The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-20
HER BUSY DAYS
Life at Washington This Spring
II Q Hot Thing.
PREPARING FOR THE WAR
Tho 26th Regiment Cheered All Along
shs Route Plans OF Action The
Forestry Reeerve Orders-Bills
That Interest Montana.
Waahingtou Bureau Of the standard, !
No. 1Al5 q street n. w. I,

No. 14l5 u street n. w.
Washington. April l5.-Washington
bristles with evidences of preparation
for the certainly approaching conflict
with Spain. At the war and navy de-
partments the utmost secrecy is now
maintained regarding the work that
has been and il being done. and the or
ders to the moving armies N the sew
eral sQuadrons at sea.
But II is known hat at both depart
ments everything is ready for prompt
action. The officials of the war-mak-
ing departments of the government will
promptly ollow a patriotic congress
where the president failed to lead. The
department plans are known, notwith-
standing the great efforts at secrecy.
Promptly upon the opening of hostili-
ties the North Atlantic squadron will
make a demonstration against Havana.
and soon afterward the landing of the
boys in blue will begin. The first troops
which will include the colored regi-
ments recently forwarded from the
mountain states-will be conveyed by
the Yankee, the Dixie. the Prairie n
the Yosemite. formerly of the Morgan
Une. as transport SnlDS. utSt VIII pt
in the convoy Of three wal ships of the
squadron. They will carry about 1000
men each. The present plans do not
contemplate making a landing at Ha-
van but instead at Santiago de Cuba,
the eastern metropolis of the island. Ii
IN not doubted that a few thousand men
can take this important city at once.
Immediately afterward, the American
troops are expected to open communi-
cation with the insurgents, who nov
control and have long dominated all the
rich eastern provinces back of Santt-
ago. This will a possible immedi-
ate cooperation with the armies OF
Cuba.
Al soon thereafter as possible the
land forces of both countries will attack
Havana. This statement Of projected
operations Is given by distinguished
army officers. who will participate con-
spicuously in the stirring events which
are expected to follow promptly after
tie declaration of var made.
Al the navy department IL Is fully be-
lieved that the destination of the flying
squadron is Porto Rico. IL Is supposed
that the purpose of the visit Will be to
threaten the important city of San
Juan, the metropolis and political capt.
tai of the island. IL seems certain
that the occupation N retention of
this spanish possession IL u
material feature of the American plar
of campaign. This beautiful island. thu
Borinquen of which Columbus spoke 81
enthusiastically to his sovereigns oi
Aragon and CASTLE and Leon. is re
garded as vastly more important to tn
United States from a s;rategic-if not
indeed, from a commercial-point OF
view thai Cuba. Overshadowed in APP.
parent Importance as IL always ha
been by Cuba, the great consequence
OF the possession of this island has beer
underestimated by the government and
the people. 1t Is the outpost of Span
ish America, the third I'm size and pop
ulation of all the Antilles. 1t is abou'
as large as New Hampshire or Yer
mont and far more populous than boil
OF them together. Its condition hai
been thai of profound rest for man,
years. In distinct contrast to the con
tinuous disturbances which have pre-
vailed in and have desolated the great
est of the West Indies. There have beei
no Instructions. although disconten
has long continued. and still exists, II
the islands. Spain has wiped out tn
500. 900 peaceful and mild hammered peo
pie who inhabited Borinquen at tn
time of the discovery. But she ha
been more merciful To the large blacl