The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-05-17

Washington, May Lett is said at the
quartermaster generals office that the
City of ePkin, with over 1000 men,
aboard. will leave San Francisco on
Thursday for the Philippines Briga-
der General Otis is expected to go with
the first detachment of troops for the
Philippines, to be followed later by
General Merritt, who is to be the COM
mander in chief of the expedition and
the military governor of the islands.
General Miles has recommended to the
government that two additional briga-
diers will also be sent. but their names
have not yet been announced.
TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND.
Chicago. May ia special to the
Journal from Washington says: Sec
rotary of War Alger, on leaving the
Pckin will leave San Francisco on
Friday for the Philippines. She will
carry as many troops as can be put
aboard her, which will be at least 1900
men. 1t is probable that at least $1,000
will be sent in several attachments
enough to overcome any resistance and
permanently occupy the islands.
MERRIAM TAKES CHARGE.
San Francisco, May 16.-Major Cen
eral Merriam, commanding the depart
ments of California and of the Column
bia, arrived from Vancouver barracks
this morning, accompanied by his
aide, Lieutenant Bennett. He at once
assumed charge of all arrangements for
dispatching troops for the Philippine
islands. One of the first matters taken
up by Major Merriam was the supply
ing of clothing and equipment to the
troops lacking such neceSSarieS. He
at once called upon Adjutant General
Barrett for 5S4 uniforms and other
serviceable articles belonging TO the
state of California. and these will be
delivered to Major Rice.
The vessels chartered to transport
supplies and men to Manila are not yet
ready to receive either Work on the
CITY of Pekin is being rushed. but she
will not be ready for sea for several
days. A large force of men is at work
on the Australia, but it will take sew
eral days to fit her for the reception of
Uncle Sans men. 1t is expected that
she will be ready 10 sail by Friday.
Shere is little work being done on the
City of Sydney, and it will take at
least week to fit her for the expedi-
ton to the orient. The naval authori-
ties informed the charterers of the
steamer Ohio today that the govern
ment would have no need for the
steamer. 1t was given out several days
ago by the authorities that both the
Conemaugh and the Ohio would enter
the service OF the government as
transports, but both vessels have been
released and have sailed for the north,
where they will enter the Klondike
trade.
The Charleston is still at Mare Island,
but everything is in readiness for her
departure and she will sail sometime
raI-
ship Mohican, which is at anchor in the
bay is being painted a dull gray color,
similar to that of the Monterey and
other United States vessels now in
port The rapid fire guns of the Mohi-
can have been transferred to the
Charleston and City of Pekin.
Captain Long, United States army,
assistant quartermaster of the depart
ment, said this evening that the ar
rangements for the departure of the
troops were being made as fast as pos
sible. He could give no information
as TO the date of sailing. but thought
the transports would get away this
week. He said the City of Pekin, the
City of Sydney and the Australia would
be dispatched with troops as near to-
gether as possible.
There will be 1,4OO of the troops to
go on the City of Pel1in. 1t is thought
she will get away before Friday at
least.
Orders have been received by Colonel |
Smith of the First to add a signal !
corps to the regiment for service in |
Manila, and to that end 10 men are now |
being organized for this work
It is now believed that the First regi- !
ment of volunteers will lead the troops |
going to Manila. Yesterday there ar
rived for it 100000 rounds OF cartridges !
and 1900 new Springfield rifles from |
the Benicia arsenal. Today 200, 900 |
more cartridges will arrive.
The Seventh regiment is scheduled to |
move from two to four days later |
than the First, though nothing positive
is known as to its time of departure.