Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-07-14
WITHIN "a HOURS
Continued from page -

Their appearance has determined the
authorities upon more active prose-
cution of the campaign.
Orders either have been or soon will
be sent TO Gen. Shafter to discuss no
more with the Spanish commander the
terms of surrender, but to assault the
town with all the force at his com
mand as soon as the present truce eX-
pires 1t is expected by Shafter that
the navy viii cooperate and while Sec
rotary Long has received no direct adj
vices on that point from Admiral
Sampson, he fully credits this expecta-
ton.
Reluctant as the war department Is
to sacrifice the many lives that NIGH
be lost in an assault, it is deemed to
be better policy to make it than TO al
low the men to rot away with fevers
and other diseases during the long pc
riod that would be required to reduce
the city by steady investment.
An expectation is still entertained
here, however, that this assault will
be unnecessary through Toral surren-
derng before it begins. 1t was perhaps
the spread of this belief, caused by Il
knowledge CT the more energetic steps
in prospect at the opening of the da;
upon the circulation of rumors of the
appearance of yellow fever in the
American camps.
Regarding the future of Santiago,
nothing has been officially stated, but
it is significant that orders were issued
from the department, this afternoon.
to prepare the LIST and I'd Regiments of
volunteer immunes for immediate de-
parture for the front. This would seem
in indicate a purpose on the part of the
government to garrison Santiago With
these fever proof men after its capitu-
lation, thus permitting the removal Of
the regular troops to more healthy
points.
Turning to the far East, it was re-
freshing to receive, today, good news
again from Dewey. IN fact it is begin
ming to be remarked that that officer is.
usually able to make felicitious reports.
The administration is very much pleas
ed with the readiness shown by the
admiral in meeting. as he did. tn,
grave issue presented to him at Subic
bay. Naval officers too, were not lit
tie gratified at the speedy retirement Of
the German cruiser Irene after the APP
pearance of the Raleigh and Concord.
A comparison of the ships show that
Irene was much superior 10 either of the
two American vessels and in tonnage
was almost as large as the Raleigh and
Concord together.
In official quarters here there appears
to he no disposition to look upon tn
action of the irene as a menace which
will require explanation. 1t was
thought at first that this first outward
show of force on the part of the cGr-
man ships might lead to an inquiry by
the government as to the purposes of
Germany. Thus far. however. there is
no disposition to make such inquiry OF
to attach serious import to the Incl
dent.
Capt. Charles f. Clark, commanding
the battleship oregon. mas been appointed
chief of staff of Commodore Watson
commanding the Eastern squadron, I'M
der orders to proceed to European water.
and harass the coast of Spain and to pur
sue and destroy the Spanish fleet in com
mands of Admiral Camara The detail
gave rise TO the suggestion in some quar-
tiers that he was to be succeeded in com
manu of the Oregon by another captain
conclusion In designating the comman
der of the flagship to serve as the chief o
staff of the flag officer, the navy depart
ment is simply reverting to former Gus
tom Capt. Clark will still remain il
command of the Oregon.
The medical officers of the army de
cline to make any statement resDectin!
the health of the troops at Santiago, es
pecially in response to questions whethe
fever prevails to any great extent anon;
them. The surgeon general has received
several dispatches from the chief surgeon
in charge of the medical department o
Skaters army but If they relate to feve
he will not say. 1t is known, however
that the surgeon general is engaging tn
services of immune doctors and nurse
for work in the hospitals.
Before the eXpc lition to Santiago wa
made up and sailed from Tampa. Dr
Sternberg thought it unwise to discus
the questions relating to the health o
the troops. as this might only give rise t
concern. in many eases unwarranted. t
their friends at home. Surgeon Genera
Van Reypan of the navy. distinctly state
during the day that no reports have com
as to any cases Of fever among the navl
forces at or near Santiago.
The surgeon general received word tina
the naval hospital ship Solace sailed. yes
terday for Newport News, with her loa
of wounded soldiers and sailors. Spar
iards as well as americans. She wi
reach Newport News in about three day
The surgeon general also received a le
ter from Or. Edgar, surgeon with tn
marine garrison at Guantanamo, sivin
the first detailed account Of the killing
Surgeon gibbs.
DIR. Edgar writes that while the engage
ment at Guantanamo was in progre:
many bullets struck the hospital ten
II was decided to start for an eXclVatio
about GO feet away, whore the hospit
work could proceed under shelter fro
the surrounding earth.
They had gone but Is feet when ID
Gibbs dropped with a bullet wour
through the left temple. The ball passt
>transvcrsely through the brain, comir
ut of the right temple. DR.. Gibbs 1it
hlf an hour after receiving the wound.
On the basis of calculation made {
reports already received as to the woi
of the various vessels of Simpsons flee