The Oregon mist. (St. Helens, Columbia County, Or.) 188?-1913, April 29, 1898, Image 1

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    TIT
OREGON
RT
H '
VOL. XV.
ST. HELENS, OBEOON, FMDAY, AP11IL 29, 1898.
NO. 19.
WAR NOW EXISTS
Sampson's Fleet Or
dered to Blockade
Havana.
SPAIN REJECTS ULTIMATUM
Minister Woodford Is Olven Ilia rase
lurU unit lllulotnatls Relations Be
tween tha United States and Spain
Ara Doolared to Re llevered.
Washington, April 83. War between
tho United States and Spain Is (net,
though not officially declared ao by
Congress.
The stirring event of yesterday were
succeeded today with rapidity by otliera
of more importance, culminating in the
afternoon in order for the departure of
tho North Atlantio stiuadron for Ha
vana. Thla practically ia an act of
war, ao that the war between thla coun
try arid Spain may fairly be laid to date
from today.
Twomlnutea after the opening of the
atate department this" morning, cume
word from Minister Woodford that the
Spanish government, having antici
pated and prevented hla intentiona to
present tho prealdont'l ultimatum, he
had asked fur liia paea porta. Tlie ad
ministration, In a publlo atatouient,
announced that it regarded tbe action
of the Spanish government aa render
ing unnecessary further rllploinatio ao
tion on the part of the Uulted Status,
and further stated tliat it regarded the
oourae adopted by Spain as one placing
upon that country the responsibility
for tbe broach of friendly relations.
Mr. Woodford's telegram resulted ia
the calling of special cabinet meeting
to arrange an outline for a plan of cam
paign, or rather to determine how to
begin the elocution of the plan of cam
paign already prepared by the strategic
bourda of tho army and navy depart
ments. . " ' '. :
, The Blockade of Havana
The result wag the immediate order
for the Atlantio squadron to begin the
blockade of Havana.
How much further than thla the cab
inet progressed in its deliberations It
la not possible to say, for the obvious
reason that the time has now come
when the Interests of the government
requrie that tiie movements of the ships
and troops should be guarded with the
KretMt care from undue publicity, in
order to prevent the enemy from tak
ing advantage of Information.
Tli North Atlantio squadron, under
Captain Sampaou's command, is
splundld array of fine vessels, and this
force is quite competent to blockade all
the porta in Cuba, or at leant all of the
ports connecting by rail with Havana,
and so likely to be used to supply that
place in the event of aelge with food
and munition of war.
This statement is to be taken with
the understanding that it does not con
tomulate the oomlng to Cuban waters
ot tho Spanish fleet. In such oaae,
however, the probable policy would be
to abandon the blockade and endeavor
to force the Hpanish fleet to battle.
Minister Woodford's action during
the day, as reported to the state depart
ment In a late telegram, indloatod that
he was following a oarefully prepared
programme. A significant feature of
his message was the statement that the
Spanish government notiUed him that
It regarded the withdrawal of Minister
Polo yesterday a terminating diplo
mats negotiations, showing that it was
not disposed to accept the expressed in
tention of our government to continue
Minister Woodford as a medium of
communication any longer.
Mr. Woodford also announced that
he had Instructed Consul-General
Bowen, at Barcelona, to call upon all
American console to withdraw.
He further stated that he bad in
formed the Spanish government, after
asking for his passports, that he had
placed the American legation in Mad
rid and American interests In Spain
generally in the bands of the British
ambassador. 'Th ambassador, Bight
Hon. Sir II. FryDrummond Wolf, ia
not at present in Madrid, so Amerioan
interests will be confided to the Brit
ish oharge, Sir George E. Bonham.
To all intents and purposes, thla re
lieves the state department from fur
ther negotlatina aa to Cuba, save those
relating to privateering, neutrality ob
sorvanoea and the like.
Sanding of Troops to Cuba.
Captain Sampson's fleet, which has
been ordered' to Cuba, later on will be
supported by troops which will be dis
patched to Cuba as soon as in the opin
ion ot the president it is possible to use
them Advantageously In the occupation
of tbe island. Meanwhile, as. rapidly
as troops can be rushed to Key West
and mther points on the South Atlantio
. and Gulf coasts, they will be harried
forward. ' It la estimated that It will
take 10 day to concentrate an army
sufficient in aize with supplies to make
the campaign. .
It ia the purpose to gather these
troops and make a sharp, decisive
movement. Immediately upon, tho
pansHgo of an army volunteer bill by
emigres, the president will call for
100,000 men. Of this foroo, it Is In
tended to use 80,000 men in Cuba, in
conjunction with the regular, army,
now already assembled or assembling
at points of concentration. The re
maining 20,000 men will aid the ar
tillery departments In guarding the sea
coast and in manning the heavy
guns of the coast defense.
The 1'ltlmatuin to Spain.
Following Is the text of the presi
dent's ultimatum to Spain, as given
out this morning:
"April S3, I808.-Woodford, Minis
ter of the Unltod States, Madrid! You
linvo been furnished with the text of
the Joint resolution voted by the con
gress of the United State on tiie 10th
lust, and approved today, In relation
to the pacification of the island of Cu
ba. In obedience to that act, the pres
ident directs you to immediately com
municate to the government of Spain
in Id resolution, with a formal demand
upon the government of Spain to at
once relinquish Its authority and gov
ernment In the island of Cuba and
withdraw its land and naval forces
from Cuba and Cuban waters. In tak
n g this step, the United States hereby
disclaims any disposition or intention
to exercise sovereignty, Jurisdiction or
control over the island, except for the
pacifloutlon thereof, and assorts its de
termination when that is accomplished
to leave the government and control of
the island to its people 'under such free
and independent government a they
may establish.
"If by the hour of noon on Saturday
next, the 2iil day of April, instant,
(hero be not communicated to this gov
ernment by the government of 8paln
full and satisfactory responses to this
demand and resolution, whereby the
ends of pence in Cuba shall be assured,
the president will proceed without fur
ther notice to use the power and au
thority enjoyed and conferred upon
hi in by said joint resolution to such
extant a may be necessary to oarry the
same Into effect. SHERMAN."
.The following statement regarding
the (ending of the ultimatum to Spain
was Issued today!
Yesterday, April 32, 1898, at about
11 o'clock, the department of Mate
served notice of the purpose of this
government by delivering to Minister
Polo a copy of the Instruction to Min
ister Woodford, nnd also a oopy of the
resolution passed by the congress of the
United States on the 19th. Immedi
ately after the receipt of this notioe
the Spanish minister forwarded to the
state department a request for bis pass
ports, whlcti were furnished him yes
terday afternoon.' The United Statea
minister at Madrid was at the same
time Instructed to make a like com
munication to the government of Spain.
Thia morning the department re
ceived from Minister Woodford the
following telegram, stating that tbe
Spanish government had broken off
diplomatic relations with this govern
ment. This course on tne part 01
Spain lenders unnecessary any further
diplomatic action on the part of the
Uulted Status:
"Madrid. Anril 811. Early this
mornliiB. immediately after the receipt
of your telegram, and before I had
communicated the same to the Spanish
government, the Spanish minister of
foreign affairs notlnea me mat aipio
matio relations had been broken be
tween the two countries, and that all
oftiolni communications between their
respective representatives have ceased.
I accordingly asked (or sale passports.
I shall turn the legation over to the
British embassy and leave for Paris
this afternoon. I have notified the:
consuls. "WOODFORD."
THE OREGON IN DANGER.
Feared That the npanlsh Squadron Will
nana 'n tne ia-wn.
U'.,latrn A..TII 98 It WM Stiff-
gen tod at the navy department that it
ia possible the Spanish squadron, which
sailed Iroin cape veruo lsianus ioouy,
t. i.Aa.iinn n nnt nff thn flna hnttle-
ship Oregon, now on it way from the
Pacific coast to join tjapiam pampson
command. There is also some fear
that the Oregon may be taxen at an
nt.r,ii mivaiiiuon. without knowledge
ot the exintence of war, by the 8pan-
. i . . m j
(Hi) torpet.O'Uoai ooirojcr 4uiurie.,
t Rnuno Avrea. Pos
sibly, with a view of avoiding a con
flict in the straits oi Magellan, wuere
lil Im at a disadvantage, the
Oregon has been ordered to go around
r.w n,.Fii Th Orramn sailed from
Cntlao the 9th I net., since which time
nothing has been noara irom ner
la bollaved she la now nearina the port
of Montevideo, Uruguay. . '- '
The lornjldaoie spanisn lorpeuo-uoat
is supposed to be somewhere in that
vicinity awaiting the arrival of the Or
itirnn and inillA fear ia exnrossed that
she may creep on her unawares and,
consequently, consuieraoie renoi win
Iw. H whan tlm arrival of the Oreaon
at aoiue South Amerioan port is re
ported. It is prooarjie inus weu m.
Oregon reache Rio de Janeiro or
Baliia, aha may be joined by the Bra
ailian cruiser Niotheroy, recently pur
chased for the United States navy, and
t HI . TTnttn.I
me vwo vesauia wui wiu. w v
Statea together.
Weyler Will Take a Hand.
London, April 83. The Madrid cor
respondent of the Daily Telegraph
...... nnllflohta hays been arramied
in all of the large towns, the proceeds
to be devoted to tne national aeiense
fund. It is still assorted that General
Weyler will oommand an army corps.
Run on a Barcelona Bank. '
London, April So. A dispatch from
Barcelona says the act of the Bank of
Barcelona, In Withdrawing a large sum
from the local branoh of the Bank of
Spain, oaused a run on the latter Insti
tution, but all demands were met.
Malaaa Correspondent Leaves.
Malnira, April 83. Tbe. United
Statos consul. B. M. Bartleben, ha
started for Gibraltar. The Amerioan
flag over the consulate has been re
moved, and the archives transferred to
the British consulate.
Spain Calls Out tier Unserves.
r.nnHon. Anril 83. A dispatch from
Madrid says War Minister Correa
...n.nrUo,) th null n( 80.000 reserves.
Throe vessels loaded with troops loft
Caiiii destination unknown.
CAPTURED A PRIZE
The Nashville Takes a
Spanish Merchant
Steamer.
BROUGHT HER TO KEY WEST
The Bwns Ventura the Unfortunate
Tassel The Rklpper Surprised, as He
Illd No Know That War Had Been
Declared 1'rUe Crew rat on Board.
Key West, April 85. The United
States fleet was about 13 miles oil Sand
key light this morning at 7 o'clock
when the Spanish merchantman ttuena
Ventura was sighted bound north. The
gunboat Nushvllle ran her down and
put a shot across her bows from the
4-incb gun on the port aide aft, manned
by Lieutenant Dillingham.
Tbe Spaniard ignored the shot, but
another closer to ber bows brought her
to. . A prize crew, under Ensign Ma
cruder, was put aboard.
Captain Luznrraga, In command of
her, was astounded. He said he did
not know that war had been declared,
but when he was informed of the atate
ot affairs, he shrugged his shoulders
and accepted the situation philosoph
ically. The Nashville ha taken on stores
and will return to the fleet, carrying
Ensign Magruder, who will be reouived
by Ensign Carleton, of the Snow. A
body of marine is pacing the deck of
the Spaniard, and her crew of 88 ate
lounging about the decks in nonchalant
fashion. Not a man is in irons.
Aocording to prize lawa, Captain
May nurd will turn the prisoners of
war over to the United States district
attorney, who will decide the question
of their dsi position.
The Buena Ventura Is a tramp steam
er of I, ICS tons, and hails from Bilboa,
Spain. She has a cargo of lumber,
loaded at Pascagoula, Miss., and was
bound for Rotterdam. .
. The new of the oaptnre of the Span
iard set the people of Key West frantle
with enthusiasm. All work was sus
pended, and the docks were crowded
with people
Commodore Lyons, of the Dolphin,
ha delivered to United States District
Attorney Stripling the paper of the
Buena Ventura. He will libel the ship
in the United States admiralty court.
Ratla'antlon at (he Department.
Washinaton; April 85. Tbe report
that the gunboat Nashville had cap
tured a Spanish merchant ship gained
rapid circulation throughout the navy
department shortly after noon today.
It caused niunh excitement, and wa
eagerly discussed aa an outward evi
dence of the aotual existence of war.
Secretary Long, however, had not re
ceived word of the capture, except
through newspaper ourees. Notwith
standing this, rnval onicers credited
the report and discussed it aa though it
was an accented (act. It was said that
part of the crow bad been placed on
board, and the capturaq vessel una
valuable cargo, including considerable
coal.
Among theofilclala, the report caused
much satisfaction, although it was said
the capture of a Spanish warship
would have been more acceptable.
There la said to be no question aa to
the right of taking Spanish merchant
hips at thia time. Two of these ships
left Galveston within the last day or
so with considerable cargoes of cotton
on hoard. Another Spanish ship is
said to be en route from Vera Cruz,
Mexico, with 1.000.000 pesetas on
board, representing the subscription ot
Vera Crna to the Spanish in (Juoa.
Volunteer Army Bill Signed.
Washington, April 85. The volnn
teeor army bill was signed by the pres
ident at 8:06 P. M. The bill, as agreed
to. reduces the time of enlistment from
there year to two. The amendment
authorizing the president to organize
independent troops was retained, but
limits the number to 8,000. Hie Dill
leave it optional for regiment and com
pany militia officer to receive commis
sions from governois. The senate re
ceded from the amendment attaching
an engineer oflloor to the staff ot each
brigade commander.
Topeka Keported Los.
London. April 88. The Djily Mall
says that it is stated in Falmouth ship
ping olrcles that the American cruiser
Tonoka, which lett Falmouth tne even
ing ot inesany, April in, was in col
lision with the bark Albatross, at mid
night, Thursday. , Aocording to the
Mail, the captain ot the Albatross
asserts that after the collision the
steamer, whose name he did not ascer
tain, flashed a light and suddenly dis
appeared. Ho believed she foundered.
United Slates Censorship.
Key West, April 85. Tho- United
State government ha establitdied a
cenorahip of telegtama, forbidding the
transmission oi code message to or
from. Havana. This begins at once.
Monadnoek Goes North.
Vallojo, Oal., April 85. The United
States steamship Monadnoek has left
tor sea. en route to Puget sound. In
Iter coat of gray paint the Monadnoek
j not visible at sea 1,000 yards distant.
Woodford In furls.
Paris, April 85. General Stewart L.
Woodford, the United States minister
lo Spain, accompanied by the party
with which he loft Martial, arrived la
this city at 7:45 o'clock thla evening.
PACIFIC COAST SAFE.
Warships In These Waters Mora Than
Match for Spain.
Mare Island Navy Yard, April 88.
"We are prepared today to oaptnre or
destroy any foroe that Spain could pos
sibly send against tire Paclflo coast,"
said Bear Admiral Klrkland. - "In the
first place, the Spanish government ha
no vessels in Paolllo watora nearer than
the Philippine. Wa have a greater
force than Spain, and can easily take
care of the opposing fleet The next
possibility lie in sending a fleet
through the Straits of Magellan. Even
If Spain had the ship, they weuld be
practically useless after they got Into
the Pacific, through the lack of coal.
"We have two monitors, the Monad
noek and the Monterey, that are more
than a match for any vessel In the
Spanish navy. Besides these two we
have the Bennington and Mohican,
which are now en route from - the Ha
waiian Islands. Tho Charleston will
be in commission by May 1, and if it
were necessary we' could have the
Yorktown and Philadelphia in fighting
trim by th lot of June. '
" What I rely upon largely to com
plete our ooast defense are the ten
vessels recently acquired, i Another
valuable adjunct to onr Pacific roast
defenses la the two torpedo-boats now
nearing completion at Portland and one
6n ihe Sound. Thla number can be
Inoreased materially if the necessity
presents, since eaoh require only 60
day for building." .
A MASTERLY STROKE. ;
United States Acted Wisely In Declar
ing Against rrlTateerlii.
Kan Vnrlr. Anril 2V A dispatch to
ih. Trllinna from London aava: The
announcement tiiat the United 8ttes,
in the event of hostilities, will not fe
aort to privateering and will be gov
erned by the four rale of tbe declare
tinn of Paris, is considered a masterly
stroke in diplomatic cirolos While
England a sympathy ha oeen wun
first ta last. Soain bas
gained some tactful advantages ' as
negotiation have proceeded. ine
point ha been scored, not by many,
hut hr a fw English ionrnals. that
while Spain has made a series of con
cession to : America, oongruaa in mo
un.l hs ftmnrtAltfMl liar tn fiuht. All the
continental journals have agreed in'de-
cribing the negotiations as one-smtw,
with Spain in the position of offering
nn sacrifice after another, without
pleasing American opinion. .
It was Important that tne state ue
t. while InstifviiiB war on
humane principles, should restriot the
area of disturbance aa much as possible
and guarantee security for neutral com
mercial interests. This ha been done
by tho official announcement from
Washington that the government will
.llinm tn the nrinoiDlea of the declara
tion of Pari. Nothing could be more
satisfactory to England, rano ana
Germany. It ia pledged that the
United Statea Will respect tne lour
.niM m .lie rWlnrAtirm of Paris, dis
countenance privateering, protect neu
tral goods under any flag and the ene
my sailing under a neutal flag, with
tbe single exception oi contraoanu i
wo. end rAnnonisa the necessity of
making a blockade effective in order to
render it binding. These lour pledges
will be the safeguards ot European
rtTmtwa In tha mndinff war.
So far as the American practice is
concerned, Spain will be placed on the
fofmifiiva. She will be compelled to
repeat these assurances or else alienate
European sympathy.
The judgment in diplomatic circles
i that America has adopted a course
which will embarrass Spain, conciliate
the commercial and mercantile classes
r.t tfnolnnd and the continent and
strengthen the position of the United
Rt.ta. Kvnrr nna nr tne Tour rules oi
the declaration of Paris Is in favor of
America in tho event of hostilities,
ninlnmnts nArcnive at once that Amer
ica bas nothing to lose and much to
.nl.i hnm ilia ahnlitton nf nrivateerinir
and the protection of neutral commerce
and private property under any nag,
ami tha Mtuhliahment nf the nrincinle
that a blockade in order to be! binding
must be effective. ,
It would be to the manifest advan
tage of the United States if both beh
14i,aiAiita ... under nhlivotiona to re
epect the declaration of Paris. The
state department, by taking high
ground tn the interest ot civilisation,'
maw rnii.o Knuin tn fnllnw it. If Soain
W.B. - - i' , .
draws back, owing to a wanton desire
rn nantnrn and destrov ntivate liroportv
at sea, it will be an offense against the
commercial interest and moral opin
inn nl TClirMlA.
This is the judgment of diplomatists,
members of parliament and representa
tives of mercantile England, and they
sincerely hope that the announcement
of the American intention In today's
papers will be followed by similar as
n.jnniii frnm Hnshi. It cannot be
doubted that the adherence ot the
United States to the declaration , of
Paris will strengthen English reeling
in favor ot America and greatly impair
tlm antl. Amnrinnn santimont On the
oontinent. It will be an appeal -to
enir.intArnat all around. "vet will have a
moral justification in the bigh aims of
civilization.
Old Glory Hurned.
Madrid, April 85. This evening a
crowd 6,000 Btrong carrying Hags and
ahontinir "Viva Espanal" "We want
wart" and "Down with the Vankeosl"
burned the Stars and Stripes in front of
the residence of Senor Sagasta who was
accorded an ovation. -
New York, April 86. A dispatch to
the Herald trom Saint Thomas, says a
revolution has broken out in the Ponce
district of Porto Rico, and there ia riot
ing all through the island.
A CALL TO ARMS
The President Asks the
Country to Furnish
Volunteers. '
FIRST TIME IN THIRTY YEARS
The Call Is for 128,000 Men to light
Ihe ftpenlards Apportionment ot the
Volunteers by States National Ouard
Will Have Preference.
Washington, April 20. The presi
dent today called upon the people of
tbe United Statea, for the first time in
80 years, to manifest their martial
strength, the call this time being to a
united people to go forth to battle
with a foreign country. The call is for
135,000 volunteers. The secretary of
war created a new army corps. The
two, taken together, with regular army
soon will move on Cuba, and that
meanhile tbe volunteers will be equip
ped and drilled.
The president's proclamation, while
rctually issued, was not certified to the
governor of tbe statea and territories,
and will not be until Wednesday. The
reason is twofold. In the first place.
the war department wishes to avoid
destroying the present organization of
the National Guard, which ia to be
called into service first. The Guard
regiment are composed -of 12 com
panies, and being officered more nu
merously that the regular army, would
have to be changed to correspond to
the army organization in order to com
plv with the order as it exists. The
pending Gull bill, however, provides
for meeting just such an emergency,
and permits the use of the National
Guard, aa organised. This is mora
impotant than would appear at nrst,
inasmuch a manv of the National
Gnard have volunteered only on condi
tion that they may serve aa now organ
ised. The second consideration which in
fluenced the department in postponing
the certification of the call until
Wednesday is a desire to make sure
that , adequate arrangements can be
completed by quartermasters and the
commissary, departmenta for feeding
and transporting the number of men
called tor. This ia no light task, as
the volunteers must be taken by the
Government at a certain point in
each state where they are to be col
lected by the governors.
The Proclamation.
The president's proclamation fol-
Inwa:
"Bv the President ot the United
States A Proclamation:
"Whereas, By act ot congress, en
titled an act to provide for the increas
Ino nf the militarv establishment ot
the United States in time of war, and
for other purposes, approved April aa,
1R9R. tho nresident was authorized, in
order to raise a volunteer army, to is
sue his proclamation calling for volun
teers to serve in the army of the
United States. .
"Now, therefore, I, William Mo
Kinley, president of the United States,
hv virtue of the Dower vested in me by
the constitution and by-laws, and
deeming sufficient occasion to exist,
have thought fit to call, and hererby do
call, for volunteera U the aggregate
number of 135.000 to carry into effect
tbe purpose of said resolution, the
same to be apportioned as (ar as prac
ticable among the several statea and
territories and the District of Colum
bia, according to population, and to
serve for two year, unless sooner dis
charged. The details of this order will
be immediately communicated to the
proper authorities through the war de
partment. . 1
"In witness whereof, I have here
unto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United Statea to be affixed.
"Don a at Washington, this 83d day
of April, 1893, and of the independence
of the United Statea the 123d.
"WILLIAM M'KINLBY.
"By the President,
"JOHN SHERMAN,
"Secretary of State."
Telegrams have been coming firm
every seation to Secretary Alger from
governors and militia officers convey
ing information as to the length of
time, surprisingly short, in many
oasea, that would bo required by them
to gather their forces ready for muster.
Points of Mobilisation.
The men, aa fast aa mustered in by
regular army officers in the various
states, will be brought to one of thiee
great depots, via., Washington, Rich
mond or Atlanta, where they will be
organised to meet the requirements of
ordinary army tactics. .
The fact that Richmond is named as
one of these points is taken in some
quarters as an evidence that General
Fitahugh Lee is to receive a volunteer
commission, either as one of the four
major-generals or aa one of the
nine brigadier-generals provided for.
It is believed to have been
largely at his instance that Richmond
was selected as one of the points 9!
concentration.
In anticipation of the president's
call, vast numbers of Jotters and tele
grams have begun to flow In on Secre
tary Alger, offering service aa volun
teers in the army. So numerous are
those communications that the secre
tary ho asked the press to notify the
people : that such commnnications
should b directed to the governors of
states and territories. '
FIRED ON THE FLEET.
Morro Castle Opened on the Korth At
lantic gqaadron.
On Board the Flagship Ki-w York,
off Havana, April 80. During the
early morning, the Morro castle bat-
terios again opened fire on the fleet,
hut without the slightest effect. There
have been no cueualtisc among our
forces up to this hour, and not a single
shot bas been fired against the batteries.
At 8 o'clock this morning the De
troit rndae a rich haul, capturing the
Spanish merchant steamer Catuiina,
bound for Cadiz. She carried a large
quantity of provisions, which she in
tended to land in Havana.
Ensign Christy, frou the Dojroit,
and four marines and six bluejackets
were pnt on board of her and she
steamed off for Key West. ,
The Wilmington and Porter, when
dawn broke, were both seen towing
prizes in the shape of small schooners.
The Wilmington's capture was laden
with charcoal, and the Porter', the
Sophia, hud rum and sugar aboard.
They were both towed to Key West.
The torpedo-boat Porter, commanded
by Lieutenant Fiemont, is doing great
work, and if she keeiie on at this rate,
her crew will have no end of prize
money to divide.
About 9 o'clock this morning, the
New York proceeded several miles
closer inshore. Jot s breath 01 wind
stirred; the sea and the heat was ter
rible.--''' '- ' v :
An KfiTectlva Blockade.
On Board the Flagship New York, off
Havana, April 85. Morro castle
opened fire on the fighting squadron of
the United States, at 11 o'olook last
niaht. About 10 shots were sent in
the direction of our ships. Not one of
them took effect, and no shots were
filed in return.
The Spaniardsevidenily had seen the
lights of the New lork while the latter
was signaling to a snlpoi tne squadron.
The fire was reported by tho officer of
the deck, Ensiirn J. R. Ldito, to Cap
tain Chadwick, who was asleep at the
time. The young officer asked the cap
tain in command whether the New
York had not better discontinue sig
aline. ,
"No," muttered Captain Chadwick,
with the Utmost coolness. "There is
no necessity for stopping the signals.
Go ahead."
A little later, Captain Chadwick was
on the forward bridge, whence he
watched the tongues of flame shoot out
from Morro castle. He glanced in the
direction of the Spanish fortifications
for a few seconds, and then turned his
back on them in silent contempt, and
went back to his bed, perfectly certain
the Spaniards could do no damage at
five miles, which was then the approxi'
mate distance of the flagship from
Morro castle. '
Another officer said:
"The Spaniards probably became
nervous and decided they could not
sleep without some fireworks. They
can't bit anything anyway."
There wa no excitement on board
the flagship during Morro castle's futile
attempt ot gnnnery. The discipline
was really splendid. In fact, at this
hour many people on board the flagship
do not know that Spain's fitst guns of
war have been fired, and that tiie New
York was their target. .
Morro castle light, which was burn
ing brightly all the evening, was put
out at midnight. The Spaniards evi
dently realised, though rather late, that
the sole use of Morro lights at that
time had been to serve as a guide for
the fleet ot the United States.
No Fears for the Oregon.
Washington, April 88. The most
important development today in regard
to the movements of the varions ships
of the navy was an official statement
issued by Secretary Long to the effect
tint the department is fully aware of
the whereabouts ot the battle-ship
Oregon and tbe gunboat Marietta, but
tor prudent reasons positively declines
to say where the vessels are, whether
nr not they have been ordered to return
to San Francisco, or, in fact, to make
any statement respecting them further
than that it haa no apprehension for
their safety.
It is known that the department bas
taken steps to have the commander of
the Oregon met by friends and warned
of the outbreak of hostilities and of the
presence of a Spanish torpedo gunboat'
at Buenos Ay res in the path ot the
wahsiip on her way to the North At
lantic squadron.
Three More Frlsee.
New York, April 86. A dispatch to
tbe Press from Key West saya: The
gunboat Wilmington captured the
Spanish schooner Candiga.wlth a deck
load of charcoal for Havana, where it
is extremely valuable for fuel. At
thia writing, the Cushing is bearing
down on a schooner to the southeast.
The breeze is slow and while she has
on all sail, the Cushing. will overhaul
her shortly. She haa the start, but
the Cushing haa the steam. The tor
pedo boat Porter today captured the
Spanish schooner Antonio, laden with
sugar for Havana. , The Antonio was
sent to Key West with a prize crew ot
four men, under Cadet Dubers.
Key West, April 86. The govern
ment has taken control and all press
matter will be handled subject to the
decision ot the censor. Telegraphic
communication with Havana haa been
abandoned.
They Call It Piracy.
Madrid April 28. The capture of
the Spanish steamer Buena Ventura by
a United Statea gunboat off Key West
has aroused great indignation, the
Spaniards claiming that hostilities are
not yet supposed to have begun. The
citizens of the oity characterize the
seizure as an act of piracy, being in
defiance oi international law, and
"oharaoterietio of the Xankees,"
DOINGS OF TIIE WEEK
What Has Happened in the
Civilized World.
GIVEN IN THE PBESS DISPATCHES
A Complete Review ot the News of tha
Past Been Day la Thla and
All Foreign Lands.
George Parsons Latbrop, poet and
author, died at Roosevelt hospital, New
York.
Professor Julea Maroon, famona
throughout the world aa a geologist, i
dead at bis home at Cambridge, Mass.
It took the Republican of the 10th
Ohio district 1,877 ballots to nominate
3. Morgan lor congress, to succeed Rep
resentative Fenton.
A hundred colonist have offered
their services to the American consul,
George W. Bell, at Sidney, N. 8. W.,
In the event of war between the United
States and Spain.
Naval and military preparation con
tinue with nnabated vigor. Seven
fleet steam yachts, suitable for naviga
tion in Cuban waters, were procured
and several bids for steam collier were
made in Washington Wednesday.
Tbe police commissioners of San
Francisco have adopted a resolution de
claring that in case of war police officer
who enlist wiil not lose their places,
which will be filled during their ab
sence by men whose appointment shall
be merely temporary.
It ia the understanding that the call
for 80,000 men will be filled entirely
from the National Guard, and that the
quota trom each state will be fixed in
the proportion that the number of en
listed Guardsmen bear to the total in
the United States, rather than by the
population. It is estimate. that there
are nearly 130,000 enlisted men in the
organizationa of the country, which
would make bd 80,000 call cqnal to
two-thirds of the Guardsmen of each
tate. ' '
The departure of the First battalion
of the Nineteenth infantry from Fort
Wayne for Mobile was marked bv a
serioua accident. Daring the flriug of
a salute in honor of the departing
troops by those left in charge of the
fort, Private George Enpinan had his
right arm nearly blown off by the
premature explosion of a cannon, and
Sergeant John W. Annis, who was in
charge of the firing party had his right
band severely injured. Engnian's arm
was amputated.
The British government is buying
coal largely on account of an inerense
in the fleet in view of the anticipated
Spanish-American war.
Under instructions from Minister
Polo, the Spanish consuls are arranging
for the departure of the Spaniards from
their respective localities in this
country. .'
The Chicago Chronicle says: . The
American soldier live well, and the
experts declare that an amy of 200,000
men can lie supplied from domestic
sources without inconveniencing any
body or causing the price of food
products to rise. ;
General Lew Wallace, the famous
soldier, diplomat and novelist, who was
71 years Id April 10. hits formally
withdrawn from the race for the United
States senate, and announces that he
will enter the army and fight for Cuban
independence.
,The Spanish authorities have ac
quired all the principal warehouses at
Teneriffe, Canary Islands, and at Grand
Canary for the accommodation of a
large reinforcement of troops expected
there, and to bold stores due to arrive.
Even churches there are being used for
military purposes, and the strength of
the fortifications is being increased.
At Las Paiinas, large quantities of
grain have been amassed.
Tbe Rome correspondent of the Lon
don Chronicle says: Some of tha
powers, including France and Ituly,
are action in concert with the vai it;nn
J in an effort to persuade Spain to aban
don Cuba. It is said Spain is secreliy
' inclined to this course, but prefers to
I aw.ll , 1... -t t hi-im k .if nar In nrHer tn
have the appearance of yielding to
force, so aa to be justified by publio
opinion.
News of further fighting between in
surgents and Spanish troop in the
province of Pinar del Rio, has reached
Havana. It appears the insurgents
nnder Lores Aguliar Riso made an at
tack Saturday upon the Spanish forces
in Pinar del Rio, and had the best ot
the fight, even aocording to the Spanish
announcement of tha affair. Spanish
report adds that the garrison of the fort
lost four men killed and had nine
wounded. .
The supporter in England of Don
Carlos, the Spanish pretender, headed
by the Earl of Ashbnrnham, are active
ly preparing for emergencies. Every
detail hoi been arranged to seize tha
propitious moment tor action. ; Thai
local Carl is ts are convinced that the
present dynasty ia doomed, and that
Spain will be forced to choose between
Republicanism and Don Carlos. They
add that the only chance of the present
dynasty ia a successful war against the
United States, the possibility ot which
ia scouted.
The Russian government has placed
order for two 13,000-ton battle-ship
In the United Statos, according to in
formation which boa reaahed the navy
department. The new vessels are to
equal any afloat or designed In tha
World, and are to be superior to any
thing In the fighting line heretolura
produced in' this country. Timy and all
their equipment will be Amwienn is
manufacture as well as in- material.
The Cramps will build the lini: -
machinery, and tiie Kothlitlmnt i
Company the armor and the tunnuls.