New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-10

MOVEMENTS OF THE TROOPS KEPT
SECRET


wash,nr,on. June ct became apparent this
afternoon that the War Department. through
the energetic Offices Of its censors, mas succeeueu
entirely in its purpose to keep the movements
OF the United States troops secret ror De-
yond question at the close OF the day II was
impossible to learn here where the United States
troops are which had been for weeks gathering
under command OF General Shafter. In fIoriua
The officials here express the behet thd' t'e
Regular troops have already sailed from Tampa,
but no one in authority and advised OF the iac's
Will make such statement publicly.
Though the destination OF the troops can only
be surmised. it is felt that there still remains a
necessity for concealing the exact time OF
their departure and 1t is noticeable fact
that, in spite Of the understanding that OBJ
talned yesterday. 70 the effect that the censor az
Tampa would relax his rules as soon as the
troops had actually departed. there is no au-
thentic news direct from Key West or Tampa
today II does not follow II the troops lett
Tampa Yesterday that they are now on their
way to Cuba. although such is generally beHe'ed
to be the case. for The original orders 10 the
military commanders contemplated nnal start
from Key West. AZ that point the transports
were 10 be rounded up and taken under convoy
OF some Of the more formidable naval vessels
Assuming that the transports left Tampa yes
terday. moving at squadron speed they could
scarccly do more than reach Key West today.
Some time must be consumed in organizing the
tNenty-nlne transports into a squadron. and in
placing them under convoy. so there is prooa-
blliiy that II Tampa were left yesterday the
anal start from Key West will not be made
before tonight
THE MYSTERIOUS wARSHIP.
Stories OF Tie appearance OF a mysterious war
ship in Cuban waters hoated through the Navy
Department during the day. The officials quick
" condemned then. declaring that II the boats
were Spanish they were nothing more than
small armed launches and not 10 be feared BY
any number Of transports conveyed BY such fine
runboats as the Helena and the Bancroft. But
when these stories reached the War Department
they were received in a different spirit. Moth
Ing is more helpless In warfare than an un-
armed troop transport full OF soldiers. She
would fall an easy victim 70 the smallest gun
beat and the soldiers knowing their weakness
in this respect. are ioath 10 undertake TO cross
the Florida Straits until these dsasreeable VS.
I,ors have been removed from the pathway.
Without respect to the character OF the strange
craft that are said TO be dodging the blockaders
at Havana. they Will be removed from the scene
Sampson has been made acquainted with the
situation and will be expected 10 redeem his
promise 10 provide safe conduct to the Army
when called upon He has ample force 20 con-
duct the operations at Santiago TO a successful
issue and still spare vessels OF any power desir-
able for use In the Florida Straits.
SIMPSONS REINFoRCEMENTs.
1t Is believed here that the first reinforce
i,roI tn-Hc
off Santiago These are the 500 marines. under
the command OF Lieutenant-C Colonel Huntington.
who sailed three days ago from Key West on
the steamer Panther These marines had been
.ncamped on the beach at Key West for several
weeks undergoing the most severe drill and mill
tary training. They are intended not for distrI-
button among the feet but as a landing force
pure and simple. Naval officers are confident
that with this small but well-discipiined landing
force Admiral Sampson will be able Immediately
10 take possession Of such points the coast in
the neighborhood OF Santiago as he may deem
necessary TO serve as a base for the occupation
Of the regular United States troops when they
arrive With the marines In possession OF the
beach and the American warships with their
shells clearing the country behind Of Spaniards
there will be little danger In effecting the land
ing Of the troops.
InouSn no oincidI confirmation mas yet iedcicu
the Navy Department OF the newspaper reports |
that come from SIMPSONS feet to the effect
that he landed marines at Caimanara, and that |
they are still In possession OF strategic strong
hold on the hills near by. the naval officers here |
are inclined to accept the reports as accurate
1t was pointed out to-day by n naval officer !
that the Admiral since the arrival OF the ma
rne battalion on the Panther has at his disposal |
what he may regard sufficient force OF men |
to capture Santiago even before the troops ar !
rive The 500 marines the Panther added |
10 the marines already with the fleet. would |
make n total OF about LOO men. Without I'm |
pairing the efficiency Of his ships, Admiral |
Sampson could spare force OF lUD blue
iankets for a landing party, and with this total |
force Of 100 men, II the insurgents who have /
been armed by the United States Government |
do their share. 1t seems possible for sampson to
"a nture Santiago at short notice. There seemed /
10 he a decided air OF expectation this afternoon !
among the officials who are acquainted with tho |
Governments plan In the campaign that almost
w,rranted conclusion an engagement of some
80 ,,.aa axpected today