Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-29

morning of the arrival of the supply ship
Celtic at Havana. The Celtic has on board
supplies for the American fleet now on duty
in Cuban waters
The department was also informed of the
departure from Havana for Cienfuegos of
the protected cruiser Des Moines, that YES
sci being ordered there to protect American
interests upon the request of Capt. Smith
of the cruiser Cleveland, now stationed at
that port.
Practically on War Basis.
The War and Navy Departments are prac-
tically on a war basis today. The activity
which has hitherto marked the Navy De-
partment was today transferred to the War
Department, as it has been found necessary
to call for their cooperation in dealing
with the Cuban situation Although it was
a half day today, most of the offices at the
War Department were compelled to keep
open full time because of the extra work
devolved on them. This was especially the
case with the supply department.
Complete plans have been made by the
general staff for The sending of detach-
ments of soldiers to Cuba. The first ex-
petition, as already stated, Will leave New,
port News and will be made up OF 900
troops gathered from posts near the east
ern seaboard. 1t is probable that other eX-
petitions will be sent from points further.
south in case the government can arrange
for the suspensions Of quarantine regu-
lations, which is believed can be DONE
New Orleans is mentioned as the prob
able point from which an expedition made
up of Texas troops and troops in other
southern states adjacent to Louisiana will
be sent. 1t is the purpose of the general
staff to avoid railroad travel wherever pos
sible and send troops from the seaports
nearest the posts at which they are sta
toned.
Ready to Furnish New Guns.
1t became known today that the War
Department is prepared to furnish new
guns to any number of soldiers who may
be ordered to Cuba. The guns with which
the various organizations are now pro-
vided are excellent weapons with the ex-
ception of their bayonets, which are of the
rod type. In the war between Russia and
Japan it was demonstrated that the rod
bayonet is not equal to the knife bayOnet,
and consequently rifles equipped with the
knife bayonet ready for the use of the
army and will be given to soldiers at the
various points from which they sail for
Cuba.
Transportation Arranged.
The United States army transport Sum-
ner, now at New York, and nine CONNER
cial steamers will be utilized in sending
the first expedition to Cuba from Newport
News. The Sumner can carry 76S men and
the merchant steamers and their capacity
follow: Monterey, S14 passengers; City OF
Washington, 202: Seneca, 524; Niagara, 396
Panama, 1000; Admiral Sampson, $50; Ad-
miral Schley, $50; Admiral Dewey, $50
Z Admiral Farragut, $780,
The Monterey, City of Washington, Sen
eca, Niagara and Panama are either In
New York will be there within three OF
| four days. The four Admirals belong te
| the United Fruit Company. The AID
| miral Sampson will be available in Boston
in several days and the Admiral Schley is
| due there on October 8. The Dewey viii
arrive at Philadelphia in a day two
and the Farragut Is due at that port or
/ October 8.
| AS some of the troops ordered to New.
| port News are stationed in the far west
! the two ships which are not available unit
| after the Sth of next month will probably
| be ready for use in time to accommodate
| the far western troops. The steamer Mis-
| souri, at New York has been chartered fol
| the transportation Of 700 animals to Ha
| vana, and the large tugs Lewis Luckenbacl
and ]. f. Luckenbach have been chartered
| as freight steamers.
| Under instructions from Acting Secretary
| Oliver the quartermaster general has or
| dered the following-named officers from
| his department to proceed to Cuba as sooI
| as possible:
D. c.; Capt. Archibald w. Butt, Washing
| ton D. c.; Capt. VIM. c. Wren, San Fran
cisco: Capt. James E. Normyle, Fort Leav
! enworth; Lieut.. L. D. Cabell, San Fran
| CISCO. MAJ. lnOHdS II. 6laVonS, VINO II
now stationed in the quartermaster gener
| ais Office in Washington has been ordered
| to Newport News, Va, to arrange for thu
| shipment of troops, animals and equipmen
| from that point
Funston Will Command.
| Gen. Frederick Funston will undoubtedl,
have conlaand of the troops in Cuba, un
! less the Situation becomes so serious as t.
require the services of many additional sol
diers, in which event 1t is probable that q,
| officer Of higher rank would be placed il
| command. AS the case now stands tn,
| troops going to Cuba will report to Gen
/ Funston. Another general officer, mos
probably either Gen. Barry, assistant chic
of staff, or Gen. Duvall, commanding tn,
Department of the Gulf, will be sent will
the first military expedition.
These officers have been in attendance
at the maneuvers of the German arm,
| and were ordered home on account of the
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