New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-29
ARMY ACTIVITY MAINTAINED.
GUNS MOUNTED AND MORE REGULAR
TROOPS TRANSFERRED.
TNoIIcE CAPTAIN ALIAIRE OFFERS TO RAISE
THREE REGIMENTS OF TRAINED MEN,
LARGELY RECRUITED FROM THE
POLICE FoRCE-MILrrARY VIEWS

LARGELY RECRUITED FROM THE
POLICE FoRcE-MrLrrARy VIEWS
on WASHINGTON NEWS
AND RuMoRs.
Major-GeneraI Wesley Merritt was on his way
from his headquarters, Governors Island, TO the
little steamer Atlantic. which phys to the Battery.
when he was me- by a reporter for The Tribune
yesterday afternoon. He was greatly interested In
the report that there plan under discussion
in Washington for securing armistice In cuba
for the summer. and prospect OF relieving the
distress OF the recorcentrados General Merritt
was asked II the prospect OF cessation or the
rumors Of agreed with the sentiments he had
expressed that there would be no outbreak of hos
tilitles.
We'll" said he. you newspaper men have had
so much to say the subject that don't know
but am so stirred up that l shall be little dis
appointed II everything comes TO a standstiL We
have made every possible preparation Tor any
emergency. but the emergency does not arise
the preparations will have served their purpose.
An Army officer. In talking OF the news Of the
day. said yesterday: III we have peace with honor,
that is all We wish. But the Government can
not afford 10 tenporze with Spain. Cuba should
have her rights. and they must be secured by firm
stand on the part OF the United States. Fear OF
yellow fever or the difficulties of campaign in the
rainy season in Cuba must not stand in the way OF
ample and certain means for the relief OF the CUBAN
sufferers and the maintenance OF all that we are
entitled to by of the loss Of the Maine. We
do not want to be plunged into war, but we may
be. and In that event will secure by the sword
what peaceful measures cannot obtain"
The activity In Army circles in preparations
was not relaxed any degree yesterday. WORK
pushed by sunlight and searchlight upon the
mounting OF guns and the building OF barracks at
the forts down the Bay and up the Sound. This
morning another detachment OF fifty trained aru-
lerymen viii be transported to Fort Socum. where
the new recruits Of the eth ARTILLERY /. S a are
being formed into companies. The men transferred
come from Fort Adams at Newport ana Fort MOI
will arrive by the Old Colony boat and will be trans
ferred to the General Meigs. which will take them
TO Davds Island after touching al the Battery for
errors err rs Island and Fort WadswoTth
and small rapdlfye gun on the wharf Of The New
York Arsenal, at Governors Island yesterday in
to one Of the seacoast forts outside OF this port TIE
gun and ammunition will be taken by lighter TO-
landed az old Fort Lsfayette' in the %arrows, yes,
The expectancy Of orders for service was main
tained In National Guard and Naval Reserve circles
yesterday. The officers said that they had re-
ceived no further Instructions and were awaiting
One OF them said: we expect TO know in few
days. perhaps in few hours. how soon our ser
field or 10 remain az home as the constituted au-
shome Let the , Ta"a G that hs
National honor must remain unsullied AMI the Ma
tonal flag unstained. or there Will be- A day q
eckoring for those in authority for which they
wholly unprepar The people OF this country are
not 10 be trifed with. and they will hold to strict
accountability all who fail sustain the high
standard set for the maintenance OF our National
integrity"
Police Captain Alaire. who was hrevet briga-
dier-ge1eral in the War OF the Rebellion. has Of
fered 10 raise three regiments OF trained men for
the service or the Government at short notice.
He said yesterday: Il can secure the enlistment
OF three regiments. composed Of two battalons Of
OF police
men and of others who we'll trained physically
and ready for immediate service They would be
far superior 10 the men OF the National Guard as
they average.
II think the best place 20 the men would
be at Atlanta, which Is IN a healthy region and
a point from which they could be quickly moved
10 any point where they might be required"