The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-07-17
MANY PROBLEMS
CONFRONT MEN CON-
QUOTING THE WAR
The Spanish Troops Will Be Sent Home
Without Arms-Ammunition for Samp-
son and Watson's Fleets

~ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SPECIAL. WIRE
WASHINGTON, July 16-The fact that appeared
at last satisfactorily established this evening, after
another twenty -four hours active cable correspond
ence with General Shafter, was that the Spanish army
had surrendered About this there could be
doubt but unfortunately the details are still good
deal clouded as set out in Skaters last dispatch It
remains now for our government to decide whether it
is willing that the Spanish soldiers shall carry off
their arms, and while Secretary Alger says that the
general terms of agreement reached by Shafter are
satisfactory, and the government is not bound to
deliver these arms, much desired by our ordnance
officers just at this time, of course the recommended
tons of the commissioners who signed the captula-
tons would have great weight with the president and
secretary of war. Their present disposition is to
insist on the retention of arms principally because of
the difference in moral effect that would be produced
by the return to Spain of armed disarmed soldiers.
1t is realized here that the terms imposed by the
missioners as to the removal of the Spanish troops,
now augmented to a formidable total, involve grave
responsibilities for our government Still the staff
correspondents of the war department have risen
we'll to meet every emergency as occurred, there
can be no doubt Of their ability to solve the large
questions presented by the necessity Of removing this
army across the Atlantic.
Now War Bureau
Fortunately Secretary Alger, in anticipation of
heavy demands on the government in the matter of
transportation has created bureau to take charge
of that subject alone. This will be known as the
Bureau of transportation and will be directed by
Colone Hecker, who has, in the short time he has
been at the war department. proved his executive
abilities. HIS chief assistant will be Colonel Bird Of
the quartermasters department, which was formerly
charged with all matters relating to transportation.
The appearance Of General Brooke at the war
department today gave token Of the purpose of the
administration to begin Immediately preparations for
the dispatch Of military expedition against Porto
Rico. The general made what is regarded upon the
whole satisfactory report to the sanitary cor
dition of Camp Thomas and showed that the troops
were in condition now to leave for Porto Rico if
called upon. 1t is understood that two weeks will be
required to assemble the transports, get the supplies
aboard at Of the most available seaports, which,
in this case, is likely to be Newport News owing to
the successful outcome Of the last expedition from
that port and sail away for Porto Rico.
Tho Hurricane Season.
Luckily for the navy, Santiago has capulated
Just on the eve of the hurricane season in the West
Indies. The big battleships able to carry through
this weather with discomfort but the smaller blockade
boats will find the task of continuing the blockade
fraught with positive danger. is, however the in
tenon At any cost to tighten the lines of blockade,
particularly with those ports connected with Havana
Continued Page Five)