Cuba Not Safe For Our Boys

CUBA NOT SAFE FOR OUR BOYS

Too Much Yellow Fever, but Occupation May Come in November

Washington, Oct. 18. - It is said at the war department that nothing has occurred to change the plans already framed for the movement of troops to Cuba. It was not intended that the occupation of the island should begin immediately, except at such towns as Manzanillo and perhaps Holguin, where immune regiments could be used to advantage. Colonel Hecker's investigation into the situation has been of great value to the department, disclosing the views of a thoroughly practical man based on keen observation. The conditions that he found, it is said, thoroughly warrant the belief that the war department will be obliged to face the most difficult problems that have yet arisen in connection with the handling of troops in order to ensure the protection of the health of the soldiers. It has become evident that the men must be isolated for some time in their camps to avoid the danger of infection, and the department is not quite clear that any useful purpose will be served by placing soldiers where their services cannot be available. While the wet season has now almost reached its end in Cuba, it is said that yellow fever is more prevalent and more dangerous in type just now than at any other time during the year. These conditions, however, will not continue long, and it is believed that before November has progressed far it will be possible to have several divisions of troops safely camped on Cuban soil.