The San Francisco call., 1898-05-22

N RANY messages passed over the IN W wires between Washington and MI San Francisco yesterday. It is 1Vl known that General Otis, U. S.
 A, wired a plain statement of facts and received additional instruc- ttons, but the news in this respect was closely guarded. Last night 1t was said that the Picking would not sail in ad- vance of the City of Sydney and Aus tralia, but that the three vessels would go as a fleet under proper convoy.
 The regiment of Oregon volunteers now encamped at the Presidio stands 6 fine chance of going with the hrst expedition The Call ascertatns that the troops already assigned for the Manila expedition are the oregon vol unteers, the First and Seventh Cali fornia regiments of volunteers and the Fourteenth United States Infantry. It is definitely decided that the Sixth California and the Washington volun- teers are to remain here for Paclnc Coast defense. The Fifteenth United States Infantry ordered to this city will join the expedition to the Philip pines The Government will accept the eight companies of the Sixth Cali fornia Volunteers as regimental or ganization.
 The happiest men in San Francisco yesterday were the crew of the Mon terey. When the news that the coast defense monitor had been ordered to Manila was made known the men for get discipline mOmentarily and gave three hearty cheers. It will take about four days to coal the Monterey and get her ready for the long voyage to the PhiIippines. As soon as she has ir10T1 ta be made for Honolulu. From the lat ter port coal-laden vessel will ac company the monitor to Manila in or der to keep her bunkers supplied on the way.
 It is said that the Government is ne gotiating with Rosenfeld's Sons for the charter of the big collier Peter Jebsen- The latter Is now on her way here with a load of Nanaimo coal, and should the negotiations be carried to head the Jebsen will proceed to Honolulu with her load. Incidentally she and the Monterey might go down in com pany.
 The Monterey is at present com manded by Lieutenant Commander James w. Carlin, gallant officer, who possesses fine executive abilities. If he Is not assigned to the command of the vessel he will surely hold an impOr- tant station aboard the monitor. He is well acquainted with the Monterey,
 
 ing qualities of the vessel. With the Monterey added to Dewey's fleet and the guns of Cavite manned by Ameri- can artillerymen Admiral Dewey would be able to stand off the entire Spanish navy in Manila harbor. The Monterey can carry sufficient coal to steam to Honolulu. Going directly from this port it may be necessary to take coal on the decks. but going from this har- bor to San Diego and recoaling at the latter port the run can be made to Honolulu with ordinary storage of coal From Honolulu to Manila the monitor would require a tow or a col Her
 Rear Admiral Miller, U. s. N, and Adtutant General Barrett held con- ference yesterday in accordance with suggestion from the Secretary of the Navy. The exchange of views is likely to bring the Naval Reserve of CalifOr- ria into active service. On the part of California General Barrett rendered to the admiral six hundred capable re- serve men for any duty that may be demanded
 The United States cruiser Charles ton left Mare Island for Manila yester- day at II a. m. When Red Rock was reached a stop was made in order to adjust the compasses, but before the work was half accomplished the fog shut down, and the officer who had been sent ashore to tally the observa- tions had to be recalled.
 It Is expected that at o'clock this morning steam will be got on the cruiser and that shortly after that hour she will be under way and speed ing toward the Golden Gate.
 Early yesterday afternoon nearly 5000 people gathered at Point Lobos to