The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-31
MERRITT TAKES COMMAND.
The General Formally in Charge of
Philippine Expedition.

Philippine Expedition.
SAN FRANCISCO, May SO-It was
comparatively quiet at Camp Merritt,
as Fort Richmond is now known. Con-
sidering that it was holiday, the
crowds which visited the city of tents
occupied by the soldiers did not reach
the proportions expected.
The parade of veterans and volun-
teers divided the population, but, new
ertheless, the boys out at the camp
were besieged by an army of admir-
ing people, few of whom visited the
camps empty handed, in spite Of the
orders issued by Gen. Merritt to the
effect that no more goodies" were to
be given to the men under his COM
mand. If people did not take good
things to eat, they took bouquets Of
flowers which pleased the recipients as
much as sweets and other delicacies.
The Eastern men are particularly
grateful to the givers of California
flowers, and every tent gives place
to some receptacle for blooms which
they admire so much. Wash basins,
tomato cans, coal oil cans and in fact,
anything and everything that will hold
water is filled with flowers at all times.
Maj. Gen. Merritt today established
ing in the rooms vacated by Gen. Otis,
who is now permanently located at
Camp Merritt. This morning Gen.
Merritt issued an order assuming COM
mand of the Philippine expedition, and
is now buSily engaged completing ar
engagements for the forwarding of the
second attachments of troops to Admi-
raj Dewey'S assistance.
The work Of preparing the steamers
evafa1
reception of troops is progressing rath-
er slowly. The Zealandia needs very
little alteration to fit her for services
and can be prepared for sea in forty
eight hours, providing her cargo has
been slowed and trimmed. The China
is still unloading at her dock. but a
force of carpenters is at work fitting
hunks and making other necessary
preparations, and the same may be
said of the Colon.
The steamers Centennial and Ohio,
which, with the three vessels named,
make up the five vessels to comprise
the second fleet of transports, have not
yet arrived from Puget Sound It is
not expected that the fleet can leave
here before the middle of next week at
the earliest.
1T is understood that the Monterey.
which is being coaled at Mare Island,
will get away by the end of the present
week.
The question of what regiments will
make up the second expedition to the
Philippines is agitating the men at the
camp greatly. They all want to go,
but as there are already over $4,000
men, and more coming, and the second
expedition is to be made up of only
5000 men, there will be many disap-
pointments. There are now five VOL
unteer regiments ready-the Colorado.
the Seventh California, the Minnesota,
Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Every
possible effort to get them into shape
for service has been made, and in view
of this activity to get these regiments
fully equipped it locks as if they with
the regulars now here, will constitute
the major portion of the second expedi-
ton.
The first battalion of troops from
North Dakota, will reach this city to-
morrow morning and the second bat
talon will arrive in a few days and
with it the battalion from South Da-
kota.
The local Red Cross fund has reached
$32, 799. Today's contributions were
swelled by one Of $500 sent in by c. P.
Huntington.