The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-17
FAILURE OF THE
GUSSIE'S TRIAL.
Could Not Land Arms in Cuba Rich
ard Harding Davis Declines.

TAMPA, FLA. May 1s.-The steamer
Gussie, which sailed from Port Tampa
last Tuesday laden with arms ammuni-
ton and supplies for the use OF General
GomeZs army and with two crack COM
panies Of the First Infantry, returned
to-day. bringing most Of her cargo back.
The story OF the failure Of the expedition
has already been told. IL is hardly prob
able that another attempt will be made
TO land the supplies until the whole eX-
petition moves. The army officials are
strongly inclined 10 lay the blame for
the failure of the Gussie's expedition to
the wide publicity given 10 the sailing.
The Spanish forces in Cuba were un-
doubtedly kept fully posted on every de-
tail Of the movement and made prepard-
lions to meet tie Gussie when she APP
peared off the coast. II Is intmated that
a press censorship at Tampa may be
established should @ movement OF our
troops take place from here In the near
future, Had such a course been pursued
before It is claimed that the chances OF
a successful landing OF the Gussie's sup
plies and placing them in the hands 81
the insurgents would have been greater.
MR.. DAVIS DECLINED.
Richard Harding Davis, the author.
whose nomination as assistant adJutant
captain, was recently confirmed. has de-
clined to accept. Alr. Davis said that
while he deeply felt the honor conferred
upon him. yet the fact that he was en-
tirely ignorant Of the duties of the Of
flee. and the fact that there were many
officers in the regular army deserving OF
promotion. forced him 10 decline.
Governor BlOxham. OF Florida, and his
star arrived i'm Tampa to-day and the
work of forming the Florida troops into
a regiment was begun Immediately. The
five battaHons will be cut down 10 three
and the number OF troops to one thou
sand The regiment will then be mus
tered In aD1 officers elected.
Major Webb c. Hayes, Of the First
ohio Cavalry Regiment OF Volunteers
was to-day attached TO General Skaters
STAFF.
FORTIFICATIONS COMPLETE.
The necessity Of anordlng protection
to the enormous amount OF coal, ammu-
milton and government supplies OF all
kinds at Port Tampa and the dangerous
proximity OF the Spanish feet 10 Florida
waters have resulted in the pushing 10
completion OF the fOrtifications at Eg-
mont and Mullet Keys commanding the
entrance 10 Tampa Bay Several 5-inch
seiee guns aud finch howitzers 10 be
placed IN THESE lOIAllltdAlnAF l4dNF az eiAe
arrived and others are on the way
There is also on hand a plentiful supply
Of ammunition and torpedo material The
barbor from the entrance 10 Port Tampa
has bee Thoroughly mapped out and the
locations for tOrpedoes and submarine
mines decided upon.
Inside Of a few days the harbor will be
thoroughly protected.
GRAHAM TO FALLS CHURCH.
ATLANTA. GA. May lS.-MaJor-Gen-
eral Graham tonight received orders
from Washington 10 report at Falls
Church. Va. at once and assume COM
mand OF the Second Corps Of Volunteers.
Shortly afterward General Graham was
informed by a representative Of the As
ISOLATED Press Of the assignment Of Ma
ior-General Brooke 10 the command OF
the Department of the Gulf. Major-Gen-
eral Graham had intended leaving for
Virginia IN a day or two. but when told
Of General Brookes new assignment said
he would probably await the new COM
mander's arrival.
Major-General Graham has not yet
been ordered to send any OF the Spanish
prisoners now at Fort Mcpherson 10
Key West I'm exchange for the two news
paper correspondents held as prisoners
in Cuba, but has been instructed 20
der all prisoners secured on Spanish
prizes sent TO Fort Mcpherson. The
General was also requested by the Wash
ington officials TO furnish guards for all
prisoners so obtained from the point
Of debarkatlon 10 Fort Mcpherson.
MOBILE MILITARY.
MOBILE. ALA, May 16.-Colonel I. ID.
DOrusy OF the eleventh Infantry. who was
given three months sick leave about
ten days ago. returned 10 camp last night
having been 10 New York. Washington.
and ST. Louis He is senior colonel. and
has taken command Of the Second Bril-
gade. Brigadier-General Hawkins re-
celved his commission to-day n having
gone round by way of Tampa by mistake
The Second Cavalry began the routine
of drills to-day, having a fine drill ground
a half mile west Of the infantry encamp-
ment.
Colonel Hunt. OF the cavalry. who suf-
fered from a fall from his horse while az
Chickamauga, is still somewhat under
the weather. He and STAFF were formally
received by General Copplngsr at head
quarters tonight. Lieutenant T. s.
Schley, Ferd. ". Kobe. II. G. Coleman.
r. G. Str!tzenger. OF the Twenty-third
Infantry. stationed at New Orleans. came
over to-day 10 appear before the Examin-
ing Board for promotion. Schley Is son
orr Commodore Schley. OF the Flying
Squadron. Fifty-seven wagons for this
command were received here to-day from
10 IND