The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-11-21
ABOUT THE SAME
The Doubtful States
Still Unsettled.
The Louisiana Can
vass Begun.
WHY THE FLORIDA CANVASS
Is DELAYED.
Sensational Stories
from Washington.

The Concentration of Troops at WASH
inston and Hts ExplanaiiOn-NO Politi-
cal Significance in It,
NEW YORK, Nov. 20.
The Herald says troops are being concentrat-
ed in Washington, to Illustrate, it is supposed,
a rebel plot to seize the city. Four companies
of artillery numbering $50 men. arrived there
last night from Fortress Monroe. and were
quartered at the arsenal and navy yard. Six
teen companies of infantry also reported, I'm
der orders to concentrate at Washington.
The Sun says Gen. Mcdowell has been or
dered to report to Gen. Sherman forthwith.
The marine corps is to be increased by detach-
ments from Boston, Brooklyn, and Norfolk
navy yards, and militia has been promised
from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania
The Tribune's despatch says that four ar
tillery companies have arrived at Washington,
and are to stay there some time, and that sew
eral infantry companies have been ordered
there.
The Worlds Washington despatch says that
in addition to the concentration of troops in
Washington, it is ascertalned that orders have
been issued by the navy department for addi-
tional vessels to rendezvous at Port Royal, to
remain in readiness for order that may be is
sued to the North Atlantic squadron.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20.-With regard to the
arrival of troops yesterday. the President said
this morning that it was merely an ordinary
change of station.
Gen. Sherman said today, that the four ar
tillery companies, equipped as infantry. and
three artillery companies from forts Leaven-
worth and Riley. which arrived today belong to
Gen. Havlock's command, which includes the
city of Washington. Gen. Sherman emphati-
cally denies that this change of quarters has
any significance. and says there is no cause
whatever for excitement on account of it.
President Grant today began the preparation
of his annual message, and therefore is not re-
ceiving visitors.
Secretary Cameron said this afternoon that
no additional troops were to be ordered here,
and that the presence of those already had no
important significance.
1t is probable that light battery A, and the
I'd artillery now stationed at Fort McHenry,
Baltimore, will shortly be ordered here, in
which case it is understood they will be replac-
ed by battery G, of the same regiment, which
left Fort McHenry for the Indian campaign
few months ago, and arrived here today from
Fort Riley.
The Secretary of the Navy in response to in
quiries regarding. rumors of concentration of
a naval force in this vicinity emphatcally de-
MED their truth. The vessels of the navy are
pursuing their usual routine of duty without
extraordinary orders and there was nothing in
any recent suggestion or direction from the ma
Wy department which could be construed into
an act which would occasion the slightest SEN
sation or excitement.
Secretary Chandler said this military move
ment was not a formal action of the admins
tration but merely an ordinary movement. He
himself did not know that any companies had
been ordered here and was not aware of any
more coming.
1t may be stated in addition to the above
that these troops will remain here at least until
after the Presidential Inauguration. 1t is usual
to have military escort on such occasions in
order to suppress any serious occurrence which
might possibly occur