The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1898-04-25

Proclamation Executed Today.
WASHINGTON, April "a. - Although
technically the call fer troops was made
to the country Saturday, the proclama-
ton will not be carried into execution
until tomorrow. 1t was the Presidents
expressed desire this afternoon that 'all
unseen,ly demonstration OH the Sabbath
should be avoided"
As provided in all similar proclama.
tions, the details will be executed by the
War Department. Accordingly, to-
morrow the Secretary Of War will COM
municate with the Governors of the
various States and Territories, informing
them officially Of the proclamation Of
the President, and stating the number
of troops which each State is required to
supply to the Federal Government under
the call
The greatest promptness is expected to
follow the transmittal of this commune
cation in ordering out such members of
State militia organizations as have ten
dered or may tender their services to the
Government as volunteers.
1t is the intention of the War Depart
ment that the troops to be supplied by
each State shall he ordered into camp at
the place where the annual encampments
of the State militia organizations occur,
or at such other places as the Governors
of the States may designate. In accord
ance with this policy orders were issued
to the National Guard of the District of
Columbia this afternoon to enter camp
on Monday on the grounds Of the Ma
tional Soldiers Home near Washington.
The District Guard was the first to re-
ceive its orders under the proclamation
of the President.
A false impression is likely to be en-
tertained in regard to the time when the
volunteer troops will be ordered to the
South. The army administration feels
certain that if it were necessary the en-
tire 125,0O0 men could be modified in
the Department of the Gulf within ten
days or two weeks. This necessity,
however, is deemed not to exist.
The Administration believes that the
volunteer troops should remain in the
State camps long enough to become sea
soned" for active campaigning and to
become thoroughly equipped and drilled
for service. 1t is more than probable
that the troops will not be ordered from
the bounds OF their own States within
three weeks; they may remain at home
for a month.
BY that time the supplies which the
War Department has ordered in large
quantities for the equipment OF the vol
unteer army will have been delivered to
the Government and distributed to the
trrops.
When the reorganization of the army
takes place, as provided by the Hull bill,
it is probable that there will be quite a
general shifting of commands in the reg
uar army. Major-General Brooke and
Major-General Merritt are likely to eX-
change places. General Brooke is now
in command of cavalry and General Mcr-
rift of infantry forces principally.
The qualifications and records of the
two men would lead one to expect that
the reverse order would be the case. Gen.
Brooke's fine record as commander OF
infantry was long ago established, and
Gen. Merritt is regarded as the beau
ideal of dashing and fearless leader OF
cavalry.
The army administration is making
further plans for the purchase of supplies
for the volunteer army as result of the
unexpected increased number of meI
specified in the proclamation of the
President.
Lieutenant Colonel John V. Furey
the purchasing Quartermaster stationed
at Philadelphia, has arrived in Washing
ton to perfect these plans in consultation
with the Quartermaster-Gene The
Quartermaster's Department is making
discouraging progress in the buying OF
mules required for the use of the army
in the invasion of CuDa.
hOn account of the cupidity of the
| Would-be contractors in Missouri and
Kansas the department has rejected bids
for $500 animals. The prices charged
were SO exorbitant that the Government
refused to pay them even in the present
emergency. 1t is now hoped that the
required number of mules can be OBJ
tanned at reasonable price in Tennessee
where the agents OF the Quartermaster.
General are now negotiating for pur'
cllases.
The Government intends to conduct q
large expedition, with arms and ammun
ition, to the Cuban insurgents within 8
short time. 1t has not been decided
whether the expedition shall be a mill
tary or a naval one.
In either event it will have the protec
ton of such vessels OF the fleet as are
necessary, and the landing place, o
course, will be kept strictly secret. Will
this expedition large detachment o
troops NAV be carried, or the accom-
panying party may consist OF marine!
only.