Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-05-19
INVASION OF CUBA.
Troops to Be Conveyed Across the
Water and Landed on the Island.
THE war TO Be RAPIDLY PUSHED.
Preparations Under Way for . Terrific
B0mbsrdment OF Cuban P0rts-No Par
ttcular Effort to BE Made to Pur-
sue the Spanish Fleet

sue the spanish fIeets
WASHINGTON, May 1s.-The official
bulletin boards yesterday failed to
yield any news Of the movements Of
either of the three fleets, SIMPSONS,
Schley's and the Spanish flying squad
ron, and there is reason to believe that
the department itself has received no
information on that point. The de.
partment officials are beginning to
show little sensitiveness to criticism
in the matter Of the delay in bring
ing the Spanish feet into action,
conscious, as they are, that they
have made all dispatch compati.
bic with due regard for the safety Of
our own ports, as well as of the lives
of the crews of our warships. The
general impression is that no particu.
lar effort is to be made just now to
pursue the Spaniards, SO long as they
keep within the confines of the gulf
of Mexico and the Caribbean sea, but
that Sampson and Schley, in combina-
ton, will encircle the island of Cuba,
maintain the blockade, and convoy
troops across the Florida straits, II
necessary, meanwhile keeping
watch on the Spanish flying squadron
to see that it does not do mischief
either to the American fleet or, by
escaping into the Atlantic, to the sea-
board cities. Bv this plan the mill
tary and naval officials may hope to
silence the rather severe criticisms
that are being expressed because Of
delays in opening the military cam
paign in Cuba itself. Considerable
pressure has come upon the admins
tration from congressional quarters to
have the campaign FASTENED, and
there are thought to be signs Of a re.
sumption of the plans Of the military
leaders for the invasion Of Cuba at the
point where they were suspended by
the announcement of the arrival Of
the Spanish flying squadron at MART.
nique.
The department processes to feel no
apprehension that Adm. Dewey or his
men are in any way endangered by
the occupation Of Manila harbor on
the present basis, but this cannot be
said Of the unfortunate inhabitants of
Manila II the present. situation is pro-
tracted unduly. 1t is no small matter
to organize and transport l9, 900 or 49,
900 soldiers 1900 miles across the sea
at short notice, and the indications are
that, within week, some of the SOL
diers at least will be on their way
from San Francisco, following the
Charleston, which is expected to leave
atany moment with a few supplies most
urgently needed by Adm. Dewey.
There are indications that the war
department has been brought to see
the wisdom and fairness of the sug-
gestions thrown out BY Maj Gen. Mer.
rift that his expedition should consist
Of not less than $4,000 men and that at
least third Of them should be sea-
soned troops from the regular army,
capable of meeting on equal terms the
veteran Spanish soldiers who garrison
Manila. To endeavor to overcome the
Spanish force with less than half their
number of troops would seem to be a
senseless proceeding, in view Of the
fact that there is no necessity for such
course.
AN EARLY LANDING OF TROOPS IN CUBA.
WASHINGTON, May Is. There is a gen.
eral air of suspense among the general
public regarding the expected collision
Of the Spanish and American squad.
rons now in West India waters. but in
side circles are not expecting reports
of a naval engagement for several
days-possibly weeks-as the Spanish
squadron, it is believed, will avoid
conflict and endeavor to keep afoat
as long as possible, in order to harass
the American seaboard, after visiting
some Of the West India ports and, If
possible, establishing communications
with Gen. Blanco In all probability
there will be general concentration
Of American warships in Cuban waters
and the early landing Of large bodies
Of troops. 1t is felt that there has
been too much dilly.dallying and that
the quick decisive action of Adm.
Dewey has been followed by too great
inaction. 1t is likely, therefore, that
large force will be transported to
Cuba at once, under the convoy OF
strong fotilla, and the war pushed to
a rapid conclusion. Unless the unex-
pected again intervenes, the land and
naval forces Of the United States will
be in action in less than a week.
Preparations are under way for ter
rife bombardment Of Cuban ports, to