The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-22
MYSTERIOUS MOVEMENTS.
War Department Indications Point to
Momentous Events.

New York, June "a special to the
Times from Washington says:
From behind an appearance of unusual
exterior quiet at the war department, GER
tain evidences of the preparations for
large and momentous events which are
known to be on foot have made their way
into the public cognizance. Notable among
these indications of the way the war wind
is blowing was the announcement that
the volunteers camped at Mobile, on the
Alabama Gulf coast, have been ordered
to Miami, on the Atlantic coast of Flor
ida.
There are six Of these regiments. the
First and Second Texas, First and Second
Alabama and First and Second Louisiana,
all infantry. and all, from the fact of
their coming from the lower tier of south
ern states, regarded peculiarly adapt
ed for services in the West Indies in the
hot season.
Miami is the southernmost town in Flor
ida, being situated at the terminus Of the
East Coast railway, far down in the
neighborhood of the everglades. The
execution of the plan determined upon as
a result of the overcrowding at Tampa.
the eInbarkation of the succeeding expe-
ditions Miami was inspected with a view
cial army board sent by Secretary Alger
two weeks ago, and 1T was one OF the
Concentration of small number, Of troops
along with F'ernandfna, Savannah, Charles
It is not understood that the facilities
at Miami are adequate to any large num-
Der of troops, and the impression is that
few. If any, of those already sent, will be
dispatched there. 1t is still contemplated
to make Fernandina the main point of
embarkation for the evolutionary force
now being organized for the invasion of
Porto Rico, when the capture of Santiago
de Cuba has been accomplished. The
harbor at Fernan6ina is the best along
the Florida coast for the accommodation of
big transports, and it is there that the
majority of them will be mobilized; al
though attachments OF the Porto Rican
expedition undoubtedly will be embarked
at Miami. Charleston, Jacksonville and
perhaps others of the coast points advo-
Gated by the army board.
For the second section of General Shat
ter'S army, additional batteries of artil-
lery are being dispatched to Tampa, that
ordered from Fort SlOcum, the battery
ordered from Fort Adams and the two
batteries ordered from Fort Monroe yes
terday. These will be sent to join the
two heavy and six light batteries which
at present make up General Skaters en-
tire artillery strength. The four trans
ordered there from Mobile, the Specialist
and Unionist and Cantania, which sailed
from New York several days ago will, it
is understood, be used for conveying the
and their departure may take place in a
few days.
There does not appear any reason why
it should be delayed any longer than is
necessary to get the forces together, and
there is every reason, experienced Of
feers say, why General Shafter should
have his full complement of artillery
soon as possible. Almost equally press
ing, say these observers, is his need of
respectable contingent of cavalry, the
horses for which will be taken to Santi-
which will be fitted up with especial re-
gard to the accommodation of animals.