The record-union., 1898-07-02

just beyond this bridge the railroad di-
vides into two branches. The destruc-
ton of this bridge would be the most
feasible method of preventing the ap-
proach of General Pandos Spanish
troops to relieve Santiago.
1t is probable that if the Spaniards
retreat by this road they will make a
stand on the plateau at FL Cristo, and
hold the pass of Ell Cristo. The only
other pass through the mountains near
this point is at Escandel summit, about
six miles in straight line east of FL
Cristo pass. Escandel summit is loo
feet above the sea, and is reached from
Santiago via Caney. The road from
Santiago to Caney is fairly good. be-
ing wide enough for vehicles. Between
Caney and Escandel the road which
is no more than a trail, ascends the
mountains, and is very winding and
broken. Beyond Escandel, across the
range, the country is heavily timbered
and broken, and the roads are not very
good. 1t is an ideal country for am
bush. This is probably the only pass
through which che Spanish position
could be turned, should the Spanish
troops occupy the Cristo plateau and
pass.
The railroad has been fortified by a
line of blockhouses, protecting the
bridges, and certain zones Of cultiva-
ton inclosed between these forts have
been planted during all the time of the
war. and would afford a supply for the
aGmy for a certain time. In the mean
while sweet potatoes could be planted,
which in three months would mature.
These zones of cultivation exist along
the road as far as San Luis, at which
point there is considerable country in
cultivation. On the other branch, the
Sabanillo branch, the zones Of cultiva-
tion extend as far as Santiago.
While not prolix in his utterances,
Admiral Dewey loses no opportunity to
keep the Navy Department informed OF
the state of affairs at Manila. A dis
patch came from him to-day, dated
Cavite, June 9th, reporting that con-
ditions are practically unchanged. bat
not recording the arrival of his rein
forcements. He had some other mat
ters of interest to communicate. but
they We're not of a character that could
be properly made public at this stage.
For one thing, it can be stated that
Admiral Dewey has been particular to
avoid committing his Government to
any particular line of action respecting
the future of the Philippines, or do any
thing that would embarrass, sGene1
Merritt in framing a policy to meet the
needs of the case when he arrives He
has made no official pledges to the in
surgent leader, although he has not
hesdtated TO openly praise his good pol
itics and his accomplishments.
SO far as the Navy Department
knows, the Cadiz fleet is still at Port
Said, unable to coal, but it is taking no
chances on this course, and is steadily
pressing the arrangements for the dis
pc tch to the Mediterranean of the East
erh squadron under Commodore Wat
son. An evidence of this purpose was
made visible to-day in the packing and
forwarding of boxes of charts of all
the waters likely to be traversed by
Watson's squadron directly to the ships
at Santiago.
In reply TO message asking General
Shafter how many troop ships could be
inforcements might be sent him, Ad-
jutant General Corbin late tonight re-
ceived the following reply:
Colonel Humphreys mas been order
ed to return as many transports as pos
sible at once"