Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-06-10

,...,al 10 the Register
Washington, June Cuban invas-
i'm has been delayed by the Spanish
,,.r.biD scare The tralspcr 5 are now
!. anchor in the Gulf of Mexico. The
rqr department is much exercised over
M reDous which were first heard IN
Wednesday.
troops viii now wait for more con-
roys from SIMPSONS fleet.
Stories Of the appearance Of mys-
terous warohip in Cuban waters dated
through the navy department. during
m day. The officers quickly con-
danned them, declaring that if the
boats were Spanish they were nothing
more than small armed launches and
MT 10 he feared by any number of
transports conveyed by such fine gun
boats as the Helena and Bancroft
But when those stories reached the
War Department they were received
with different spirit. Nothing is
more helpless in warfare than an I'M
armed uoop transport full of soldiers.
She would fall an easy victim to the
smallest gunboat AMI the soldiers,
knowing their weakness in this re-
spaet, are 10th to cross the Florida
straits until these disagreeable visitors
have been removed from the pathway.
Without respect to the character of the
strange craft that are said to be dodg-
ing the blockade at Havana. they Will
be removed from the scene of action in
snort notice and it is understood that
Sampson has been made acquainted
with The situation and will be expected
10 redeem his promise to provide safe
conduct to the army when called upon
He has ample force to conduct the OPP
erations at Santiago to a successful is
sue and still spare vessels of any pow
er desirable for use in the Florida
straits.
Y was pointed out to-day by naval
officer that the admiral since the ar
rival of the marine battalion on the
Panther has at his disposal what he
may regard as sufficient force of men
70 capture Santiago even before the
troops arrive, The 500 marines on the
Panther, added to the marines already
with the fleet, would make total of
ABOUT l500 men. Without impairing
ing efficiency of his ships Admiral
sampson could spare 1000 blue Jackets
lor Jhe landing party and with this total
FORGE Of $500 men, if the insurgents,
VINO have been armed by the United
safes government do their share, it
seems possible for Sampson to capture
santiago at short notice. There seemed
10 be a very decided air of expectation
llis afternoon among the officials who
a'e acquainted with the governments
pans IN the campaign that almost war
-aA'ed conclusion an engagement of
Sllt Kind was expected to-day.
" IS believed here that the first REIN
"fNemonis for SIMPSONS feet have ar
"eQ to-day off Santiago. These are the
!" marines under command of Lieut.
''oAel Huntington. who sailed three days
's' from Key West on the steamer Pan
'"F These marines had been encamped
" ihe beach at Key West for several
""kS undergoing the most severe drill
o"l military training. They are intended
'0' Tor distribution among the fleet, but as
."'dlAg force pure and simple. Naval
D0efs are confident that with this small
n' wen disciplined landing force Admiral
SIMPSON will be able Immediately to take
session OF such points on the coast
" VIZ neiehhorhood of Santiago as he
,''F oeem necessary to serve as a base
'Ae occupation of the regular United
,lts troops when they arrive.
""H ihe marines III possession of the
''NA ana the American warships with
smells clearing the country behind
9"hards, there will be little danger in
'"0ILhs the landing of tho troops.