The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-06-29
SUMTER. S. c.. WEDNESDAY JUNE 80. 189s

which are to form part of the new
division Probably some of the
troops now at Tampa will be attached
also, in which case they will be dis.
patched in separate transports. Gen
eral Henry is one of the most noted
cavalry leaders in the army, possibly
in the world
1t is evident from the nature of
General Niles advices that in addi.
tion to the troops now landing, as is
supposed not far from Playa del Este,
on the east side of Santiago bay. .
second landing is going on at a point
Just about the same distance west of
the harbor entrance
The two divisions will be pushed
forward steadily to take the town of
Santiago on. either flank, while to
Garcia and Rabl's bands of insur-
gents may be left the task of bring
ing on the attack in the rear. The
defiance ON the west side is sligbtly
greater than on the east. bat it prob
sbly is not greater by either route
than / 5 or 1S miles The country is
mountainous. hut there is no reason
to believe itmay not be traversed by
the United States troops within q
week, even if it should be necessary
to construct entertainments and alb
bats every few miles in order to beat
back the Spaniards. With the begin
ming of the military movement, the
navy will draw close in shore to
pound away at the forts at the en-
trance aud to draw the Gordon of
warships so closely around the mouth
as to make it impossible for Cervera's
vessels 70 escape. even if they are
disposed to take the most desperate
chances
News has reached here that 49,
600 tons of coal are being loaded on
ship board at Valparaiso, Chile. As
coal is worth about $18 q ton there
the purchase excites great curiosity
here and it has been suspected that it
was being made ON Spanish account.
If this should prove to be true, and
the fact will soon be known, it would
seem to indicate o purpose on the
part of the Spanish naval commander,
Camsra. to carry that celebrated
Cadiz feet around into the Pacific
aud use these colliers to supply the
feet with coal In this case the
object of attack probably would be
the west coast of the United States
instead of the Philippines, but after
all the whole thing is still matter Of
mere conjecture.
The European stories published
this morning Of an alliance among
the powers against the United States.
and of the reported profer of Ger
many to lease the Philippines from
Spain, are received here with amuse.
ment. for it will appear clearly from
the place of origin of these stories
Madrid-if not from their substance,
that they were inspired by a despe-
rate wish on the part of Spain to in
volve us in trouble with Germany.
The secretary of the navy to-day,
speaking to an Associated Press re-
porter of the general satisfaction that
has been expressed with the navy de-
partment, said that. in justice, it
should be borne in mind that the navy
is always in a state of mobilization,
although the coming of the war had
necessitated q vast amount of special
preparation and q ye increase Of
vessels and naval foioes.
The secretary then paid q high
compliment to the chiefs of the naval
bureau who have borne the real bur-
den of preparation BE said they
never will get half the praise they
deserve