The herald., 1898-05-12
TRANSPORTS SECURED
FOR THE CARRIAGE OF MEN AND
- : MUNITIONS
TROOPS ORDERED TO THE BAY
10 Be Forwarded to the Philippines
as Soon as the Ships Can Be
Secured
Associated Press Special Wire


Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, May 11.-Preparations
are visible, particularly in the quartermas-
ter and the commissary branches of the
war department. for the expeditions for
Cuba and the Philippines. On these two
bureaus the officials depend for getting to
the points of embarkaton the great mass of
tents, wagons and food supplies for the
large number of men who are to 60 forward
and for the ships which are to transport
them.
For the Cuban expedition the quarter
masters branch is hurrying to the points
on the gulf, the ships chartered by Assist
ant Secretary MeikelJohn yesterday, be-
sides the numerous supplies necessary for
the comfort of the troops and means for
the transportation of the munitions of war,
ETC., overland when Cuba is reached. An
order has been given for the purchase OF
900 hammocks for the use of the men in
the tropical climes. For the feeding of the
men the commissary department has made
arrangements for the purchase and Ship
ment to gulf ports, but mostly to Tampa,
Of over 100000 rations which, 1t is esti-
mated will supply an army of 10000 men
over thirty days. 1t is probable, however,
that portions of this quantity of supplies
are intended for the relief of reconcentra-
dos who are dying from starvation in Cuba.
AS to the Philippine expedition, the off,
cials say 1t will be started at the earliest
practicable moment. Preparations, there
fore, are going ahead at a rapid rate. Most
of the supplies in the quartermaster's line
that are needed for this expedition will
have to be obtained at San Francisco and,
II not on hand at the quartermaster's depot
there, and If the time is too short to COIL
tract for them, they will be purchased out
right For feeding the men who will go on
that expedition the commissary depart
ment made arrangements for the delivery
ut San Francisco Of a million rations,
enough b accommodate an army Of 5000
men for more than sixty days.
The understanding here was that Brig
adier-General Anderson, who has just re-
turned to California from trip north, was
to command the expedition. but it now
looks as if the assignment had developed
larger importance than originally antici-
pated and that the command might be
placed in the hands of a major-general,
possibly Gen. Wesley Merritt.
The war department today made purnc a
corrected list of the volunteers who have
been ordered to San Francisco. They i'll
clude the following:
Wyoming-One battalion of infantry.
Colorado-One regiment of infantry.
Kansas-One regiment of infantry.
.Montann-One regiment of infantry.
Nebraska-One regiment of infantry
Utah-Two batteries of light artillery
and one troop of cavalry.
North Dakota-Two battalions of in
1antry.
Idaho-Two battalions of infantry.
The governors of the states are informed
that these troops should proceed to the
coast as soon as they are mustered, armed
and equipped. If they are not fully equip
ped, but sufficiently SO to travel, the war
department officials suggest that it is best
they go ahead and complete their equip
nlent at San Francisco. The presumption
Is that number of these men will be sent
with the expedition to Manila, although 1t
does not follow that all will go, as some will
remain to take the places of those of the
regular army who, because of their ex-
perence In actual military operations, will
be sent across the ocean.
California's Quota
SAN FRANCISCO, May 1.-THE quota
of California volunteers is now complete.
The two battalions were mustered into SER
vice this morning and are now stationed at
the Preside and the artillery battalion
went into camp at Fort Mason. The work
of supplying the soldiers with army cloth
ing is progressing as rapidly as possi-
BILE, but owing to the large number of
men to be outtitted this work will not be
completed for some days, but 1t is evident
by the rush orders received today from
Washington that the government is anx-
ious to have the men ready for service at
a moments notice.
The order from Washington directing
that the Charleston proceed to sea at once
has changed the plans regarding the de-
parture Of the troops for Manila. Instead
OF being conveyed by the Charleston, the
City of Pekin and Australia will proceed
unprotected by warship, but it is stated
unofficially that the City of Sydney and
the other transports which are to sail
later will be looked after by the Philadel-
phia, which is being prepared for service
as rapidly as possible. The transports will
call at Honolulu to coal and take on fresh
supplies.
The government inspector spent much OF
today in looking over the steamers Ohio
and Connemaugh, in anticipation of their
charter by the government. The vessels
are owned by the International Steamship
company of Philadelphia, and negotiations
for their charter are proceeding in the
east. Nothing can be learned as to the
Intentions of the government, whether the
vessels will be used for transporting men
or supplies for the fleet at Manila.
The City OF Pekih went into the dry dock
this afternoon, and will be thoroughly
scraped before tomorrow afternoon. when
she will be ready to take on supplies at
Mare Island. The City of Sydney will be
ready to be turned over to the government
by tomorrow night and the Australia is
being prepared for service. The COM
mander of the Mare Island navy yard has
been directed to have the steamers China,
st. Paul, Queen and Senator examined,
with view of taking record of their
qualities In case the government should
decide to add these vessels to the auxiliary
fleet now engaged on this coast.
The steamers Ohio and Connemaugh,
which arrived from the east a few days
ago for the klondike trade, have been
chartered by the government, and will
garry stores and soldiers to Manila. The