The San Francisco call., 1898-05-13
More Troops Assembling at the Presidio's City
 of Canvas.
Words of Praise for the Vol unteers From Regular
 Army Officers.
SAY THEY EQUAL ANY.
Work on the Mine Fields Finished. Practical Drill of Two
 BattaliOns.

Plans for concentrating 15. 900 troops on the Presidio reservation have been formed by the War Department. The press dispatches regarding the move ment of Western regiments give a pretty clear indication that the mili- tary authorities in Washington design to mass that number of men in San Francisco. Orders providing for sub- sistence and transportation tend to yer fly the statement that 15, ,000 soldiers at least will be sent here to join the ex- petition to the Philippine Islands.
 When a million men were in the field in 1864 force of fifteen thousand did not attract much attention, but now, after long period of profound peace, 15.000 men seem to be quite an army of soldiers. A large fleet of ocean transports will be required to convey the men to Manila, and many ships laden with supplies for the troops must accompany or follow the expedi- tion.
 Camping places must be found on the reservation for the volunteers from Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Colo rado, South Dakota, Wyoming, Wash ington and Oregon. Major Edward Field, department adjutant- general, Colonel Louis T. Morris, post comman- der, and Lieutenant NealI, Fourth United States Cavalry, chief quarter master of the volunteers, were on the lookout yesterday for suitable camping ground for the incoming regiments. Consultation has been had with Her man Schussler, chief engineer of the Spring Valley Water Works, concern ing the water supply of the troops.
 Lieutenant J. E. Nolan, Fourth Cav airy, commissary officer of the Presidio, is prepared to supply an army of 15, 900 men with rations. The great rush now Is to provide the volunteers with cloth ing and camp equipage. Minnesota has for many years maintained an eff fective National Guard, and it is prob able that the Thirteenth Regiment from that State may arrive here fully equipped for field service.
 The advance guard of the volunteers from Oregon and Washington may ar rive by steamship to-day. Space be- tween the Fourteenth Infantry and the Sixth California Volunteers has been reserved for the next troops to arrive at the Presidio.
 Photographic orders were received yesterday announcing that Captain George Ruhlen, U. $. A, who was re- gently on duty with the Alaskan Relief Expedition, has been appointed chief uartermaster of the Department of California, with headquarters in San Francisco.
 The announcement was also made yesterday that Major Robert H. White surgeon, U. s. A, stationed at the Presidio, had been appointed chief sur geon of the proposed expedition to the Philippines.
 Brfgadier- General o. D. Greene, U. s. A., retired, formerly adjutant-ge eral of this department and one of the ablest men in the army, visited the camp at the Presidio a few days ago. To a fellowo officer he remarked that the California volunteers were as fine a body of men in appearance on the field as he ever saw, and he could hardly believe while watching them on drill, that they were not regular soldiers. This is a high compliment to, the State troops, and coming as it does from a veteran officer, is sincere.
 So far as the military and naval au- thorities can judge, there is not a cruiser or privateer of the Spanish navy within 2000 miles of this port, but nevertheless vigilant lookout is maintained at Fort Point. The fact is considered that it is the unexpected that happens, hence measures have been taken to guard against surprise As stated in The Call several days ago. Major Heuer and his assistants of the
 
 work on the mine field of this harbor and the mines are protected by rapid fire guns The torpedoeS, together with the breech- loading rifles at Lime Point and Fort Point, and the mortar bat teries and dynamite guns, to say noth- ing of the powerful Monterey, can take care that no hostile craft gets into this bay.
 The artillery defenses of San Fran cisco are under the direction of Col onel M. P. Miller, Third Artillery. one of the most capable and active officers in the army. There is one battery Of the Third Artillery at Lime Point one at Alcatraz and five batteries taking care of the big rifles, mortars and dy- namite guns in the region Of Fort Point
 Yesterday Colonel Mosby sent the following explanation to Richmond:
 SAN FRANCISCO, May 12. 1898.
 The Times. Richmond, Va.: The critf- cisms of General Miles uo him great in justice for his friendly suggestion to get political influence to bear in my behalf on the appointing power to induce the acceptance of the offer of my services as a soldier. He is not the appointing power. He can only recommend me, which he did l made no condition about rank; in fact, 1 am as indifferent about rank now as I was in our late war. I cannot go as a private, as 1 did then because both my l age and the loss of an eye exclude me | from enlistment. I would as soon be a lieutenant as brigadier general, pro- | Vided l go in front of our army and In | rear of the enemy. As my military record | was indorsed during the war by General | Robert D. Lee. and by General Grant aft l mans indorsement would add to it's credit. and shall not ask it. I do not think that | Grant and Lee need any Congressional ndorsement JOHN S. MOSBY. A ACTIVITY AT THE MD