Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1898 — TROOPS IMPATIENT. [ARTICLE]

TROOPS IMPATIENT.

Becoming; Restive at Tampa Under Tedious Delay in the Movement* of the Army. Tampa, Fla., - May 4. —The transports which are to convey the United States troops from here to Cuba are hastening to Tampa aud are expected every hour. Those already here will carry not more* than a fifth of the army which has already been mobilized at this point. Several of those now en route have to come from New York. The continued delay of the departure of the invading army has made the soldiers and officers very restless, and much of the spirit which characterized them on first arriving has disappeared, and many of them are expecting developments which will prevent the invasion. Both Gen. Wade and Gen. Shaftersay emphatically that they have no definite information as to the date set for the departure of the troops from Tampa, but they believe it is near at hand. It is the general opinion among the officers that the first invading army will not exceed 10,000 men, and that the remaining 6,000 regulars who are expected to be encamped here within the next few days will remain here with the volunteers, which may also be mobilized here. While Gen. Shafter is in command Gen. Wude continues to piny a conspicuous part in the direction of affairs of the army. When asked if he would remain in Tampa in command of the remaining troops after the army of invasion had sailed, he said emphatically that he would not, but would go with it, and would see the campaign through. There is now at the camp a sufficient number of batteries to hold any city in Ouba, with the possible exception of Havana, and it is the belief of both Gen. Shafter and Gen. Wade that the army now her# could hold its own against a Spanish army of five times its numerical strength. Thus far it has taxed the railroad* to the utmost to haul the troops and supplies, and now that the supplies necessary to feed the army and city have so greatly increased it Is with difficulty that they are handled. Contracts are constantly being let by Maj. Pop*, of the quartermaster's department, for grain and coal, and It will soon be difficult to secure storage accommodations.