The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-06-16

mander Gen. Pando at Holguin ana -
Spanish forces at Santiago de 4,,h.
This makes it clear that Santiago ;s NOT
likely to get achievements from Con
Pando. Rabi, it is believed here bos
also established the fact that the lines Of
communication and relief to Santa 90
are practically cut off in all directions
A dlsagreable impression has been Gre.
ated among officials here by the refusal Of
the Spanish authorities to carry out thei,
early offers for the exchange of Hobsor
and his associates. The good faith Of tbo
first offers is now being questioned, and
the impression is growing that the Span.
ish are indirectly endeavoring to hold
Hobson as valuable prisoner.
Secretary Alger this afternoon denied
that the government was CONSIDERING
the advisability of making another call
for volunteer troops.
The war department is now entirely
occupied with the task of completing
the equipment of the large number OF
organizations still without accoutrements
and has not yet even taken up in earnest
the procurement of the IS, 900 men called
for in the second proclamation of the
President. All that has been one so fal
under that call is to arrange to fill VI
the regiments secured under the first call
The secretary has received the report oil
kins, charged with an inspection of vari
GUS points that were offered as good
camping grounds for the United States
troops.
The best features for large military
camp were found at Fernandina, Fla.
This point lies ~ miles off the main line
of railroad communication, which makes
it possible to isolate the camp. should
it become necessary to do so through the
appearance of yellow jack. A broa6
plateau affords splendid camping ant
drill grounds for 10000 troops and with
in mile lies one of the finest sea beaches
in the country. One of the best features
of the site is a great well 100 feet deep
flowing pure water at the rate of invent,
million gallons per day. The boart
reported that this water could be pipet
all over the camp, and Secretary Alge
has ordered the piping to be laid at once
thus indicating the departments choic
of site.
There is no intention to break up th
present camps unless disease should ap
pear necessitating the change. Secretar,
Alger's purpose in sending out the Hop
kins board was to prepare camp, no
for immediate occupation, but for th
instant reception Of troops who Nigh
necessarily be removed from other camp
where contagious disease might appear
Touching Camp Alger, the secretar
said this afternoon that five wells ha
been opened there yesterday and tina
there was every evidence that the watts
supply would be ample in the future
The place is free from flies and mosquitoes
the sick rate is very low and altogether
in the opinion of the Secretary, there
no better camp. Gen. Graham has pro
jected series of exercise marches, whicl
are expected to do N uch to harden tn
troops while relieving them from TIL
monotony of camp life. For the sam
reason, the camp at Chickamauga. benz
now in excellent running order, is not t
be discontinued or permanently dimin
| ished.
| The attorney general has referred to tn
! navy department. an appeal by Capt
Lazon and IL members of the crew of tn
prize steamer Argonauta, to ba allowe
to go to Cuba. The Argonauta was capt
ured by the Nashville, April 20, off Glen
| fuegos, and was condemned as fai
prize. Her officers and crew were released
upon giving their parole not to take u
| arms against the United States durin
the present war. They represent tina
their families live in Cuba and ask PEI
mission to join them, promising to oh
serve their parole.
The navy department has been oblige
to refuse this request, contenting itsel
with giving the men their liberty.
1.-THE secretary of the navy has chris
tened ice boat No. 8, the Arctic. Sh
| was hired to the government by the cit
of Philadelphia for an indefinite tim
for the sum of one dollar. The yacht
Elfrida and Sylvia have been Above
to retain their names.
| mi