Information received within the last few days from sources which can be relied upon state of the Insurgent forces in the provinces of Pinar Del Rio and Havana number scarcely more than 3,000 men. We've been induced by statements which is coming from other sources to believe that Gomez with ready at the head of 40,000 Cubans to meet the troops in United States, and to move immediately upon a fan of; but such, it appears, is not the case in the whole of Cuba there are not 40,000 insurgents under arms. Slaughter, famine and disease have played sore havoc within the ranks until it links they barely aggregate the half of that number. Instead of being mobilized in one place awaiting the arrival of fresh fruits in the United States, they are scattered broadcast throughout the island. In fact, the statement is made that General Gomez has not even made any serious effort to mobilize the troops which are located in the immediate neighborhood of Havana, the alleged reason being that he does not look with much favor upon the invasion of Cuba on the part of the United States, since it is likely in some measure to deprive him of his laurels.
While this statement made you great Injustice to the patriotism of the Cuban leader, still it is evident from the best information which can be obtained Cubans are in rather poor condition to give any practical assistance, and that in seeking to take possession of Havana we must rely mainly upon our own strength.
]]>The statement is made on good authority that when the troops of the United States land in Cuba for the purpose of driving out the tyranny of Spain from that island, they will receive comparatively little help from the insurgent forces. Undoubtedly the statement will awaken much surprise in view of the superb courage which insurgent forces have exhibited since the outbreak of the present uprising nearly four years ago. But we hasten to observe that the cause for this predicted inability on the part of the Insurgent forces to render much assistance to our troops is not due to any lack of patriotism at this crisis, but solely to the lack of food. On account of the hardships and privations which they have been compelled to suffer within the last few months, they have lost much of the physical endurance which is needed to support them in the vigorous military operations which must now be carried on without intermission. Such being the case, it is not likely even with improved weapons in their hands the Insurgent forces worn out in the struggle which They have waited so long and thin, can be of much assistance to the fresh and energetic truth of the United States, except in the matter of supplying them with information and advice concerning the appointments of the island.
Information received within the last few days from sources which can be relied upon state of the Insurgent forces in the provinces of Pinar Del Rio and Havana number scarcely more than 3,000 men. We've been induced by statements which is coming from other sources to believe that Gomez with ready at the head of 40,000 Cubans to meet the troops in United States, and to move immediately upon a fan of; but such, it appears, is not the case in the whole of Cuba there are not 40,000 insurgents under arms. Slaughter, famine and disease have played sore havoc within the ranks until it links they barely aggregate the half of that number. Instead of being mobilized in one place awaiting the arrival of fresh fruits in the United States, they are scattered broadcast throughout the island. In fact, the statement is made that General Gomez has not even made any serious effort to mobilize the troops which are located in the immediate neighborhood of Havana, the alleged reason being that he does not look with much favor upon the invasion of Cuba on the part of the United States, since it is likely in some measure to deprive him of his laurels.
While this statement made you great Injustice to the patriotism of the Cuban leader, still it is evident from the best information which can be obtained Cubans are in rather poor condition to give any practical assistance, and that in seeking to take possession of Havana we must rely mainly upon our own strength.
It is likely that if the situation develops into such grave proportions as now expected, a second pole for 100,000 volunteers a week by the president. The necessity for the cement number, however, is not clear to the military authorities at this time. The draft of the present one measure has Justin graded by the war Department officials and the leading members of the military committee have already conferred with the war department Authority on the Necessities on this line, the latter having announced that a maximum 80,000 volunteers would be sufficient at this time.
]]>Washington, April 18th - Representative Hull, of Iowa, chairman of the house committee on Military Affairs, will tomorrow introduce an administration Bill authorizing the president to issue a call for volunteers to the number of 60,000 or 70,000 men. It will be considered at once by the committee, its passage expedited as rapidly as possible and will take effect immediately upon the president's approval. It's terms will authorize the president to call on the various States for quotas in making up the aggregate. By reading in this way instead of specifically looking to calling out the various State militia, will avoid several embarrassing technicalities, the main one being the Constitutional inhibition on sending State militia out of the country, while volunteers so called for can be ordered anywhere.
It is likely that if the situation develops into such grave proportions as now expected, a second pole for 100,000 volunteers a week by the president. The necessity for the cement number, however, is not clear to the military authorities at this time. The draft of the present one measure has Justin graded by the war Department officials and the leading members of the military committee have already conferred with the war department Authority on the Necessities on this line, the latter having announced that a maximum 80,000 volunteers would be sufficient at this time.
General Breckinridge reviewed the troops here today, which was followed by an inspection.
The government has not yet equipped us, and I have been unable to find anyone you could tell me when it would do so. I see no Prospect of it this week at least.
Why the matter is delayed is not explained, unless it is connected with the possibility that our destination has not been fully determined upon.
The troops will be sent to Cuba direct from here will be equipped in some respects differently from those are to go to Manila, but it is possible, of course, and it has ever even been hinted that we might be sent to the Philippines, but there was no ground the base itself is supposition on so far as I'm aware.
The weather remains pleasant here, and the North Carolina boys in Camp are without exception well.
]]>Col. Eugene Harrell has been granted a week's furlough for the purpose of returning to Raleigh and straightening up the business of the first regiment. He will leave Jacksonville for Raleigh next Monday.
General Breckinridge reviewed the troops here today, which was followed by an inspection.
The government has not yet equipped us, and I have been unable to find anyone you could tell me when it would do so. I see no Prospect of it this week at least.
Why the matter is delayed is not explained, unless it is connected with the possibility that our destination has not been fully determined upon.
The troops will be sent to Cuba direct from here will be equipped in some respects differently from those are to go to Manila, but it is possible, of course, and it has ever even been hinted that we might be sent to the Philippines, but there was no ground the base itself is supposition on so far as I'm aware.
The weather remains pleasant here, and the North Carolina boys in Camp are without exception well.
Spain has lost the most important of its Colonial possessions as a result of the war. It has evacuated Cuba, to which the Congress of the United States, before war was declared, pledged freedom and Independence. It has been compelled to ceed Puerto Rico to this country, and, on account of reverses in the Philippines and in consideration of $20,000,000, Have transferred its sovereignty in the archipelago to the United States. Its best fleets have been annihilated and its Army in Cuba escaped destruction only because of the early cessation of hostilities. This, briefly stated, is a summation of Spain's losses in his brief war with a vastly superior power.
The United States is a quiet place in Puerto Rico, which may be of some value to us in the future as a strategic point if we are ever involved in war with a naval power. If our acquisition of territory had been confined this island in the West Indies are treating makers would have displayed greater wisdom. Not content with this addition to our territory, the administration insisted upon the cession by Spain of a thousand islands or more, nearly 7,000 miles from our Pacific coast, inhabited in the main by a semi civilized population for whom it has agreed to pay $20,000,000 or about $250 apiece. In acquiring this remote territory from Spain the United States has become involved in a war with the Filipinos and is now engaged in the difficult task of “benevolently assimilating” the natives with a large Army and Navy and at a sacrifice of blood and treasure by no means insignificant. Furthermore, it has abandoned the policy of this government from Washington down to and including Cleveland and has made it possible for this country to be involved at any time and complications with European nation. This abandonment of the principles of the founders of the government may prove a very costly experiment.
Spain has sustained an enormous loss in territory, but Cuba and the Philippines were a great burden, held only by the maintenance of a large military and Naval fourth in both feet. This burden has been shifted permanently the United States, so far as the Philippines are concerned, while we are under the necessity of keeping an army of occupation temporarily in Cuba. Spain's loss of territory may prove a blessing in disguise to the Spaniards. Let us hope that the “new possessions” will not prove as great a curse to us as they were to the nation from whom we have taken them.
]]>For nearly eight months the United States has been practically at peace with Spain. Since the protocol was signed in August last there has been an entire cessation of hostilities and a treaty has been negotiated which was ratified by the United States Senate and approved by the queen regent of Spain. Last week the final ceremony took place in the White House in Washington, and now peace has been formally established and proclaimed between the two countries. In time, diplomatic relations will be resumed, new commercial treaties will be negotiated, and the attitude of the United States and Spain towards each other will be as it was before the destruction of the battleship Maine in the harbor of Havana, and the action of Congress in ordering the Spaniards out of Cuba.
Spain has lost the most important of its Colonial possessions as a result of the war. It has evacuated Cuba, to which the Congress of the United States, before war was declared, pledged freedom and Independence. It has been compelled to ceed Puerto Rico to this country, and, on account of reverses in the Philippines and in consideration of $20,000,000, Have transferred its sovereignty in the archipelago to the United States. Its best fleets have been annihilated and its Army in Cuba escaped destruction only because of the early cessation of hostilities. This, briefly stated, is a summation of Spain's losses in his brief war with a vastly superior power.
The United States is a quiet place in Puerto Rico, which may be of some value to us in the future as a strategic point if we are ever involved in war with a naval power. If our acquisition of territory had been confined this island in the West Indies are treating makers would have displayed greater wisdom. Not content with this addition to our territory, the administration insisted upon the cession by Spain of a thousand islands or more, nearly 7,000 miles from our Pacific coast, inhabited in the main by a semi civilized population for whom it has agreed to pay $20,000,000 or about $250 apiece. In acquiring this remote territory from Spain the United States has become involved in a war with the Filipinos and is now engaged in the difficult task of “benevolently assimilating” the natives with a large Army and Navy and at a sacrifice of blood and treasure by no means insignificant. Furthermore, it has abandoned the policy of this government from Washington down to and including Cleveland and has made it possible for this country to be involved at any time and complications with European nation. This abandonment of the principles of the founders of the government may prove a very costly experiment.
Spain has sustained an enormous loss in territory, but Cuba and the Philippines were a great burden, held only by the maintenance of a large military and Naval fourth in both feet. This burden has been shifted permanently the United States, so far as the Philippines are concerned, while we are under the necessity of keeping an army of occupation temporarily in Cuba. Spain's loss of territory may prove a blessing in disguise to the Spaniards. Let us hope that the “new possessions” will not prove as great a curse to us as they were to the nation from whom we have taken them.