Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-07-17
EXCITEMENT At WASHINGTON.
Continued from page ~

other powers as to the number. This
decision involves the increase of the
force of troops destined for China. The
responsible officials evaded any specific
statement as to the extent of this in
crease, but it was. however. gathered
that the achievements would be limit
ed only by the ability of the govern
ment to spare troops from those COM
mands now in the United States and
Cuba.
The estimates varied as to how many
could be spared. but the general opin-
ion was that somewhere between 1000
and 5000 men could be shipped to the
East from cuba and the United States
in addition to the troops already under
orders.
\ statement prepared by Adjutant
Gen. Corbn shows that there are now
a grand total of 10 Cos officers and men
in China. en- route 10 China and Nag
aSaki or under orders for NagaSaki
This table, of course, includes the ill
fated 9Th Infantry. which may not be
in condition for further service.
Gen. Woods last reports indicate that
owing to the tranquility prevailing in
the military force there quite largely.
But even with the cuban troops it will
he necessary to divest the home posts
Of garrisOns. save in the ease of the
heavy artillery organizations at sea-
coast points.
About all the troops within the Dor
ders of the United States that would
be available for Chinese service under
a cIll are these regiments: The End
9Th. eth, Sth and 10th Cavalry regi-
ments intact one squadron each Of the
LIST ana the 9Th Cavalry. the 1st. 10Th
and l1th Regiments of infantry, com
pletC, one battalion each of the End, 9Th.
eth. 18th, 18th, 23rd and 18th Infantry
regiments. and three companies of the
24th Infantry.
This available force of cavalry and
infantry aggregates about 5000 men.
Some artillery undoubtedly would be
sent. and those are light batteries * of
the LIST Artillery. A and F of the End,
G and F of the 3rd. Z OF the 4th, d of
the 5th. and G and NJ of the eth, avail
able. There are besides Companies c
and d of the engineers and four COM
panes of the signal corps.
The situation has changed so rapidly
from day to day as to alter the esti
mate of the foreign commanders sew
eral times 1t is possible that the es-
innate of troops needed for Chinese
service will be again increased.
If so. the United States will respond.
We might possibly gather between
5000 and 1000 additional troops. This.
however. would be the limit unless the
a ~
mendation of Gen. Macarthur and
drew still further on the available
troops in the Philippines.
Gen. Miles was called upon by Sec.
Root, during the afternoon, to counsel
with him as to the projected troops
movements. He favors the prompt
dispatch of a large force to China.
A good deal of annoyance has been
caused here by the complete misunder-
standing that has been conveyed to the
European nations as to the attitude of
the United States government regard
ing the settlement of the Chinese
troubles This government. it can be
stated authoritatively, never has
thought of compromising for money or
any other form of indemnity. The
government will insist on justice and
retribution. according to the highest
authorities.
The quartermaster's department is
making every effort to provide ade-
quate transportation for the Chinese
contingent. 1t has 400 miles en- route
to Seattle. Two complete pack trains
of 100 miles each already have been
started for Nagasaki The United
States is the only power there repre-
scented which makes use of pack trains.
A high official of the department said.
today that with the fleet of transports
now available it would not be possible
to land the last of the 10000 troops in
question at Nagasaki before the last
Of September or the first week in Oc-
tober.