The Forrest City times., 1898-06-03

WASHINGTON, June 1.-The command to advance, given Monday, has infused intense activity into every branch of military and naval circles It is shown in the hurried, but systematic, prepara- tions at the various bureaus at the war and navy departments, and in the keen air of expectancy everywhere prevail- ing. The authoritative statements made Monday by Gen. Miles and others that the orders for an advan, had been issued, left no further doubt on that point.
 The report from Key West that the steamer Florida had returned there after successfully landing a most important expedition in Cuba, was supplemented by the information here that the expe- dition was in command of Gen. Lacret, the well-known Cuban leader, who has with him 400 picked Cubans, thorough ly armed and equipped by the United States.
 Prior to the cabinet meeting reports were current that the president had told some of his callers that he ex- pected Commodore Schley would attack Admiral Cervera in Santiago har- bor. Inquiry failed to substantiate this report. On the contrary, bhose in position to know the general plans of attack stated that the navy and army would act together, and that one branch of the service was not likely to strike decisive blow until the other was ready to cooperate, and thus make the blow doubly effective. While there continues to be entire off cial reticence as to the exacts points of invasion, the consensus of opinion, drawn from the most intelligent sources, is that the eastern end of Cuba, constituting the province of Santiago, with Santiago de Cuba as it's capital, and Porto Rico will be among the ob- jective points. For this reason, the situation in Santiago province and Por- to Rico was thoroughly canvassed.
 Gen. Lee has left Tampa for Jack sonville, on the eastern side of the Florida peninsula, to open headquar- CTS there. But one inference can be drawn from this movement, namely, that Jacksonville is to be made a base of operations against Porto Rico. The town is admirably situated for this purposes; in fact it far sur. passes Key West as d base for opera tions, even against any Of the eastern points of Cuba. The terminus of an excellent railroad system leading from the north and west, with good steam boat connection with New York, with a navigable river affording good har- Dor and only l, 90 miles from San Juan in an air line, Jack leaves little to be desired as base of military operations
 There seems to be little doubt that the plan of campaign contemplates the reduction of Porto Rico, and the presi- dent is being strongly urged to begin this movement even before any serious attempt is made upon Havana. His advisers poInt to what they regard as the danger of retreat on the part of the Spanish government. It might be possible, according to their view, for the Spanish to assert that they ac- cept in full the demands of this gov ernments ultimatum and are prepared to withdraw their troops from Cuba. In such case the United States would be placed in the disagreeable position before the world of continuing to make war upon the country which holds out the flag of truce. The dilemma that would confront us in such case would be how to secure Porto Rico without of lending against international law, for it can be safely accepted as the truth that the administration is determined that Spanish rule in the western hem isphere must cease.
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 Lends Color to the Santiago Theory.