The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-07
ARMY NOT TO BE DISBANDED
ONLY THE SICK AND WOUNDED TO
BE RELIEVED FROM SERVICE.
Remainder May BE Utilized in the Oc-
cupation of Cuba and Porto Rico
EnIistInents Under Second Call.

WASHINGTON, Aug. elf the Navy
Department contemplates any further
change in the composition of the eastern
squadron, which was destined for a cruise
to Spanish waters, the matter has not taken
form as yet. This statement applies to the
commanders of the ships of this squadron
as well as to the ships themselves, and the
talk of sending Admiral Sampson in charge
of this eastern squadron consequently is
rather speculative at this time. OF course,
it is we'll understood that in the event
peace is restored there must be complete
reorganization and redistribution of the
United States naval forces, and this will in
volve undoubtedly the separation of the
four naval commanders of high rank now on
duty in connection with the North Atlantic
fleet; namely, Admiral Sampson, Commo-
dore Watson, Commodore Schley and Com
modore Howell. The North Atlantic fleet
comprises about hundred vessels, the most
numerous and powerful force ever COM
manded by an American admiral. Such
gigantic force would not be maintained on
one station in time of peace. Many of the
auxiliary vessels and the monitors, which
are unfit for general cruising, will be re-
tired from commission and laid up in the
navy yard, or, in the case of the former,
will be sold. A sufficient force of the re-
naming vessels will be retained on the
North Atlantic station to maintain it as
the most important naval command. The
others to be distributed between the
various other stations Pacific, Asiatic and
South Atlantic. The European station,
which was vacated completely just prior to
the declaration of war will be rehablitated
and for the sake of the moral effect likely
to result will receive some of the most pow
erful and modern ships in the American
navy. 1t will be possible also with the ships
at the Navy Departments disposal to carry
out a long cherished project for the crea-
ton of new station in the South Pacific
with a base probably at Valparaiso or
Callao
Under this plan Of reorganization there
will be openings for several officers of flag
rank and thus it is expected that there will
be less friction than heretofore between
these officers. But, with the exception of
the eastern squadron, the North Atlantic
fleet is not to be diminished as long as the
war continues. More clearly than ever it is
now perceived to be the strong right arm
of the country and the naval officials are
congratulating themselves that they were
able to resist the pressure brought to bear
at one time upon them to expose this ire
mendous force to dissipation by profitless
attacks on fortified ports
A distinguished naval officer to-day called
attention to the fact that the most serious
results might have followed the disclosure
of the demoralized condition of our army at
Santiago had not the navy been at hand
to protect it. Notwithstanding the best eff
forts of censorship over telegraph and
mails, it is believed that the Spanish gov
eminent had acquired knowledge of the sit
uation at Santiago, but was powerless to
profit by it for the reason that the navy
blocked the way and prevented the dispatch
OF reinforcements and supplies to the Span
ish army in Cuba, the lack of which Obliged
General Toral to surrender