The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1898-07-08
ON THE EVE Of CONFLICT.
The Navy Will Cooperate with the,
Land Forces in the Attack
on Santiago De Cuba.
MAKING ALL READY FOR THE BATTLE.
Reinsorcements Hang Fire mt Tampa
Gen. Ccppinger VIII Not Be sent To
Props rations for the Departure
of the Eastern squadron-A Balloon
May Be Used In Making Observations.

'" - a@0E&sA aAtoo
May Bc Used In Making Observations.
WASHINGTON. July 1.-The situation
mt the close of the day yesterday was
described by Secretary Alger as beng
such as TO warrant him in entertain
ing the expectation Of important news
at any moment. There were two par
ties to a battle and it might be pre-
cipitated by either side, and no one
here knew what the Spanish DISPOSE
tion was. Nor is much more known
respecting Gen. Skaters plan of at
tack, although in his messages OF
Wednesday he indicated a purpose to
move early in the evening, as shown
by his declaration that achievements
could not reach him before he offered
battle.
Direct Telegraphic Communication Estab-
lished.
Secretary Alger was very much
gratified when he learned yesterday
that direct telegraphic communication
now existed between Washington and
Gen. Skaters headquarters at sib-
oney. Heretofore all messages from
the general have been delayed "A hours
owing to the necessity of sending
them across rough country to reach
the cable station. The loss OF SO much
time might be vital in ease of urgent
need for reinforcements or of ammuni-
ton and supplies.
The Navy VIII Cooperate In the Attack
on santiago.
III. ~.s.s4. 4. 1alI chat tha paru
will cooperate in the attack on San
tiago, and that to that end part OF
Skaters force is to move directly upon
MORO castle TO capture the forts and
to enable the naval launches to open
the gateway into the harbor by remov-
ing the mines. The experience of the
vessels while in Guantanamo harbor IN
pulling up the mines there is expected
TO very much facilitate the work.
Making nj, Ready for the Final Assault.
No telegram came to the war depart
ment Yesterday from Gen. Shafter, and
the understanding here is that he is
employing his time to the best advan-
age in taking his artillery and maxi
ing all ready for the final assault upon
Santiago. 1t is not known how far the
Spanish reinforcements have advanced
since Wednesday, but Gen. shafter has
full knowledge of their movements,
and it is believed is not likely to delay
his attack until they have strength
ened the garrisons at Santiago by unit
ing with Linares.
Appears to Have Encountered Many DIM
cuities.
The second expedition from Tampa
TO reinforce Shafter appears to have
encountered almost as many difficult
ties as the original expedition In get
ting away. 1t was confidently ex-
pected here that the start would be
made from Tampa last Monday but
one difficulty after another has arisen
to retard the movements so that 1t was
with a feeling Of relief that the news
came TO the department from Tampa
that the flagship of the expedition, the
Hudson, had swung out intothc stream
and was ready to lead the procession
of transports which, it is believed by
this time are under way, bound for
Santiago.
1t is calculated that the second IN
AtHlllUtfI III lllt
patched to Shafter from Camp Alger'
via steamer from Newport News
reached him yesterday on the har'
ward. and the steamer Yale is expected
at Newport News to-day, returning
from her first trip with Duiiields sol
diers To take more reinforcement
probably including Garretsons pr
gade.
The Dcpa ment Is Thoroughly Satisfied
with the success attending this metho'
Of transporting the troops rom Oainl
Alger, having found 1T To be not ohiN
much more economical than the com
bined rail and water route via Tampa
but more expeditions. The steamers
will be further awaited OF in pursuance
Of Secretary Ayers intention to con
tinue TO dispatch reinforcement ate
/, reinforcement to Shafter until ne IA.
. an overpowering force at his command
: rho secretary believes that no groun'
is lost in this way. for if there Is al
o~verplus of troops at Santiago they ca
be easily used elsewhere.
, Gen. Coppingcr Not to Go to Santiago
Mai. Gen. Coppinger is not to go t'
n Santiago with any Of these additional
h forces. He is senior 10 Gen. Smarter
and II sent to Santiago, by virtue q
the army regulations, would assum'
command of the army in front OF tina
place. Therefore it is likely that ~
will be reserved for the y
the Porto Rican expedition. i.
h The reports from Santiago Is :
e accommodating parties and efforts I
e our officers to take observations OF III
q city leads to the belief at the war dc
partmcnt that a big balloon may y
utilized by Gen. shafter as a means I
..r,;rg santiago and all the SUI