New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-23
THE MANILA EXPEDITION.
FIRST DETACHMENT OF MEN TO START.
. FORCE OF TEN THOUSAND ALREADY AT
SAN FRANCISCO-SOME MAY EN-
BARK TODAY.


San Francisco May 22-There are 10 100 en-
listed men and 414 officers gathered at the two
military camps in this city this morning The
Preside reservation is the temporary home Of
nearly seven thousand men. including those
rom this State. Washington ard oregon In
fact. the camp is the headquarters of the Pacific
Coast men, The troops from Minnesota. Wyo-
ming Nebraska Kansas and Colorado are quar-
tered on the site of the old Bay District race
track which has been divided into town lot
sites covering about twelve squares Each
souarc will accommodate comfortably one thou
Sand men. This city OF tents has been named
Fort Richmond. and shelters about four thou
sand five hundred men.
Brgadier- General Otis is anxious to concen-
trate the volunteer forces. and after the depart
ure of the troops for Manila will transfer the
men now stationed at the Preside to Fort Rich
rnond. He deems the site superior to the
Presido, as the sand absorbs every bit Of moist
ure and keeps the soldiers comparatively dry
shod and free from the mud. which accumulates
at the Presdio after every rain.
The men at Fort Richmond did not suffer
much from last nights rain as was expected
The men from other camps helped yesterdays
arrivals TO set up their tents. and by 10 O'Clock
las; night there was a semb,ance of order about
the grounds assigned TO Colorado. Minnesota
and Wyoming troops. The men spent fairly
good night They hard at work this morn
Ing perfecting their camp arrangements.
The soil Of the camping ground is a dry sand
which easily absorbs moisture Abundance of
frewood has been provided. the men are now
literally supplied with blankets, and they have
no trouble either here or at the Preside camp
IN keeping dry.
MEN FROM MANY STATES
All the troops from Nebraska. Kansas, Colorado
md Minnesota which were ordered TO San Fran
cisco are now here, but many more troops will
arrive from other sections In the next few days.
The Southern Pacific Company has been called
upon to provide transportation for a battalion
OF light artillery and cavalry from Utah. in ad-
6.;ion 10 lot Of troops from Montana ana
Idaho and a regiment from Pennsylvania The
light artillery from Salt Lake Will reach here to-
morrow morning. and the Utah cavalry Is due
70 arrive on Tuesday at the same time as the
PENNSYLVANIA regiment. Seventy-hve empty
coaches were started back 10 Ogden last night
70 accommodate troops now on their way here
from Eastern points
The Washington volunteers Quartered AT Fon-
tana Barracks want TO go to Manila. They
want 10 fight and especially do they desire a
chance at the men who started the rumor that
they were averse to foreign service and that
they had asked 10 be retained for coast duty.
Last night Lieutenant-COlonel Fife assembled
the two Washington battalions In mono"
square and asked every man who did not want
20 go 10 Manila to hold up his hand No hands
were raised. Those who want TO so to Manila
at once?" said he. There was reply that made
the blood tingle in the hearers veins, Inc
growing darkness partly Obscured the neid or
hands shot into the air. but there was no mis-
taking the veil that made the room ring. Ma
Mia or bust" the burden of the cry in their
delight at the chance to show their feeling; ana
they hugged each other and cheered the colonel
the nag and the State Of Washington.
MAY MAKE START TO-DAY.
The 1st California. the oregon regiment and
twenty-five men each from Companies and d
of the Heavy Artillery, under the command Of
Captain Geary may break camp on Monday
morning and sail from San Francisco on Mon
day night on the City Of Peking the City Of
Sydney and the Australia. with the Monterey
accompanying them as convoy The two de-
tachmonts from the heavy artillery and Colonel
Summers. Of the Oregon regiment. have been
unofficially Informed that they are expected to
break camp on Monday morning. The official
orders Will doubtless be received by Colonel
Summers and Captain Gcary tomorrow.
Colonel Smith. who has not been officially ad-
vised to go. expects to go aboard the CITY OF
Peking on Monday. All to-day he was busy
seeing 10 the hauling OF supplies 10 the VesseI.
All company property was taken from camp.
and 1t is known that the field orders Of the first
have been called for
General OTIS all along has been fighting 70
have the three transport vessels sail together.
and Il now looks as IL he had carried his point.
and that the commands named will sail on Mon
day night.
General Otis said to-day, The first regiment
of California troops Will be loaded on the CITY
OF Pekns early on Mondav morning" Further
than this General Otis refused 10 be quoted but
II is understood that the Oregon troops VIII sail
the Peking.
Ii is decided that the 9th California and the
Washington volunteers to remain here for
Pacific Coast defence. The 1lth United states
Infantry ordered 10 this city, Will join the cx-
pedition 70 the Philippines. The Government
will accept the eight companies OF the bth Call
fornia Volunteers regimcntai organization
All the soldiers impatient t. start for
Manila, and their ardor docs not seem 10 be
aba'ed by the hard work Of camp life. Drilling
at both camps IS almost incessant. and more
willing let Of soldiers was never seen. The City
OF Peking may get away by tomorrow night
but will probably not start before Tuesday.
The coast defence vessel Monterey Il now ly-
ms In the stream and viii be ready TO start az
soon az she receives supply Of coal Carrying
an adequate amount of coal. the Monterey can
reach Honolulu. and from that point 10 Manila
she Will be accompanied by collier or else be
taken In tow by one q the transports.
The steamers City Of Sydney and Austraha
may possibly b. readyto sail on Tuesday. and
there is some talk Of having them 20 with the
Peking, but Il Is probable that the original plan
will be adhered TO- and hat each Of these yes
fels VIII sail rs soon as ready, without waiting
for any others.
GENERAL, MERRITT on HIS WAY.