Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-11

WASHINGTON. May 1O.-It is hard to
g.. whether the naval officials were re-
loved or disappointed by the news that
came late this afternoon to both the Navy
ana state departments to the effect
shat the spanish flying squadron had ar
5t0d at Cadiz Spain. The safety of the
t.eou from attack is now completely
..-.red. and the way is clear for mill
t.. operations. i'm Cuba, without run
rrc the risH OF having the occupying
.mys line of communication cut Of
a.. the other hand, it is believed that no
enduring peace can be secured until the
spanish navy has been destroyed. and
I. now appears that 10 do this our sailors
must make up their minds 10 so after the
eraniards d task very much more diff
CUR than that of meeting them near our
oAa shores.
It Was suggested by some Of the mem
US of the War Board that there was
-.st possibility that the Spanish squad
ion might make a quick passage into the
Pacific. through the Suez canal, and at
tack Dewey ar Manila. 1t is said that
contrary 10 the common understanding,
tae Suez canal is open to the warships
of beugerent Powers 50 that If the Span
ssh should choose TO take this course,
ilcy would have a long start of any pur-
SUING feet from our side of the Atlantic.
ID Is scarcely believed however that the
spanish are willing TO take the great risk
az exposing to our attack their own home
ports by the withdrawal of so consider
able a portion of their naval strength as
would be required to overmatch Dewey.
SAMPSON POSSIBILITIES.
Nothing was heard from Sampson to-
Gay. but there is confident expectation
that interesting news Will be coming from
lis squadron within the next twenty
four hours Whether this means an at
tack on Porto Rico or not cannot be
learned.
one effect Of the retreat Of the Spanish
fleet has been 70 hasten the preparations
already under fun headway for the dis
patching of military expeditions to Cuba.
10 has also caused a complete change in
The concentration plans. Time is now be-
leved TO be the great factor. There is
uo longer opportunity TO indulge in eX-
ArNnlNt AAA4lA4ln anu l AANiNI lllANA tAf ms
The regular army troops do not need
tuese, and are TO be thrown at once into
the fray. Many of the regiments Of the
National Guard which are entering the
volunteer service. are felt TO bee suffi-
GENTLY trained from military point Of
view 10 follow the regulars Immediately,
and the department indicated its pur-
D. Of Ife.t.4f4nfnfr krnlfIU-
t.er troops directly to the Gulf Coast for
inlpmcnt. instead of sending them to
Clickamauga This disposition was
faown by the changes in the new orders
issued To the troops, although there may
bet be a return TO the original pro-
Ersmme or concentration if the plans
Frow signs Of weakness as they develop
The Quartermaster-Genera has already
gotten under charter twenty-seven
merchant steamers for the transport OF
troops and roughly speaking, these
SHOULD carry about 2OOCO men. Others
i.. being procured as rapidly as possible.
ibe plan OF the War Department is TO
have these vessels assemble at the dine- |
r.ut Gulf porls-Tampa. Mobile. New Or
lus and Galvcston-to take on troops |
ntal will be sent there. The Navy De- |
Iasm,nt is expected to furnish conveys |
&. these transports, which would be alb |
E9u,eiy helpless against Spanish attack. |
SIGNS OF FRICTION.
At This point there are signs OF fric- |
ii.H. First. the transports will be obliged |
o. await Admiral SIMPSONS return, I'm |
order 90 secure proper convoy, and Sc |
Coaly the navy objects very decidedly |
g. Undertaking the task Of conveying |
ramo.r of transports. 1t insists that TO
assure the safety Of the convoy of the |
Troops. all of the troops should be gather
e. n one feet. TO start from Tampa, and
IT, l4yy is likely TO prevail in this.
A.W that Major-General Seweh has
l,,l assigned 70 command the concentra-
u.a camp at Falls Church, preparations
t., being rushed 90 put the grounds there
l..o shape for the reception for the vol
ilo-rs