The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-05-12


movement on Cuba is now fairly
launched. and to-day's news developed
concerted effort all along the line to
begin aggressive operations on big
scale for the ejectment of the Spanish
troops from the Pearl of the Antilles.
An order given this morning from the
war department for the purchase of
100000 rations is an earnest Of the
scale on which the preparations are
making for invasion of Spain's terri
tory. OF this vast quantity one-fourth
is to go to the Philippines. by way of
San Francisco, and the balance to Gu
ba.
For some reason that was not discov-
cred. there appeared to be a temporary
check in the practical working out of
the plans of the war department for the
Cuban movement After everything
had been made ready for the departure
last night, General Miles was detained,
and for time to-day the rather gloomy
prospect of an indefinite postponement
Of the first artillery expedition was pre-
sented. Later on, however,-the OBJ
stacle. whatever it was. was removed.
and IL was again announced that the
commanding general. with numerous
staff. would leave Washington to-mor-
row directly Tor tampa.
The department has made a great
many changes in the original pro-
gramme laid down for the concentra-
ton of troops. and. as indicated in these
dispatches yesterday. many bodies OF
volunteers that were originally slated
for one of the great concentration
camps. have found themselves sudden
ly under orders to proceed direct to
Southern points. so that soon volun-
teers from the East and Middle West
will be moving swiftly to Florida and
the gulf while from the far West the
cars will be carrying troops to san
Francisco. To-day's news. in connec-
ton with General Miles immediate de-
par,ure for Tampa. is pretty substan-
tial evidence of an early moving of
troops in strong force to Cuba, while
the Philippines force, of course, has
been definitely fixed for some days.
Contrary to expectations. to-day
passed at the navy department without
news from Admiral Sampson. Not
withstanding what appears to be con-
firmatory news, advices relative to the
presence OF the Spanish cape VERDE
fleet at Cadiz. the navy department Of
ficials are beginning to entertain strong
doubts of the accuracy of the report.
1t was not possible during the course
of the day to obtain anything like OH
cial confirmation of the official report
received yesterday. but this Is not to
be wondered at in view OF the success
the Spanish government has so far met
with in keeping secret the movements
of its naval ships. Until news comes
from Admiral Sampson of his doings
in and around Porto Rico. 1t cannot be
said definitely what programme should
be decided on as regarding that island.
1t has been suggested that some Of
the troops now being hurried SO rap
idly to the gulf coast may be intended
xa-tth AdvvniYa1 SannnSnn
i'm the reduction of the fortifications at
San Juan. Porto Rico and the subse-
uuent occupation of the island. 1t Is
felt that the admiral will be In rather
disagreeable plight, supposing even he
should manage to reduce the fortifica-
tions with his fleet. If he were obliged
to remain there in occupation of the
place for lack of troops. when he would
otherwise be urgently needed on either
the Cuban coast or somewhere in the
Atlantic to meet the Spanish feet. An
evidence of the wisdom of having the
troops transported near at hand In
such cases is shown by the predica-
ment Admiral Dewey is believed to be
in at Manila. where. for lack of troops.
ne is unable to occupy the town and
to prevent atrocities which the insur-
gents are capable of wreaking upon
their helpless Spanish foes.
The revival of doubts as TO the
whereabouts of the Cape Verde squad
ron caused a reign of anxiety as to
the Oregon. The ship was at Bahia
at last accounts and she is believed to-
have started a day or two ago up the
Brazilian coast to Join SIMPSONS
squadron in the West Indies. She will
have to make a run of 5000 miles.
which will occupy the Oregon about 10
days only. as she is in fine fettle and
averaged Is knots an hour on the long
run around from San Francisco. How
ever. il is believed that Admiral Samp-
son is as well posted as any one in
Washington as to the conditions ex-
isting in the West Indies. and he Will
doubtless do whatever II is necessary
in his judgment to safeguard the ship
in her run up the coast
During the past month the bureau
Of construction and repair of the navy
department spent 81 500 900 in the re-
pair and outfitting of ships. and none
Of this money went to new construc-
tion. This Is said to be the largest
expenditure in this particular line
made by the equipment bureau. even
during the days of the civil war.
The rush orders to the Charleston
which went out to-day will have the
result possibly OF obliging the de-