Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1898-06-22
SITUATION FREELY DISCUSSED.

The original plans Of the campaign
for the conduct of the war against
Spain will be adhered to, and will be
pushed with vigor aud energy.
That decision was reached at war
council held at the White House Sat-
urday, at which were present Prcsi-
dent Mckinley, >. cstuics Alger and
Long, General Mi S, ASST ,tant-Secre-
tary Mdal=john, Admiral Sicard, and
Captain Mahau.
Of course there will be some Sight
notifications, made necessary by the
changes that have occurred since the
beginning Of Eostilities, but these,
after all, will not affect the general
plans of operations. General Mics
returned from Florida with much in
formation respecting the condition of
the troops, difficulties to be expected
In the progress of the campaign, and
needs in the matter of transportation
and terminal facilities that will be avail
ed of to correct the defects in the
present system that experienced as de-
veloped The conference was entirely
harmonious.
The official declaration to the effect
that the campaign is to be pushed with
vigor does not necessarily mean an i'm
mediate attack upon Havana, although
such advice has been rendered. 1t does
mean that the very best efforts are to
be put forth to get the army in con-
dition where it can be used with over
whelming effect at any roint Or points
at almost m oments notice. To this
end the troops now in camp are to be
thoroughly trained and hardened, and
wien they leave the United States,
their equipment will be the best
soldier can haye-ft for any season,
wet or dry, cold or hot. With such an
army at our command, numbering no
ess han 100000, the fate of Havana
cannot long remain in doubt when it is
hurled upon it.
Meanwhile the smaller expeditionary
movements are to go forward uninter
'uptedIy.
PORTO RICO NEXT.
When Santiago is captured the train
ID regulars who do the work there will |
'e pushed on to Porto Rico. If al or
nest of them are needed for this expo
lition then the provisional force" re-
erred to by General Shafter in his
riders, probably will be dispatched
Immediately from the United States to
arrison the town of Santiago and to
eueVe tne regulars.
THE MYSTERIOUS SQUADRON.
AL reports relative to the movements
f the mysterious Cadiz squadron are
eceived by the naval officials subject
confirmation, for experience has
lught them that the Spanish are free
ayailing themselves of the rather
lerile device of sending out numer-
is false reports of naval oyements to
lslead our campaign directors.
THIRD CALL PROBABLE.
1t has been suggested that, owing to
e heavy demand for troops, which
We far exceeded the number original ]
believed to be sufficient, there will l
occasion to issue another call for Il
lunteers. G,
Having in mind the length of time W
luired to develop raw material into ci
lsoned soldiers, as revealed by the a,
oeriences at Chickamauga, Tampa, G.
| Camp Alger, there is no doubt the A,
esident will be forehanded in this dc
tier, and that upon the existence of co
doubt as to the sufliciency tb
he present military force, he will in
} steps to increase it. But before tn
effort is made to raise more troops, mi
War Department will see to it that be
amplest camp facilities are provid- me
and that the equipment shall be
ly for the men. 49,,
TTANTA NAMO ROMRARDED