The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-20


would get away tonight. At o'clock to-
night General Miles was still in Cuban
waters. but so far as the war officials here
are informed the vanguard of the Porto
Rican expedition was finally prepared to
leave. The War Department exchanged sew
eral cable messages with General Miles dur
ing the late afternoon and early evening
regarding the details of the expedition, but
in none of his dispatches did the general in
dicate the precise hour of his departure.
The impression conveyed is that he was
awaiting the naval vessels which are TO act
as conveys
1t is stated definitely that General Miles
has no intention to await the arrival OF the
several parts of the expedition from the
United States before moving upon Porto
Rico. 1t is. in fact. his purpose, with such
troops as he now has. to break ground on
the island for the forces that will arrive
later from this country. His landing will
be effected, if necessary, under the guns OF
the vessels of the navy. 1t is not antici-
pated that serious resistance will be en-
countered, as the Spanish force on the en-
tire island is only slightly larger than the
force which accompanies General Miles.
Arrangements for the departure of the
troops from this country, which are to COM
prise the greater part of the expedition,
are being pressed with the utmost vigor.
Dif1culty is being experienced in securing
proper transports, but that, in a measure,
has been overcome Within day or two
ten thousand men, it is expected, will be
afloat for Porto Rico, and the remainder
of the expedition will be sent forward as
rapidly as possible. This afternoon and
evening the commissary department of the
army was engaged in making preparations
for the subsistence of the Porto Rican eX-
pedition. 1t is enormous task and Gen.
Eagan, the commissary general, is stu
busly engaged in perfecting his plans.
Practically all the necessary supplies except
fresh beef have been provided for, and to-
night General Eagan sent to various beef
packing concerns Of the country the follow
ing telegram:
You are invited to bid for supplying the
troops at the various seacoast points
which may be occupied by them in the ISL
and of Porto Rico with refrigerated or
chilled beef in such quantities and in
such places as may be required. The gov
ernment to furnish the steamers You must
put in your own refrgerating plant and
undertake to deliver the beef so that it will
be perfectly good and fit for use seventy
two hours after delivery. Or you can build
and put up any chilling or refrigerating
process you please at the points in Porto
Rico occupied by the troops, but in that
case. if the troops move from one seaport
TO another, then it will be obligatory on
you to move your plant with the troops
that the supply may be kept up The gov
ernment will protect the contractor from the
public enemy. The contract to be qua an
teed by the government to last for not less
than three months. 1t is requested that you
will telegraph your answer to this Office and
it is urgently suggested that the telegram
be marked on the outside proposals to the
end that these proposals may all be opened
at the same time These proposals may be
sent by letter provided they reach this
Office not later than the 9th inst"