The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-03

WASHINGTON, May 2.-The war de-
partment is still bending it's energies
to the mastering in of the volunteers
and the recruiting Of the regular army
to it's full war strength of 81 900 men.
These matters are we'll under way. and
the officials feel confident that within
reasonable time both the volunteers
and the regular army will be ready
for practical military duties.
Secretary Alger and Gen. Miles held
long conference with the president
this afternoon, presumably in regard
to appointments in the volunteer serv-
ice. In a few days all the troops that
have been ordered to Tampa are ex-
pected to reach that place, and the
eight large transports which are to con-
duct the first expedition to Cuba have
been ordered to proceed to Tampa. The
officials, however, decline to give any
information regarding the expedition or
the place in Cuba where it is to land.
When asked if the army was prepar-
ing for an invasion of Cuba at an early
date, Secretary Of War Alger replied
I'VE are preparing for immediate ac-
ton. and we try to keep so prepared,
but plans made today may Of neces-
sity have to be changed tomorrow. and
that is why we are compelled to keep
such absolute silence for every detail
that becomes doubtful necessitates an
other change"
The president has decided that there
Shall be five army corps of three di-
visions EACH While this feature of
the organization may be changed.
there is no likelihood Of 1t, since it has
the sanction Of the military authorities.
This will give the president an oppor-
tunity to appoint major generals, five
In command of army corps, one of
whom, Gen. Dodge, has declined, and
fifteen in command Of divisions. Each
division will be composed of three bril-
gades, which will make commissions for
forty-five brigadiers Each brigade will
be composed of three regiments.
The quartermaster's department has
begun negotiations with railroad COM
panies for the transportation of the
volunteers to their mobilizing points
and it Is expected arrangements will
be made for uniform rates on all the
lines. so as to move the troops with
the least expense to the government.
Gen. Merritt, commanding the East.
with headquarters at New York, re-
ported at headquarters today for con-
sultation with Secretary Alger The
purpose for his visit. other than that
stated, was not diyulged
The officers of the commissary de-
partment at New York today opened
proposals for supplying food to the
army of $4,000 men, If the government
nnds 1t necessary to contract for that
number. 1t is said the officials are
opposed to buying concentrated foods
on advice of the medical department
Of the service.
The naval militia of the country
Is Fastening to extend it's aid to the
government. Commander Emerson, of
the Maryland militia. came to the navy
department today and informed Lieut..
Gibbons that he had gathered another
battalion of 100 men. which would be
ready soon for active service.
Commander Little, of the Rhode
Island naval militia, was also a visitor
at the department, and explained that
he had 200 men ready for mobilization.
Commander Norton, of the North
Carolina naval militia, called PERSONAL
ly and succeeded in having the depart
ment change it's order made in the
case of the monitor Nantucket. so as to
allow the North Carolina militia, in
stead Of the militia of South Carolina.