The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-17

Washington. July 1s.-The fact that
appeared at last satisfactorily estab-
lished this evening, after another "a
hours of active cable correspondence
with General Shafter, was that the
Spanish army had surrendered. About
fortunately the details are still
good deal clouded as set out in Gen.
eral Skaters last dispatch. 1t re-
mains now for our government to de-
eide whether 1t is willing that the
Spanish soldiers shall carry off their
arms, and while Secretary Alger says
that the general terms of agreement
reached by Shafter are satisfactory,
the government is not bound to deliver
these arms so much desired by our
ordnance officers just at this time. of
course, the wishes of the commission
ers who signed the capitulation natur-
ally would have great weight with the
president and the secretary of war. but
their present disposition is to insist on
our retention of the arms principally
because of the difference in moral ef-
Iect IndL WOuIu ny tht it-
turn to Spain of armed or disarmed
soldiers.
1t is realized here that the terms
imposed by the commissioners as to
the removal of the Spanish troops,
now augmented to a formidable total.
involve grave responsibilities for our
government. Still. the staff corps of
the war department has risen so we'll
to meet every emergency as it occurred,
IL ~ ~ afK~a hi
ity to solve the large questions present.
ed by the necessity of removing this
army across the Atlantic.
Fortunately Secretary Alger, in anti
cipation of heavy demands on the gov
ernment in the matter of transporta-
ton, has created a new bureau to take
charge of that subject alone. This will
be known as the bureau of transporta-
ton and will be conducted by Colonel
Hecker, who has in the short time he
has been at the war department proved
his executive abilities His chief assist
ant will be Colonel Bird of the quar-
termaster's department, which was for
merly charged with all matters relat-
ing to transportation.
The appearance of General Brooke at
the war department to-day gave token
of the purpose of the administration to
begin Immediately preparations for the
Oh d tApCdiliO3
against Porto Rico. The general made
what is regarded upon the whole as a
satisfactory report as to the sanitary
condition existing at Camp Thomas,
and showed that the troops were in
condition now to leave for Porto Rico
If called upon. 1t is understood thai
two weeks will be required to arrange
the transports, get the troops and sup
plies aboard at one of the most avail
oAI f1I tn, i-
likely to be Newport News, owing to
the successful outcome of the last ex-
pedition from that port, and sail away
for Porto Rico.
Luckily for the navy, Santiago has
capitulated just on the eve of the hurri-
cane season in the West Indies. The
big battleships are able to carry
through this weather with discomfort,
but the smaller blockade boats will find
the task of continuing the blockade
fraught with positive danger. 1t is ex-
pected, however, to tighten the lines of
blockade at any cost, particularly at
those ports connected with Havana by
rail. The surrender of the eastern part
of the island to the United States will
afford some ports of refuge for our ma
val vessels in case of absolute need.
Secretary Long has decided that Ad-
miral Cervera may secure a parole IL
certain details can be arranged and ne
wishes to do so. The admiral is expect
ed with his fellow officers and prison.
ers at Annapolis tonight.
Commander Brownson of the auxiliary
cruiser Yankee was in conference with
Secretary Long to-day arranging for the
trip of this ship with the large cargo
of ammunition for Commodore Watson's
squadron in its attack on the coast of
Spain. The Yankee is at Norfolk and
will sail tomorrow for Santiago. She
will reach there about next Tuesday and
the big stock of ammunition will then
be placed aboard the battleships and
cruisers. This transfer of powder and
shells is delicate operation. requiring
time, and il is probable that the week
will be well along before this and the
recoaling of the Yankee will permit the
squadron to actually get under way for
Spain.
Owing to the important mission of
Commodore Watson's squadron and its
possibility of long absence from an
American port, every magazine on the
ships will be full when the ships sail.
Admiral Sampson recently made the re-
QUESTION for the ammunition supplies,
as these had run low as a result OF the
engagement with the Cervera squadron
and the frequent shelling of Santiago.