Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-14

WIN OCCUR within the next few hours II
was at first thought the Navy Depart
ment had dispatch-boat at Hongkong
ready to carry forward the orders to Ad-
mirai Dewey and General Merritt. but the
department learned to-day that no dis
patch-boat was at Hongkong. although
one was likely to reach there to-day or
tomorrow. Meanwhile, It is possible that
Consul Wildman may charter a steamer
and send the orders forward. He has
general instructions as dispatch agent,
and 1t was said at the State Department
to-day that these instructions govern the
present case. General Greely is satisfied
no use can be made Of the cable connect
ing Hongkong with Manila, as there are
no cable operators at the Manila end.
CERyERA AND OTHER PRISONERS.
Acting Secretary Allen said to-day that
the matter of establishing coaling sta
tions. the disposition of Admiral Cervera
and other Spanish prisoners, and like
questions brought up by the peace set
tlement, would receive consideration in
due time. but that there was no imme-
date necessity for passing upon them.
Preparations are making TO receive the
battleships and armored cruisers now
under orders to come North. Dry-docks
Nos. 1 and at the New York navy
yard are available for the big cruisers
New York and Brooklyn but not for the
battleships. Dry-dock No. will receive
the battleships, but will not be in condi-
tion before September 1st, aS 1t has just
gone through a long period Of repair.
Captain Bartlett. in charge Of the auxil-
iary fleet, is arranging to get these craft
back into their old channels.
The old single-turreted monitors will be
returned to the League Island navy-yard.
Some of the auxiliaries are still needed 10
look after mine fields established along
the coast.
LEE TO BE A COMMISSIONER.
The War Department was busy all day
with matters pertaining to the cessation
Of hostiities. Secretary Alger consulted
the President for some time, but when
he returned said that the military COM
missioners for Cuba and Porto Rico would
not be announced to-day. There was no
need of haste. he said, as by the terms
Of the protocol ten days were allowed
for the selection of the commissioners.
There has been some speculation as
to who will be commissioners.
and nearly all Of the more prominent
officers of the army have peen
canvassed, both volunteer and regular,
1t seems to be generally conceded that
General Lee will be one of the commits
sioners for Cuba on. account of his
knowledge of the conditions Of the island.
General Brooke and General Henry are
mentioned as probable commissioners for
Porto Rico.
OUR FORCES TO BE REDUCED.
The subject Of mastering out a part
of the volunteer forces has been consid-
cred, and it is probable that the total
force will be reduced to 100000. This
mastering out will not begin at once.
Garrisons of both regular and volunteer
soldiers will remain in Cuba, Porto Rico,
and the Philippines. Manila and Porto
Rico will be governed through the MILD
tary arm at present, and probably the
authority which the United States exerts
in Cuba by the same method. 1t is
the understanding of~the War Depart
ment that the Spanish soldiers in all
places over which the United States ex-
ercises authority will be virtually pris-
oners of war and under the orders of the
United States officers in command. The |
War Department is now exercising every |
effort in the direction of the care Of the |
sick and wounded soldiers, and is push |
more comfortable