The herald., 1898-06-25

oraesnood parstoular grptincation ct the
neun that the troops had reached poiEt
within seven miles OF MORO castle. without
oncounterine serious resistance The direc-
tiDn taken by the troops after their landing
ct notwithstanding generally westward-is
taken IN some quarters here to indicate a
purpose to unite with SIMPSONS feet in an
attack on Moro castle and the other forts
at the entrance OF Santiago harbor before
turning their attention to the town itself.
TO Force the Harbor
Once the forts are captured, sampson with
small boats could reach the mines and If,
as reported, the Merrimac does not COM
pletely obstruct the channel, some Of the
battleships may be sent in to deal with Ger
vera's squadron In its last resort Some
thing OF this kind is believed to be necessary
IN order to relieve our troops from the fire Of
the Spanish fleet when they attack Santiago
directly.
One or two of the big battleships, supple
mented by few torpedo boats, could be
relied upon to keep Cervera's squadron SO
fully occupied that he would have no time to
get to the troops attacking Santiago from
the rear.
General Miles Goes
For the first time today there was rell-
able announcement of the intention of Gen.
Miles to go to Cuba to participate in the OPP
erations there before the campaign is ex-
tended to Porto Rico. The time of his de-
parture is as yet unsettled. With great SAT-
isfaction the navy department today pub
lished SIMPSONS statement that Hobson
and his men are well and not In the line of
fire. 1t was also noted that Sampson finds
no difficulty nm having his flag of truce re-
spected. which is gratifying, in view of the
statement coming from Havana some days
ago that there was to be lapse into barbar-
ism through the refusal of the Spaniards to
recognize flags of truce.
At San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, June 24-Arrange-
ments for the sailing of the next expedition
of troops for Manila are practically COM
plete. and while every effort will be made to
start on Monday, the probability is that
there will be some delay. Major General
Merritt has left the matter of embarkaton
to the control Of General Otis. 1t is very
probable that the majority Of the soldiers
will not embark until Monday morning,
though some have been ordered to embark
on Sunday.
tAiOSC
who are to go on the Newport with General
Merritt on Wednesday, as well as those who
have been assigned to the five transports
scheduled to sail on Monday, numbers
roughly 5000 men. The troops for the New
port have not been officially announced, but
It is generally understood that Batteries H
and K of the Third artillery. Captain
O'Hara and Captain Hobbs. and the Astor
battery will have the honor of being on the
vessel with Major General Merritt and his
fifteen staff officers.
Ships Almost Ready
The Indiana and the Morgan City are COM
pletely ready, and today both vessels began
to receive their fresh meat and put it into
their ice chests. The Ohio is rapidly re-
ceiving her freight, and though not SO far
advanced as the other steamers, will be en-
ti.ely ready by Monday. The City Of Para
has most of her freight on board and the
Newport, which has come Off the dry dock,
Is loading both freight and coal. The VAL
encia will begin ceaiing tomorrow morning.
The Puebla is still discharging, and men
are busy upon her propeller, two blades Of
which have been broken. Some rapid work
will have to be done on the Puebla, but it is
thought there will be no delay in getting
her ready if the third feet does not get away
before next Wednesday. The Peru, which
arrived today, will be taken by the govern
ment for transport service. 1t will take two
or three days to discharge her, and then she
will be made ready for use in the fourth ex-
petition.
Sixth at the Big Guns
There are now nearly three thousand
= 1o5o; H. r.t
son of the post proper. Lieutenant Colonel
Fife and the Second battalion of Washing
ton volunteers will take station at Angel
Island tomorrow.
The Sixth California volunteers at Fort
Point feel it compliment that Major Kin
xie, In command of the harbor defenses, has
detailed 12O men of their number for duty
at the big guns.
Batteries G and L, Third artillery, Cap
tain Randolph and Captain Birkhimer, have
received orders to break camp on Sunday
morning and go on board the transport ship
Ohio. The whole four batteries of the
Manila battalion of the Third artillery are
now recruited TO the war strength and al
additional recruits that are received will bt
sent to Fort Point.
No orders have been issued as yet as TO &
battalion commander for this detachment
of the Third artillery, and it is possible thai
being divided into two battalions of two bat
teries each 1t will go simply under commant
of its battery captains. 1t is thought, how
ever. that Major Kobhe, Third artillery
who has just arrived from Fort Candy may
be placed in command, or the battalion may
go under it's present commander, Majol
Hess, who, however, is to be retired shortly
Sponr TrJr tn NSp0RTS