The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-31

10 constitute a very effective support for
the troops as they land.
A war conference was held a. the White
House at O'Clock this afternoon between
the president and his two war secretaries,
Aiger and Long, and Maj. Gen. Miles. in
command OF the army. Vice President
Hobart was present a part of the time,
and Secretary Day, who had just re-
turned to Washington. a.so appeared dur
ing the conference.
After the entire situation, naval and
military. had been gone over, Secretary
Long retired and Secretary Alger and
Gen. Miles remained to discuss more in de-
tail the military operations now about TO
be put into execution as the result of the
definite information that the snan,sh
squadron is securely held within Santiago
harbor.
Naturally those who participated in the
conference observed strict reticence re-
garding IL 1t was stated, however in an
authoritative quarter. that the discussion
covered the entire range OF naval and nil
itary operations. with particular view to
the active movements about 10 begin.
Gen. Miles brought with him a memoran-
dunn showing the exact disposition of the
military forces now concentrated at vari-
Gus points throughout the country, with
the number of men at Tampa and other
Southern points ready for embarkation.
Orders Issued by GEN. Miles.
He also made known that at O'Clock
this morning, Immediately following the
receipt Of definite information of the pres
ence OF the Spanish feet at Santiago, he
had gone to the war department and had
issued teiegraphic orders putting the
troops I'm motion, thus starting the for
ward movement of the military arm OF the
service. Further than this. those attend
ing the conference would not discuss their
pans.
1t was said at the war department. that
chief reliance would be placed at the out
set on the United States regulars. most of
whom are centered in Florida, and in such
volunteer regiments as are thoroughly
equipped, and reasonably well seasoned
for service.
Although the officials Will not state how
many troops are available FOR active serv-
ice, 1t is roughly estimated that there
are about 10000 regulars and 1900 volun-
teers at Tampa. These include seventeen
regiments OF the regular infantry and
fourteen regiments of the volunteer in
fantry. twelve battalions OF artillery and
five regiments Of the regular cavalry. The
infantry force. regular and volunteer, is
about 5000 men, cavalry about 4o0o, ar
tillery about l.eN1. How many Of these
have been or viii be dispatched TO any
given point or TO several points Is not dis
closed, as that is part OF the secret cam
palgn plans OF the government.
Back of this force are other available
regiments at Mobile. New Orleans and
other points easily accessible 10 Tampa
S,ill farther back Is the large volunteer
camp 1t Chlckamauga. comprising about
i00oo infantry volunteers, 1,oe9 cavalry
volunteers and three regiments Of artil-
lery volunteers. II is understood to be
the plan. although as 10 this there is TO
precise official statement. TO have the
troops at Chickamauga take the place Of
those at Florida ports as fast as the LAT
ter leave for active service. thus keeping
large force always ready for embarka-
ton from Florida.
Aside from the troops already specified
there are the 1900 men az Camp Alger.
near Washington. ana less bodies OF troops
on Long Island ard IN various states.
The $500 volunteers under the recent
" .sSued second cali constitute still an
other reserve. which. however. is yet to be
organized and equipped.
Departure for rampn.
Gen. Miles accompanied by the mem
bers OF his family and his personal and
official stan. left at II o'clock tonight for
Tampa. The party comprised thirty-four
persons. and occupied special train en-
the Southern railway. consisting Ct one
Pullman sleeper. one specias cz-. a.e COM
blnation baggage aud day coach and one
baggage car. Gen. Miles VIII proceed d.
rsctly 10 Tampa. where he will establish
temporary headquarters Of the army. Tfs
Will personally direct the movement Of re
tvoors ard ths invasion % cuba. Il sgas
in anticipation of this that the final plars
we're gone over with the president this
afternoon Gen. Niles will not state where
his headquarters will be. and indeed IL i
probable that re viii move from place II
place. as circumstance demand. Gen shat
ter viii 30 in immediate command Of the
forces now embsrsiag. while Gen Mre~
Will have general supervision os tais and
all military movements.