The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-26
Joe Wheeler and Fitz Lee Sure to
Get Good Places.
CEORCIANS AFTER GLORY.
Sons of the State who Are Apt to
Cut a Figure in the War.

Washington, April 25.-All the legal and
diplomatic formalities declaring that a
state of war exists between Spain and the
United States having been complied with,
actual warfare is expected to begin to-
morrow,
The first naval battle is expected to be
fought in the vicinity of the Philippine
Islands. Commander Dewey, command
ing the Asiatic squadron, has notified Sec
retary Lonk that he will proceed to block
ade the harbor of Manila tomorrow. As
there are Spanish warships there hostili-
ties are expected to begin at once.
The fleet off Havana are under instruc-
tions to delay the bombardment of Havana
until further orders. In the meantime
Rear Admiral Sampson is directed to keep
up the blockade and at the same time
seize or destroy such Spanish vessels as
come within range of the fleets guns. This
brief outline of the campaign, comes from
the highest authority and is vouched for
There is a great pull being made upon
the President for high commissions in the
army. He will have the appointment, as
matters now stand, of ten major generals
and a good many more brigadiers, and
just now political wires are being pulled
strongly in favor Of men who aspire to
these places.
1t is regarded al pretty we'll settled that
Gen. Joe Wheeler of Alabama and
Gen. FItzhugh Lee of Virginia will be
appointed as major generals of volunteers.
The four brigadier generals now in SER
vice in the army in the South will be made
major generals and the other appointments
win probably be made from the North and
West.
There is feeling in the army and In
Washington generally that Gen. Wheeler
deserves recognition even ahead of Fitz-
hugh Lee because of his unquestloned mil
itary ability. There is no man who fought
against the South but has the highest re-
spect for the brilliant little cavalry lead
er, who had such a marvellous career dur
ing the late war, and because of his high
achievements in the line it is generally be-
lieved that Gen. Wheeler would be :siven
the preference if it came down to a ques-
tion between him and Gen. Lee. 1t is re-
cognized, of course, that Gen. Lee is just
now very much In public eyes because of
his splendid services as consul general, but
like the military qualifications of Gen
Wheeler. However, it is believed that
both of these distinguished Southerners
will be soldiers Of high station.
Several well known Georgians are being
pressed by their friends for important
places under the military establishment.
Lieut. Ely Hoyle of the Second Artillery
is in Washington at present, and is being
pressed by members of the Georgia dele
CATION as valuable man for high place
with the volunteers. Lieut.. Hoyle is in
the artillery, but is a fine all around sol
der, and Is anxious to get in the field
rather than being kept in his present as
signtnent which keeps him at the fortifi-
Gallons in New York He is particularly
anxious to get out with the Georgia
troops.
Another Georgian who stands an excel
lent chance of coming to the front is Capt
James B. Erwin of the Fourth Cavalry.
Capt. Erwin is an honor graduate of tho
infantry and cavalry school, stood away
up at West Point and is regarded as one
Of the best cavalry officers of the army.
Lieut.. Peter c. Harris Of the Thirteenth
Infantry is another Georgia boy who
would like a command with the volunteer
forces Of the state There Is, of course,
better chance for attaining high rank with
the volunteers than in the regular estab-
lishment.
Jim Dobbs Of Marietta, who has just re.
turned from his post as consul at Valpa.
raiso is being considered by Gen. Wheeler
for a staff position provided of course.
that the general himself is given a com,s
mission. which everybody believes he win
get. Col. Dobbs would be a very valuable
man, both because Of his experience with
the climates of Southern countries and
because OF his knowledge OF the Spanish
language. There is no doubt that he can
secure an important position with the
army If he desires IT, The suggestion OF
a stan position with Gen. Wheeler has
his fancy and he would doubtless
accept such an appointment II Il were to
come his way.
South Carolina also has a number OF az.
plrants for commissions IN the volunteer
army. and Senators Tillman and McI.an.
rim aud other members OF the Palmetto
delegation have placed the names OF the
applicants before the President and The
Secretary Of War
Col. W. H. Bonham Of Anderson, form
erly adjuiant general of The stale. !. X.