The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-15

fetal mind here to-day on the time OF de-
parture of the transports, though as
surance was given that they had all got
ten away.
The confusion on this point is easily
accounted for by persons who know any
thing Of the difficulties Of moving sinful
taneously a numerous feet composed Of
vessels of all sizes and classes. No less
than three times. beginning Sunday, was
a definite hour selected for the start and
the War Department 50 notified. Yet III
each case some untold obstruction was
encountered that required notification TO
tine department that postponement had
been forced. Sailors say such delays are
inevitable and that rarely does a meet
get of by first intention.
LAST RELIVED TO HAVE STARTED.
However the department officials stated
this afternoon that they believed the
very last Of the transports had at last
started for Cuba. After all the delay OF
a dav or two I'm the start Is not calcu-
lated TO make any material difference in
the plans. and the only persons who VIII
suffer from it will be Sampsons marines
encamped on the Bay of Guantanamo
and Obliged to maintain their position
by vigilance in repelllnS bushwhacklng
Spanish irregulars who swarm IN the
thickets. This foe gives no trouble dur
ing the daylight hours owing 10 the pres
ence OF the Marblehead within easy
range hut al night. when the warshlp
is unable to distinguish their own men
from the enemy the lot OF the marines IS
a very exciting one.
NOW FOR PORTO RICO.
Having started the Santiago expedition,
the War Department has now concen-
trated all it's energies on the preparation
of the force to be sent to Porto Rico.
Active movements in that iline have
been made on scale so extensive as 10
lead TO the suppostion in some
quarters that the attack is to be made
direct upon Havana, but II this is SO
there Is no open indication OF IT,
The volunteers collected at Chatta-
nooga 1900 In number are reaching a
degree of excellence under the magnih-
cent management OF General Brooke
that would warrant the government In
ordering them Immediately into active
service. but unfortunately, there IS sun
considerable lack OF equipment that will
not permit OF this. General Merritt has
brought the second installment OF his
force into readiness and II sails for Ma
nilla tomorrow.
MET AT HONOLULU.
II Is believed that the advance guard.
the three transports which followed the
Charleston 70 Honoulu. met the crui-
ser there and sailed in her company
for the Philippines about the 18th OF this
month. In this case It is reasonable ia
expect them TO arrive at Manila within
a week
The only bulletin posted nt the Navy
Department to-day from Sampson con-
fained the satisfactory news that an
American naval officer. Lieutenant Vic
tor Blue. Of South Carolina. at the risk
Of his life has succeeded In encircling the
/ hay Of Santiago and counting the Span
/ ish vessels therein with the result " -.
{ tablishlng tho fact that all OF Cefvera'
/ neet woro bottled m.
is IT ALLOWABLE.
/ An unexpected complication has a-lser
| as 10 the report Of Admiral Sampson al
| Santiago and Admiral Dewey at Mania
| 10 use the cables which each has go
cured with view to bringing them into
direct telegraphic communication witf
1 -
| Continued on Fifth Pase)