The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-22

Washington, ID. c., July 21-Presldent
Mckinley was thoroughly aroused over
the delay which occurred in the starting
of General Miles and the expedition
under his command for Porto Rico.
For several days General Miles and
his troops were aboard their transports
at Playa del Este awaiting the naval
convoy which was to be furnished by
Admiral Sampson. The troops had been
sweltering in the crowded ships under
the broiing heat of Il tropical sun, while
General Miles had been chatting under
what he believed to be ineXcusable de-
Law. and was bombarding the War De
partment with dispatches urging in the
strongest terms that the navy be hur-
ried in its preparations for the eXpedl-
tiom
instruction of the most positive nature
had been cabled to Admiral Sampson to
supply the necessary conveys for Gen
eral Miles transports, but notwithstand-
ing these instructions Admiral Sampson
proceeded with his preparations for the
expedition with deliberation that eX-
asperated the officials here.
THE President, who has been giving
the Porto Rican expedition his personal
attention-as he has given indeed, all
phases of the war-tinally became deeply
concerned lest the part of the Porto
Rican expedition that has already sailed
from this country should arrive at the
point of redeZvous in advance of Gen
eral Miles and the navy. 1t is feared
that if General Wilson's command,
which sailed yesterday from Charleston.
should arrive in advance OF General
Miles and the naval conveys serious
danger and possibly disaster might re-
suit as General Wilson's ships are alb
soutcy without protection.
Fully approaching these facts and
realizing the necessity for prompt action
in getting General Miles and his Cuban
expedition started President Mckinley
this morning issued personal orders
through the Secretary of the Navy to
Admiral Sampson that he should pro-
ceed Immediately TO Porto Rico with
General Miles The Presidents orders
were susceptible of no misconstruction.
They were of the sort that will brook
no delay in their execution.
Concerning the naval conveys of Gen
eral Miles expedition the Navy Depart
mcnt tonight made public the following
statement
admiral Sampson telegraphed this a.
ternoon to the Secretary of the Navy
that there has been no delay in furnish
ing ample convoy to General Miles. "A
day or two ago the Cincinnati and New
Orleans were both placed ut his disposal.
"The Columbia and Yale carrying
troops are both powerfully armed, says
the Admirals telegram, ''and this is an
ample convoy for his expedition and to
effect his landing. The Annapolis, Wasp
and Iydcn had been ordered from Nipe.
the Gloucester also added and the three
monitors ordered from Key West. Under
these circumstances. there certainly has
been no lack of naval assistance. Ii Cen
cral Miles preferred to wait, the delay
was his own. However, in further am
swcr to his request, the Massachusetts
and Dixie were also added this morning,
and he has probably started"
This statement shows that General
Miles will he backed in etfectng his
landing OF Porto Rican soil by II strong
squadron of the navy. In addition To the
vessels named in the statement. it is Of
cially admitted for the first time that
the powerful monitors Terror, Amphi-
trite and Puritan which have been att
Key West. are under orders to proceed
to Porto Rico to assist in. the reduction
of the Spanish forces there.
1t is known also that still other ves-
sells of Admiral SIMPSONS fleet will par
ticipate in the reduction of the fortifica-
tionS of San Juan. This was indicated
clearly by Secretary Longs statement
this afternoon concerning the sailing of
Commodore Watson's Eastern squadron
to Spain. In the course OF that state
ment the Secretary said the Eastern
squadron would be "sent to Spain later
when the Porto Rcan campaign per-
mts." 1t seems clear that some. at least
of the vessels will he employed in the
bombardment of the fortifcations of
Porto Rico's principal city.