The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-12
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Middle West will be moving swiftly TO
Florida and the gulf while from the
West the cars will be carrying troops 10
San Francisco. To-day's news in connec-
ton with the renewal of General Miles
order to Tampa is pretty substantial eVl-
dence of a very early movement ol
troops in strong force to cuba, while the
Philippines programme VIII not DC ue
finitely fixed for some days
THE SPANISH FLEET.
Contrary TO expectations the day pass
cd al the Navy Department without news
from Admiral Sampson. Notwithstanding
what appears to be confirmatory news
paper advices relative 10 the presence OF
the Spanish Cape Verde fleet at CadZ
tho Navy Department officials are be-
ginning 10 entertain strong doubts OF
the accuracy of the report 1T was not
possible during the course OF the day 10
obtain anything like an official conrma-
ton Of the official report received yes
terday. but this is not to be wondered at
IN view of the success which SPAN
Government has so far met with In Keep
ing secret the movements of its naval
ships. Until news comes from Admiral
Sampson of his doings in and around
Porto Rico It cannot be said dehmteiy
what programme will be decided on as
regards that island.
MAY GO TO PORTO RICO.
II has been suggested that some Of tnt
troops now being hurried to the sult
coast may be intended to cooperate win
Admiral Sampson in the reduction or the
fortifcations at San Juan de forto
Rico and the subsequent occupation OF
the island. 1t is felt that the Admiral
will be In a rather disagreeable plight
sinnosing even that he managed TO re-
duce the forts with his fleet, If he were
Obliged to remain there in occupation OF
the troops to be transported near at hand
might otherwise be urgently needed either
on the Cuban coast or somewhere IN the
Atlantic 20 meet the Spanish fleet.
An evidence Of the wisdom OF having
the trops to be transported near at hand
I'm such cases is shown by the predica-
ment Admiral Dewey is believed to be
at Manila, where for lack OF troops he Is
unable to occupy the town and TO prevent
atrocities which the insurgents are capa-
be of working upon their helpless spanish
foes The revival Of doubts as 10 the
whereabouts Of the Cape Verde squadron
caused a renewal Of anxiety as 10 the
Oregon.
AS no TIE OREGON.
The ship was at Bahia at last ac-
counts and is believed to have started a
to Join Simpsons squadron in the West
Indies. She will have to make a run Of
8. 900 miles. which will occupy the oregon
about ten DAYS only, as she is in fine fet-
tie and averaged thirteen knots an hour
on the long run around from San Fran
cisco. However. Il is believed that Ad-
rniral Sampson Is as well posted as any
one in Washington as to the conditions
existing in the West Indies, and he
doubtless will do whatever is necessary
in his judgment TO safeguard the snip
in her run up the coast.
During the past month the Bureau Oh
Construction and Repair Of the Navy
Department spent one million ana quar-
ter dollars in the repair and QUILTING OF
ships and none OF this money went 10
new construction. This is said to be the
largest expenditure in this particular line
made by the equipment bureau even dur
ing the days of the civil war.
The Navy Department felt Obliged 10
decline the offer made by some wealthy
New York gentlemen. headed by y: J.
II. Belmont, to build and equip torpedo
boat for the use Of the government dur
Inc the war. Possibly the decllnation
was brought about through the condition
attached TO the offer that the boat should
be conmanded by Mr. Belmont for with
out the least reflection upon that gen
tleman, the naval officials have been
Obliged to decline TO establish the pre-
oedent Of appointing civilians 10 com
mand in this way.
NO PRIVATEERING
The practice in some respects would
approach privateering, which is distinct
lv prohibited by the agreement we nave
Voluntarily entered into and proclaimed
20 the world.
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt to-day
turned over the duties of Assistant Sec
retary Of the Navy to Charles II. Allen,
of Massachusetts, and the latter held a
reception at the department to all the
employees.
The rush orders 10 the Charleston,
which went out to-day will have the
result possibly of obliging the depart
ment to send another vessel, probably
the Philadelphia, along with the troop
transports which are expected TO go out
from San Francisco about the end OF the
week. since It is very unusual In time
of war to send such troops without a
warshisps for convoy.