The Mena star., 1898-04-20
SPAIN MY BE INVADED.
Plan for Vigorous Descent Upon the Spanish Coast by an Amer
 ican Army Considered.
THE REGULAR TROOPS ON THE MOVE.


 Gen. Miles to Take Command of the Invad-
 ing Forces for Cuba-The Manual of
 Arms to Be Distributed Among the
 Members of the National Guard-Ths
 First Call to Arms.
 WASHINGTON, April 19.-A retired officer, who is very close to those mak- ing war plans and who will receive a new commission, confirms a statement to the effect that an American army may invade Spain. He said:
 It is deemed very probable by some who are high in authority that this war will be carried into Spain as we'll as Cuba It is the firm be- lief of the army that the campaign will be very much longer than is counted on by the public in general The equalization of the Spanish army in Cuba and the loss of the island by Spain might really strengthen Spains posi- tion, for, when relieved of the necessity of de- lending and provisioning Cuba, she could cen- tralize her power and devote all her energies to defending Spain. We could not parole Spanish prisoners of war, because of their notorious treachery. and should therefore be compelled to feed and shelter them The capture of Havana and the seizure of Porto Rico would. it is generally believed, entail the prompt following up of our advantages by mili- tary as well as naval demonstrations against Spain. With the many transports that are available, and others that might easily be se- cured, we could easily land 100000 American troops on Spanish soil, and there attack a Spanish army. There is no doubt that this plan of vigorous and successful descent upon Spain is confidently considered, and that an American army for foreign invasion is by many officers looked upon as more than prob ability.
 The Regular Troops Moving.
 WASHINGTON. April 19.-Ten thou sand regular troops are on their way to the gulf. By noon to-day the entire available military force of the United States was en route for concentration in the south. The bids for transporta- tion of the troops were opened at the various points throughout the country and contracts signed by assistant quartermaster generals. The army was immediately set in motion and telegrams were received at the war de- partment announcing the departure of more than half the force to be concen- trated. The remainder will be on the way tomorrow and by Saturday the four divisions of the army of occupa- tion will be in camp at their respective headquarters Tampa, Mobile, Chicka- mauga and New Orleans.
 Gen. Miles and Ills Field Staff.
 WASHINGTON, April 19.-Gen. Miles will go to Cuba. He has been very anxious for this duty and he will take command of the invading forces. He has selected some of the members of his field staff. Lieut. Col William Ludlow, who has been in charge of the defense work on Long Island and Sandy Hook, and of certain important New York city river and harbor work, will be the engineer officer. Lieut. Col F. Humphrey will be quartermas- ter on the staff Maj. H. B. Osgood will be the commissary of su ubsistence. Brig. Gen. J. c. Breckinridge, now in- spector general of the United States army, will serve as chief of inspection department.
 The Manual of Arms
 WASHINGTON, April 19.--In the sem ate Mir. Lodge has presented joint resolution, at the request of the sec retary of war, to have published for distribution among the national guard 5 900 copies of the manual of arms and the same number of copies of numer- ous other publications necessary to
  communications from the department stated that thousands of applications had been received for these valuable publications from all sections of the country
 The First Call to Arms.
 WAsHINGToN, April i9.The war de- partment to-day practically decided that it's first call to arms would be for 80. 900 men, to be taken from the mili- tia of the several states. There are complications in the matter which it will take little time to adjust and which will prevent the issuance of a call to-day and may delay it even a little longer.
 Will Follow the Army.
 NEW YORK, April 19. 9.-Anticipating that hostilities will break out, the Sis ters of Charity in this state have been