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THE EVENING &TAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Fernsylvaria Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by The Evening Star Ne sr Com; 8.4. K UPFMANN Pres Few York Ofics, 40 Potter Building The Evening Star fs served to subscribers In the y bs errriers, on thelr own account, at 10 cents per week cr 44 cents per month. Copies at the ater 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States «r Canads—postage prepaid —50 cents Per month turday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with cign postage added. $3.00. (Entered at the Pot Office at Washington, D. C.. as second-class mall matter.) CF All mail subscriptions must be pald in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicotior. MORE CONFERENCES ees fe Activity Displayed at the War and Navy Departments. CONVERTING THE AUXILIARY CRUISERS New Spanish Minister to Be Pre- sented Tomorrow. OPINION OF LEADERS Secretary Alger spent some time today in consultation with President Linderman, Vice President Davenport and Mr. Meiggs of the Bethlehem Iron Company. This corporation has a contract for supplying 100 heavy rifles for coast defenses. Many of these have been delivered already, and the Secretary's purpose in inviting the representatives of the company to meet him was to ascertain the extent of their resources in case of emergency and to induce them to press the work in their ands with all diligence. In both of these undertakings the Secretary was successful. While this conference was in progress at the War Department, Secretary Long was ergaged in an earnest consultation with President Griscom of the American Trans- atlantic Line of steamers. Mr. Griscom has just returned from Florida and stopped here on his way to Philadelphia for the express purpose of meeting Secretary Long, pre- sumably to inform the department as to what can be done in the way of converting the vessels of the American Line into auxiliary cruisers for the navy, under the terms of the subsidy act in case they are needed. In the case of the fine steamers of this line the department has already provided itself with full information as to all technical points of construction, how- ever, such as their ability to carry guns, war stores and such matters, so that what is wanted of Mr. Griscom probably is in- formation as to when the vessels can be had, their sailing schedules and such points. A good many cable messages were re- ceived at the Navy Department over night and this morning. It was said that there was not among them any word from the court of inquiry or from Admiral Sicard, but that they were almost all messages from United States naval attaches abroad relative to warships under construction and subject to purchase in the countries to which they are edited. For obvious and prudential reasons the department is not giving publicity of these dispatches. A Railing With a History. A railing was erected over night in the navigation bureau of the Navy Depart- ment, thus separating the public, including the newspaper men, from the officers at their desks. It was explained that this pre- caution was very necessary, in view of the crowded condition of the oftices at this tim. It is recalled that this particuiar railing has a history, in that it nas always imade \ts appearance in the same place on i eccasions of a “war scare” during re- cent years, such as the Chilean affair, the ita imbroglio and like incidents, oniy © taken down as soon as conditions had 1 their normal quiet. Navy Department is renewing its ef- to secure the enlistment of machin- to this end a board of oifers has ted to open up a new fizld. The is composed of Commander Hawley, seer Webster and a surgeon yet It will mak: a special ef- recruits in the middie and Going first to Cleveland, the board will work on southward to at this stage to any secure west. as Gaivesion. Those ma- pretty well paid, as naval sal- ne lowest grade receiving $40 a nile chief machinists, in charge of there is an allowance of rations, @ and other supplies that, taken in wection With the salary, make the places her d2sirable. Diplomatic Day. This being diplomatic day at the State Department, it would not be a matter of {a ordinary times to see the british ambassador ameng the callers upon the Secretary of State and Judge Day. But in view of the publications of touching up: lliances betwzen the United States and Great Britain and the British refusal to allow us to purchase warships in Eng- land, more than usual interest attached to his visit today The ambassador himself refused to make any statement for pubil- cation relative to these matters, being visi- bly annoyed at the prominence that has been given to these publications, but there ‘was no difficulty in obtaining from the State Department unequivocal denials of both these stories. As to the warships, the Lest proof of the fact that no inhibition had been laid upon their purchase in Great Britain is the satisfactory progress of the Begotiations through our naval attaches and other government representatives ®broad for the securement of options on such ships as are deemed desirable as 2d- @itions to our navy. Mr. M. Cambon, the French embassador, went over to the Navy Lepartment after paying his weekly cail upoa the Secretary of State, and paid a short visit to Secretary Long. This, it was said, however, was nothing but a formal call, the new ambas- sador having up to this time failed to make the usual visit of ceremony upon tho cffi- cers of the cabinet. Port Royal Dry Dock. Reports received at the Navy Department f:cm the contractor in charge of dredging & new anchorage ground for vessels at the cry dock at Port Royal, 9. C., are of a neture to encourage the officials to hope that the work of getting a sufficient an- chorage may not be unnecessarily delayed. ‘This is a new idea which the dock bureay las put into practical operation, as the basin will have an adequate depth of er either at high or low tide to accom- @odate naval vessels. Heretofore ships ave been compelled to come in from below nly at high water and then get out of the dock under the same circumstances—a ¢e- ‘ey and vexation that neant considerable in time of war or other important event. The adaptability of the Port Royal deck to United States war vessels at all times is one of great interest to the government. Scuth of Newport News it fs the only dock or. the Atlantic coast available for use of the vessels of the North Auntie squadron. Hence the desire of the offictals that it be breught up to the highest state of repair snd practicability in case of need. Al- though it is hoped from the contractor's report that thirty feet of water at low No. 14,038. TWO CENTS. If you want to buy, sell or exchange anything, lease property or rent rooms, want a situation or want help, it will pay you to announce the fact in the advertising columns of The Star. They are closely studied by more than three times as many people as read any other paper. tide may be obtained without finding ~ock bottom, which would make blasting neces- sary, yet they decline to predict what will! be the outcome, as it is not practicab’e to determine the nature of the entire bed of the harbor without a complete and thor- ough examination. ‘The New Spanish Minister Judge Day, Assistant Secretary of State, visited the White House early this morning. He arranged with the President for the presentation of the new Spanish minister. Senor Bernabe will be received by the Pres- ident tomorrow morning at 11:45 o'clock. The ceremony will not differ from that usual at the presentation of new ministers, but great interest will be excited by the event. Auxiliary Cruisers. A significant call at the White House to- day was made by Senater Hanna, accom- panied by Clement A. Griscom and son. Mr. Griscom is at the head of the American line of big passenger steam- ers running between this country and England. Senator Hanna remarked that the visit was social, but’ as he fol- lowed this by going to the Navy De- partment with the same men, his remark was taken as a joke. There is no doubt that Mr. Griscom came here to see the President and Navy Department about the preparation of the auxiliary cruisers of his line for a possible conflict. He wanted the President to know that his company stood ready to hasten all preparations in the arming of the vessels. It is said that he teld the President that the St. Louis and St. Paul could be made ready to become part of a flying squadron within a week. Opinions of Leaders. Many republican leaders visited the Presi- Gent today, and all were in a pleasant mood ever the events of the last few days. Sena- tors Burrows, Wolcott, Spooner, Fairbanks, Duboe and Representatives Grosvenor, Dir gley, Hopkins, Steele and others were in the number. Nearly all of them claimed that there is nothing new in the situation. “I think the outlook is improved,” said Representative Dingley. “Is it to continue that way?” “No one can tell what the future wiil bring forth, but the situation is more com- posed at present.” Senator Wolcott's visit was the first he has made to the White House in a long time. The President was with him about ten minutes. It is thought that the Col- orado Senator may have referred to the reported good wishes of England and to have expressed his views on the subject. His recent visit to England qualifies him to talk interestingly on probable English sen- timent at this time. What Cabinet Officers Say. The arrival of four cabinet officers at the White House about 1 o'clock this afternoon caused the circulation of a story that an extra session of the cabinet had been call- ed. It was found that the officials—Secre- taries Alger, Long and Sherman and Post- raster General Gary—had called on busi- ness relating solely to their departments. One of the cabinet officials was questioned as to a number of elarming rumors in cir- culation, but gave a denial to nearly all of them. Secretary Alger, for example, said that the conference he held during the morning with representatives of the Beth- lchem iron works was in regard to work contracted for long ago. It is also alleged that the call of Sir Julian Pauncefote at the Stage Department was in reference to Alaskan affairs. The cabinet ctticisls say positively that there have been no new Gevelopments of deep Interest in the iast twenty-four hour: nd none are leoked for within the next few days. Vigorous Naval Policy. ‘The vigorous policy of the Navy Denart- ment in preparing all its available re- scurces for the national defense in the event of a possible clash with Spain is progressing to the satisfaction of the ofti- Practically the only measure in- volving any doubt is the purchase of war- ships in foreign ship yards. All the ves- sels of the United States navy that could possibly be utilized in an emergency aris- ing in the near future have been pre- pared for immediate service, and such as are not already avatlable for active service are rapidly being put in condition. Reports received at the Navy Department today show that the double turreted monitor Miantonomoh and the Ram Katahdin were placed in commission at League Island navy yard this morning. Captain Morti- mer L. Johnson is in command of the moni- for-and Captain Frank Wildes, formerly secretary of the light house board, is in command of the ram. The Mianionomoh is one of the newly remodeled monitors, and is regarded as one of the most destructive fighting machines in the navy. The ram is an innovation in naval warfare and her efficiency in case of actual conflict is proble- matical. Her commander, however, is en- thusiastic in regard to her and has ex- pressed the opinion that she would prove a dangerous opponent to any warship, no matter how lorge or powerful. Another vessel that will soon be ready for commission is the cruiser Newark, new unéergoing repairs at the Norfolk navy yard. Orders have been given to rush work on this vessel, and it 1s expected that she will be ready for service in about a month. While one of the colder vessels of the new navy, the Newark, as remodeled, will com- pare favorably in every respect with more n.cdern vessels of her class. She has been provided with a battery of rapid-fire guns in place of the siow-fire battery with which she was originally fitted, and her speed will be materially increased. Al- though not settled, it is more than prob- able that she will be attacked to the home or North Atlantic squacron. ‘The two swift commerce destroyers, Co- Iumbia and Minneapolis, will be put in cecmmission at League Island on the 15th instant, and will materially add to the strength of the navy. It is expected that they will rerdezvoug at Hampton Roads and start from there on the mission which may be assigned to them. The armored cruiser Brooklyn, now on her way north from La Guayra, will join them in Hamp- ton Roads, and if a flying squadron is de- termined upon these three vessels will coh- stitute the principal part of it. The Big Monttor Purita: ‘The big monitor Puritan is reported to be rapidly reaching the completion of neces- sary repairs at the Norfolk navy yard. She will be ready for any duty that may be assigned to her within a few days. The chances are that she will be utilized in the same manner as the monitor Tertor, now at New York; that is, for the protection of one of the important ports on the At- lantic. Another vessel likely to be put in com- mission within the next forty days is the cruiser Philadelphia, now under repair at Mare Island, Cal., where she has been tied up since her return from Honolulu, several months ago. It is likely that she will be made the flagship of the Pacific station, to (Continued on Page.) SAW AWFUL SIGHTS ———— M. M. Parker Tells of His Experiences While in Cuba. Se Se CUBA'S CONDITION INDESCRIBABLE pa No Doubt Now That Maine Met Foul Play. SPANISH ARE NOT SORRY NEW YORK, March 10.—A special to the Evening World from Key West, Fla., says: Among the passengers on the Olivette from Havana today was Senator Proctor of Vermont, who has been making a study of Cuba and the Cubans. With him was Col. M. M. Parker of Washington. As soon Senator Proctor had registered he at once sent up his card to Admiral Sicard. He was shown to the admiral’s room and was cioseted with him for two hours. The ob- ject of the interview is presumably to de- liver the admiral some messages from Commander Converse of the Montgomery. Colonel Parker said to an Evening Worid reporter: “The senator’s trip to Cuba wa satisfy himself as to the real meri Cuban question. It has no political nificance waatever. The famine, suffering and awful destitution among the reconcen- trados is almost indescribable. Tae ade of Matanzas told me that 55,600 persons had died of starvation in that city during the last year, and that 5,6%) had died dur- ing February. Mortality at Hospitals. “In a ward of the hospital at Matanzas there are 100 Cubans, most of them sleep- ing on the floor. We spent a half hour at the hospital and during that time three of the patients in the ward died. Blanco's order modifying Weyler’s “reconcentra- dos” edict has not gone into effect, but when it does I do not believe that it will help matters any. Around a trocha. Any citizen who wi of it is liable to be shot by a Spanish sen- try. Blanco’s order permits them to go outside tne trocha for a few hours ever: day, but does not remove the sentries, and so Icng as they remain Cubans are not go- ing to venture outside. “We were just about to enter a hotel one day with our party, in which were sev- eral Indies. A group of Spanish officers were standing at the door. As we passed one of them said in Spanish: ‘I should like to have an order to kill these people.’ “Every American in Cuba now is watch- ed as though he were a criminal. ‘The Spaniards hate us and do not hesitate to say so. Spanish Not Sorry About Mrine. “Every one in Havana now knows that the Maine was blown up from the outside. Spaniards no longer deny it. They do not seem to be very sad over it, either. “Are we going to have war? Well, we don't I shall be surprised. Col. Parker said all the: American con- suls in Cuba are doing their best in the distribution of relief supplies, except Con- sul Magar at Cienfuegos, who, the colonel said, denied that there was much suffering, and who seemed to be in sympathy with the Spaniards. Senator Proctor refused to talk of his trip. merely to of the sig- if The Anita at Havann. HAVANA, March 10. — The American yacht Anita, with a congressional party on board, arrived here today. The ceniral committtee of the conserva- tive party, after a debate which lasted un- til 3 o'clock this morning, has agreed to take part in the forthcoming elections. The attitude of the conse! tives, how- ever, does not mean that they accept the eutonomous form of go nment or that they will contribute to its establishment. The conservatives will only accept the po- sitions to which they may be elected, so as to watch the proceedings of the autono- mists, deferd their interests and pnable them to protest in parliament against the new regime, against the calumnies circu. lated by the Madrid press and against their arbitrary exclusion from popular repre- sentation in the city councils and provin- cial assemblies, &c."" ‘The conservatives claim to represent 80 per cent of the wealth of the island, and assert that they are paying 70 per cent of all the taxes. Spin Buys Coasting Steamers. BERLIN, Merch 10.—Sencr Sandoval, the Spanish military agent in Germany, Aus- tria and Scandinavia, who returned here last evening from a trip, has made three conditional purchases of coasting steamers at Fiume and two at Pola. He starts today for Stettin and Hamburg to inspect a num- ber of vessels offe-ed. The United States, so far, has made no purchases from among her options in Ger- many. Lieut. A. P. Niblack, the United States Tavy attache here and also at itome, has returned to the latter city, == MINISTER BERNABE ARRIVES, Spain’s New Representative Taken to the Legation. The new Spanish minister, Senor Polo y Bernabe, arrived here early this morning, and was met at the depot by Senor du Bosc, the Spanish charge, and the other Spanish officiais, who gave him a cordial welcome and escorted him to the legation. Later Mr. du Bosc called at the State Department ard arranged to present Senor Polo at 11:15 o'clock tomorrow morning. At that time the minister will be introduced to Secretary Sherman and Judge Day, but it is not yet settled whether his presentation to the President will follow at once, as the cabinet will be in session at that time. Pending his meeting the officials here the new min- ister asked to be excused from discussing the present status of Spanish affairs, —____-e—___ TO SEAT PATTERSON. Decision on a House Contested Elec- tion Case. House committee on elections No. 3 yesterday agreed by a strict party vote to make a report in favor of seating ex-Rep- resentative Josiah Patterson, who contest- ed the seat of Mr. Carmack from the tenth Tennessee district. Mr. Patterson, who represented the district in the last Con- gress a democrat, ran against Mr. Car- mack, the democratic candidate, as a gold democrat. He was also indorsed by the republicans. The Civision in the commit- tee was on party lines. a eee Personal Mention. Col. Theo. Yates and Maj. Jos. K. Carson, retired, are in the city. Capt. H. C. Ward, 16th Infantry, is in the ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE Strong Sentiment for It in English House of | Commons. Mr. Duncombe Asked to Withhold Develop mt of the Negotin- tions for the Present. secr N. Curzon, replying in the house of co’ mons today to Mr. Ronald Mu: erguson, Kberal, repres trict of Leith, said no commurications 6r the Cuban ques- tion had been exchanzed between the Brit- ish ambassador at Washiagton, Sir Julian Pauncefote, and the government of the United States. The question which, it was announced, the Hon. Hubert Valentine Duncombe, con- rvativo member fer the west division of berland, wes to ask (whethe gnizit g the identit D peaking ider government of placing the services of the E at the disposal of the United Sta! event of conplicaticns between the States and any fore'gn pov Mr. Bun Relative to the wt ticn, Mr, Dur com “After consulta- tion with my friends, I decided that t exact form of the question made it inc) pertune to put ft. It was framed owing to the widely h nion fn the h ccmmons that it pewers should be i terms that a blow struck at either Great Britain or the Unite] States was equally a blow at the other. > ‘I was profcundly convinced of this to- day. Many more members than I supposed would do so came to me in order to say rtily indorsed my que I aim United ), Was not put. mbe Explains. rawal of his que sived to answer my proposed quest! firmatively, and would have done so had it not involved other cons besides expressing what I believe the present gov- ernment sircerely hoids—that in the face of foreign compli the interests in the fuiure of Great ain and the United Stat re inseparably intertwined. Will Bring Out Sentiment Later. “Today's expression and indorsement we wili bring out as soon es can frame the question in the exact terms which clearly express the feeling of the house of commons-—that any trouble threatening the United States will be shared by Great Britain.” Other members of the house of commons who were interviewed on the same subject all spoke in a similar strain. ——— WILL BE oP: EVENING The Question Settled Regarding the Congressional Library. It is now assured that the Library of Ccngress will be kept open during even- igs, as the provision to that effect placed in the legislative, executive and judicial appropriation bill has been’ agreed to by the conferees of the Sehate and House. ‘The provision follows: For the purpose of opening the library during evenings on and efter the first day of October, 1808, the.fclleaving: Under the librarian: Five assistants, at the rate of %@ per annum each, and ‘fif- teen assistants at ihe-raie of $720 per en- nem each; in all, $11, Under the superintendent of the library building and grounds: For engineers, elec- trician, machinist, skilled laborers, eleva- tor nductor, watchmen, attendant in ladies’ room and charwomen, $7,395 Concession to the District. Mr. Young, the librarian, sald to a Star reporter today: “The opening at night is a grateful concession to the wants of the people of the District. I was in hopes it would take effect July 1, as we could open in twenty-four hours. But Congress deem- ed October the best date, and we shall be ready. All the experience available as to night reading in public libraries leads to the belief that the attendance at night will be larger than during the day. As it to the library is open to two class e privileged under the law and the : The working classes—those in the departments, I mean, young ladies and gentlemen—who desire to read are for- bidden.”” “Hoy as to the boys provided for under “That,” Said Mr. Young, “was in response uggestion of mine arising out of ad- istrative experience. There is a class of laber that can be performed by boys just from school, say, about seventeen, who could come into the libraty as cadets go into West Point and learn the profession as any others. We can give them elemen- tary training in the cataloguing depart- ment, and, taken of age, they can become experienced librarians. Some of the best people on the staff learned their calling in this way under the tuition of the Ubrary authorities.” “When will the new force required under the bill for night service be appointed?” “Between now and October.” “Will tne library be placed under the civil service?” “That was the President's Intention when I was named librarian, and, I believe, is still his purpose. I am sorry, so far as I am personally concerned, that it was not done then, as I have always believed in civil service. However, no appointment has been made except under conditions as strict as those involved in a civil service examin- ation. In addition to this, every appoint- ment has been under probation. The dis- cipline of the library as to fitness, experi- ence and progress in work is as strict as in any department, and no one is retained who does not answer the standard. The very few changes that have been made were for public reasons, and the promotions in every case for merit. “Experience is the best test, after all, and we will know more of the administra~ tion of the library at the end of the fiscal year than now. The appropelation for the purchase of books should haye been larger. The library asked for $3,000 and received $15,000. When Eating! began the reorgani- zation of the British Mugeum library, he was given $50,000 a year for ten years. There should be a fan soa at the com- mand of the librarian, sosthat he could go into the market. when notable public libra- ries are broken up and mecure what we need. Here is where such dibtartes as those of Boston and New York‘are better served than ours.” F “Will the library ever .become circulat- jing?” Might Be a Cireulnting Department. | “Congress does not sesm to approve of the idea. But there might:be.a circulating department. Tnat would be a mere matter of administration, and shawld net interfere with the high purpose of the libpary as one of reference. Ten lines Im the appropria- tion bill would have given the authority. ane. rest would have- been a question of jetail.” Rev. Edward Everett Hale of Boston vis- ited the Library of Congress yesterday and was escorted through the various depart- ments by Mr. Young. Dr. Hale was enter- tained at luncheon by Senator Hoar of [forts of the ! the chi iize B FOREIGN SYMPATHY Doubts of the Correctness of the Queen’s Message as Published, oe WON'T TALK AT THE EMBASSY —__+ Effect of the British Attitude in Case of War. FEELING IN CONGRESS The explanation made in some of the mcrning papers of the visit of Sir Julian Pauncefote to the President, thoash de- scribing it es a visit to express the thor- oveh sympathy of the queen with the ef- United States to re ffering in Cuba, indi acter of the queen’ it was in the nature of a friendly warning t> this country and not properly interpret- able n expression of sympathy with the Px The character of the message 1 can property be interpreted nothing less than a :friendiy warning cn the part of Great Lritain that she il not appreve of this country’s entering he reason th tish commerce States. as described to w of the sympathy of Gre: United States it w or that Great stch an exhi an alliance of States looking t eastern quc g age is, therefore, inaccurately de- The character of thought to have 8¢ been bed. Won't Talk on the . Sir J himseit ¥ his representative + thorized to would ement of Ju no end Pre: “largely conjectu called to the up, the me Abe, an it Was rather expression of legation smiled he had nouced make no st emphasi. was lai ‘the queen lations United pathetic m our 4 probavle her frici tr 3 the conaeversy between the Luted suates but testead ef With the ciforts ef the Uniied nd following & wit the hope that war mignt be avoried, for the reason that it would irreparably ‘damage Bridsh cemmeree and bs a scrious*injury to Eng- lanG, the order of the proposition was prob- ably reversea, so that, while representing sire for peace, and citing the would result to Great Britain from such a war, notwithstanding this, the ympathy of Great Britain with the efforts g humanity in Cuba was seen, bu: was noi subject, the sta <br Mai 5 < Gu the vu that expressed. not regarded as credible that the message could hav me in the term of a warning that Great Britain would have an interest invcived growing out of an injury to herse:f by us, if we were forced to go to war with Spain. Would Ha British Sympathy. ‘There is every reason to b e that if r should cccur the United States would Pave the sympathy of Great Britain and her moral suppovi, and that if she shouid interfere in any way before nostilities her interference would be in the direction of i ging about just such a settlement of controversy as the United States is seeking. The connection between the attitude of Greai Britain toward the United States in this matter and the relations of the two countries with respect to the eastern ques- tion is not remote. A friendly co-op: tion, more or less direct, between G Britain tates in di and the United th foreign questio of both governm ticipated. A cl character is regarded a: more remote future. of the two governments in preserving the integrity of China, and the need Great Brit- ain has for the moral, if not the active, support of the United States in her con- tention with the rest of Europe over the eastern question, is expected naturally to dispose Great Britain to assume the most cordial and sympathetic attitude toward the United States in the present emer- gency. British commerce would undoubtedly suf- fer somewhat from war between the Uni- ted Staies and Spain. But it is not be- lieved that it would suffer neariy as much as bas the American commerce on account of the Cuban war. Spain Conldn‘t Blockade. There ts no probability, it is thought, of Spain being able, in the event of war, to blockade any of the principal American ports, and, of course, the war vessels of neither Spain nor the United States would interfere on the high seas, nor in ports, in the absence of a blockade, with vessels bearing the British flag. At all events, if war were forced upon this governn ent by the acts of Spain, it is not regarded as at all probable that we will be deterred frcm the defense of our dignity and our right by the consideration of a con- sequent temporary inconvenience to Great Britain, nor that Great Britain will expect or desire such a thing. It is felt to be a matter of congratulation by Jeading men in Congress, as well as those in official life, that there exists be- tween Great Britain and the United States a cordiality of sentiment and community of interests far beyond the ordinary comity of natiors. The attitude of Great Britain with respect to our intentions with Spain is expected to he such as to contribute, as far as any foreign influence can, toward checking Spain in any course which would compel the United States to go to war. Feeling About Congress. ‘The feeling about Congress is (and it is understood to reflect the sentiments of the administration) that any talk of assistance for the United States in a war with Spain coming from Great Britain, or any other nation is entirely superfluous. The sym- pathy and approval of wll natiors are de- sired, but the assistance of rione is needed. We merely want that they should not in- ry'to be done. fis under- to = soe eat ee iets oe tain whether or not any outside power 1s disposed to interfere and the result of the inquiries is satisfactory. The only event in which there could he any question. of alliance between this and ere t involved, ce of a a forma! thing of the The muiual inieresis assistance of Spain, and the United States could keep out of all quarrels, but her owa, making no alliance and forming no as- scciations beyond the point where inter coincided. Difficulty in Buying Vessels. The principal difiiculty about cither the United States or Spain buying vessels. in foreign countries is that all European gty- ernments realize their own danger of dis- agreement over questions foreign to the Spanish qu jon, and consequently their possilte need for all the vessels ava! within their own reaim. For any one of these countries, European or Asiatic, weaken herself by parting with any ve of her navy would be to invite encroac ments from her rivals. With the situation existing none is likely to mix up in the trouble we may have with Spain. The at- litude of England, however, may contrib- ute toward compeliing some one govern- ment friendly to Spain from interfering in our querrel. It is undcrsthod that guns are being built for Spain in Italy, und that a generally friendly dispcsitien toward Spain is being shown in that quarter. This leads to the suggestion that there may possibly be a particular significance in, the fact of Ger- many and Austria, the two other members of the triple alliance, being entirely non- committal as to how ‘they would view the insistence by this country on the indepen- dence of Cuba. MUST BE IMPORTED. Corbin’s Information Regari ing the New Officers’ Belt. Adjt. Gen. Corbin came over frora New York on the midnight train last night and resumed his duties at the War Department this morning. Senor Polo y B2rnave, the hew Spanish minister, was a passenger on | the same train, and the two gentlemen !icrmed a pleasant acquaintane: Gen. Corbin stated to a Star reporter, in the | most emphatic terms, this morning, that there was no truth in the reports that he gone to New York on business con- with emerg2ncy military prep- for the national’ defense. The . he explained, that he had gone to get measured for his new uniform 1 to attend to some other private busi- Gen. had scovered one pecullar thing @ c and that was t !t for general offi gulations, is not nd must made be imported to order. to one of the principal dealers in in this ods in that he this country cnd was in- could not supply a belt of ed ¢ cler under eleven days’ fer the reason that he would have to serd abroad for it formed the +e- MARINE BARRACKS. Unusual Act Forming Two lions. ne of activity at rning and a ement existed ed men and clerks, 1 order sent from the el Heywood, col- ceived an n Secretary Long directing men, form two battalions | of marines and have them ready for move- ment at a minute's notice. The order also authorized the purchase of a sufficient number of tents to accommodate the two battalions and any’ extra equipment which might be necessary to fit the soldiers for the field. Colonel Heywood immediately telegraph- ed orders to the different navy yards where marines are stationed to recruit all eligible men applying for enlistment, and had the large enlistment poster hung out in front of the barracks. A consultation of the staff officers at the barracks followed. Two battalions were up on paper and all the available 's of the corps assigned to places in ifferent companies. A caiculation was made as to the number of tents nec ry to quarter the officers and men and the amount of extra equipment which would be necessary to prepare the men for action, and the quartermaster was directed e of the same. the marine barracks iderablc \G ARTILLERYMEN. Good Progress Made in Raising the ne Two New Regiments. Good progress is being made in recruit- ing for the two new artillery regiments and they will be fully organized and equipped by the first of May at the latest. All the recruiting officers have been specially in- structed to exercise the greatest care in order that only the best available material cepted. That they are doing so is evidenced by the fact that only about 5 amined are accepted Orders were recently given to open all the recruiting rendezvous, inciud- ing that at Washington Barracks. Reports already ved indicate that there wiil be no difficulty whatever im securing ail tLe recruits that may be desired, and far in excess of the maximum enlisted strength authorized by law. Adjutant Gen Cor- bin said today that It was practically set- tled that the two new artillery regiments would be located at Fort Slocum and Fort Wadsworth. The selection of these posts was mainly due to the fact that they are the only ones where there are bul: ngs sufficient to quarter the men. The proba- bilities are that the Sth Artillery, now sta- tioned at Fort Wadsworth, will have to be transferred to other points along the coast, where new fortifications have been estal lished, in order to make room for the addi- tional’ artillerymen. Tne field officers for the new regiments will be as follows, provided they pass the | examinations to which they will be sub- jected: Sixth Regiment—E. B. Williston, colonel commanding; F. G. Smith, lieutenant colonel; S. M. Mills, W. P. Vose and E. K. Russell, majors. Seventh Regiment—Wm. Sinclair, colonel commanding; J. G. Ramsey, lieutenant colonel; J. P. Story, G. G. Greenough and F.C. Grugan, majors. The junior officers will be announced as soon as the examinations for promotions how in progress are completed. The pro- motions in artillery regiments that will occur as a result of the legislation author- izing the two regiments are as follows: W. F. Randolph, major in the 3d, to ueutenant colonel of the 3d; Charles Morris, captain in the 5th, to major of the 3d; Tully Mc- Crea, major in the 5th, to lieutenant colonel in the 5th; J. W. McMurray, eaptain in the 1st, to major in the 5th; J. B. Burbank, captain in the 3d, to major in the 5th; J. W. Dillenbzch, captain in the Ist, to major in the 2d. The names of the commanders of the two new regiments were sent to the Senate by the President today. a WILL SHORTLY BE ISSUED. RECRUITE known for some time the exemptions he await the report of the Senate civil service WORK IS UP TO DATE Naval Court Ready to Report on Short Notice. ee PROOF OF EXTERNAL EXPLOSION Some Doubt as to the Perpetrators of the Crime. PROCTOR WHAT KNOWS + (Copyright, 1898, by Chus. M_ Pepper.) Special Cablegram From a Staff Correspondent. HAVANA, March via Key West, Fla., March 9.—These things are known in Ha- vana at this writing: The naval court can report the results of its investigation of the Maine disaster within three days, if the report is desired in Washington that soon; if not, it will continue on what amounts to waiting orders. A digest of the divers’ and other expert testimony ts up to date. There is absolutely nothing showing accident, but a mass of positive evidence showing foul play. It Is believed the proof of an explosion from external cause is stronger than the Spanish admiralty board expected, though the Spanish divers have not made a thorough examination. There is no telling when the Spanish inquiry will be concluded, but officially the accident theory will be maintained. Regarding the persons by whom the ship was blown up, it is doubtful whether the naval court has been able to reach a con- clusion, though some of the stories told the court are not beyond investigation. Findings to Go to Congres The court scems to be working with the impression that all its findings will be laid before Congress. The naval policy of the United States puzzles people here. The Spanish classes do not like the presence of the Montgomery, although they compare her unfavorably with the Oquendo and Viz- caya. The suggestion has been made that Captain Sampson's ship, the lowa, come to Havana and take the court back to Key West. The public here is just beginning to appreciate the significance of what has been happening in Washington. The autonomist cabinet has given up.all hope of discounting adverse reports of Gen- eral Lee and other consuls on autonomy. The proceedings of Congress are watched closely, but only the most meager accounts are permitted publication. The general public has some inkling that the United States is making preparations for war as a means of insuring peace, but this has not caused any abatement of the war feeling among the Spanish. That feeling grows. Proctor’s Visit Instructive. Senator Proctor’s visit has been an in- structive one. Thorgh he declined to be in- terviewed on political subjects, some points may be given. He has been getting up before daylight of mornings and traveling over the cocntry to see for himself. His impressions are therefore not based mere- ly on what can be seen or heard tn Ha- vana. It may safely be said the senator is Satisfied that the horrors of the concen- trado policy have not been exaggerated or the suffering of-the people overstated. He has learned also that the demoralization of Spanish authority could not be greater, while, from a military standpoint, the inability of Spain to end the insurrection demonstrates itself. It is probable that when he comes to talk to the President or to his colleagues in the Senate, he will declare the opinion that the f of autonomy and of everything ¢ has brought matters-to a point for American intervention. This is independent of the Maine incident. Easiest Way is to Fight. In view of all he has learned, I should not be surprised if Mr. Proctor tells his as- sociates thet if Spain insists on fighting, the easiest way of solving the Cuban situ- ation is to gratify her. Col. M. M. Parker, who has accompanieé the senator in all his jo ys, will return convinced that the United States m end the present condition in Cuba and end it soon. CHAS. M. PEPPER. apes CREWS SLEEP AT THEIR GUNS. Sailor on Indiann Writes of the Dis- cipline Mai ined. DETROIT, Mich., March 10.—Walter Bestwick of this city has received a letter from his brother George, a sailor en the battle ship Indiana, now at Dry Tortugas, in which he says they are keep'ng battle watches aboerd ship and a sharp lookout egainst surprises f.om torpedo bcats. He also says that the men slecp at their guns every night, and that they are ex- pecting orders every day to palut the ves- sel a sea green from stem to stern. He seys the ship now has a crew of 450 men and is expecting another batch every how Bostwick concludes by saying the cre’ severely Grilled every day, and ever: Z ecgerly looks for word for a fight with Spain. Se Russian Also to Build Warships. ST. PETERSBURG, March 10.—An Im- perial ukase just issued orders the disburse- ment of 90,000,000 roubles as extraordinary expenditure for the construction of war- ships. It is added that no loan will be raised to previde the money. In official calculations, according to the Statesman’s Year Book, 6.40 roubles are considered equivalent to the British pound sterling. a wee 4 Activiiy at Rock Isla Arsenal. ROCK ISLAND, Ill, March 10,—Acting Commandant U. B. Micham of Rock Isiand arsenal has received orders to put the men at the arsenal on ten hours’ time, and to enlist a night shitt at once. This will swell the forces in the shops to 1,000 men. Capt. S. E. Blunt, commandant at the arsenal, is row in Washington. ci iecierell>, Action of Michigan Populists. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. LANSING, Mich., March 10.—The middle tral commitiees are holding @ joint session and will arrange a reunion on middie the road lines. A state convention will