The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-06-15
Washington Bureau, St. Paul Globe,
CorcoYun Building.

Special to The st. Paul Globe.
WASHINGTON, June 14.-This has
been a day of anxiety at the war de-
partment, owing to the news of the
persistency of the Spaniards in attack
ing the marines stationed at Guanta-
namo, and the report from Key West
to the effect that Gen. Skaters invad-
ing force had not yet departed for San
tiago. The seriousness of the situa-
ton at Guantanamo is fully appreci-
ated at the war department and in Of
fetal circles generally, and the govern
ment is extremely anxious to reinforce
Col. Huntington's little body of brave
marines at the earliest practicable mo-
ment. In fact, it was common talk in
official circles, and in public places, to-
day, that the delay in the departure of
the main body of the invading army
might prove more disastrous than was
apparent on the surface.
SAMPSON URGES HASTE.
There was a we'll defined rumor in
circulation this afternoon to the effect
that Admiral Sampson had been ur-
gent in his calls upon the government
for reinforcements. 1t is said that
ever since the marines under Col. Hunt
ington were landed 1t has been a fight
for existence. Without the support of
the warships the marines could not
have maintained the advantage Sc
cured by taking possession of Guanta-
namo, by land as well as by sea. The
Spaniards seem to be in strong force
In the underbrush, and their guerilla
tactics have proved decidedly trying
upon the American lorce, unaccustomed
to that sort of warfare, either in theory
or practice. The brave fellows have
fought the Spaniards stubbornly, and,
with the aid of the fleet, have succeed
ed in at least holding their own. But
they are anxious to see the troops that
have been so long promised, and the
commanders of the American fleet are
just as much perturbed over the delay
as are the marines ashore, facing the
fire Of the Spaniards. And this is not
all gossip, either. 1t is subject of
general discussion in official circles, as
we'll as in the hotel lobbes and other
public places.
CHEERING INFORMATION.
Later in the day there was marked
change in the aspect of affairs at the
war department. AdviceS had been
received to the effect that Gen. Shaft
er's expedition was we'll on the way to
Santiago, despite the announcement
earlier in the day that the expedition
had again been delayed. Late this
afternoon came the welcome announce
ment, and there was a general eX-
change of congratulations over the good
news. At the war department the de-
parture Of the expedition was freely
discussed, and attention was directed
10 the magnitude of the expedition,
and the naturally attendant difficult
ties in getting 1t under way. The en-
barking of the troops was a simple
matter, indeed, in comparison with the
work to be done in providing supplies
for a force of $4,000 men bound for a
hostile country. Then there were ex-
perts in the navy department who said
delays were inevitable in getting such
an expedition started, and, taken alto
gether, the days news was not so dis
couraging as it would have been had
first reports not been supplemented by
later advices assuring officials that the
expedition was off for Santiago.
WILL BE LANDED FRIDAY.
The expedition il expected to reach
Santiago, or that vicinity, Friday.
There will be no delay in effecting a
landing. The advantage of having the
marines ashore will then be clearly
shown. The Spaniards have found it
an impossible task to dislodge the hand
full of marines at Guantanamo. What
will follow the landing Of an expedi-