New-York tribune., 1906-09-22
CUBANS MUST DECIDE.
L. S. FORCES RE4DY.
Peace or Intervention ALTERNATIVE
Presented by Mr. Taft.
IFrOm The Tribune Bureau. ]

Washington, Sept 21.-The higher officials OF
the government in Washington maintain that
IL is entirely too early to Judge intelligently
OF the mission OF the Secretary of War
In Cuba. They submit that the President
and Secretary Taft both appreciated that grave
obstacles would be encountered when the latter
started for Cuba. and they intimate that Mr.
Taft has a plan for pacifying the insurrection
and insuring practical peace in the island.
which in due time he will submit to the con-
tending leaders. No intimation OF the character
or this plan is vouchsafed but Il is insisted that
until the Secretary OF War has had opportunity
accurately 10 estimate the situation in Cuba, to
conform the details OF HIS plan TO the existing
conditions and then 10 canvass the sentiment Of
the leaders on the subject. predictions regarding
the outcome are premature.
II is suggested that the most acceptable solu-
tion OF the present problem would be an agree
ment whereby the insurgents would lay down
their arms on conditions dictated by Secretary
Taft, with e provision that the President ap-
point one or more representatives TO remain in
Havana and act IN advisory capacity 20 the
Cuban administration. at the same time seeing
20 IL that the agreement entered into with the
Insurgents carried out
Failing the possibility OF such an agreement
II is believed that Immediate intervention will
follow: that the United States will garrison
Cuba. and that return 10 a military administra-
ton similar 10 that conducted by General Wood
will be established How long It would be neces-
sary 20 maintain such an administration Tould
depend wholly the disposition OF the Cubans
themselves. II might be necessary 70 maintain
Il until time had disposed Of the present gem
Grafton Of trouble makers and professional revo-
lutionists. and, a new generation OF men taught
10 their living by honest toll had been
raised I'D 70 take their places.
WOULD MEAN FREE TRADE.
All this. IL is urged. might be done without
making necessary the annexation OF Cuba which
il is believed would he unpopular move on the
part OF any administration which undertook it,
II is argued that the refusal Of Congress TO pass
the Cuban reciprocity bill. and the reluctance Of
thes Senate 10 ratify the reciprocity treaty. are
excellent indications Of the opposition which
would develop in the national legislature 10 any
move which had for its end the annexation Of
the island. end which would inevitably he
followed by almost irresistible demand for
free trade with the island. precisely as the ad-
ministration is now demanding practically free
traC, with the Philippines.
Bul while they deprecate the talk of annexa-
tion. the officials Of the military departments Of
the government not neglecting any detail I'm
the preparation for military intervention. In
fact, everything is in readiness for naval mill
tary or marine corps occupation n IL shall ap-
pear during the next week that drastic
steps are necessary. The navy is well represent
ed this week az Havana by the Louisiana, the
Virginia. the Tacoma and the Cleveland which
arrived al that port to-day; by the Denver and
the Des Mones which have been there some
days. and by the New Jersey. the Newark and
the Minneapolis, which VIII arrive there soon.
PREPARING FOR ACTION.
Under the War Department. the activity has
now in view the possible necessity Of placing
in Cuba a force Of infantry. cavalry and field
artillery. In the mean time General Frederick
Funston leaves Washington tomorrow for
Tampa, on his way to Havana. where he will
report 10 Secretary Taft II there is to be mill
tary occupation Of Cuba. General Funston will
command the American troops on the island and
in the mean time he will be employed by Secre-
tary Taft in assisting in the negotiations look
ing 10 a settlement Of the rebellion in making
visits 10 insurrection leaders. and I'm other drec-
tions for which his experience and ability spe-
ciaIy At him. Neither General Barry nor Cen
eral Du Vail. who have been summoned home
from Germany. is likely 10 be sent to Cuba
The qusrtermaster's department has arranged
for the shipment OF clothing and shelter and
has provided for the transportation OF troops 10
Cuba. Subsistence. medical supplies and am
munition have also been placed in condition for
shipment.
Tentative arrangements nave been made for
the use OF the commercial lines in the shipn,ant
OF troops but II is not expected this will b.,
necessary for IN addition 10 the army transDorr
Sumner. the War Department has AT its dis
posaI and has arranged TO use as many as six
teen first and second class harbor boats along
the Atlantic Coast. which were constructed
that II is practical 10 use them 10 cross tho
ocean under their steam I'm almost any weather
These boats are now available as lighters for us,
in an expeditionary force. Each can carry one
battalion OF infantry. with the necessary field
impedimenta furnishing accommodations az once
for as many as six thousand troops without
drawing upon other available facilities. General
Rell chief Of staff has before him the plans for
the transfer OF the military force 10 Cuba. with
she desisnation Of those commands OF infantry.
cavalry and field artillery which are regarded
as avaiiabl for this service
MARINES READY TO LAND.
Marines 20 the number OF something over 1000
-, are now on board ship In Cuban waters
,..s,, f,- Immediate use ashore These marines
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