The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-07-15
PORTO RICO M NEXT.
INVADING ARMY TO he COAPosED
CHIEFLY OF FRESH TROOPS.

Gen. Brooke 20 Washington 20
Consult with the war omciaIs Regard
ing the EIpodition-The First Army
Corps, which Includes Gen. Wilson's
Division, TO he n Part of the Force.
WASHINGTON. July l4.-An early sequence OF
che surrender Of Santiago and the eastern end
Of Cuba will be the nNasion OF Porto Hlco with
q military force almost entirely composed OF
fresh troops from the United States. This
means a radical change Of policy on the part
Of the army, for IL was expected that the move
mont against Porto Rico would be made by
ime now engaged In tho Santiago cam
paiRn. II was anticipated that only a few or
0nnfZatIons OF soldiers would be sent to Porto
aico from the Department OF the Gun.
The Government relied on the expected
seasoned character on the Santiago troops. and
Il could not be ~foreseen that the health OF tho
men would become 30 impaired In tho short
campaign In southeastern Cuba as to render
them unit for duty In Porto Rico. 1t is the
present intention Of the Wal Department TO
send one army corps from the Florida coast TO
participate in tho Porto Rico campaign. and to
maintain the Fifth Corps under Gen. Shaftor In
Santiago ~provinoe for the present, At least two
regiments Of immunes will be sent to garrison
the city OF Santiago.
Major-Gen. John X. Brooke, commanding the
First Army Comps. has been summoned to
Washington to consult with the War Depart
ment officials In regard TO the Porto Rico expe-
dition. and he will Internationally be placed
second In command TO Major-Gen. Miles in the
invasion OF tho island. Tho First Army Corps
will compose the bulk Of the invading force.
The President and Secretary Of Wal are disin-
ellned to use n single man from Santiago In the
Porto Rico campaign, on account of the danger
OF spreading yellow fever among the other
troops. 1t is probable. however. that several
batteries OF artillery from the regular army
forces now in Santiago will be detailed for the
Porto Rico expedition. There are very few
batteries OF artillery left in the United States.
and the large guns are considered absolutely
necessary for tho s%ubjuGation OF the Spanish
garrison in San Juan and other Porto Rico
towns
1t Is expected that Gen. Brooke will arTive1n
Washington tomorrow. when the details Of the
expedition will be arranged. Major-Gen. ]. II.
Wilson has already been instructed to prepare
for the Porto Rico expedition at once. He IL
now at Charleston. 8. c.. and he will go at the
head Of the First Division Of the First Army
Corps with the FIRST troops started for the
island.
The War Departments plans provide for the
embarkation OF the expedition before the end
Of next week. and under the most favorable
circumstance the troops will be on their way
within six or seven days. There is no doubt
that Gen. Miles will command the expedition.
and those persons who are acquainted with his
record as q soldier predict q vigorous campaign
which will be brought to o prompt close.
The Government has available. besides the
troops assignedt to department. commanders. for
coast defence and reserve. about 10000 men
for active service. OF these 10000 are at San
tiago. $4,000 at Tampa. 40. 900 at Chickamauga
5000 at Miami. 1900 at Jacksonville. and 49,
600 at Camp Alger. Va.
1t is probable that the principal points OF en-
barkation for the troops destined for Porto
Rico will DO Fernandina and Jacksonville. The
facilities at these places for embarking troops
are considered especially good and the War
Department Is disposed to chose the places for
embarkation where tho most can DO accom-
plished in the shortest time.