The evening times., 1898-07-05
WAR PLANS.
Porto Rico VIII Be I.yaded When
: Santiago Falls.


Santiago Falls.
President Mckinley and his advisers are
fully bent on following up the great ad-
vantage gained over Spain in the Santi-
ago victory by an aggressive campaign in
other directions. They are hopeful that
Spain may soon recognize the utter help
lessness of her case and ask for peace.
but they are neither talking nor seeking
peace at this time.
On the contrary, the remarkable success
Of the Navy at Santiago and at Manila
has inspired the Army with the deter
mination to try to divide honors in the
war, and active preparations are in prog
ress for widening the scope of our opera
tions.
An Eastern squadron, now being organ
lied. is going to Spain's home ports, and
thence. through the Suez Canal, after
Camara's fleet. and an early lombard
ment and invasion of Porto Rico are to
take place.
Believing the capitulation of Santiago
to Major General Shafter is certain. the
authorities are now concerning them
selves about future war plans.
1t is not expected that the American
troops will leave Santiago Immediately
after the city surrenders. 1t is desired
that they shall be given a little rest as Il
reward for their arduous service. Besides.
1t may be necessary to destroy General
Pando's forces before leaving the eastern
end of Cuba.
While It was originally intended to
place this portion of the island entirely in
the hands of the insurgents, the authori-
ties are now discussing the advisabiiity
of leaving small American force al San
tiago for the purpose of preserving order
reconcentrados.
Supplies have already been shipped to
this point for the poor Cubans. and they
have been largely distributed by the in
surgents. More will be sent as soon as
the city capitulates.
1t was stated at the War Department
today that the ST. Paul, the Harvard and
the Yale will certainly be used for the
transportation of troops. and they win
probobly proceed TO Porto Rico after
touching at Santiago. which will practi-
cally be used as 4 base of operations.
Should Lieut.. Gen. Linares' command
escape from Santiago ana erect a juno
ture wish Gen. Pando's forces, 1t will be
necessary to re-enforce Gen. Skaters
command to accomplish the destruction
or capture of the Spanish troops.
Notwithstanding reports TO the con-
trary, it can again be asserted with pos
itiveness that the authorities have no in
tention of attacking Havana before Fall.
Nothing is to be gained by such a move
at this time they contend, and II is be-
lieved that the conditions two months
hence will be much more favorable for Of
fensive military operations.
The work of the Government will be
confined for the present 10 the invasion
of Porto Rico. At least 5000, and. per-
haps. $500. men will be sent to that is
land.
Ii is proposed to leave Camara's COM
mand and the Spanish coast to the East
ern squadron, while Rear Admiral Samp
son will have charge of the naval opera
tions against Porto Rico.
AS soon as the capitulation of Santiago
de Cuba is effected. the American fleet
will proceed to San Juan, which is now
blockade. A competent con-
voy will be provided for the ,+troopships.
and as soon possible the army will be
started on the new plan of campaign.
AS to the point of landing in Porto Rico
the authorities are silent. but II is under
stood that the troops will land short
distance west of San Juan. A railway
runs along the northern shore from San
Juan TO Arecibo. and this line will be use
full TO the American troops.