The San Francisco call., 1898-05-19

Picking. Other organizations will sail on the Australia and City of Sydney, but the two regiments named will con- stitute the head of the column for the Philippines. It is announced that Gen eral Otis and Lieutenant c. L. Potter, engineer corps, will go on the City of Picking.
 Early yesterday forenoon General Otis, General Merriam and other off, cers inspected the Australia, City of Sydney and City of Picking. The in specting officers noted with gratifica- tion the excellent arrangements on the Australia for the comfort of officers and enlisted men.
 It was said that the Picking would be ready to receive troops tomorrow night, hence it is possible that the ship may sail next Saturday or Sunday.
 The battalions of the Second Regi- ment Oregon United States Volunteers that arrived yesterday made such an excellent impression at army head quarters and seem to be so thorough ly equipped for active service in the field that no surprise need be expressed If this regiment should be selected for immediate dispatch to the Philippine
 
 Islands
 General Otis also visited the Bay Dis trict grounds, where camp for incom- ing regiments has been laid out His tour of informal inspection took in the Presidio, where he glanced at the men of the Fourteenth Regular Infantry and First California Volunteers. The morning reports of men for duty were oh fn hir,t Tn ha Der of effective soldiers in each regi- ment.
 It was stated at department head quarters yesterday that no orders had been received from Washington re- garding the Manila expedition: You can see what is going on" said Gen eral Merriam. Orders have not been issued here assigning General Otis to the command of the troops encamped at the Presidio. He will have his command when the troops go."
 At the Presidio yesterday there was delight expressed over the news that the headquarters band and Troops L and M of the Fourth United States Cavalry had been ordered from Walla Walla to San Francisco. There will be music in the air when the mounted band of the Fourth comes to town.
 Artillerymen of the Third United States Regiment and troopers of the Fourth United States Cavalry are in a state of suspense. They would like to know definitely whether they are to go to the Philippines or remain in this country. The officers and men can not be blamed for desiring to know, for even if they are soldiers they are hu- man beings who want a day or two for individual preparation.
 Reports concerning the arrival of trains bearing troops are somewhat conflicting. At army headquarters in the Phelan building the Southern Pa cif1c representatives are depended upon to impart notice relating to the move ment of troops on the rail. At last ac- counts regiments were scheduled to ar rive as follows:
 Nebraska regiment on train of four sections, due in San Francisco to-mor- row morning.
 Colorado regiment, in train of four sections, 46 officers, 976 enlisted men and IA horses, due to arrive tomorrow morning.
 Thirteenth Minnesota, in four sec dons, to arrive tomorrow.
 Twentieth Regiment of Kansas Vol unteers, 45 officers and 964 enlisted men, train in four sections, to arrive to-mor- row morning.
 The Third Battalion of Washington Volunteers is expected to arrive some time to-day.
 The representatives of the Red Cross Society or other organizations charged with the duty of meeting the incoming regiments should get a verified sched- ule from the Southern Pacific to-day It is possible that some of the trains may arrive late tonight. The troops from Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota Bay District grounds on First avenue The easy line of march is up Market street and out Golden Gate avenue.
 The Washington Volunteers retired last evening at the usual hour at the Fontana warehouse, the scare about the safety of the building having en- tirely subsided.
 The Third Battalion Is expected here to-day, accompanied by Colonel John H. Wholly, who Is in command of the regiment Colonel Wholly was for merly a lieutenant in the regular army. He was stationed at Seattle for a long time as recruiting officer. and later was military instructor in the State Univer- sity of Washington. He has the repu- tation of being an excellent discipline rian.