The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-05-17
Men FOR MANILA
LACK TRANSPORTS TO TAKE
THEM OVER
HRftoctAN STEAMERS
WILL BE READY BEFORE THE
BIS WEEK ENDS
CHARLESTON TO SAIL TODAY
The Latest From the Philippines
Says Dewey Is Waiting Patiently
for Reinforcements
Associated Press Special wire

Associated Press Special Wire
SAN FRANCISCO, May 1e.-Major Gen.
Merriam, commanding the departments Of
California and of the Columbia, arrived
arom Vancouver barracks this morning. ac-
companied by his aid, Lieut.. Bennett FIe
: at once assumed charge of all arrange
ments for dispatching the troops to the
Philippine islands.
One OF the first matters taken up by Ma
jor Merriam was the supplying Of clothing
and equipment to the troops lacking such
necessaries. He at once called upon Adjt.
Gen. Barrett for 584 uniforms and other
perviceable articles belonging to the state
of California and these will be delivered
to Major Rice
4 Gen. Otis, who will be second to Gen.
Merritt in command of the Manila troops.
IL expected to arrive here tonight.
$ The vessels chartered to transport sup
plies and men to Manila are not vet ready
to receive either. Work on the City of
Picking Is being rushed but she will not be
ready for several days. A large force of
!. men Is at work on the Australia, but 1t will
take several days to fit her for the recep-
ton of Uncle Sam men. 1t is expected sine
will be ready to sail by Friday. There IS
little work being done on the City of sgd
rey, and 1t will take at least week to fit
. her for the expedition to the orient
Is The naval authorities informed the char
terers of the steamer Ohio today that tho
government would have no need for the
steamer. 1t was given out several days ago
by the authorities that both the Come
,naugh and the Ohio would enter the SER
vice OF the government as transports. but
both vessels have been released and have
sailed for the north, where they will enter
the Klondike trade.
. The Charleston is still at Mare island, bur
everything is in readiness for her depart
cure, and she will sail some time tomorrow
or wednesday. She will probably anchor
IN this harbor tomorrow and proceed on
her journey Wednesday or Thursday.
The training ship Mohican, which is at
anchor In the bay, is being painted dull
gray color. similar to that of the Monterey
and other United States vessels now in
port The rapid-fre guns of the Mohican
have been transferred to the Charleston
and the City of Picking.
Capt. Long. U. S. A., assistant quarter
master Of the department, said this even
Ing that tho arrangements for the depart
ure OF the troops were being made as fast u
possible. He could give no information as
to the date of sailing, but thought the
transports would get away this week.
He said the City of Picking, the City IT
Sydney and tho Australia would be dis
patched with troops as near together as
possible. The First regiment of California
volunteers and the First company of the
Fourteenth infantry, U. s. A., will COM
prise the troops to go on the city of Picking.
There will be 14O0 of them. Capt. Long
says the first troopship would get away be- |
fore four days at the latest
Orders have been received by Col. Smi: n |
Of the First to add signal corps to the
regiment for service in Manila, and to that |
end forty men are now being organized for |
this work.
May Leave Friday
CHICAGO, May 16-A special to the Jour-
nal from Washington says:
Secretary Of War Alger. on leaving the
White House today, said the City of Picking
will leave San Francisco on Friday for the
Philippines. She will carry as many troops
rs can be put aboard her, which will be at
least 1900 men.
1t Is probable that at least 5000 will be
sent In several detachments, enough TO
overcome any resistance and permanently
OCCUPY the island.
Brigadier-General Otis is expected to 20
with the first detachment of troops for the
Philippines. to be followed later by Major
General Merritt, who is the commander-in-
chief OF the expedition and the military
Governor Of the islands.
General Miles has recommended to the
President that two additional Brigadiers
also be sent, but their names have not vet
been announced.