Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-06-21
GENERAL SKATERS PLANS.

Believed at the War and Navy Depart
ments That He Has Arrived at His Desti-
pation-The Method of Debarkation.
Washington, June 20.-No doubt is
entertained at either the War or Navy
Departments that Gen. Skaters mill
tary expedition has arrived safely Off
Santiago by this time. AS matter OF
fact, it is believed that the first of the
transports arrived near the blockading
fleet Saturday night. According to the
plans arranged for the debarkation, the
fleet of transports was to lie in safe
place until Sampson had cleared the
way for landing The selection of
the landing place has been left entire
ly to the judgment of Admiral Samp-
son and Gen. Shafter the military COM
mander, and the first business in order
upon the arrival of tie transport fleet
off Santiago would be war council be-
tween Admiral Sampson and some of
his naval captains on the one hand, and
Major General Shafter and his staff on
the other, the purpose being to settle
Meanwhile the fleet of transports will
lie out at sea at least ten mics beyond
the blockading squadron in order to
be entirely safe from attack by Spanish
torpedo boats. These craft are dan
gerous enough to full fiedged warships,
but a transport would be absolutely
helpless against their attack, so the
strictest possible watch must be kept
by the conveys until the troops are
landed, the present being the most
critical moment in the whole opera
ton.
The work of debarking the troops is
/ not to be one of hours. but rather days,
according to the opinion of army Of
ficers. A great deal depends on the
point selected for the landing. 1t was
thought that Aguadores to the east of
/ MORO Castle, about six or eight miles
would be a likely landing in view of
the fact that it has wharf, the pro-
perty of an iron Gre company, which
would be extremely useful for landing
the heavy supplies and ordnance of the
siege train. 1t is reported now how
ever, that this particular wharf has
been commanded by Spanish batteries
which have been so placed as to give
an euHldulUS IRE upon IL. IL lH1S De
so then the batteries must be first sill
enced by the fleet else there would not
only be loss of life among the troops
but the wharf itself might be DESTROYED
by the Spanish shells. If the landing
! is made at this wharf no less than two
| days. it is estimated will be consumed
! in getting the expedition ashore. as only
one ship can lie there at a time and
| there is an enormous quantity of am
munition and stores to be taken ashore
| If the landing is made on the beach it
will be a tedious and time-c consuming
operation although it will be possible
| in that case to proceed simultaneously
from all ships.
Army officials feel confident that Cen
eral Shafter will make an effort to open
I'D cable communication as soon as he
has landed a force and they are expect
ing cablegram almost any moment an
nouncing the fact that he has succeed
ed. Some surprise is expressed that
this French cable has not already been
reopeped. as the cable steamer was at
Mole st Nicholas the middle of last
week with all of the necessary material
and men for repairing the breaks and
opening up the station.