The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-31

WAsH1NGTON, May 3o.-The
military invasion of Cuba has
begun. Unless the orders Of the
War Department miscarried, at an
early hour this morning the troops
that have been gathered at the
gulf ports began to break camp
and march aboard the transports
waiting to carry them to the en-
emv's territory. About twenty
FIVE of these ships, the biggest and
fastest that could be obtained suit
able for the purpose, had been
gathered ready to receive the
troops.
They will accommodate about
1000 men, for in a short voyage
like that from one Of the gull
ports TO Cuba it is possible, with
safety and comfort, to carry much
larger number of men aboard ship
than would be admissible i'll the
case Of a cruise to the Philippines,
for instance.
DETAILS ARE SUPPRESSED.
How many troops started this morn
iur. where they took ships, where they
are bound are questions which the direct
!ug spirits of the campaign refused posi-
lively 90 answer They have no desire
that the Spanish should have opportuni-
Is onorded them to- gather forces to at
tack our soldiers as they land. Therefore,
nothing of the details of this first move
mcnt can Doe learned. There IS sus-
p.ci0u that the start will De made from
Tampa and Mobile and 10 Is probable
that ia such case the fleets of the trans
ports viii converge at Key West 90 pass
under the conveys OF the war ships which
Admiral Sampson has provided TO ensure
thcm against attack at the hands of some
stray Spanish cruisers or guubOats.
DO is probable that there VIII be no less
than four separate military expeditions
aud that these viii bc landed at four dit'
fercnt points. whether Porto Rico is one
of these points or not cannot be learned.
Before the entire force. which it IS pro-
posed 90 use iu Cuba can be landed the
transports must make four separate voy-
ages across the straits. Arrangements
have been made TO utilize the service OF
the insurgents 20 The greatest possible
extent. The government already has sent
expeditions To- q large number Of points
on the island and landed arms for the
insurgents Most OF the parties succeed
ed perfectly ion their object and II was
said at the War Department to-day that
a sufficient number Of the insurgents have
been armed TO constitute very effective
support for the troops as they land.
CONFERENCE OF WAR.
A war conference was held at the White
House at o o'clock this morning between
tho President and his two War Secre-
tarles. Alger and Long, and Major Gen
oral Miles. I'm command OF the army.
Vice-President Hobart, who accom-
panied the President 20 Arlington and
returned with him 10 lunch. was present
"a part OF the time. and Secretary Day
who had fust returned 10 Washington,
also dropped In during the conference.
After the entire situation, naval and mill
tary. had been gone over, Secretary Long
retired and Secretary Alger and General
Miles remained to discuss more In detail
the military operations now ABOUT 10 De
pat intO execution as result OF the
definite official information that the Span
ish squadron d. securely held within San
tiago de cuba harbor.
Naturally those who participated In
the confesncc observed strict retlcence
regarding H. 10 was stated. however, IN
en- authoritative quarter that the discus
sion had covered the entire range OF ma
val and military operations, with partieu-
lar view 10 the active movements about
20 begin. General Miles brought with
him "a memorandum showing inc exact
disposltlon ~ tho military forces now
concentrated at various points through
out the country. with the number Oh