The Mena star., 1898-04-27
MY CROSS THE ATLANTIC.
Naval Officers Expect to Cross the Ocean to Compel Spain to
 Come to Terms.
NEW ARMY UNIFORM FOR THE TROPICS.

dia Kharki-Rear Admiral Sampson Has
 Asked Permission to shell Havana's
 Forts-The Regular Army to Be In-
 creased to 6O,OOO Men.
 WASHINGTON, April 26 - Startling changes in the plan of campaign against Spain may be made necessary soon by developments expected any day. After Havana falls and the island is practically under the flag of this country it raay be necessary to trans fer the scene of operations to the other side of the Atlantic. The United States may have to go across the ocean to compel Spain to come to terms Naval officers high in the service make no secret of the fact that they expect to fight across the water. They point out that this country is making quite too exten- sive preparations for q war to be fought on this side only. They say that. if we did not expect to fight Spain later on in her own territory. it would not be necessary to put in com mission the great number of auxiliary vessels, or to secure at high prices the big transports and tugs which the ad- ministration is buying every day. The fact that coal is to be contraband of war is alone an explanation of why Spain has planned to make the United States fight her abroad. It is simply compelling this country to do that which Spain could not possibly do- to carry coal. provisions and supplies 5000 miles from her base of supplies to wage war with.
 Army Uniforms for the Tropics.
 WASHINGTON, April 26.--ln a few days the quartermaster general will receive the first lot of 10000 new uni forms for the army on duty in the tropics. They are made of a material entirely new on this side of the Att lantic. It is East India lxharlSi. In appearance it seems to be an ex- tremely fine quality of canvas of a dark brown hue; in fact, just the color of Colorado caro cigar. 1t is very light in weight. officers and men in the British army on field service in Africa, Indian and in Egypt The coats are tritie shorter than those now worn in the army. The uniforms fer officers and men are made alike. Except in shoul der straps there is no distinction. A soft campaign hat of the same color goes with the uniforms Our army will look very businesslike in it's new clothes, while flannel underclothing and woolen socks. with the broad soled army shoe, will complete the outfit of the Cuban American army. All the troops will be supplied with this outfit as fast as it can be made up.
 sampson Wants to Lombard Havana
 WASHINGTON. April 26 Rear Admir- al Sampson has asked permission to she'll Havana's forts and the navy de- partment has the request under con- sideration. A number of cipher dis patches were received yesterday from Sampson. The department has begun to feel that it cannot maintain a peaceful blockade much longer. and uneasiness is manifested on that ac- count The challenges that come Aoth 1Hc lOTtS dt fldtdusts lt iS hhON II, cannot long be resisted by Sampson. 1t stings his pride, as the department is aware, to allow the Spanish gunners to fire at his fleet without being at lib- erty to return 1t. The administration is opposed to bonn bardment until 1t must come. and then only as defen- sive fight But no one here believes the bonn bardment can be much longer delayed.
 To Increase Regular Army.
 WASHINGTON, April 26.-One effect of the declaration of war issued yes terday will be purely domestic. It had bearing on the action of con- gress. What is known as the army reorganization bill has now passed the house and senate. 1t provides for the increase of the regular army from 27,- 900 to 60.000 men, but this can only take place, according to the provisions, after there has been a declaration of war As result of the declaration yesterday the president can and will at once proceed to make the regular army 60,000 strong.