Evening journal., 1898-05-12
MILES OFF FOR TAMPA.
Steamer Florida Ready to Sail With
Munitions For Rebels.
WHERE IS CAPE VERDE FLEET?
Naval OhioiaIs Not Sure That IL Has Como
Back to Cadiz Tho RumOr Of Its
Return May Be Merely
Spanish Ruse.

Spanish Ruso.
WASHINGTON, May 1.-THE army
movement on Cuba Is now fairly launch
ed. and yesterdays news developed a
concerted effort all along the line 10 be-
gin aggressive operations on "a big scale
for the ejeotment of the Spanish troops
and government from the Pearl Of the
Antilles An order given yesterday aft
ernoon by the war department for the
purchase of 5000. 600 rations is an ear
nest OF the scale on which preparations
are making for INVASION OF Spaln's ter
rltory. OF this vast quantity one-fourth
IS to 90 TO the Philippines by way OF
San Francisco and the balance TO Cuba.
For some reason that was not discover
ed there appeared to be n temporary
check IN the practical working out of
the plans Of the war department for this
Cuban movement. After everything had
been made ready for his departure
Tuesday night General Miles was de-
tained, and for a time yesterday the
rather gloomy prospect OF an indefinite
postponement Of the first military expe-
dtlon was presented. Later on, how
ever. the obstacle, whatever II was, was
removed, and II was again announced
that the commanding general. with
numerous stan, would leave Washing
ton today directly for Tampa. The de-
partment has made a great many
changes In the original programme laid
down for the concentration OF troops
and as indicated In these dispatches
Tuesday many bodies OF volunteers that
were originally slated for one of the
great concentration camps have found
themselves under orders TO proceed di-
rect to southern points, so that soon
volunteers from the east and middle
west viii be moving swiftly 20 Florida
and the gulf, while from the west the
cars will be carrying troops TO San
Francisco. Yesterdays news IN connec-
ton with the renewal of General Miles
orders TO Tampa is pretty substantial
evidence of a very early movement OF
troops In strong force TO Cuba. while
the Philippine programme, OF course,
has been definitely fixed for some days.
Contrary TO expectations, yesterday
passed at the navy department without
news from Admiral Sampson. Notwlth-
standing what appear to be confrma-
tory newspaper advices relative TO the
presence OF the Spanish Cape Verde
fleet at Cadlz, the navy department ofn-
cials are beginning TO entertain strong
doubt OF the accuracy of the report.
II was not possible during the course
of the day to obtain anything like an
official confirmation OF tho official re
port received Tuesday. but this IS not
TO be wondered at in view of the sue
cess which the Spanish government has
so far met with In keeping secret the
movements Of It's naval ships Until
news comes from Admiral Sampson Of
"a Igf In artN
Il cannot be said definitely what pro-
gramme will be decided on as regards
that island.
II has been suggested that some of
the troops now being hurVied so rapidly
70 the gulf coast may be intended TO co.
operate with Admiral Sampson I'm the
reduction Of the forthcatlons at San
Juan de Puerto Rico and the occupa-
tion Of the island.
II Is felt that the admiral viii be IN
rather disagreeable plight. supposing
even that he managed TO reduce the
forts with his fleet, If ne We're obliged
10 remain there In occupation OF the
place for lack OF troops, when he might
otherwise be urgently needed either on
the Cuban coast or somewhere in the
Atlantic to meet the Spanish fleet.
An evidence of the wisdom of having
the troop transports near at hand In
such cases Is shown 10y the predlca-
ment Admiral Dewey is believed to be
IN at Manila, where for lack of troops
he Is unable 10 occupy the town and TO
prevent atrocities which the lpsurgents
are capable of working upon their help
less Spanish foes.
The revival OF doubts as to the where
abouts of the Cape Verde squadron
caused a renewal of anxiety as TO the
Oregon. The ship was at Bahia at last
accounts and is believed 20 have start
ed day or two ago up the Brazilian
coast to join SIMPSONS squadron I'm the
West Indies. She will have TO make a
run Of 5000 miles. which will occupy
the oregon about ten days only. as she
Is in fine fettle and averaged IS knots
an hour on the long run around from
San Francisco. However, It Is believed
that Admiral Sampson is as well post
ed as any one in Washington as 10 the
conditions existing in the West Indies
and he doubtless win do whatever /,
necessary in his Judgment to Safeguard
the ship in her run up the coast
During the past month the bureau OF
construction and repair Of the navy de.
partment spent 81 $50 600 in the repair
and outfittng of ships, and none Of thi,
money went to new construction. Thi.
is said TO be larger than any expendi
ture I'm this particular line made by tn,
equipment bureau even during the dayi
of the civil war.
The navy department felt obliged t,
decline the offer made by some wealth,
New York gentlemen headed by Mr.. @
II. p. Belmont TO build and equip a tor
pedo boat for the use Of the govern
ment during the war. Possibly tn
declination was brought about through
the condition attached to the offer tina
the boat should be commanded by MI
Belmont, for without the least reflection
upon that gentleman the naval official
have been Obliged to decline TO establls
the precedent Of appointing civilians I
commands In this way. The practice i
some respects would approach priva
teering. which is distinctly prohibite