New-York tribune., 1906-09-27

In every other respect preparations are going
forward but II is remarked that nothing is being
done which will entail expense that would not
be necessary in any case in the not distant
future Horses and mules are being purchased.
but all those would have been needed, anyway,
within the next six months and the uniforms
and ammunition which being accumulated
will all be required within the year. if in
tervention in Cuba is avoided
The impression prevails that il IS only ques-
ton OF days, perhaps hours, when Secretary Taft
and Mr. bacon will be obliged TO abandon their
pacific efforts and give the word to apply force
to the situation. Nor does the fact that the
Cubans seem entirely ready to place personal
pique and individual pride above patriotism and
duty occasion surprise among those who have
enjoyed opportunities for The closest study of the
Cuban character.
CONFIDENCE IN ENJOYS.
on the other hand, there is a general belief in
the resources and ability of Messrs. Taft and
Bacon and il is appreciated that they will not
abandon their disinterested fight for Cuban in
dependence until they have exhausted every ex-
redIent to maintain the integrity of the infant
republic, so that even the reported determina-
ton of Palma and his friends 20 assassinate the
republic rather than permit it to pass under the
control of their opponents is not accepted
being inevitably fatal to Cuba independent
nation.
No final decision has been reached as to what
troops would be the first to be dispatched to
Cuba If orders came for the landing of an army.
but IT IS generally believed that the mountain
battery at Fort Ethan Allen and the squadron of
cavalry at Fort Myer would be among the
first to 60 Other selections must depend TO
some extent on the transportation facilities on
the day when the order is issued. but the entire
army is, metaphorlcally speaking, sleeping on its
arms. The assertion that 10000 troops will be
dispatched to Cuba in intervention becomes
imperative is ridiculed In military circles where
It is stated on authority that it would be obvi-
ousy impossible to send more than 30 600. even
If that number were available and it Is highly
improbable that more than 10000 would be
needed to garrison the island thoroughly. 1t is
pointed out that with total army of less than
$1,000 men. something over 1900 are in the
Philippines. 5000 ara in the coast artillery and
some would be needed TO maintain the military
posts in this country. the arsenals, etc.
It is also suggested that Secretary Taft and
Mr. Bacon may be able to conclude modus
vivendi whereby the Liberals will cooperate
with the United States in disarming the forces
In Cuba and should this be done the entire
situation might be handled with marines and
bluejackets. II. however, it becomes necessary
for the United States to go into the field and
disarm the insurgents, to disperse the remnant
of the Moderate forces and to go out into the
bush after the guerillas 1t will, it is believed,
require all the forces which the United States
can send to Cuba.
NO ENTHUSIASM FOR SERVICE.
It is noteworthy that absolutely no enthusi-
asm exists among army officers over the pros
pect of active service in Cuba. The task is re-
garded as likely 10 be attended by many dlsa-
greeable features to be without glory or the op-
,D4t1 hr fO he
followed by numerous cases of fever and long
periods of disability, and, as one officer put it
to-day, to be "disagreeably similar to police duty
In the colored district"
The occupation OF Cuba by the army would
result in orders issued to Brigader General
Funston to take command of the military force
first landed. For the present he is obtaining
information for Secretary Taft and Assistant
Secretary Bacon, and is supposed to be out IN
the country comforting with the insurgent lead-
ers, with whom he is understood to be on init
mate terms, although some OF the army officers
in Washington entertain the idea that General
Funston has no special liking for the rebels as
he knew them. However, he Is accounted
valuable man at this time in a kind Of work
for which no other officer is likely to be found
fitted. The opportunity for General Funston
depends entirely upon the developments OF the
next few days If he is to command such
coveted by all general officers II the situation
increases in seriousness he will probably be
suoceede ed by ar officer Of high rank.
One proposition is to have Lieutenant General
Macarthur go to Cuba II the conditions there
require any such officer as governor general. in
which case General Funston would undoubtedly
remain in charge OF the military forces. General
Macarthur is we'll fitted for such duty and is
anxious 20 go to Cuba, IL the conditions there
shall ultimately require high ranking military
officer for administrative purposes The great
trouble has been to find duty for the senior off,
GERS of the army and If there is anything on
hand in Cuba it will be the desire of most of
them to go to the island in another
capacity The War Department is deuged with
requests from officers all the country for
assignment TO duty Of various kinds, so long
the work will take the officers TO Cuba. The
General Staff has recommended the officers who
shall have charge OF important staff duties, such
as transportation subsistence and ordnance sup
plies taking for that work the senior officers OF
the departments who are able to stand the cli-
matio conditions
COLONEL CROWDER SENT TO CUBA.
Among the army officers who will go in ad-
vance of the regular assignment is Colonel E. Fl.
Crowder of the judge advocate generals depart
ment, who during the recent absence of General
Davis judge advocate general has been filling
his place Colonel Crowder is a member of the
General Staff and was summoned to-day to Ha-
vana by Secretary Taft, 10 whom he will act in
an advisory capacity. He will remain at Ha-
vana with General Funston IL IL shall be neces-
sary TO form staff for the latter officer. He is
one Of the ablest judge advocates OF the army.
and he goes TO Havana prined with references