New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-18
GEN MERRITT PREPARING TO START.
HE WILL GET THE TROOPS WANTS FOR THE
philippines

HE WILL GET -HE TROOPS HE WANTS FOR THE
PHILIPPINES.
The appolntrnent Of General Merritt to command
the new Department OF the Pacific and the assign
ment OF Brigadier-Gc General Frank temporarily to
command Of the Department OF the East had
officially reached Governors Island yesterday after
noon but were expected. The announcement from
Washington that General Merritt would have az
many regular troops he desired for the Philip
pines expedition cleared up any doubt in regard
TO the possibility OF his not commanding the ex-
pedtlon. General Merritt said he wanted II un-
derstood that there not the slightest intent
on his part Of any disobcicncc OF orders. and
he simply wanted an adequate force. that the
expedition would be a
one Of the Department staff who is likely TO ac-
company General Merritt said that the prepara-
tions for departure were being hurried much az
possible and that General Merritt would be ready
10 20 In few days. The preparations being
completed for turning over the Department work to
the new commander.
| Brieadier- General Royal T. Frank has been ut
the head OF the artillery school AZ Fort Monroe
since 1855 He is West Pointer having been grad
uated In 1858 He was assigned TO the 9TH Infantry.
Wncn the Ciyn War broke out he first leu
tenant IN the sth Infantry. and served IN i, on the
field becoming captain in 1862. In the same year
he was made brevet major FOR gallant and meri-
torious conduct in the Pennsuar campaign. and a
brevet lieutenant colonel for similar service
1rredericksburg Va. In 1870 he was transferred TO
the lst Artillery. and his majority gained in
1881 and his lieutenant tcolonelship In 1889 In 1894
he became a colonel. lie at the head OF the
list for promotion when the President recently des
ieuated the brlgader- generals OF volunteers. and
was one 0. the first named The familiarity OF
General Frank with artillery operations makes the
selection OF hin for the important command OF the
r,enarfnuen; Of the East especially appropriate.
nero are so many guns mounted upon the fortinca-
tons along the coast
The command OF about h,teen thousand volunteers
,,.Iu fan 10 the lot o. the General OF the Depart
w., w.. of the Las. as regiment Of infantry and
ono light battery from Connecticut. one regiment
Of Infantry and one heavy battery OF ariilery from
Vassa chusetis. one heavy battery from Maine. one
.Sen, ~ infantry from Rhode Island. regi-
.nent OF infantry from New-Jersey one regiment OF
NANNY from Delaware, two battalons of infantry
from Maryland. four regiments OF Infantry and
,hrne troops o! cavalry from Ponnsyvanla ana
Wee regiments OF infantry from this State have
-, osslened 10 him as reserve force.
" ~ ;an,cnant Hale, TO whom the question o. camp
.,.ns hss hcen referred by General Merritt. said
si.sserday 10 n reporter for The Tribune: II paid
sccond yisi, yesterday 70 The camp ar Hempstead;
I'd NV first favora oc impression OF IL IS dcepened
We have an analysis of the water, and the quaity
a. exrellent and the supply Is abundant Ihe point
4 casv OF access and troops can be reacly moved
iacywbere 80 they may he needed. nave rccominehd-
"a .his site and favor bringing man, II not AL 'he