Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-26
MOVING SKATERS ARMY
Disposition of the Troops Still Under Con-
sideration.
Will Not Be Sent North Until the YeI-
low Fever Has Been Thorough
Iy Stamped Out.

Adjutant General Corbin was very much
amused today over q press dispatch from
Trenton, n. J., saying that he and General
Manager Hutchinson of the Pennsylvania
railroad and other officials inspected tract
of land near Morrisville, Pa, yesterday
with view to establishing a camp for Gen.
Skaters forces, now at Santiago. The fact
is that Gen. Corbin has been closely CON-
fined to his office in this city ever since
the preparations began for the war with
Spain, and yesterday celebrated his one
h ndred ard first daily vigil of eighteen
hours each at the War Department. An
inspection of the character indicated was
made by Assistant Adjutant General Heis
tand and other officers of the War Depart
ment, some one of whom was evidently
mistaken for Gen. Corbin.
Gen. Corbin said today that the question
of the disposition of the troops under Gen.
Shafter at Santiago was not yet settled.
1t is under consideration, however, and ac-
ton will depend altogether upon develop
ments in the near future. 1t was certain.
however, that there will be no general
movement of troops from Santiago until
after the Spanish prisoners had been re-
moved and there was some definite knowl-
edge of the progress Of military operations
in Porto Rico. The health conditions of the
army at Santiago will have considerable to
do with the future movements of those
troops. The authorities here appreciate the
great value Of the services rendered by
Skaters army, and recognize the force of
the suggestion that they be brought back to
the United States as soon possible in or
der to remove them from the Hangers of
contagious fevers. 1t is in view of these
cor siderations that the War department
Is taking steps for the establishment of re-
serve camps at convenient places in the
United States.
Inspecting Sites for Camps.
Army boards are engaged in the inspec-
ton of various places which have been
recommended as suitable for suhh purposes
and g. large number Of available palaces
have been found. These will be held in
reserve for use in case It is found neces-
sary for the preservation of tire health Of
the army to change the present camping
grounds of the trooDs now in places more
or -sss exposed to contagious diseases. In
asmuch as yellow fever prevails in a mild
form to limited extent among the troops
near Santiago. 1t IS not deemed prudent
or advisable to transfer any of them TO
this country until such a step can be taken
without danger Of a sp-ead of the con-
tagion. The military medical authorities
are confident OF their ability TO handle
and stamp out the disease among the
troops in eastern Cuba. When that has
been accomplished Il is probable that the
| majority of the troops there will be re-
| turned to the United States and given a
| short holiday prior to tie Institution OF
the campaign against Havana IN the fall.
! 1t is not improbable that some Of the reg
| iments which are entirely rrea from sus-
picton OF the disease may be allowed to
| come to the United States IN advance OF
| any general movement In that direction