Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-17
Gen. Miles Says the Country is Now
Prepared for War.
ORDER TO ENLIST ATS MARINES
Amazonas Will Soon Fly the Stars
and Stripes.
PURCHASE OF TORPEDO BOAT

NEW YORK. March l1.-Major General
Nelson A. Miles started for Washington
today al 10 O'Clock. Before taking his
departure Gen. Miles was asked wnat he
thought concerning the war situation, and
he replied reflectiveiy:
It's very hard to foretell Just what VIII
happen. Matters look very serious but
this country is prepared for any emer-
gency."
A detachment of thirty-three marines
were hurriedly sent away early today from
the marine barr at the New York
navy yard. They will join the cruiser
Newark which has been ordered into COM
mission at League Island navy yard, Phila-
delphia.
A detail of twenty-five bluejackets for
the Richmond. also at League Island. were
taken to Jersey City on a tug.
Ii was announced at the marine bar
racks today that an order for the imme-
diate enlistment of 413 lnen had been re-
ceived from Washington. Recruits are
badly needed, as the Marine Corps IS way
below its normal strength.
A large quantity of ammunition. suppos-
ed 10 be shot and sheel for the big guns.
has arrived at the navy yard.
The board of inspection Of auxiliary
cruisers was in session today with all its
members present.
The board has sent n preliminary report
by wire TO Washington, and IL VIII make
more extended report today.
The board has finished its inspection Of
first-class vessels and will now take up
second-class craft, such as tugs
1t is said that cnly one-fourth of the
work cut out for the board has been I'm
ished thus far.
Transfer of the Amaz zonGs.
LONDON. March 17.-The warship ANA
&c mas. built for Brazil. but purchased hy
United Wi no
ferred to the United States government to-
morrow at Gravesend. Lieut.. Com. Col
we'll, the United States naval attache here.
will take possession of the vessel on bshalf
OF the government, and viii receive Inc
ship from her Brazilian commander. -
crew from the San Fral-cisco Will then be
marched upon board and the Brazilian nag
Will be hauled doHn and the Braziiians
" Ill be landed.
The executive officer of the San Francisco
will probably take command ofIthe ANA
zonas, and she will sail for the United
States speedily poss BILE under sealed
orders. 1t is supposed she is going to the
North American station, where her crew
can be reinforced.
The Anazonas had just been proyisioned
and ccaled for her trip 10 Brazil The
United States government purchased al
these supplies.
agent of the United States Navy Depart
rent, who arrived here yesterday from
New York has been besieged by snip nlel
and reporters. He says the reports Of the
object of his mission are Incorrect, and
that his errand is one which he cannot
speak about.
Apparently Commander B-ownson is act
ing adviser TO Lieut.. Com. Colwell.
A special dispatch from Rome says the
Italian minister Of marine, Admiral BTin.
has informed The Spanish ambassador to
Italy, Count de Boncnar. that his request
that Italy sell three warships TO Spain
will be discussed at the next cabinet meet
ing.
Fort Hancock is Ready.
NEW YORK. March 17.-Fort Hancock.
on Sandy Hook, is now equipped for cny
emergency, so far Gs having the big guns
and nortars in position, and the men ready
to operate them, are concerned. The only
work yet to be done is the finishing OF the
quarters for the soldiers. MeaaIIae most
of the men are living in tents.
One of the military officers Al the fort
reinforcements of men, ammunition end
war implements, and should an enemy ap-
pear eff Sandy Hook it viii receive a very
warm reception from Fort Hancock
Torpedo Boat Destroyer Bought.
LONDON, March 11.-According to a
special dispatch from sund erIand, tie
United States government mas purchased
a torpedo boat destroyer from ship builder
named DoXford, of that place.
Spain Buys Cruiser.
LONDON, March IA special dispat ch
from Rome today says the Italian govern
ment has sold the armored cruiser Narese
IN Cnaip