The times., 1898-06-01

formed military and naval circles that
Santiago de Cuba, in the land-locked har-
Dor Of which Admiral Cervera's feet. the
pride of the Spanish navy, is entrapped,
is the main objective point Of the aggres-
sive military movement now under way.
At the War Department no doubt exists
at all that this is SO. Every official act
and move, every change from the mac
tivi;y which has characterized the mill
:ary situa-ion since the war began. tends
TO confirm the now almost general opin-
ion that Santiago is the goal toward
which the American army is moving.
Every move made on the chess board of
war from this time until the fee; at San
tiaEo is disposed OF will be for the pur-
pose Of checkmating the enemy by mas
terly stroke at that point.
Spain viii then find herself in the pre-
dicament OF not having a move left, AT
least for the present, as il is the inten-
lion Of the Government TO deal a crushing
defeat with bo,h the land and naval
forces acting simultaneously at Santiago.
Holding Hack News.
The officials at the War Department
who have charge of the expedition are
very reticent about the destination of the
OF the plan Of campaign determined upon
The fact that Santiago is the objective
point leaked out in some manner, until
almost every petty officer in the big build
ing knows in q general way that Santiago
viii be attacked next.
The censorship viii be more strongly
enforced during the next few hours 10
prevent any interesting details from
gaining publicity. Adjt. Gen Corbin's
office was closed TO visitors at 1880 o'clock
yesterday morning. Newspaper men were
particularly requested not TO disturb the
work OF the Office by requesting an audi
ence, and the word was soon passed
among the correspondents that the adju-
tant general was in executive session"
Visitors were informed that the Office
was endeavoring to catch up with back
work The opinion prevailed. however.
that the adjutant general, through whose
hand every order passes, was engaged in
directing troops 10 move from various
Southern points or rendezvous prepara-
tory 10 embarking-
No Chances to BE Taken.
The capture Of Santiago has been un-
dertaken for a twofoId purpose; the an
nihilation or capture Of Cervera's fleet
and the establishment Of seat Of gov
ernment for the Cu5ans No chances viii
be taken. IN order 10 accomplish the
Navy. The management Of the army end
OF the movement viii deyolve upon Maj.
Gen. Shafter and the 30090 regulars
under his command at Tampa, Gen.
Miles is expected TO arrive at Tampa to-
day in time 10 confer with Gen Shafter
before the last OF the expedition has been
embarked. He will probably remain sat
Tampa pending the starting of the sec
Ond expedition Gen. Shafter will con-
duct the operations against Santiago from
the field. Gen. Miles will study the gen.
er2l Cuban situation in detail while in
Florida, with a view TO taking the
lead Of the regular Cuban army OF in
vasion. Troops will be ordered from
Chickamauga 10 take the places of those
who have embarked. Within few days
a general exodus Of troops is expected 70
tape place at Camp Thomas. Gen. Miles
VIII inspect them al Tampa.
The greater portion OF Gen Skaters
army are regulars. Several of the best
drilled volunteer regiments. particularly
the Seventy-firsf New York and the Sec
ond Massachusetts. have probably been
included.
The Transports Ready.
Thirty-two large transports viii convey
the troops. The Santiago, Saratoga, Vigi-
Iancia. Sequaranca. Yucatan, Mattewan,
Berkshire roquois, Concho, Leona. san
Marcos. and Florida viii carry about 600
ton, Rio Grande, Cherokee, Alamo, and a
number Of other transports OF the same
type viii each accommodate 500 troops.
Many smaller steamers like the Gussie
and the famous Olivette, with carrying
capacity Of 500 men each, VIII accompany
the expedition.
The place Of landing cannot be learned,
this portion Of the Governments plan
having thus far remained a secret Il rs
thought that il will be on the south coast
Of Cuba, although the topography of the
country in Santiago de Cuba province is
such that marching viii be difficult The
idea of Gen. Shafter is TO place his army
behind Santiago as soon as possible. Celer-
1ty OF movement and action and a speedy
advance upon the city after a landing
has been effected are particularly desir-
able The impression is. therefore, very
strongly held that a landing spot has been
selected near Santiago, probably fifteen
10 twenty miles to the eastward on the
south coast. The insurgent forces control
the province. and with their assistance
the invading American army is not OK
pected to meet with many difficulties in
landing.
The march upon Santiago viii be made
as soon as the siege guns and all the nee
essary munitions have been put in shape
for communication across the country.
II will take at least a week for the
transports to reach Santiago province.
No fighting is expected for week, unless
Cervera ventures from the harboT in the
meantime 10 join issue with the feet Of
Commodore Schley.
Plan of Attack.
Santiago Is surrounded by a natural
wall OF high bluffs and hills. Siege guns
viii be mounted on the summit of these
feet, in order 10 force the enemy to re-
tire from Santiago harbor ard give battle
90 Schley, who win be in waiting at the
entrance. If Cervera remains within the
harbor ii is difficult TO see how his vessels
will avoid certain destruction from the
Siege guns They viii be mounted too
high for the elevation of the guns on
his ships Resistance against Gen. Shat
ter viii be out of the question as far as
the naval guns are concerned.
Gen. Blanco will not be able to aid
Cervera. He cannot hurry troops the en-
fire length Of tlhe island in time and nroh-