, which ports will for some time be gar
risoned by marines He also suggested that
most of the marines be withdrawn. leaving a
few garrison certain seaboard towns and
that the remainder of the expedition of oooo
troops be sent forward as Originally ordered
Mr.. Taft recommended that because of the
wide experience of General Bell in the PhlIp-
pines where he had TO deal with problems close
ly analogous TO those presented in CUBA, that
officer remain in command for the present All
OF these recommendations We're approved by the
President and orders putting them into effect
VIII issue where necessary.
There VIII be no increase in the military force
in Cuba. as MI. Taft regards the $500 men origi-
der and protect property
THE DIFFICULTIES GREAT.
Secretary Taft outlined to the President the
difficulties which confronted himself and Mr.
Bacon when they arrived In Cuba and found
approximately 1000 men under arms, with little
organization, scattered through the island and
difficult 20 communicate with. He adrpitted that
for time the situation not only difficult
but precarious, but said the task OF restoring
order, disbanding these bodies of armed men
and, TO a large extent, of disarning them had
been accomplished without friction, and even
with a facility which augured we'll for the
future.
The Secretary said 1t would be futile to haz-
ard prediction regarding the date when the
military forces may be withdrawn from Cuba
and the administration con1ided once more to
the Cuban people. but declared his confidence
that the time was not far distant when the ami
mosities engendered by the recent revolution
wall have been dissipated and that then cleo
tion will be held. and with the inauguration of a
new administration the United States will with
draw from the island
When asked how long an interval must eIapse
between the election and the Inauguration of a
new administration. Mr.. Taft said that a few
weeks would suffice.
Secretary Taft obviously takes a more hopeful
view OF the future of Cuba than do many OF the
army officers who have served in the island. hut
he speaks with every indication of confidence.
He asserted his faith in the ability of Governor
Masoon whom he described as exactly the man
for the place, and expressed the opinion that the
Governor would be able TO dispose successfully
end creditably of the many T-erplexing problems
which must necessarily confront him
MR.. EAFTs OWN PLANS
After leaving the President the Secretary of
l.
future He said that he must first devote him
self to the preparation Of a report on his Cuban
mission. report he had hoped to prepare on
shpboard, bur which the roughness of the pas
sage had rendered impossible He must then
take up various Philippine and Panama ques-
lions and finally would have to7devote himself
20 the preparation OF his annual report
Mr.. Taft expressed regret that he would be
unable to take the trip he has long contem-
plated. inspecting the several forts which are
10 be raised TO brigade posts. He said however
that he hoped TO take a part Of the trip. and
presumed that he wonld make several political
speeches, one in Ohio and others in the West
He did not believe that it would be possible for
him TO speak in New York He expects to ar
range an itinerary for his trip tonight, and will
announce 1t Tomorrow. All this will render it
Impossible for him to accompany the President
10 Panama as was originally planned
Mr.. Taft said that il would be necessar,. ..
appoint a fiscal agent to as depository for
the national funds of Cuba pending the oreani
cation Of administration. Proba b1yr s0,,,o
New York bank would be selected to act as sucb
agent. He had not yet however discussed tbis
detail with the President
With regard 10 the fu7ure Of Governor N1aeoo,,
the Secretary said that he would like 10 Ta,,a
him so 10 the PHILIPPINES but there were certain
things there which were pressing and he die non
know whether II would be possible TO wait until
Mr- MaSoon was foot-loose in Cuba before an
pointing a V1ce-governor general Of the Philip