onntf OUrk
VOL. XXXV.
CORVAIiLIS, BENTON COUNTY, OREGON, FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1898.
NO. 7.
5
Naval Fleet Ordered to
Blockade Havana.
SPAIN REJECTS ULTIMATUM
MinUter Woodford In Given His Pass
ports and Diplomatic Relations Be
tween the United States and Spain
Are Declared to Be Severed.
Washington, April 23. War between
the United States and Spain is a fact,
though not officially declared so by
congress.
The stirring events of yesterday were
succeeded today with rapidity by others
of more importance, culminating in the
afternoon in orders for the departure of
the North Atlantic squadron for Ha
vana. This practically is an act of
war, so that the war between this coun
try and Spain may fairly be said to date
from today.
Two minutes after the opening of the
Btate department this morning, came
word from Minister Woodford that the
Spanish government, having antici
pated and prevented his intentions to
present the president's ultimatum, he
had asked for his passports. The ad
ministration, in a public statement,
announced that it regarded the action
of the Spanish government as render
ing unnecessary further diplomatic ac
tion on the part of the United States,
and further stated that it regarded the
course adopted by Spain as one placing
upon that country the responsibility
for the breach of friendly relations.
Mr. Woodford's telegram resulted in
the calling of a special cabinet meeting
to arrange an outline for a plan of cam
paign, or rather to determine how to
begin the execution of the plan of cam
paign already prepared by the strategic
boards of the army and navy depart
ments. The Blockade of Havana.
The result was the immediate order
for the Atlantic squadron to begin the
blockade of Havana.
How much further than this the cab
inet progressed in its deliberations it
is not possible to say, for the obvious
reason that the time has now come
when the interests of the government
requrie that the movements of the ships
and troops should be guarded with the
greatest care from undue publicity, in
order to prevent the enemy from tak
ing advantage of information.
The North Atlantic squadron, under
Captain Sampson's command, is a
splendid array of fine vessels, and this
force is quite competent to blockade all
the ports in Cuba, or at least all of the
ports, connecting by rail with Havana,
and so likely to be used to supply that
place in the event of seige with food
and munitions of war.
This statement is to be taken with
the understanding that it does not con
template the coming to Cuban waters
of the Spanish fleet. In such case,
however, the probable policy would be
to abandon the blockade and endeavor
to force the Spanish fleet to battle.
Minister Woodford's action during
the day, as reported to the state depart
ment in a late telegram, indicated that
he was following a carefully prepared
programme. A significant feature of
his message was the statement that the
Spanish government notified him that
it regarded the withdrawal of Minister
Polo yesterday as terminating diplo
matic 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 consuls to withdraw.
He further stated that he had 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 hands of the British
ambassador. The ambassador, Right
Hon. Sir H. Fry-Drumruond Wolf, is
not at present in Madrid, so American
interests will be confided to the Brit
ish charge, Sir George E. Bonham.
To all intents and purposes, this re
lieves the state department from fur
ther negotiatins as to Cuba, save those
relating to privateering, neutrality ob
servances and the like.
Sending 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 of the president it is possible to use
them advantageously in the occupation
of the island. Meanwhile, as rapidly
as troops can be rushed to Key West
and other points on the South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, they will be hurried
forward. It is estimated that it will
take 10 days to concentrate an army
sufficient in size with supplies to make
the campaign.
It is the purpose to gather these
troops and make a sharp, decisive
movement. Immediately upon the
passage of an army volunteer bill by
congress, the president will call for
100,000 men. Of this force, 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 ro vers Notified.
It was found necessary to frame a
notice to the powers of the attempt of
our government to establish a blockade
of Havana, a notification required by
international law.
The navy department today, aside
from giving the orders to the squadron,
continued the work of adding to the
navy, and purchased another ship at
Norfolk as an auxiliary cruiser, and
some amall yachts.
The news of the actul beginning of
'war was received with gravity at the
department, and there were many spec
ulations as to the ultimate outcome.
II
I
1
The Ultimatum to Spain.
Following Is the text of the presi
lent's ultimatum to Spain, as given
3Ut this morning:
"April 22, 1898. Woodford, Minis
ter of the United States, Madrid: You
have been furnished with the text of
the joint resolution voted by the con
gress of the United States on the 19th
inst., 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
said resolution, with a formal demand
.ipon the government of Spain to at
jnce 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
ng this step, the United States hereby
disclaims any disposition or intention
to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or
control over the island, except for the
pacification thereof, and asserts 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 as they
may establish.
"If by the hour of noon on Saturday
next, the 23d day of April, instant,
there be not communicated to this gov
ernment by the government of Spain
full and satisfactory responses to this
demand and resolution, whereby the
ends of peaoe in Cuba shall be assured,
the president will proceed without fur
ther notice to use the power and au
thority enjoyed and conferred upon
him by said joint resolution to such
sxtent as may be necessary to carry the
same into effect. SHERMAN. "
The following statement regarding
the sending of the ultimatum to Spain
was issued today:
Yesterday, April 22, 1898, at about
11 o'clock, the department of state
served notice of the purpose of this
government by delivering to Minister
Polo a copy of the instructions to Min
ister Woodford, and also a copy of the
resolution passed by the congress of the
United States on the 19th. Immedi
ately after the receipt of this notice
the Spanish minister forwarded to the
state department a request for his pass
ports, which were furnished him yes
terday afternoon. The United States
minister at Madrid was at the same
time instructed to make a like com
munication to the government of Spain.
This morning the department re
ceived from Minister Woodford the
following telegram, stating that the
Spanish government had broken off
diplomatic relations with this govern
ment. This course on the part of
Spain renders unnecessary any further
diplomatic action on the part of the
United States:
"Madrid, April 22. Early this
morning, immediately after the receipt
of your telegram, and before I had
communicated the same to the Spanisli
government, the Spanish minister of
foreign affairs notified me that diplo
matic relations had been broken be
tween the two countries, and that all
Official communications between then
respective representatives have ceased.
I accordingly asked for safe 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 Spanish Squadron Will
Head Off the Battle-Ship.
Washington, April 23. It Was sug
gested at the navy department that it
is possible the Spanish squadron, which
sailed from Cape Verde islands today,
is heading to cut off the fine battle
ship Oregon, now on its way from the
Pacific coast to join Captain Sampson's
command. There is also some fear
that the Oregon may bo taken at an
unfair advantage, without knowledge
of the existence of war, by the Span
ish torpedo-boat destroyer Temerief,
which is now at Buenos Ayres. Pos
sibly, with a view of avoiding a con
flict in the straits of Magellan, where
she would be at a disadvantage, the
Oregon has been ordered to go around
Cape Horn. The Oregon sailed from
Callao the 9th inst., since which time
nothing has been heard from her. It
is believed she is now nearing the por
of Montevideo, Uruguay.
The formidable Spanish torpedo-boat
is supposed to be somewhere in that
vicinity awaiting the arrival of the Or
egon, and some fear is expressed that
she may creep on her unawares and,
consequently, considerable relief will
be telt when the arrival of the Oregon
at some South American port is re
ported. It is probable that when the
Oregon reaches Rio de Janeiro or
Bahia, she may be joined by the Bra
zilian cruiser Nictheroy, recently pur
chased for the United States navy, and
the two vessels will come to the United
States together.
Weyler Will Take a Hand.
London, April 23. The Madrid cor
respondent of the Daily Telegraph
says: Bullfights have been arranged
in all of the large towns, the proceeds
to be devoted to the national defense
fund. It is still asserted that General
Weyler will command an army corps.
Run on a Barcelona Bank.
London, April 23. A dispatch from
Barcelona says the act of the Bank of
Barcelona, in withdrawing a large sum
from the local branch of the Bank of
Spain, caused a run on the latter insti
tution, but all demands were met.
Malaga Correspondent Leaves.
Malaga, April 23. The United
States consul, R. M. Bartleben, hae
started for Gibraltar. The American
flag over the consulate has been re
moved, and the archives transferred tc
the British consulate.
Spain Calls Out Her Reserves.
London, April 23. A dispatch from
Madrid says War Minister Corres
authorized the call of 80,000 reserves.
Three vessels loaded with troops left
Caliz; destination unknown.
Rogers Receiving; Applications.
Olympia, April 23. Now that wai
with Spain has Degun, the executive
office is crowded with people who are
anxiously looking for an opportunity tc
serve their country, mostly in an offi
cial capaoity. Governor Rogers has
received two applications from women
who would like to serve as army nurses.
The Danish manufacturers of clay
products are adding improved macbiu
iry of the latest style to their yards
ind are putting thmselvea in position
io turn out the beat sort of clay manu
btcturts of all kind.
181 mm
Nashville Takes a Span
ish Steamer.
BROUGHT HER TO KEY WEST
The Bneaa Ventura the Unfortunate
Vessel The Skipper Surprised, as He
TMd Not Know That War Had Been
Declared Prize Crew Put on Board.
Key West, April 25. The United
States fleet was about 12 miles off Sand
key light this morning at 7 o'clock
when the Spanish merchantman Buena
Ventura was sighted bound north. The
gunboat Nashville ran her down and
put a shot across her bows from the
4-inch gun on the port side aft, manned
by Lieutenant Dillingham.
The Spaniard ignored the shot, but
another closer to her bows brought her
to. A prize crew, under Ensign Ma
gruder, was put aboard.
Captain Luzairaga, in command of
her, was astounded. He said ho did
not know that war had been declared,
but when he was informed of the state
of affairs, he shrugged his shoulders
and accepted the situation philosoph
ically. The Nashville has taken on stores
and will return to the fleet, carrying
Ensign Magruder, who will be received
by Ensign Carleton, of the Snow. A
body of marines is pacing the deck of
the Spaniard, and her crew of 28 are
lounging about the decks in nonchalant
fashion. Not a man is in irons.
According to prize laws, Captain
Maynard will turn the prisoners of
war over to the United States district
ittorney, who will decide the question
of their dsiposition.
The Buena Ventura is a tramp steam
er of 1,155 tons, and hails from Bilboa,
Spain. She has a cargo of lumber,
loaded at Pascagoula, Miss., and was
bound for Rotterdam.
The news of the capture of the Span
iard set the people of Key West frantic
with enthusiasm. All work was sus
pended, and the docks were crowded
with people.
Commodore Lyons, of the Dolphin,
has delivered to United States District
Attorney Stripling the papers of the
Buena Ventura. He will libel the ship
in the United States admiralty court.
Satisfaction at the Department.
Washington, April 25. The 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 much excitement, and was
eagerly discussed as an outward evi
dence of the actual existence of war.
Secretary Long, however, had not re
ceived word of the capture, except
through newspaper sources. Notwith
standing this, naval officers credited
the report and discussed it as though it
was an accepted fact. It was said that
a part of the crew had been placed on
board, and the captured vessel had a
valuable cargo, including considerable
coal.
Among the officials, the report caused
much satisfaction, although it was said
the capture of a Spanish warship
would have been more acceptable.
There is said to be no question as to
the right of taking Spanish merchant
ships at this time. Two of these Bhips
left Galveston within the last day or
so with considerable cargoes of cotton
on board. Another Spanish ship is
said to be en route from Vera Cruz,
Mexico, with 1,000,000 pesetas on
board, representing the subscription of
Vera Cruz to the Spanish in Cuba.
Volunteer Army Bill Signed.
Washington, April 25. The volun
teeer army bill was signed by the pres
ident at 3:06 P. M. The bill, as agreed
to, reduces the time of enlistment from
there years to two. The amendment
authorizing the president to organize
independent troops was retained, but
limits the number to 3,000. The bill
leaves it optional for regiment and com
pany militia officers to receive commis
sions from governors. The senate re
ceded from the amendment attaching
an engineer officer to the staff of each
brigade commander.
Topeka Reported Lost.
London, April 25. The Diily Mail
says that it is stated in Falmouth ship
ping circles that the American cruiser
Topeka, which left Falmouth the even
ing of Tuesday, April 19, was in col
lision with the bark Albatross, at mid
night, Thursday. According to the
Mail, the captain of the Albatross
asserts that after the collision the
steamer, whose name he did not ascer
tain, flashed a light and suddenly dis
appeared. He believed she foundered.
United States Censorship.
Key West, April 25. The United
States government has established a
cenorship of telegTams, forbidding the
transmission of code messages to or
from Havana. This begins at once.
Monadnock Goes North.
Vallejo, Cal., April 25. The United
States steamship Monadnock has left
for sea, en route to Puget Bound. In
her coat of gray paint the Monadnock
is not visible at sea 1,000 yards distant.
Woodford in Paris.
Paris, April 25. General Stewart L.
Woodford, the United States minister
to Spain, accompanied by tlie party
with which he left Madrid, arrived in
this city at 7:45 o'clock this evening.
Will Bombard Manila.
London, April 25. The American
squadron at Hong Kong, according to a
dispatch from Shanghai, has sailed for
Manila, which it will attack. The
dispatch says:
"Three steamers, recently purchased
by the United States government, will
follow the fleet with coal. The ap
proaches to Manilla are mined. It ii
reported here that the priests and com
mercial classes in the Philippines are
in favor of a peaceful surrender, rather
than to suffer a bombardment, but that
tho mili tar are determined tomay"
PACIFIC COAST SAFE.
Warships In These Waters More Than
a Match for Spain.
Mare Island Navy Yard, April 25.
"WTe are prepared today to capture or
destroy any force that Spain could pos
sibly send against the Pacific coast."
said Rear Admiral Kirkland. "In the
first place, the Spanish government has
no vessels in Paoific waters nearer than
the Philippines. We have a greater
force than Spain, and can easily take
care of the opposing fleet. The next
possibility lies in sending a fleet
through the Straits of Magellan. Even
if Spain had the ships, they would be
practically useless after they got into
the Pacific, through the lack of coal.
"We have two monitors, the Monad
nock and the Monterey, that are more
than a match for any vessel in the
Spanish navy. Besides these , two we
liave the Bennington and Mohican,
which are now en route from the Ha
waiian islands. The Charleston will
be in commission by May 1, and if it
were necessary we could have the
Yorktown and Philadelphia in fighting
trim by the Ut of June.
"What 1 rely upon largely io com
plete our coast defenses are the ten
vessels recently acquired. Another
valuable adjunct to our Pacific roast
defenses is the two torpedo-boats now
nearing completion at Portland and one
on the Sound. This number can be
increased materially if the necessity
presents, since each requires only 60
days for building."
A MASTERLY STROKE.
United States Acted Wisely in Declar
ing Against Privateering.
New York, April 25. A dispatch to
the Tribune from London says: The
announcement that the United States,
in the event of hostilities, will not re
sort to privateering and will be gov
erned by the four rules of the declara
tion of Paris, is considered a masterly
stroke in diplomatic circles While
England's sympathy has been witb
America from first to last, Spain ha:
gained some tactful advantages as
negotiations have proceeded. The
point has been scored, not by many,
but by a few English journals, that
while Spain has made a series of con
cessions to America, congress in the
end has compelled her to fight. All the
continental journals have agreed in de
scribing the negotiations as one-sided,
with Spain in the position of offering
one sacrifice after another, without
pleasing American opinion.
It was important that the state de
partment, while justifying war on
humane principles, should restrict the
area of disturbance as much as possible
and guarantee security for neutral com
mercial interests. This has been done
by tho official announcement from
Washington that the government will
adhere to the principles of the declara
tion of Paris. Nothing could be more
satisfactory to England, France and
Germany. It is pledged that the
United States will respect the four
rules of the declaration of Paris, dis
countenance privateering, protect neu
tral goods under any flag and the ene
my sailing under a neutal flag, with
the single exception of contraband of
war, and recognize the necessity of
making a blockade effective in order to
render it binding. These four pledges
will be the safeguards of European
commerce in the pending war.
So far as the American practice is
concerned, Spain will be placed on the
defensive. She will be compelled to
repeat these assurances or else alienate
European sympathy.
The judgment in diplomatic circles
is that America has adopted a course
which will embarrass Spain, conciliate
the commercial and mercantile classes
of England and the continent and
strengthen the position of the United
States. Every one of the four rules of
the declaration of Paris is in favor of
America in tho event of hostilities.
Diplomats perceive at once that Amer
ica has nothing to lose and much to
gain from the abolition of privateering
and the proteetion of neutral commerce
and private property under any flag,
and the establishment of the principle
that a blockade in order to be binding
must bo effective.
It would be to the manifest advan
tage of the United States if both bel
ligerents were under obligations to re
spect the declaration of Paris. The
state department, by taking high
grounds in the interest of civilization,
may force Spain to follow it. If Spain
draws back, owing to a wanton desire
to capture and destroy private property
at sea, it will be an offense against the
commercial interests and moral opin
ion of Europe.
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
surances from Spain. It cannot be
doubted that the adherence ot the
United States to the declaration of
Paris will strengthen English feeling
in favor of America and greatly impair
the anti-American sentiment on the
continent. It will be an appeal to
self-interest all around, yet will have a
moral justification in the high aims of
civilization.
Old Glory Burned.
Madrid, April 25. This evening a
crowd 6,000 strong carrying flags and
shouting "Viva Espanal" "We want
warl" and "Down with the Yankeesl"
burned the Stars and Stripes in front of
the residence of Senor Sagasta, who was
accorded an ovation.
New York, April 25. A dispatch to
the Herald from Saint Thomas, says a
revolution has broken out in the Ponce
district of Porto Rico, and there is riot
ing all through the island.
Blanco's War Declaration.
Havana, April 25. Captain-General
Blanco has published a decree confirm
ing his previous decrees, and declaring
the island to be in a state of war.
He also annuls his former similar de
crees granting pardon to insurgents,
and places under martial law all those
who are guilty of treason, espionage,
crimes against peace or against the in
dependence of the nation, seditious re
volt, attacks against the government or
against the authorities, and against
those who disturb public order, though
only by mean of printed mattei.
1
The President Issues His
FIRST TIME IN THIRTY YEARS
The Call Is for 135,000 Men to Fight
the Spaniards Apportionment of the
Volunteers by States National Guard
Will Have Preference.
Washington, April 26. The presi
dent today called upon the people of
Hi j United States, for the first time in
30 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
125,000 volunteers. The secretary of
war created a new army corps. The
two, taken together, witli regular army
soon will move on Cuba, and that
meanhile the volunteers will be equip
ped and drilled.
The president's proclamation, while
pctually issued, was not certified to the
governors of the states 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 is to be
called into service first. The Guard
regiments 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
ply 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, as organized. This is more
impotant than would appear at first,
inasmuch as many of the National
Guard have volunteered only on condi
tion that they may serve as now organ
ized. 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 departments for feeding
and transporting the number of men
called for. This is 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
lows: "By the President of the United
States A Proclamation:
"Whereas, By act of congress, en
titled an act to provide for the increas
ing of the military establishment ot
the United States in time of war, and
for other purposes, approved April 22,
1898, the president 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 Mc
Kinley, president of the United States,
by virtue of the power 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 volunteers to the aggregate
number of 125,000 to carry into effect
the purpose of said resolution, the
same to be apportioned as far as prac
ticable among the several states and
territories and the District of Colum
bia, according to population, and to
serve for two years, unless sooner dis
charged. Tho details of this order will
be immediately communicated to the
proper authorities through the war de
partment. "In witness whereof, I have here
unto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed.
"Done at Washington, this 23d day
of April, 1898, and of the independence
of the United States the 122d.
"WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
"By the President,
"JOHN SHERMAN,
"Secretary of State."
Telegrams have been coming from
every sestion to Secretary Alger from
governors and militia officers convey
ing information as to the length of
time, surprisingly short, in many
cases, that would be required by them
to gather their forces ready for muster.
Points of Mobilization.
The men, as fast as mustered in by
regular army officers in the various
states, will be brought to one of thiee
great depots, viz., Washington, Rich
mond or Atlanta, where they will be
organized 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
Fitzhugh Lee is to receive a volunteer
commission, either as one of the four
major-generals or as 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 of
concentration.
In anticipation of the president's
call, vast numbers of letters and tele
grams have begun to flow in on Secre
tary Alger, offering service as volun
teers in the army. So numerous are
those communications that the secre
tary has asked the press to notify the
people that such communications
should be directed to the governors of
states and territories.
A Capture by the Ericsson.
On Board Flgship New York, off
Havana, April 26. The torpedo boat
Ericsson captured a Spanish fishing
boat last night under the guns of Mor
ro castle.
The Helena's Prise.
Key West, April 26. The gunboat
Helena captured the Spanish steamer
Miquel Joves early this morning. The
Jove's cargo is composed of cotton and
stave;. The prize is estimated to
value' $400,000, the cargo alone being
worth $150,000. She belonged to the
Fermi lo line, of Barcelona.
FIRED ON THE FLEET.
Morro Castle Opened on the North At
lantic Squadron.
On Board the Flagship New York,
off Havana, April 26. During the
early morning, the Morro castle bat
teries again opened fire on the fleet,
but without the slightest effect. There
have been no casualties among our
forces up to this hour, and not a single
shot has been fired against the batteries.
At 3 o'clock this morning the De
troit mdae a rich haul, capturing the
Spanish merchant steamer Catalina,
bound for Cadiz. She carried a large
quantity of provisions, which she in
tended to land in Havana.
Ensign Christy, from the Detroit,
and four marines and six bluejackets
were put 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's, the
Sophia, had 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 keeps on at this rate,
her crew will have no end pf prize
money to divide.
About 9 o'clock this morning, the
New York proceeded several miles
closer inshore. Not a breath of wind
stirred; the sea and the heat was ter
rible. An Effective Blockade.
On Board the Flagship New York, off
Havana, April 25. Morro castle
opened fire on the fighting squadron of
the United States, at 11 o'clock last
night. About 10 shots were sent in
the direction of our ships. Not one of
them took effect, and no shots were
fired in return.
The Spaniards evidently had seen the
lights of the New York while the latter
was signaling to a ship of the squadron.
The fire was reported by the officer of
the deck. Ensign J. R. Edito, 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
aling. "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 hit anything anyway."
There was no excitement on board
the flagship during Morro castle's futile
attempt at gunnery. The discipline
was really splendid. In fact, at this
hour many people on board the flagship
do not know that Spain's first guns of
war have been fired, and that the New
York was their target.
Morro castle light, which was burn
ing brightly all tho evening, was put
out at midnight. The Spaniards evi
dently realized, though rather late, that
the sole use of Morro lights at that
time had been to serve as a guide for
the fleet of the United States.
No Fears for the Oregon.
Washington, April 26. The most
important development today in regard
to the movements of the various ships
of the navy was an official statement
issued by Secretary Long to the effect
that the department is fully aware of
the whereabouts of the battle-ship
Oregon and the gunboat Marietta, but
for prudent reasons positively declines
to say where the vessels are, whether
or not they have been ordered to return
to San Francisco, or, in fact, to make
any statement respecting them, further
than that it has no apprehension for
their safety.
It is known that the department has
taken steps to havo the commander of
the Oregon met by friends and warned
of the outbreak of hostilities ami of the
presence of a Spanish torpedo gunboat
at Buenos Ayres in the path of the
wahsrip on her way to the North At
lantic squadron.
Three More Prizes.
New York, April 26. A dispatch to
the Press from Key West says: The
gunboat Wilmington captured the
Spanish schooner Candiga.with a deck
load of charcoal for Havana, where it
is extremely valuable for fuel. At
this 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 has the start, but
the Cushing has 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 of
four men, under Cadet Dubers.
Key West, April 26. The govern
ment has taken control and all press
matter will be handled subject to the
decision of the censor. Telegraphic
communication with Havana has been
abandoned.
They Call It Piracy.
Madrid April 26. The capture of
the Spanish steamer Buena Ventura by
a United States gunboat off Key West
has aroused great indignation, the
Spaniards claiming that hostilities are
not yet supposed to have begun. The
citizens of the city characterize the
seizure as an act of piracy, being in
defiance of international law, and
"characteristic of the Vaukees. "
The Catalina Captured.
Key West, April 26. Ensign Chris
ty, witb a crew of 16 men from the
cruiser Detroit and four from the flag
ship, brought into port this morning
the captured Spanish steamer Cata
lina, Captain Fano, 3,491 tons, which
left Cadiz March 7, and was bound
from New Orleans for Barcelona via
Havana, for which latter port she was
making when taken. The Catalina
was captured about 4 o'clock Sunday
morning, 12 miles from Havana. She
is eairying a cargo of 6,000 bundles oi
staves.
fill Hill
I
Passed Congress With
out Dissenting Vote.
THE PRESIDENT REQUESTED IT
The Measure Went Through Without a
Dissenting Vote Naval Appropria
Kill Passed Secretary Sherman Re
signs Judge Day Appointed.
Washington, April 27. A formal
declaration that war exists between the
United States and Spain passed both
branches of congress today. The dec
laration was made in accordance with
the recommendation of the president,
engrafted in a message sent to congress
this morning. The measure was first
adopted by the house, and later agreed
to by the senate.
The senate passed the naval appro
priation bill, carrying large amounts
of money for the improvement of our
sea-fighting arm of the federal service.
The Hull army reorganization bill was
passed by the senate, and now goes to
conference; Secretary Sherman re
signed, as chief of the state depart
ment, to be succeeded by Assistant Sec
retary Day, and the latter by John B.
Moore, of New York, an acknowledged
authority on international law, and the
war department called on the several
states for their quota to the volunteer
army of the United States.
These make up the important events
of the day.
It was not announced when Secre
tary Sherman's resignation would take
effect, the secretary abandoned his
original idea of leaving at once, and it
is thought he will remain until Judge
Day qualifies as his successor. The
selection of Judge Moore, who iy now
professor of law at Columbia university,
New York, to succeed the latter, was
warmly welcomed by all of the state
department employes.
A prize commissioner was appointed
this afternoon in the person of Com
mander John A. Wynne, a retired naval
officer. He will be stationed at Key
West, where he now resides, and it will
be his duty in conjunction with two
other members, to be selected as a part
of the commission, to make appraise
ments of the value of prizes and to
assist the prize courts in their work.
A few telegrams came from Key
West, announcing the arrival there of
the prizes whose capture has been re
ported through the press. Nothing
could be obtained as to the intentions
of Commodore Schley in so hastily
rushing away the flyers Columbia and
Minneapolis from Hampton Roads, but
it is believed that their purpose is to
shelter the Paris or some of the liners
from attack of some Spanisli cruisers.
There was talk of establishing a supply
depot in the Philippines to meet the
conditions in Asiatic waters. Our fleet
there now has no home, and under
neutrality laws, the stay of the ships
at any port is limited to a few hours.
This is unpleasant, besides involving
the expenditure of a great deal of coal,
so that it may become necessary for
Commodore Dewey to seize a port in
the Philippines and fortify it as a base
of supplies.
The department today purchased two
tugs, the Hortense, of New Orleans,
and the Mary Willick, of Galveston.
The feature of interest at the war
department was the dispatch to the
governors of the states and territories,
of circulars, notifying them how many
men they would be expected to furnish
as volunteers, how they should be ap
portioned among the three arms of tho
service, and where they should rendez-
! vous as a United States army. A good
j many details to be arranged in order to
i carry out the project for the mobiliza
tion ot the volunteers, but these are
rapidly being disposed of.
The rendezvous for the troops to be
mustered in the service of the volun
teer army in the Pacific states and ter
ritories has been designated by Secre
tary Alger as follow
California San Francisco.
Colorado Denver.
Idaho Boise.
Montana Helena.
Oregon Portland.
Utah Ogden.
Wyoming Cheyenne.
THE BLOCKADE PERFECT.
Vigorous Chasing of Every Moving
Light That Appears,
On Board the Flagship New York,
off Havana, April 27. The early
morning hours today were taken up by
a vigorous chasing of moving lights.
The only vessels spoken were the Brit
ish schooner Iolantht-, of Windsor, N.
S. She was allowed to proceed. She
was just out of Matanzas. No shots
have been fired since yesterday morn
ing on either side. The Dolphin and
the yacht Eagle arrived from Key West
this morning. The Dolphin carried
the officers and prize crews who had
been placed on the steamer Pedro and
the Echooner Antonio. All were glad
to get back, although they said they
had had no trouble with their prizes.
The torpedo-boat Porter made a dar
ing trip into the shore under cover ol
darkness last night, and Lieutenant
Fremont, her commander, landed with
a small party and obtained valuable
information. The blockade continues
under beautiful weather conditions.
Washington, April 27. Secretary
Long this afternoon said Captain Samp
eon had been appointed acting rear
admiral. It is supposed he will be
named later as rear admiral.
Searching Neutral Vassela.
Madrid, April 27. The Official
Gazette today publishes the instructions
of the Spanish government respecting
the right to search neutral vessels. In
brief, they set forth that warships may
detain merchantmen in any non-neutral
waters for the purpose of verifying the
authenticity of the flag and for examin
ing the cargo, if the vessel is bound for
a hostile port.
The British board of trade has decid
ed to establish a museum of commer
cial samples.
LATER NEWS.
The state department sent notice to
all foreign nations of congress having
declared war, and that war has existed
since April 21. Reponses have already
begun to flow in. A neutrality procla
mation was issued by the British gov
ernment. Amciig the first to take
cognizance of the existence of a state
of war were the British colonies. This
in a measure supports the contention of
this government that war actually ex
isted before the declaration by congress.
The conference report on the army
reorganization bill was passed by both
houses of congress and signed by the
president. No progress was made on
other pending war measures.
Secretary Day's nomination was sent
to and confirmed by the senate.
The cabinet has decided that no
Spanish prize ship shall be released
previous to the passing upon of their
respective cases by the courts.
A Hong Kong dispatch says the Phil
ippine islands insurgents are massing
around Manila, and a massacre of the
Spanish is feared.
The Mangrove took in the big steam
er Panama, of the Ceballos line, a
Spanish auxiliary cruiser, off the
Cuban coast, and brought her prize to
Key West. The Panama is a steamer of
2,800 tons, and carried a valuable
cargo, including stores for the Spanish
army in Cuba. She sailed from New
York April 20. The capture of so
large a steamer by so small a vessel as
the Mangrove is regarded as a notable
achievement, and there was unusual
rejoicing at Key W est over the capture.
A rebellion is again imminent in
Spain. Towns are in the hands of riot
ers at frequent intervals daily. The
authorities are totally unable to con
trol tho mob. All revolutionary parties
are active and the stability of the pres
ent monarchy is threatened.
A royal decree proclaiming neutral
ity has been issued by the government
of Great Britain and printed in the
London Gazette. This was followed
by the issuance of proclamations of
similar import by a majority of the
British colonies in all parts of the
world. As a result of the issuance of
this decree, the international laws re
specting vessels sailing under the flags
of belligerent powers will be strictly
enforced in the ports of the British
empire.
Two more Spanish prizes have been
captured by the gunboat Newport.
The Newport brought in to Key West
the Spanish sloop Paquette and the
Spanish schooner Tireno, Cuban coast
ing vessels, captured off Havana. .
Cuban advices are to the effect that
the insurgents are forcing the fighting.
The Spanish, fearing assault by land
and sea, are hurrying their troops into
the cities. Insurgents have appeared
in force within 30 miles of Havana.
There was a raid by them just before
Bocade Jaruco early in the morning,
and the combatants must rJc .bad a
full view of the blockading squadron.
The house committee on naval affairs
has decided to report a disagreement
with the senate amendments to the
naval bill, and ask for a conference.
i?outelle, Hillborn and Cumminng will
be the house conferees.
It has been announced by tho Rich
ard Silk Company, of Chicago, that if
any of their employes desire to go to
war, his salary will be continued dur
ing his absence, iiis position will be re
tained until his return, and if he is
killed $2,500 wil' be giv-en by the firm
to his family.
There was a meeting on Trafalgar
Square, London, Sunday afternoon to
protest against Spanish barbarities in
Cuba and the Philippines. "Tom''
Mann, Louise Michael and Lathrop
Tathington, an American, who was
greeted with cries of "Good old Yan
kee," made speeches. Resolutions fa
voring free Cuba were adopted amid
cheers.
CONTRABAND OF WAR.
Character of Merchandise That Is Lia
ble to Seizure.
Inasmuch as there exists a great
amount of misapprehension, not only
among foreign countries, but also
among American shippers, as to the
character of merchandise that is con
traband and liable to seizure during
tne progress of war, the following un
official but authentic statement has
been obtained from a high official of
the government:
In determining, according to the law
of nations, whether merchandise is
contraband of war, it is classified:
1 Absolute contraband.
2 Occasional or conditional contra
band. 3 Goods not contraband.
The first class includes all goods of
an essentially warlike character.
The second class includes provisions,
naval stores, coal, horses, certain kinds
of machinery, certain forms of steel,
iron, etc., that are destined for the use
of the enemy. They are contraband or
not, according to occasion and condi
tions as to their character, shipment
and destined use. Every such caes de
pends upon its own facts.
The third class includes articles not
suited to warlike use, such as church
service and musical instruments, house
hold waies and goods of such like, and
including many that are purely of a
mercantile character.
A New York World dispatch from
Madrid says that a revolution is im
minent there. The correspondent says
no one can tell what will be the result
of her rapidly increasing domestic
troubles the cabinet crisis; the dis
sentions among her statesmen and
warriors; the intrigues of the Carlists,
the plotting of Weyler and Romero
Robledo, and the popular agitation.
United States warships made demon
strations against Cardenas and Mariel
on the 20th.
A London paper is in receipt of ad
vices from its Paris correspondent to
the effect that France is inclined to go
to Spain's aid. He says: "The Amer
ican methods of dealing with Spain
have excited unanimous indignation.
France will not let Spain go down
without a sustaining hand." The
same paper professes to have informa
tion that Chile is likely to attack San
Francisco, working in conjunction with
Spain attacking the Eastern coast.
In Berlin and Lei psic cyclometers an
attached to cabs, so that the occupant
may know his legal fare.