Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-23
MORE CAMARA COXUNDRUMs.
Rumor of Anti-American Alliance

WASHINGTON. June 22.-To-day. just
o week after the United States troops
left Tortugas, they began to disembark
en- Cuban soil, landing in formation at
two points, 50 as 20 attack Santiago in
the rear and IT the sides, with the navy
20 help the work in front. Thus the
military invasion of Cuba may be said
TO have fairly begun, for though the
United States marines were the first of
the regular forces to land upon Cuban
soil, their purpose after all was not in
yusion. but the establishment Of a naval
base and a base for cable station, in
both of which they were eminently sue
cessful. To the regular troops was left
the beginning OF the formidable task
Of invading Cuba in force by land.
Just at the close of office hours a brief
cablegram came TO the War Department
from Lieutenant Colonel Allen. 1t had
been expected all day. To the surprise Of
the officials tine cablegram was dated,
not at Guantanamo, but at place called
Playa del Este. about twenty miles west
Of Guantanamo bay, and about half the
distance between that place and San
tago bay. It's exact wording is withheld
but the statement was authorized that it
said the troops were landing, and that
preparations had been made to attack
Santiago at the sides and rear. The de-
lay in receiving further cable communi-
cations after the first one of last eve
ming is thus explained The lines were
being carried to the westward probably
10 be nearer the point selected as the
landing place in Cuba.
sHAFTER NOT HAMPERED.
IN his dispatch Lleutenant-Colonel
Allen said that he had heard nothing
officially from either General Shafter or
Admiral Sampson. This is accounted for
readily by his instructions. He was told
specifically by General Miles, in cable
gram sent yesterday, not to embarrass
General Shafter by any unnecessary sug-
gesuons.
Thus it will be seen, TO the delight Of
an true soldiers. that General Shafter
like Admiral Sampson. is not 70 be tied
by exact orders from Washington, but
Is 10 be allowed the widest liberty of ac-
ton. in the belief that he being on the
GROUND. is capable OF judging best the
proper theory Of projected movements.
The Lieutenant-Colonel, however, who is
IA member of General MIes's staff and
directly i'm charge Of the signal work in
Santiago province, communicated briefly
with General Miles in cypher the fact that
the debarkation of the troops had be-
gun. and that a plan Of attack had been
arranged.
REINFORCEMENT OF SHAFTER.
The reinforcement Of General ShafteT
actually began to-day in the departure OF
Nle entire Thirty-third Michigan and one
battalion of the Thirty-fourth Michigan
from Camp Alger for Santiago They so
to Newport News and thence by steamer
directly to Santiago.
II the expectations Of the projectors
of this movement are realized, these
troops are likely 20 occupy actually less
time I'm the passage than did the first
contingent. which left Tampa directly,
the distance is twice as
long.
Formal orders were issued to-day, |
placing General Guy v Henry in charge |
OF the new division ii troops composed
Of Dumeld's and GaSaetson's brigades, |
which are TO form part Of the new di- |
vision. Probably some Of the troops now
az Tampa will be attached also, in which |
case they viii be dispatched in separate |
General Henry is one Of the
most noted cavalry leaders in the army, |
poseiblv. I'm the world.
SECOND LANDING.
II Is evident. from the nature Of General |
Nines's adyices. that in addition TO the
troops now landing, as is supposed not
lar from Playa del Este, second land
ng is going on just about the same dis
lance west Of the harbor entrance. The
.yo divisions probably will be pushed
forward. steadily 10 take the town OF
santiago on either flank, while TO Garcia
and Rabrs bands Of insurgents may be
eft the task Of bringing on the attack
IN the rear.
The distance on the west side Is slightly
greater than on the east, but it probably
: not greater by either route than fifteen
,r eighteen miles The country is noun
.ainous. but there is no reason 10 be-
ieye II may not be traversed by the
United States troops within week. even
: q should be necessary TO construct en-
renchments snd abattis every few miles,
n order 10 beat back the Spaniards.
NAVY TO POUND FORTS.
with the beginning Of the military
movement, the navy will draw close in
Ihore 10 pound away at the forts at the
entrance. and 20 draw the Gordon of war
hips 20 closely around the mouth as 70
make 1t impossible FOR ceryera's vessels
o escape. even n they are disposed TO
AXE the most desperate chances.
News has reached here that 1900 tons
4 coal are being loaded on shipboard at
Chile. As coal is worth
bout So a ton there. the purchase ex-