Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-05-12
Goes BACK TO SPAIN
The Spanish Fleet That We Were
Looking for Arrives at Cadiz.
TROOPS WILL Be RUSHED TO CUBA,


tell whether the naval officers were
relieved or disappointed by the new,
that came late yesterday afternoon to
both the navy and state departments
to the effect that the Spanish flying
squadron had arrived at Cadiz, Spain.
The safety Of the Oregon from attack
is now completely assured, and the
way is clear for military operations 10
Cuba without running the risk Of
having the occupying army's line Of
communication cut of. On the other
hand, it is believed that no enduring
peace can be secured until the Spanish
navy has been destroyed, and 1t now
appears that, to do this, our sailors
must make up their minds to 60 after
the Spaniards, task very much more
difficult than that Of meeting them
near our own shores.
1t was suggested by some Of the
members of the war board that the
Spanish squadron might take q quick
passage into the Pacific through the
Suez canal and attack Dewey at Ma
Mia. 1t is scarcely believed, however,
that the Spanish are willing to take
the great risk Of exposing to our at
tack their own home ports by the
withdrawal Of so considerable pro-
portion Of their naval strength as
would be required to overmatch Dewey.
Nothing was heard from Sampson
yesterday, but there Is confident ex.
pectation that interesting news will
be coming from his squadron within
the next "a hours. One effect of the
retreat OF the Spanish fleet has been
to hasten even more the preparations
already under full Roadway for the
dispatching of military expeditions
to Cuba. 1t also has caused com.
plete change in the concentra.
ton plans. Time is now believed
to be the great factor. There is
no longer opportunity to indulge
in extensive drilling and practice ma.
neuvering. The regular army troops
do not need these and are to be thrown
at once into the fray. Many Of the
regiments Of the national guard which
are entering the volunteer service are
felt to be sufficiently trained from a
point Of view to follow the
regulars Immediately and the depart
ment indicated Its purpose yesterday |
Of dispatching these volunteer troops
to the gulf coast for shipment
instead of sending them to Chicka-
THE EXPEDITION TO THE PHILIPPINES.
CHICAGO, May ia special from
Washington says: An order was sent
from the war department to Capt |
Baldwin, assistant commissioner OF
at San Francisco, directing
the immediate purchase of nearly L..
900, 900 ratons for the military expedi-
ton to the Philippines. The admins.
tration was unwilling to take time for
having the subsistence supplies sent
across the continent and the order was
therefore given to have the supplies
bought in San Francisco to avoid de.
10y. The government has not an.
bounced when the expedition will EN-.
bark for Manila, but in case the ships
ian be equipped with the necessary
supplies for the voyage the start will |
be made before Monday.
MANY WANT TO SERVE WITH LEE.
WASHINGTON, May 11.-Several OF
he new major generals were at the
var department yesterday endeavor.
ng to arrange for the detail Of their
tatfs and other matters necessary to
heir taking up active service. Among
hem were Gems Lee, Wilson and
Wheeler. Gen. Lee, probably, is un.
Ter more pressure than any Of his
BROTHER major generals in the appoint.
nent of his staff. There are at least
o applicants for every place, a tribute
o the popularity Of the general. He
leclared yesterday that he had not yet
'een able to complete his selection.
LUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS MUSTERED IN.
w AuuTNnToN Mou II pooon%, so |