The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-06-19
Between Miles and His Superiors Pro-
nounced 10 Be Absurd.
THE CADIz FLEET HEADED EASTWARD
All Reports Relative to the Movements of
This Mysterious Squadron Are Receiv-
ed by Naval Omcials Subject to Con-
irmation-Troops Land Today.

of campaign for the conduct of the war
against Spain will be adhered to and will
be pushed with vigor. That decision was
reached at a war council today at which
were present, Mr.. Mckinley, Secretaries
Alger and Long, General Miles, Assistant
Secretary Meiklejohn Admiral Scard and
Captain Mahan. OF course, there will be
some slight notifications made necessary
by the changes that have occurred since the
beginning of hostilities, but these will not
affect the general plan of operations. Gen
eral Miles returned from Florida with a
store of information respecting the con-
dition of the troops, difficulties to be ex-
pected in the progress of the campaign,
needs in the matter of transportation and
terminal facilities that will be freely
availed of to correct the defects in the
present system that experience has devel-
oped.
The general was present during the war
council The only reason the commanding
general did not visit the white house yes
terday was because of a desire on the
presidents part that his war counsellors
should have the benefit of General Miles
recital of his observations at first hand
pronounced Absurd
The stories that there has been friction
between General Miles and his official su-
periors are pronounced to be absurd and
today's proceedings gave ample evidence of
the fact that the utmost harmony charac-
terizes the relations between the chief
executive and the military branch of the
government. There were, of course, some
differences of opinion among the persons
present at the war council, but there has
been no disposition in any quarter to re-
sist for instant any conclusion which
has secured the approval of the president.
The official declaration that the campaign
is to be pushed with vigor does not neces-
sarily mean an immedite attack upon Ha-
vana, although such advice has been ten
dered. 1t does mean that the very best ef-
forts are to be put forth to put the army
in condition where it can be used with over
whelming effect at any point at almost
moments notice. To this end the troops
now in camp are to be thoroughly trained
and hardened. With such an army at COM
mand, numbering no less than 100000 the
fate of Havana cannot long remain in
doubt when once this army is hurled upon
it.
Meanwhile the smaller expeditionary
movements are to go forward uninter-
ruptedly. When Santiago is captured the
trained soldiers who do the work will be
pushed on to Porto Rico. If all or most of
them are needed in this expedition, then
the provisional force" referred to by Gen.
eral Shafter III his orders probably will be
dispatched Immediately from the United
States to garrison the town of Santiago
and to relieve the regulars. Probably
knowledge of some such intention has led
to the rumor which found currency today
to the effect that 1900 men from General
Grahams camp had been ordered to pro-
ceed Immediately to reinforce Shafter at
Santiago As matter of fact Secretary
10 has Niyap IN
for the sending Of troops from Camp AL
ger nor had he ordered any extensive move
ments elsewhere.
The Cadiz Fleet
Word came to the navy department that
the Spanish fleet was still headed eastward
today. The basis of ths report is not known
but is probably from the skipper of some
merchant vessel, which has passed the
squadron for the ships of course have long
since escaped the range of observation of
the lookout at Gibralter. All the reports
relative to the movements of this myste-
rious squadron are received by the naval
officials subject to confirmation, for expe-
rience has taught them that the Spanish
are freely availing themselves of the rather
pureile device of sending out contradictory
news of naval movements with the hope to
misead our campaign directors. There
fore, in the case of this report, 1t may
turn out to be unfounded.
No confirmation has reached here of the
report from Spanish sources that the
Spanish food laden steamer PurisiamA
Conception has managed to slip into Man
zanillo, Cuba, and If this should turn out
to be the case there is strong disposition
to hold somebody accountable. While the
town mentioned is not within the block
aiding lines, it is felt that with due vigil
ance the vessel could have been captured
by one of the American cruisers The
vexatious features of the boats arrival at
Manzanillo is that the large amount of sup
plies she carries are probably placed within
reach of the Spanish defenders of Santiago.
There are other Spanish forces in the
neighborhood reported to be in desperate
straits as to food and ammunition who
may be enabled, If this rumor proves true,
to continue affective resistance for some
time.
There was much anticipation in official
circles tonight of the official disSetches
telling of the arrival of the Santiago and
first Philippine expeditions at their respec-
tive destinations. Secretary Long, in re-
sponse to query as to the probable date
Hot fight on Garden Hose. Now's the
time to sprinkle your yard. Alabama Gas