The San Francisco call., 1898-06-16

WAShlNGION, June 15.-Lfke the relief of the beleaguered at Lucknow came the welcome news to the Navy Department this afternoon that the lit tie band of American marines who had planted the flag on Great Hill and were defending it night and day against heavy odds were not only safe but were strongly re-enforCed by 1500 Cubans from the commands of Garcia and Rabi and were now strong enough to more than hold their own.
 It was disclosed in a dispatch from Admiral Sampson, and brought much relief to naval officials. The early re- ports had indicated that the marines were surrounded and it was feared that they might be compelled to return to the ships before General Shafter's invading army reached there on Fri day. The coming of the Cuban forces seems to have been in the nick of time, and naval officers give the fullest credit to the timeliness of this Cuban coop eration. The admirars dispatch stated that the condition of the marines was entirely satisfactory" which assur- ance, although brief, was enough to re- lieve officials here of the fears they had entertained.
 But probably the most Si9nifi- cant feature of the admiraPs dis patch was the statement that the Cuban General Rabi had oc- cupied Aserradero, only eight miles from Santiago and practi- cally a suburb of that Spanish stronghold.
 It was the execution of plan ar ranged in Washington some weeks ago . when two of the staff officers of General Garcia came here to confer with Gen eral Miles. At that time Garcia ana Rabi were at Bayamo, in the western part of Santiago province and more than one hundred miles northwest or Santiago de Cuba.
 Admiral Sampson's dispatch shows that Rabi and his force have made complete circuit of Santiago de Cuba, and. coming up to the south of it, have occupied Aserradero. This is looked upon as a fine military stroke, for Aser- radero is the port whose wharf will afford facilities for unloading the heavy artillery carried by General Shafter' s invading expedition.
 The news also indicated to the au- thorities here that the Spanish garrison at Santiago has practically retreated
  outlaying towns.
 Admiral Sampson also states that General Garcia is cooperating with the American forces Whether this means that Garcia has himself arrived from Bayamo is not quite clear, but if he has the joint forces of Garcia and Rabi will make 5000 to 5000 seasoned Cubans, recently armed with Springfield rifles, as Q busnWhacking guerilla force to aid the American troops. From sources other than the dispatch of Admiral Sampson the Navy Department has been informed that 500 Cubans were rendering efficient aid to the marines at Crest Hill Now that Rabi and Gar cia are on the scene this 800 will be swelled to thousands.
 The news of the routing with severe losses of the Spanish guerillas and the capture of their water supply by the marines and Cubans had not been re- ceived up to the close of the depart ment, but 1t is felt here that it will make the Spaniards very cautious and enable our forces to get a much needed rest.
 In making his march Rabi has crossed the line of communi- cation between the Spanish commander, General Pando, at HoIguin and the Spanish forces al Santiago de Cuba, This fact makes it clear that Santiago is not likely to get re- endorsements from General Pando. In cirCIing around Santiago to reach Aser- radero Rabl, it is believed here, has also established it as fact that the lines Of communication and relief to Santiago are inter- rupted and practically cut off in all directions.
 Secretary Alger has just received the report of the special board, headed by Major Hopkins, that was charged with an inspection of various points that were offered as good camping grounds for the United States troops. The board found that good facilities could be furnished at Jacksonville, Fla, Fer n2ndina, Fla, and Savannah, Ga. The best features for large military camp were found at Fernandina. This point lies twelve miles off the main line of railroad communication, which makes 1t possible to easily isolate the camp should 1t become necessary to do so through the appearance of yellow fever. A broad plateau affords splen- did camp and drill grounds for 10000 troops, and within mile lies one or the finest sea beaches in the country.
 One of the best features of the site is a great well 17O0 feet deep, flowing pure water at the rate of twenty mill lion gallons a day. The board reported that this water could be piped all over the camp, and Secretary Alger, with a view of having everything in readiness, has ordered that the piping be laid at once thus indicating the departments choice of sites.
 There is no intention to break up the present camps unless disease should appear, necessitating the changing. Secretary Algers purpose in sending out the Hopkins board was to prepare a camp not for immediate occupation