The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-10

regiments and batteries to the United
States as speedily as possible, bringing
them home as far as feasible in the or
DER IN Which they reached Manila after
Admiral Dewey'S victory and it is be
Ieved that on the arrival there early
in February Of the three regiments Of
regulars from New York, at least six
of the volunteer commands may be re-
leased from the duty that has already
grown irksome to them.
The expedition from New York could
start in the course of the next week if it
were not for the eXigency in Cuba
which demands the utilization of the
entire marine transport services of the
government on the Atlantlc coast just
at present for providing protection to
all interests in that island promptly on
the departure of the Spanish garrisOns.
Although the ninth at Madison bar
racks; the thirteenth at Forts Porter,
Columbus and Niagara; the 21st at
the Plattsburg barracks, all in New
York, as well as other regiments of reg
ular infantry at posts east of the Rocky
Mountains, are equipped ready to start
practically on the tap Of the drum,
delay is essential for at least two weeks
to secure the necessary transports. Ihe
vessels to take these three regiments
from New York to Manila will probably
be the Berlin, with a capacity for 1000
men and the Chester, which can COM
fortably provide for 1,500 men These
ships are declared to be in excellent
condition and capable Of carrying all
the supplies and equipment essential
vantage of rOOmy decks and plenty of
elbow room for three thousand men
and the necessary officers.
Some question arose, when the ad-
vantages of the Mediterranean route led
to it's virtual adoption, as to the posi-
bility of sending such an expedition
through the Suez canal without violat-
ing the neutrality regulations OF that
waterway, but the state department,
which is taking an active interest in the
expedition, and will, through ats con
sular officers, undertake to make the
stay of the soldiers pleasant in the for
eign ports visited on the voyage prompt
~ swept this away by citing the pre-
cedent Of an armed Spanish squadron
under Camara securing a right of way
to pass to the Red sea from the Medi-
terranean at the height of hostilities,
Notwithstanding the cautious represen-
tatiOns Of this government. After that
incident it is considered impossible that
such an international canal could ever
be closed in time of war, not to mention
such times of peace as at present, eX-
cept by the exercise Of force.
The navy may send one or two cruis-
ers with the expedition as far as Glib
raItar, where the Helena has just ar
vOy, and Admiral Dewey may send one
of his vessels as far as Singapore to
meet the fleet. Stops will probably be
made on the voyage at Gibraltar, Port
Said, Alden, Colombo and Singapore,
where coal will be ready and fresh food
will be obtained. 1t will depend on the
reports of officers who may accompany
this expedition, whether the transports
after reaching Manila shall return to
the United States by way of the At
lantic or the Pacific, although 1t may
be considered advisable, In view Of the
fact that most of the earlier regiments
which reached Manila were from the
Pacific coast, that the transports Will
proceed to San Francisco, in order to
land the returning troops near their
homes.
Actual steaming distance for full pow
cred vessels from New York to Manila
via Suez Is given as sos nautical
miles. while that from San Francisco
to Manila via Honolulu Is given as T.
$50 knots. To Manila from New York
by way Of the Cape of Good Hope is
13,5S5 miles and by way of the Straits
OF Magellen and Samoa 1t is 16, 800 miles.