The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-18
RUSH on PORTO RICO.
Army of Invasion to Begin Its Move
ment at Once.

army oA INVASION 10 beSAH AhS MoNc-
ment at Once.
Washington, July 17.-An important con-
ference was held at the White House to-
night, the participants being, besides
President Mckinley, Secretary Long, Ad-
miral Sicard and Capt. Mahan of the war
beard.
Adjt. Gen. Corbin was present during
part of the deliberations.
The happy conclusion of the campaign
against Santiago affords the President
and his advisers intense satisfaction, but
no disposition is manifested 10 let the war
rest for a moment
Even before the details of the Santi-
ago campaign have been cleared away the
expedition against Porto Rico absorbs the
attention of the President.
He fully realizes that the war can be
prosecuted 10 a speedy and successful
issue only by pressing the advantages al
ready gained, and, as one of the officials
expressed it tonight, the President pro-
poses to strike while the iron is hot
The arrangements for the Porto Rico
expedition were under discussion by the
President and the war board tonight. 1t
may be two or three days before the de-
tails of the new invasion are worked out,
but it is probable that before the end of
the present week the military forces OF
the expedition Will have effected land
ing not far from San Juan.
Prior to landing a naval demonstration
probably win be made against the San
Juan Notifications. The vessels taking
part in the bombardment will be part
of the fleet of Admiral Sampson, but what
vessels have been ordered to Porto Rico
could not be aseertained.
No definite decision has been reached yet
as to the strength and personnel of the
land forces to be sent TO Porto Rico. For
a time it was supposed that few, if any of
the troops under Gen. Skaters command
at Santiago would be sent to Porto Rico,
but 1t Is known now that at least a part
of Gen. Skaters command win be in the
new expedition.
Gen. Brooke, who is scheduled to go to
Porto Rico, desired to take with him the
troops which constitute his corps a Chick
amauga; hut it has been determined not to
send that corps in its entirety. It is believ-
ed by the war officials that not many men
will be needed In addition to the number TO
be sent from Cuba, and only a part of
Gen. Brooke's corps win form, therefore,
that part of the Porto Rican expedition
which is to be sent directly from the Unit
ed States.
1t is understood that Gen. Miles, who is
to have general command of the operations
In Porto Rico will not return to the Unit
ed States, but will proceed directly to a
point near San Juan with such of the mil
itary forces now at Santiago as are to
form part of the expedition against Por-
to Rico.
These and other details of the expedition
were discussed by the President and his
advisers tonight.
Gen Miles is in constant communication
with the administration and much reliance
is being placed upon him in the matter
Of the selection of the land forces for the
Porto Rico expedition.
1t is expected that two or three days,
and perhaps longer time, will be requir-
ed to complete the turning over to the
United States forces of the arms ana
equipments of the Spanish troops at San
tiago.
Gen. Shafter indicates in his latest dis
patch tonight that the disarmament is
proceeding, probably as rapidly as posi-
be. and that the work will continue to-
morrow.
Direct communication with Santiago, via
Playa del Este and Hayti has been estab-
lshed, but it is likely, in The opinion of
Gen. Greeley, the chief signal officer, that
even better communication viii have been
stablished in day or two.