Omaha daily bee., 1898-12-10
co BY WAY OF SUEZ CANAL
Three Regiments of Regulars to Leave New
York for Manila.
BETTER TRANSPORT FACILITIES At HAND
Stops VIII BE Made Enroute and
Europe Will Get . Chance TO
see the American
Bluecoats,

NEW YORK, Dec. "a special from
Washington says: The New York regiments
to start for Manila will embark at New York
at about the end Of this month. and will 60
through the Suez canal. The expedition will
consist OF three regiments Of regular infan-
try, distributed between two OF the largest
converted transports owned by the govern
ment, with perhaps convoy OF two war
ships. Arrangements are now being made
for this expedition by Adjutant General Cor
bin as rapidly as possible, in view Of Its
great Importance. especially as 1t involves
cooperation by the State and Navy depart
ment authorities as we'll as those OF the
War department. The selection OF New
York as the place Of embarkation, instead
Of San Francisco. whence all the earlier
forces started for the Philippines, was
reached by General Corbin after a careful
review Of q number Of considerations, chief
among which was the urgency for haste.
The early completion Of the treaty Of peace
with Spain renders indispensable a prompt
dispatch Of the forces, not only to Manila
but to provide additional garrisons for other
important centers in the archipelago. which
will Immediately fall under American domi-
nation. with Its accompanying responsible
ity for the security of life and property.
At the present time the government is
wholly without available transports in the
Pacific ocean to meet the emergency. The
dispatch Of two vessels from the Atlantic.
It is believed, will therefore be particularly
advantageous for the double purpose Of
bringing home from Manila such volunteers
a. can be spared and increase the transport
feet III the Pacific. The three regiments
Of regulars have not been selected, but a.
none but those In New York state and other
orrts oil hA thA
sion is forced upon the authorities that
economy as we'll as rapidity OF action re-
qured them to be sent by way Of the Medi-
terranean.
The expedition from New York could
start in the course Of the next week n It
were not for the exigency In Cuba which de-
mands the utilization of the entire marine
transportation resources Of the government
on the Atlantic coast just at present for pro-
viding protection to all interests in
Cuba promptly on the departure Of the
Spanish garrisons. Although the Ninth at
Madison barracks. the Thirteenth at Forts
Porter, Columbus and Niagara. the Twenty
hrst at the Plattsburg barracks, all In New
York, as we'll a. other regiments of regu-
lar infantry at posts east Of the Rocky
mountains, are equipped ready to start, q
delay is essential for at least two
weeks to secure the necessary transports.
The vessels to take these three regiments
from New York to Manila will probably be
the Berlin, with . capacity for 1000 men,
and the Chester. which can comfortably pro-
vide for $500 men. These ships are declared
to be In excellent condition. The navy may
send one or two cruisers with the expedition
40 far ~ Gibraltar. where the Helena has
Just arrived, and where 1t may act as q con-
voy. and Admiral Dewey may send one Of bis
vessels ~ far a. Singapore to meet the fleet.
Stops will be made on the voyage at Gibrsi-
tar. Port Said. Alden, Colombo and Singa-
pore. whore coal will be ready and fresh
food will be obtained. .