Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1898 — READY FOR A FIGHT. [ARTICLE]

READY FOR A FIGHT.

In Case of Trouble with Spain the United States Would Be Prepared. In spite of all denials it is well known that unusual efforts are being made to arm and equip every sea coast fortification, and that the regular army ofDcef#* throughout the country have been quietly notified to put their commands into the best possible condition. The President does not want war, and will go a long ways out of his way to avoid it, but he fully recognizes the force of public sentiment and is preparing rapidly for the worst that may come. Press dispatches from different points show preparation that is being made: New Orleans, La.—The United States cruiser Marblehead has joined the North Atlantic squadron at Dry Tortugns. St. Louis, Mo. —The war fever continues unabated, and already the work of organizing companies here has begun. At Norfolk, Va., the Norfolk navy yard received instructions to have the monitor Terror ready for sea. Both the Puritan and Terror have been shipping recruits for the vacancies caused by the Maine disaster. Providence, It. I. —The 150 officers and men in the three companies of the Ithodc Island navnl reserves nre fully equipped for any emergency and are prepared to answer a call to duty on board any of the

Government war vessels within five hours. Washington.—All the marines on shore duty have been ordered to hold themselves in preparation for service at the shortest possible notict*. New York.—Never before since the flays of the war of the rebellion has the Brooklyn navy yard seen so pronounced an ac-

tivity on the part of officers and men. No longer do the officers deny that the Government is making the most strenuous preparations “to meet any emergency.” Tampa. Fla. —The cruiser Montgomery has been ordered to Havana, where she takes the place of the wrecked Maine until further instructions are received. Columbus, O. —The Ohio militia is preparing to respond to the President’s call for troops in the event war is declared between the United States and Spain. At Charleston, S. C., work on the Government fortifications is being rapidly pushed. The navy yard force is kept busy putting the guns in shape for war. St. Augustine, Fla. —Captain Hubbell, with one battery, has been sent to Sullivan’s island, and a few days ago Lieut. Van Duzen departed for Fort Moultrie with a detail of twenty men to take charge of coast defenses. Army officials here freely discuss the probability of trouble with Spain. At Cincinnati, 0., a recruiting office for soldiers''>o serve in case of war with Spain was onened at Mcrgard’s Hall. Many men signed the muster roll. A member of Nelson Pbst, G. A. R., issued a dodger headed “To arms, to arms.” Hundreds of white badges and 1 buttons with the words “Volunteer—On to Havana” have been distributed. New York. —Preparations for war, carried on with the greatest secrecy, have been going on in New York harbor. If the United States declares war and Captain Eulate tries to leave porte by force, he will find a barrier such as he has not bargained for. All that is necessary to do to blow up the Spanish warship Vizcaya is to touch an electric button if she tries to pass out through tjie narrows.