The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1898-05-20
PLANS CHANGED.
Uncle Sam wiz Nov Turn His At
tentiOn to Cuba Inv aston.
Under Way fer = rerriEo
Bonbardment OF Cuban POrts-No Par
ticuIar EHort to Be Made 60 Pur-
sue the spanish FIeet.


sue the spanish Fleet
WAsHINGTOE, Nay 1S-The official
bulletin boards yesterday failed to
yield any news Of the movements OF
either Of the three fleets, Sampson's,
Schley's and the Spanish flying squad
ron, and there is reason TO believe that
the department itself has received no
information on that point. The de-
partment officials are beginning 20
show a little sensitiveness to criticism
in the matter Of the delay In bring
ing the Spanish fleet into action,
conscious, as they are, that they
have made all dispatch eOmpsti-
bic with due regard for the safety Of
our own ports. as well as Of the lives
Of the crews OF our warships. The
general impression is that no partieu-
lar effort is to be made Just now to
pursue the Spaniards, so long as they
keep within the confines of the gulf
of Mexico and the Caribbean sea. but
that Sampson and Scbley, in combina-
ton, viii encircle the island of Cuba,
maintain the blockade, and convoy
troops across the Florida straits, If
necessary, meanwhile keeping a
watch on the Spanish flying squadron
to see that it does not do mischief
either to the American fleet or, by
escaping into the Atlantic, to the sea
board cities. BY this plan the mill
tary and naval officials may hope TO
silence the rather severe criticisms
that are being expressed because Of
delays in opening the military cam
paign IN Cuba itself Considerable
pressure has come upon the admins
tratiOn from congressional quarters to
have the campaign FASTENED, and
there are thought to be signs of a re-
sumption of the plans Of the military
leaders for the invasion Of Cuba at the
point where they were suspended by
the announcement Of the arrival OF
the Spanish flying squadron at Marti-
nique.
The department processes to feel no
apprehension that Adm. Dewey or his
men are in any way endangered by
the occupation of Manila harbor on
the present basis, but this cannot be
said Of the unfortunate inhabitants Of
Manila If the present situation is pro-
tracted uuduly. 1t is no small matter
to organize and transport u, 600 or 49,
600 soldiers 4, 900 miles across the sea
at short notice, and the indications are
that, within a week, some of the sol
diers at least viii be on their way
from San Francisco, following the
Charleston, which Is expected to leave
at any moment with a few supplies most
urgently needed by Adm. Dewey.
There are indications that the war
department has been brought to see
the wisdom and fairness Of the sug-
gestiOns thrown out BY Maj. Gen. Mer-
rift that his expedition should consist
of not less than Is, 600 men and that at
least third Of them should be sea-
sOned troops from the regular army,
capable Of meeting on equal terms the
veteran Spanish soldiers who garrison
Manila To endeavOr to overcome the
Spanish force with less than half their
number of troops would seem 70 be
senseless proceeding, IN view Of the
fact that there is no necessity for such
a course.
AN EARLY LANDING OF TROOPS IN CUBA.
WASHINGTON, May IS. There is a gem
eral air of suspense among the general
public regarding the expected collision
Of the Spanish and American squad
rons now in West India waters, but in
side circles are not expecting reports
Of a naval engagement for several
days-POssibly weeks-as the Spanish
squadron, 1t is believed, viii avoid a
conflict and endeavor to keep afOat
as long as possible, IN order to harass
the American seaboard, after visiting
some of the West India ports and, Il
possible, establishing communications
with Gen. Blanco. In all probability
there viii be a general concentration
Of American warships in Cuban waters
and the early landing Of large bodies
Of troops 1t is felt that there has
been too much dilly-dallying and that
the quick decisive action Of Adm
Dewey has been followed by too great
inaetiOn. It is likely. therefore, that
a large force will be transported to
Cuba a 2 once, under the convoy Of a
strong Gotilla. and the war pushed to
a rapid conclusion. Unless the unez-
peeted again intervenes, the land and
naval forces Of the United States viii
be IN action in less than q week.
Preparations are under way for 3 ter.
rife bOmbardmeut OF Cuban ports. 70
be Immediately followed by an inva-
sion Of troops