New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-27
A COUNCIL OF WAR HELD.
IMPORTANTPLANS DISCUSSED.
THE PRESIDENT IN CONFERENCE WITH
HIS HIGHEST ADVISERS.
VIGOROUS OPERATIONS IN THE WEST IN
DIES TO BEGIN AS SOON AS IT is POSI-
TIvEI.Y KNOWN THAT CERvERA IS
SHIT I-P IN SANTIAGO HARBOR.

DIES TO BEGIN AS SOON AS II Is PUBL
TIvELY KNOWN THAT CERvERA IS
SHUT UP IN SANTIAGO HARBOR.
fnY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUSE.1
Washington May 26.-No definite and positive
information showing the presence of Admiral
Cervera's squadron IN the harbor Of Santiago
de Cuba having yet reached this Government,
plans for immediate and active military opera
tions In the West Indies still in measure
subject 70 uncertainty and revision. Ihougn
Navy Department officials have for two or three
days past expressed themselves as wholly salts
fed that the Cape Verd feet IS hemmed In In the
andlocked bay Of Santiago. the continued lack
Of news from the American commanders In west
Indian waters has subjected both Army ana
Navy strategists here to certain hestations and
embarrassments.
SCHLEY NOT HEARD FROM
It Is thought that Commodore Schey, II he is
lying off the entrance to Santiago Harpor'
should by this time have discovered. through
tho aid of Cuban insurgent spies or by a land
ing reconnaissance whether or not the Spanish
cruisers have actually taken refuge behind the
ports defences. This point settled beyond
question. preparations for the descent of Ameri-
armies Porto Rico and Cuba could and
would be pushed ahead with all the vgor with
which n OF adequate preparation is now
beginning to inspire the military policy Of the
Administration
CONFERENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
That plan. Of unusual magnitude and moment
were under discussion at the White House to-
day could be guessed from the presence there
at a three hours conference with the President
not only OF the Secretaries Of War and the
Navy but of the General commanding the Army
and the three officers composing the Naval War
Board Admiral Sicard. Captain Mahan and Cap
tain Crowninshleld.
Secretary Long. after leaving the council OF
war would only say of It's scope and purpose:
We have simply been going over the general
situation. from the Philippines to Porto Rico and
Cuba"
But the fact that not since the beginning Of
the war have So many Army and Navy officials
II commanding rank and influence been called
together in conference by the President
generally accepted proving that movements
- the gravest importance were under contem-
pation
PORTO RICO MAY COME FIRST
7, Is thought hy the experts in closest touch
with The conduct - the that the Invasion
and occupation - Porto Rico Will precede any
serious attempt on Havana. Porto Rico offering
advantages for campaigning which do not exist
IN cuba AZ this season. and promising 10 serve
a. a nel In which the accmatization of Amer
lean troops for West Indian service can be
complished AZ the slightest cost.
General Miles is expected 10 start for the
cur coast with his stan Saturday night or
sunday after reviewing with the President on
Saturday afternoon the army corps under Ma
for General Graham. now encamped on the VIr
ginia side Of the Potomac. II is said that the
practice cruiser Bancro,' has been ordered 10
Tampa 10 serve as headquarters transport
General Miles in case he decides to accompany
an expedition 10 Porto Rico Cuba