Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-01

WASHINGTON, June 5V-Ihe SITUATION
a.. the close OF the cay was described by
Secretary Alger as bcirs such as TO war
ran. him in entertaining the expectation
OF important news az any moment.
DIRECT WIRE TO SKATER.
Secretary Ager was very much graft
asI when he learned to-day that
direct telegraphic communication now
existed between Washington and
General shaftcr's headquarters at
e.bongv. Heretofore all messages
from the General have been delayed
t.euty-tour hours. owing TO the necessity
OF sending them across rough country to
reach the cable station. The loss Of so
much time might be vital in case of
urgent need for reinforcements or for
ammunition and supplies.
NAVY TO COOPERATE.
The opinion is held here that the navy
I, uul cooperate ir the attack on Santiago,
and 20 that end. part of Skaters force
is TO move Immediately upon MORO Cas-
ts. 10 capture the fort, and enable the
naval launches 10 open the gateway into
the harb0r by removing the mines. The
experience OF the vessels while in Guanta-
mmo harbor m pulling up the mines
there IS expected 10 very much facilitate
similar work at Santiago.
SHAFTER BUSY.
80 telegram came TO the War Depart
mant to-day from General Shafter. and
the understanding here is that he is en-
rIoyng his time to the best advantage
m taking his artillery 10 the front and
making all ready for the final assault
upon Santiago. II is not known how far
The Spanish relnforcements have ad-
1anced since yesterday, but General
shalter has fun knowledge Of their move'
ments, and. it is believed, S. not likely
.J delay his attack until they have
strengthened the garrison al Santiago by
uniting with Linarcs.
MORE TROUBLE AT TAMPA.
The second expedition from Tampa to
reinforce Shafter appears to have en-
countcred almost as many difficulties as
the original expedition in getting away.
1t was confidently expected here that the
start would be made from Tampa last
Monday. but one difficulty after another
has arisen 20 retard the movement, so
that il was with a feeling Of relief that
The news came TO the department from
Tampa that the flagship of the expedi-
ton. the Hudson, had swung out into
the stream and was ready TO lead the
procession OF transports, which it is be-
Nevcd By this time are under way bound
for Santiago.
SECOND FORCE FROM CAMP ALGER.
IL is calculated that the second install
ment OF the achievements dispatched 10
shafter from Camp Alger via steamer
from Newport News, Va. reached him
to-day on the Harvard, and the steamer
Yale is expected az Newport News day
after tomorrow returning from her
nrst tlip with Dufields soldiers to take
more reinf3rcements. probably including
Garetson's Battalion.
VIRGINIA ROUTE THE BETTER.
The department is thoroughly satisfied
with the success attending this method
OF transporting the troops from Camp
Alger. having found II TO be not only
much more economical than the combined
rail and water route via Tampa. but more
expeditions. The steamers will be FUR
ta,r awaited OF in pursuance Of Secretary
Ayers intention to continue dispatehing
reinforcement after reinforcement to
sLafter until be has an oyerpowerlng
force al his command.
COPPINGER FOR PORTO RICO.
MajOr-General Coppinger is not to go 10
Santiago with any Of these additional
forces. lie Is senior TO General Shafter.
and II sent 10 Santiago by virtue OF the
army regulations would assume command
of ihe army in front OF that place. There
iogc It is likei5 that he VIII be reserved
to- The command Of the Porto Rican ex-
pediuon.
CAMARA AND WATSON.
IL was announced at the Navy Depart
ment this afternoon that the Spanish
Cadiz squadron had paid the heavy suez
canal tolls and was about 10 proceed east
ward through the canal. though this
statement was probably erroneous, in
view of the later reports 10 the press
indicating that the Spanish vessels were
stopping for repairs. The adylces oniy
fastened The preparations making fer the
departure Of Commodore Wasson's east
en- squadron. The Commodore has re-
ported TO ths Navy Department his ar