The record-union., 1898-05-12
The War Department Purchases Ra-
tiOns on a Large Scale.
General Miles and His Staff to Start for
Tampa To-Day-NOthing Known as
to Present Whereabouts of
Simpsons Fleet.

WASHINGTON, May Il.-Ine army
movement on Cuba is now fairly
launched. and to-days news developed
a concerted effort all along the line to
begin aggressive operations on a big
scale for the ejectment of the Spanish
troops and Government from the Pearl
of the Antilles An order given this
afternoon by the War Department for
the purchase of 5,0090 900 rations is an
earnest of the scale on which prepara-
tions are making for invasion of SPANS
territory. OF this vast quantity, one
fourth is to go to the Philippines by
way of San Francisco and the balance
to Cuba For some reason that was
not discoverable there appeared to be
a temporary check in the practical
working out of the plans of the War
Department for the Cuban movement.
After everything had been made ready
for the departure last night, General
Miles was detained, and for a time to-
day the rather gloomy prospect of an
indefinite postponement Of the first mil
itary expedition was presented. Later
on, however. the obstacle, whatever it
was. was removed, and it wes again
announced that the commanding Gen
erai, with numerous staff, would leave
Washington tomorrow directly for
Tampa.
The department has made great
many changes in the original pro-
gramme laid down for the concentra-
tion of troops, and, as indicated in these
dispatches yesterday, many bodies of
volunteers that were originally slated
for one of the great concentration
camps have found themselves suddenly
under orders to proceed direct to South
ern points, so that soon volunteers from
the East and Middle West will be NOV
ing swiftly to Florida and the gulf
while from the far West the cars will
be carrying troops to San Francisco.
To-days news, in connection with the
recall of General Miles orders to Tam
pa, is pretty substantial evidence of a
very early movement of troops in strong
force to Cuba, while the Philippines
programme, of course, has been def
initely fixed for some days.
Contrary to expectations, the day
passed at the Navy Department with
out news from Admiral Sampson.
Notwithstanding what appear to be
contradictory newspaper advices rela-
tive to the presence of the Spanish
or
Department officials are beginning to
entertain strong doubts of the accuracy
of the report 1t was not possible dur
ing the course of the day to obtain
anything like an official confirmation
of the official report received yesterday,
but this is not to be wondered at in
view of the success which the Spanish
Government has so far met with in
keeping secret the movements of its
naval ships.
Until news comes from Admiral
Sampson of his doings in and around
Porto Rico, it cannot be said definitely
what programme shall be decided on
as regards that island. 1t has been
suggested that some Of the troops now
being hurried so rapidly TO the Gulf
Coast may be intended TO cooperate
with Admiral Sampson in the iestruc-
tion of the batteries at San Juan de
Porto Rico and the subsequent occupa-
ton of that island. 1t is Felt that the
Admiral will be in a rather disagreeable
plight. supposing even that ne man
aged to reduce the forts with his feet,
IL he were obliged to remain there in
occupation of the place for lack of
troops. when he might otherwise be
urgently needed either on the Cuban
: coast or somewhere in the Atlantic,
TO meet the Spanish fleet.
An evidence of the wisdom of having
the troop transports near at hand IN
such cases is shown by the predicament
Admiral Dewey is believed to be in at
Manila, where, for lack Of troops, he IS
unable to occupy the town and prevent
atrocities which the insul gents are ca
pable Of committing upon their help
less Spanish foes.
The revival of doubts as 70 the where
abouts of the Cape Verde squadron
caused a reign of anxiety as to the Ore
gon. The ship was at Bahia at last ac-
counts, and she is believed to have
left day or two ago up the Brazilian
coast to join SIMPSONS squadron in the