The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-17
Activity at the War Department That
Is Thought to Indicate Hurried
Movement of Troops.
NOTES FROM ALL THE CHMPS
PROMOTIONS AND OTHER CHANGES
IN THE 16OTH INDIANA.
HOosiers Watching the Claiming of
the ChattahOOchee Rapids-MedaIs
for WashingtOn's Fighters.

WASHINGTON, Nov 16.-There has been
remarkable activity about the War Depart
ment for several days in the way Of prepar-
ing troops for service in lands beyond the
United States An order has been issued
directing at least ten regiments of the regu-
lar army, now stationed in northwestern
forts and posts to hold themselves in readi-
ness for immediate transportation and serv
ice in tropical climates. Most Of these regi-
ments were sent into the northern and west
ern posts few weeks ago for recuperation
after their Cuban campaign. While hold
ing themselves ready for service, these regi-
ments will now be recruited to their full
strength. Nothing is said officially as to
what the present activity means, but there
are several reasons suggested. 1t is be-
lieved that an early movement to Cuba is
intended, somewhat sooner tnan has been
generally believed heretofore. Another be-
lief entertained is that the United States
government desires to be in a position to
meet any conditions that may grow out of
the pending peace negotiations, and to be
in readiness to resume hostilities if Spain
refuses to accept the terms the American
peace commissioners offer. In this connec-
ton an intimation has got about to the effect
that during the delay which has occurred
Spain has been able to form some sort of
coalition with European powers to back up
the pretensions she has been making in the
negotiations. Another reason given for the
proposed NOV ement of the regulars to Cuba
is that they are to replace the regiments
which have given some trouble, and have
created disturbances, the last row being re-
ported from General Woods's commands in
Santiago province. 1t may be that some
Of the regular regiments are destined to re-
place volunteers who have been pleading to
be sent home.
An interesting feature of the matter is the
refusal of the United States authorities to
order the muster out of the volunteers who
recently returned from Porto Rico. These
regiments were sent to their homes and
given sixty days furlough, but contrary to
the plans heretofore followed they were not
allowed to be mustered out of service. AS
to the ten regular regiments every depart
ment of the government has been directed
to prepare supplies for them and to arrange
transportation as soon as they are ordered
to move.
The United States government is anxious
that the military forces shall have possess
sion Of the port of Cienfuegos, on the south
ern coast of Cuba, as soon as this can be
arranged 1t has been represented to the
officials here that the vast sugarcane fields
in the province of Santa Clara, Cienfuegos
being the port of entry for that province,
are almost ripe and ready for cutting, and
that implements for the work and oxen for
hauling should be sent into the district as
soon as possible. In order that this may be
given prompt attention the United States
desires control Of the port. The sugar
plantations in active operation would fur
nish employment to many destitute Cubans
now in Santa Clara province. The Spanish
government has been given notification of
the intention Of the United States to occupy
the port.