The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-05-26
Government Preparing to FOreStall An Early Ter,
minatiOn of the War.
OPPORTUNITY FOR A CRUSHING BLOW
NOW PRESENTED IN WEST INDIES
Simpsons Fleet and 10000 Regulars Will Sweep the
SpaniardS From Porto Rico.

brief tour of duty In the tropics and
providing prompt reinfOrcementS should
any of the conditions have been under
estimated.
General Miles had expected to start
for Tampa last night. but delayed his
departure until Sunday night, because
the president desired to have the ben
eft of his advice in the meantime. 1t is
understood, however, that the presence
of General Miles in Tampa is not eS-
sential to the departure of troops from
that point, although in case an inva-
sion of either Cuba or Porto Rico is
begun this week General Miles intends
to hurry after the expedition. in fast
warship which the navy will place at
his disposal.
RumOrs are especially persistent that
actual military operations in the West
Indies will begin before June !, and
speculation seems equally divided on
the chances of an invasion directed
against Cuba or against Porto Rico
1t is said to be the desire of the gov
eminent to strike a blow at Spanish
obstinacy by Immediately seizing and
occupying Porto Rico. an island whose
climate is far more healthful than that
of Cuba, and whose value for purposes
of indemnifcation at the close of the
war is self apparent. With the aid of
a part of Admiral SIMPSONS fleet it is
thought San Juan could be easily taken
ANOTHER VERSION.
Chicago Nav 25.-A special to the
News from Washington says: Porto
Rico is to be taken. The president has
decided that Sampson shall Immediate
" move on that island, while Schley
guards Cervera. At least 10000 troops
will be sent and another army is at
the same time to enter Cuba, trans
ports now being ready
From a cabinet officer it is learned
that the haste in ordering the troops
and ships to Porto Rico is owing TO the
fact that the president has learned
that the powers are preparing to ask
that Spain be permitted TO withdraw
from Cuba and allow peace to be de-
clared This intimation came direct
from Europe. The president wants to
be able to say Yes. Spain may with
draw That's why we made war. But
we will hold Porto Rico and the Phil
ippines."
Without a dissenting voice the cabt-
net decided that the greatest possible
haste should be made in the invasion
General Miles reported that Spain now
has l., 900 troops in Porto Rico and he
thought the United States, should send
at least 10000 troops there. The sec
rotary of war had a conference with
the president and it was decided that
Sampson should be sent straight back
to San Juan.
The president feared that when
Spain lost her fleet she would sue for
peace before the United States had the
island He said it would be much bet
ter to have Porto Rico when negotia-
lions began
Secretary Alger said that the army
was ready to go to Cuba at any time.
When he returned to his office he sent
for Assistant Secretary Meikeljohn and
General Miles and notified them of the
call for 10 900 volunteers and the pres
ident asked for an immediate move
ment of troops to be FASTENED Mr.
Meikeljohn has charge of the trans
ports and he said he was ready to be-
gin. The first men to be sent to Cuba
will occupy high and healthy lands and
remain until the general occupation OF
the island begins.
Assistant Secretary Meikeljohn and
General Miles will hasten the move
ment of troops with the greatest pos
sible speed.