Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-21

Washin ston. July 16.-The fact that APP
pears at last satisfactorily established this
evening after another "a hours active ca
Bile correspondence with Gen. Shafter is
that the Spanish army had surrendered.
About that there could be no doubt but
unfortunately the details are still a good
deal beclouded as set out in Gen. Skaters
last despatch, 1t remains now for our
government to decide whether 1t is will
ing that the Spanish soldiers shall carry
off their arms, and while Secretary Algcr
says that the general terms Of the agree
inent are satisfactory the government is
not bound to deliver these arms SO much
desired by our ordnance officers just at
this time. or course the recommended
lions of the commissioners who signed
the capitulations naturally would have
great weight with the President and the
secretary OF war, but their present dis
position is TO insist on the retention Of
the arms, principally because OF the dit-
ference In moral effect that would be pro-
duced BY the return to Spain OF armed or
disarmed soldiers.
1t is realized here that the terms i'm
posed by the commissioners as to the re-
moval of the Spanish troops. now aug
mented to a formidable total. involve
grave responsibilities for our government,
still the stan corps of the war depart
ment have risen so we'll to meet every
emergency that there can be no doubt OF
their ability TO solve the large questions
presented by the necessity of removing
this army across the Atlantic. Fortunate
~ Secretary Alger in anticipation Of
heavy demands upon the department in
the matter of transportation has created
a new bureau to take chrge of that sub
ject alone. This will be known as the bu-
reau of transportation and Will be direct
cd by Col. Hecker. who has in the short
time he has been at the war department,
Ii. ,lxl1 It,. xlx.c
assistant will be Col Bird Of the quarter
masters department, which was formerly
charged with all matters relating TO
transportation.
The appearance. of Gen. Brooke at the
war department to-day gave token of the
purpose of the administration to begin
Immediately preparations for the de-
spatch of a military expedition against
Porto Rico. The general made what is
regarded upon the Whole as satisfactory
report as to the sanitary condition exist
ing at Camp Thomas, and showed that
the troops were in condition now to
leave for Porto Rico IL called upon. 1t is
| understood that two weeks time will be
re quired to assemble the transports and
get the troops and supplies aboard at one
OF the most available seaports which Is
likely to be Newport News, and sail for
Porto Rico.
Luckily for the navy, Santiago has capt.
tulated on the eve OF the hurricane sea-
son in the West Indies. The big battle
ships are able to carry through the
weather with discomfort but the smaller
blockade boats will find the task of con-
tinung the blockade fraught with posi-
tive danger.
1t is however, the intention at any cost
to tighten the lines OF blockade. particu-
larly at those ports connected with Ha-
vana by rail. The surrender of the eastern
lei. nd 10 ~ nj cd IN
afford some ports of refuge for our naval
vessels in case of need.
! Owing to the important mission of Com
modore Watson's squadron and it's posi-
bility of long absence from an American
port, 0ery magazine on the ships Will be
full when the ships sail.
/ I'Ae navy department will not set time
for the departure Of Commodore Watson S
Squadron but with the delivery of the Yam
KEGS supply of ammunition very lew
days will be lost before this formidable
squadron will be headed for Spain.