The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1898-04-14

without preparation.
= Gen. George Moore Smith, command
ing the Fifth Brigade. Called at Gen.
Roe's office yesterday. as did several
officers of lower rank. They found that
the major general was at Albany con-
ferring with Gov. Black and Adjt. Gen.
Tillinghast Many expected a call to
arms today.
The Ninth Regiment was the busiest of
all the commands yesterday. This regf-
ment has received direct orders from Col.
Seward to be prepared to march. Six
hundred pairs of blankets were served
out to the men.
Gen Roe's statement that the President
would call out the National Guard for
nine months service anywhere, has
aroused much discussion. Some of the
officers, say that the men must volunteer
if they are to leave the State. Others
hold that the regiment cannot be sent out
of the United States against their will.
Whatever be the result. every regiment
i'm this city has decided not to lose its
identity in case the troops are called out.
Coal for Warships.
ST Thomas. West Indies. April 1.-the
American consul here has received orders
from Washington to purchase coal hulks
and all the coal available. He was unable
TO find any hulks. but has purchased LOCO
tons OF American coal, all that could be
bought here. He chartered the American
steamer Ida c Southard at 500 day,
and she has loaded with coal. She re-
mains here in port awaiting the arrival of
American warships-
on receipt of telegraphic information
that Congress had appropriated $5,OoO,eoO
for the purchase of these islands and
that Mr.. Lodge had introduced a bin for
that purpose, petition to the Danish
king was Immediately gotten up and sign
ed by many Influential parties requesting
his majesty not TO entertain proposal to
sell these islands. especially at this crisis.
II was verbally intimated TO the signers
at the time that if the sale was con-
summated there would be great danger
that the island would be attacked by the
Spaniards. Their attention was called to
the fact that were vote taken for the
cession Of these islands IL would not be
popular by any means.
it was the intention TO cable the petit
ton to Denmark hut on receipt of our
last telegram that Mr.. Lodge had with
drawn his bill il was decided not to for
ward the petition.
our only coal merchant here has during
the occasional absences of the Spanish
consul from this island acted as Spanish
consul 1t is reported that the Spanish
consul called his attention to the fact
that II would be grossly improper for the
merchant TO sell his coal To the American
Government. This was, of course, resist
ed, and the Spanish consul thereupon dis
pensed with his services not in the most
polite manner.
Ii is reported that several thousand tons
Of American coal are expected here within
"A few days.
Praise for GHardsmen.
Gen Miles said last night in regard to
Al
not place much reliance on the National
Guard.
The National Guard would furnish ex-
cellent troops against foreign foe. 1t is
led by well-instructed, capable officers,
and is composed of very Intelligent patri-
otic men. who are well-drilled and eff
cient soldiers.
As to taking care of themselves and
providing for themselves. especially from
a sanitary point of view, which is requi-
site for good health, they have not had
the experience of the Regular Army.
which has been thoroughly instructed in
this on the plains. i'm garrisons. and in
barracks. Good sanitary conditions and
the proper preparation OF food and ali
such matters are absolute essentials
Torpedo Boats.
Newport, April 1.-THE torpedo boat
destroyer Mayfower has arrived from
New York and begun taking on her tor
pedo outfit She brought up class OF
seamen gunners for the torpedo station.
She viii probably leave tomorrow.
The dynamite gunboat Nesuvius arrived
from Norfolk. She is 10 receive loaded
shells for her dynamite guns and guncot-
ton and smokeless powder for the fleet.
The shells are all loaded with guncOtton.
not dynamite. as is often reported.
% paR4 Mob
left for Glasgow TO have some alterations
made by her builders.
The torpedo boats Gwin and Talbot are
soon TO leave the torpedo station where
their crews have been exercised for the
nast few weeks.
The Nantucket.
Arrangements are being made to put
ifto immediate service the monitor Nan
tucket. which has been in use as a train
ing ship for the North Carolina Naval
Reserves for the last four years. She
will be given protective armor and high
power guns viii be placed in her turrets.
FortiGcntioas.
Atlanta. April E.-General w. NJ. Ora
ham. head Of the Department of the Gulf
received orders Yesterday to proceed at
once TO the Savannah and Charleston
fortificatious and rush the work on them
The fortiication at Tybee and Sullivan's
Island are the most vulnerable points on
The southern coast.
Tennessee Militia.
Chattanooga. Tenn, April 1.-THE
State militia is ready TO move on three
hours notice. Tennessee win furnish be-
tween 2.0oe and 40)) militia if necessary.
The officers expect that this States will
be among the first called upon, and the
mobilization will be at Chickamauga.
The Holland.
New York. April l4-The Submarine
boat Hollands expected official trial did
not take place yesterday, not being in
readiness. MIR. Holland said he at first
expected to make a little run into the
bay in the afternoon simply to accustom
56R 556