New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-14
MORE DELAY At TAMPA.
AWAITING CONCLUSIONS IN WEST INDIA
WATERS-FEARS THAT THE ARMY
WILL HAVE NO CHANCE

WILL HAVE NO CHANCE
Tampa Fla, May 10 (speciaD.-Just when ex-
pectation Of an early start Of the Cuban invasion
was greatest came the news Of the presence OF
the Spanish fleet off Martinique and now there
Is almost a total relaxation Of nerves that were
strained over the apparent nearness OF action
here. The orders given yesterday that the
troops be in readiness for marching at an hours
notice produced hope which Is to-day given up
with reluctance.
There is some compensation In the reduction
Of the batteries at Porto Rico and much more
In the prospect Of a general naval engagement
In West India waters, and with these considera-
tions officers and men are forcing themselves to
be content. Apparently the preparations had
reached a stage last night which justified the
belief Of departure within few days.
Now there is a general feeling. even II the
actual labor Of making ready had not been In
terrupted. that there will be a change OF plan.
The information Of the bomoardment OF Porto
Rico led 10 the suggestion that, after all. that
island and not Cuba would be the first landing
place OF the Regular Army.
When II became known that San Juan had ca
ptulated the belief grew stronger that perhaps
10000 men would be hurried there 70 preserve
order and 70 hold the place The transports now
here could carry a force Of that size readily
Even II movement Of the kind was not re-
garded likely to take place at once, OK course
the disposal OF the Cape Verd feet would pre-
cede any embarkatOn OF large body OF men
Even with that accomplished, conveys would
have 10 reach here They would probably have
10 come from Admiral Simpsons or Commodore
Schley's fleets. as the blockading squadron could
not spare a sufficient number Of vessels 10 guard
the voyage OF half a dozen helpless merchant
men So. whether the army here Is destined for
Porto Rico or Cuba. there is prospect OF
comfortable walt for eight or ten days at least
A horrible fear sometimes comes over certain
OF the fighters here that SPANS feet Will be
thoroughly smashed. and that peace will be de-
cared and the Army Will have had none or the
fun or glory generously vouchsafed the
Navy Each delay is looked on by them as in
creasing the possibility Of a settlement OF the
without a battle with Blancos forces, ana
palms itch 10 grasp sabres.
The 9th Cavalry arrived early this morning
and the Sd at noon The 81 marched through
the streets in formal fashion ana was greatly
admired. The horses are fine lot The ltn
Infantry also got in from Chickamauga. and
more regiments are 70 reach this place In the
course Or me night,
be sent here caused disappointment. but later
II was given out that the list Regiment. OF
New-YorK. and some Massachusetts, troops were
the way. or soon would be IL Will certainly
be vastly serviceable TO y militia 70 see the
Regulars constantly and close range.
The more one watches the soldiers now here
the more he admires them, both soldiers and
men There are some Florida volunteers here,
and the contrast between them and the Regular
Army Is interesting. To the Tiitiamen Il Is all
a sort OF a lark The other men are bronzed
and serious
Major General Joseph Wheeler arrived here
tonight from Chckamauga and reported 70
General Wade. pending the arrival OF orders.
General Emilio Nunez Of the Cuban army, re-
turned from Washington. Almost nothing Is
doing to-day the transports. but they are in
virtual readiness FOR sailing.
WATER WANTED FOR TRooPsHIPs
There IL not believed 20 be than $500 troops
hero now exclusive OF those Just arriving from
Chickamauga and the conservative belief is that
they Will almost Ill arst fleet Of ten transports
The eight regiments from Chckamauga ars
thought 70 foot up 1890 men. however. and with
TIE remaining sfteSn transports that have beer
chartered me Government Will be able 70 carry
large bodies o, men. animals and munitions.
A continuous procession OF these remaining boats
is now expected 10 arrive. The Olivstte VIII carry
! The commanding officer and his staff according q
the present plan The Florida will be used by th'
Tn or,zaba o. the Ward Line which arrive,
Yesterday. was coang to-day AL the vessels Il
! with coal and water. the amount used daily by tn
/ crew being replaced from t!me 70 time.
The quest.On o. water for the troopships has oeei
a serious Y has been considered advisable Z
! have an amount sufficient 20 last ten days. TIT
! number Of passengers will be much greater thar
the boats ordinarily carry. and. besides. there ar
the horses and mules. The Ollvette. OF the Plan
! thousand gallons n day. but TIE other transports
ar. not thus supplied. number OF large outt
have been received. and viii be Used 70 supplement
/ the regular tanks and other receptaces