The San Francisco call., 1896-09-27

after his arrival he boarded the United
States steamer General Mcdowell, and
proceeded first to Angel Island and then
to Lime Point. The general was accom-
panied by his wife and his son, Sherman
Miles; Colonel Shafter, commanding the
Department of California; Colonel A. s.
Kimball, chief quartermaster of the de-
partment; Major Edward Field, inspector
of artillery; Captain Michler of the major
generals staff; Lieutenant 9. L. Potter,
Engineer Corps; Captain Maus, First In
fantry; and DR.. and Mrs. Huff.
At Lime Point the major-general
mounted horse and went over the trail
OF the new Notifications. Although his
stay at the point was brief he saw for him.
self the advantages of the commanding
position OF the proposed batteries on the
high ground opposite Fort Point. One
12inch rife is already in position
there and emplacements have been made
for two more of the Pinch guns. 1t
is understood that this place will shortly
be garrisoned by one battery of artillery.
General Miles goes to Monterey to-day
and will remain until tomorrow morn
ing. 1t is expected that he will visit the
Presidio Monday and inspect the dyna-
mite battery. On his arrival at the Pre-
sidio, salute OF fifteen guns, due major
general commanding the army, will be
nred, and the troops at the post win be
pRraded in his honor.
The pneumatic guns at the Presidio are
in working order. The officers and men of
the Fifth Artillery understand how to
handle the r-compressing machinery
and will fire real shells charged with dyna-
mite, if the ma jor- general should so direct
There is battery of dynamite guns at
Sandy Hook, n. Y, but it is said that the
artillerymen there do not operate the
machinery. The soldiers of the Fifth Ar
tillery have also been instructed in the
duty OF operating the electrical plant of
the mortar battery, so that the chambers
and recess can be Illuminated and all of
the guns fired simultaneously.
Before leaving Washington General
Miles signiied desire to make an ex-
haust1ve test OF the dynamite battery of
the Presidio.
Yesterday Colonel Shafter, commanding
the Department of California, received tel
egraphic advice from the Acknowledgement
in Washington that the time OF the de-
parture of the two light batteries of the
Fifth Artillery had been postponed until
the latter part of October. It was further
announced that the destination of the
light batteries might be changed on future
orders Colonel o. ID. Greene, adjutant-
general of the department, Immediately
transmitted the orders to General Graham.
Captain Thorp, Light Battery D, and
Captain Reilly, Light Battery F, are now
wondering what next. Two days ago it
seemed settled that d Battery would go to
New York and to Chicago. Now it is
possible that one or both may go to Fort
Riley, Kans.
Since the order was received changing
the destination of the Fifth Artillery from
Florida to New York another vote has been
taken by the enlisted on the proposition
to go East or stay here. OF the artillery
men at the Presidio 120 have elected 10
remain. Some men in the other batteries
at Alcatraz and Fort Mason Will also
decide to stay, SO the mum Der remaining
will approximate 10. Already prepara-
tions to move are in progress, but there is
still hope expressed that the order to go
East may be rescinded.