Evening Star Newspaper, April 19, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING &sTAR. —_.-—_—~ ‘PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDiNGS, JCI Ferreylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by i Com: The BEE atrewan Bere OFM: Few York OSco, 49 Fotar Buliing ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers in the aity by et rriers, on theZe own accouut, at 10 cents Ber week. or 44 cen t month. Copies at the cetnter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States «r Cacada—postage prepaid—50 cents Per month. Saturday Quintuple Skeet Star, $1 per year, with fogeten postage added, $2.08 . Eatered at the Po t Gffice at Washington, D. C.. ec nd-class ma’ ter.) All mail subscript Rates cf advertisi: Che Evening Star. No. 14,082. WASHINGTON, D. O., TUESDAY, APRIE 19, 1898—TWELVE PAGES. 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 pcople as read any other paper. ULTIMATUM TO SPAN > Will Be Prepared aad Sent Out Tonight. Matter to Be Thoroughly Discussed This Afternoon. FINANCES TALKED ABOUT A Defiant Reply is Confidently Expected. THE NAVAL DEMONSTRATION ed The resolution finally adopted by both houses of Congress is as follows: For the recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the government of Spain relinquish its author- ity and government in the Island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and direct- the President of the United States to vse the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect. Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three years in the Island of Cuba, so near our own bor- ders, have shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to Christian civilization, culminat- ing, as they have, in the destruction of a United States battle ship, with two hun- dred and sixty-six of its officers and crew, while on a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and cannot longer be endured, as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his message to Congress of April eleventh, eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, upon which the action of Congress was invited: Therefore, Resolved by the Sena and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled, First. That the } eople of the Island of Cuba are, and of right ought to be, free and independent. Second. That it is the duty of the Unit- ed States to demand, and the Government of the United States does hereby demand, that the goverrment of Spain at once re- linquish its authority and government in the Island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters. Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is directed and empowered to use the enure land and naval forces of the United Siates, and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia ef the ral states, to such extent as may be ne ary to carry these resolu- tions into effect. Fourth. That the United States hereby isclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or con- tro! over said island except for the pacifica- tion thereof, and asserts its determination when that fs accomplished to leave the gov- ernment and control of the island to its people. Rear Admiral Sicard reported at the Navy Department today, and was assigned to a desk to act as official adviser to the Sec- retary of the Navy. The three branches of the regular army, Infantry, cevalry and artillery, began a movement today toward the four points of mobilization fn the south selected by the ccmmanding general. Orders were issued to commanders of light batteries of artillery directing them to increase each battery from four to six guns. Plans are being tormulated in Congress for placing about 200,000 soldiers at the disposal of the government. The War Department has been provided with a system of telegraph wires, which will enable communication to be made directly with all telegraph points in the world. Senator Allen introduced a_ resolution, which was referred to the foreign relations committee, recognizing the insurgent gov- ernment of Cuba, and insisting that Cuba shall not be made chargeable for the bonds issued by Spain and based on revenues from Cuba. The Navy Department authorized the purchase of seven yachts for the auxiliary navy. ‘The cabinet meeting practically decided to call for 80,000 of the national militia as vol- unteers to supplement the regular army in Cuba. ‘The Spanish minister remains. It is un- derstood that he was instructed to leave as soon as intormed that the Cuban resolution passed by Congress had been signed by tae nt resoiution passed by Congress was signed by the presiding officers of beth houses today and reached the White House about 1:30 p.m. The President has not yet signed the resolution, but is expected to do so this afternoon. A special cabinet meeting is being now held to determine the form of the ultima- tum to be sent to Spain. Resolution Not Yet Signed. President McKinley did not sign cvhe ccpgressional resolution so soon as it reached him this afternoon. The resolu- tion reached the White House at 1:30 o'clock in the custody of Representative Hager of Iowa, chairman of the enro!led bills committee of the House. He was ac- companied by Rejresentative Overstreet of Indiana, Clerks Palmer of the Senate and Davis of the House and Chief Page Buchanan cf the House. The President received the document frem Representative Hager, at the same | time asking if the House was in session. On being icld that the House had adjourn- ed the President said that as notice could not be sent of his signing the resolution he weuld not at once attach his signature. The party which brought the resolution was with the President only a few min- utes. The President went to lunch immediately, leaving the resolution on his desk. The President gave no reason for not signing at once, other than that intimated. All Gay the impression had prevailed that the President would put his name to the paper without delay. After he had postponed this act, it was then recailed that cabinet offi- cers had not given any assurance that the bill would be quickly signed. It is now supposed that the President will attach his name at the cabinet meet- ing this afterncon. His idea may be to make the resolution Jaw simultaneously with the notice given Spain to quit Cuba. While there is a cood deal of speculation on the subject, no one believes that the President will di is signature longer than the cabinet meectii.g this afternoon. Preparing the Ultimatam. will be agreed upon by and his cabinet after -rnoon, at which time a jal session of the cabinet convened for thai purpe Ju2ge Day has prepared the form of the ultimatum. Judge Dey was present at the last part of the cabinet fon in the mi g and the duty of drawing up the ultimatum was entrusied to him. The form prepared by Juége Day will be ssed et length by the cabinet and the si¢ent. A decis:on will be arrived at as to the time to be given Spain and the fa- mous mcszuse will be sent on its way to Madrid. Time to Be Given. From present indications more time will be given Spain than was ai first supposed. lt 1s new thought that the ultimatum will ailcow not less than two days. 1t will possibly give three or even four days. One of the principal reasons for this is that the army wil! not be sufficiently | Massed to co-operate with the navy in the capture of Havana or any other Cuban city. Another reasoa is said to be an op- portunity to let the Spanish cortes, which meets tomorrow, have an opportunity for an expression of opiz-ion. Cabinct members say that they are ready for a ten-Lour ultimatum if it is thought best, but that is because they want quick action when they know it must come. The ultimatum agreed upon this after- noon will go to Madrid tonight. If Minis- ter Polo is still on duty here it will prob- ably be commuricated through him. In case it is put on the wires for Madrid by 8 o'clock tonight it will seach Madrid about 8 or 4 o'clock tomorrow morning, Spanish time. At any rate the expectation is that the ultimatum will be in possession of the Spanish statesmen early tomorrow morn- ing. Military and Naval Movements. The military and naval movements which will follow have not been decided upon. The idea now is that the naval demonstra- tion will be made just before the expiration of the time limit in the ultimatum. In the meantime there may be a call for troops, and these will be sent south as quickly as possible. Call for Volunteers. The cabinet meeting practically settled the question as to how many volunteers, shall be called for to supplement the regu- lar army in their operations in Cuba. ‘They will amount altogether to 80,000 men of the national militia. The President’s idea about the us2 of the army is not known, but there is an opinion among cabinet members that all arrange- menis must be made to land troops when the bombardment of Havana is commenced. It is barely possibl2 that some city other than Havana will be first captured and troops landed for interior work. With United States troops and the insurgents in the rear of Havana and the navy in front there is not much doubt of a quick settle- ment. Of course a blockade of Havana will be on2 of the first things. When the cabinet first met this morning the matter of an ultimatum was not im- mediately taken up. The question of finances was first discussed by Secretary Gege. This occupied nearly half an hour. Then the ultimatum was broached by tne Presicent and was under consideration un- ul the recess. Judge Day, It is under- stood, brought from the State Department some historical data about ultimatums. The intention of this was to let the cal lave all the facts about how wars have followed ultimatums. Spain’s Probable Reply. The cabinet had no news from Madrid that changed any feature of the situation. There is not the remotest idea what Spain will do with the ultimatum. The general supposition that a defiant answer will be returned does not impress every member of the cabinet. There is a hint in severa: quarters that Spain may resort to some scheme for postponement. She may reply that the cortes will take up the question of relinquishing Cuba. The ministry may at- tempt to say that the power of withdraw- ing the forces from Cuba does not lie with them, but with the cortes. At any rate, there is a suspicion that the shrewd Sagasta has held a trump card of some kind to play at the last minute. If this card has no other effect than in in- creasing sympathy for Spain in Europe it will be consolation to Sagasta. The President took a short walk with Secretary Bliss after the recess of the cabi- net today. The Early Mo ims. Up to 10 o’clock this morning no prom- inent official visitor had entered the Ex- ecutive Mansion The President finished his breakfast shortly after 9 o'clock ond then sat for an hour with Mrs. McKinley in the private apartments. Before break- fast, however, the President was aware of the action of Congress last night. The White House telegraph operator remained on duty last night vntil Congress had taken final action. The result of the work was put in the shape of a bulletin and left with attaches of the mansion to be handed to the President on arising. This was done, and the President knew the situation as early as almost any resident of Washing- ton. Waiting for the Cabinct. The President went to his office, the cab- inet room, promptiy at 10 o’clock. He has never looked fresher or bettor. ~ Several congressmen called between 10 and 11 o'clock, one of them bringing a bevy of beautiful young ladies, who sim- ply desired to see thé President. The time taken by all the visitors was not over five minutes. At 2 few minutes before 11 o'clock the (Continued on Second Page.) PON I eee ee ee MASSING FOR BATTLE | SAMPSON HEARS THE NEWS/ARMY ON THE MOVE Regulars and National Guardsmen on the Move Today. NEW EXPLOSIVE SHELL TESTED Governor of Arizona Offers a Regi- ment of Rough Riders. ———— WHAT THE NAVY IS DOING ee LEBANON, Pa., April 19.—Active prepa- rations are going on here for the mobiilza- tien ef the Pennsylvania National Guard on the camp grounds at Mount Gretna, near this city, in the event cf the'r being called out. The grounds have been desig- nated on several occasions for the annual summer encampment of the trcops and are admir.bly adapted to the purpose, the state rifle range being located there. Workmen have cleared the ground of its growth of underbrush, the big water tank has been filled and the water pipes have all been tested. State officials say that if troeps are called for 9,000 Pennsylvania soldiers can be concentrated at Mount Gretna within twenty-four hours. This ar- rangement ccnterplates the fact that a railroad journey of fifitesn hours is neces- sary in order to get troops from remote sections of the state to this place. It 1s believed here that New Jersey troops will also be brought to Mount and possibly these of Maryland and ware. The railroad facilities are ad- mirable. Two railroads have tracks run- ning direct to the camping grounds, and arrangements could be made on short notice to handle trceps in quick time. New Explosive Shell. PITTSBURG, Pa., April 19.—A new ex- plosive shell, the invention of George W. MeMillin, a Chicagoan, is being tested at the 20th str2ei works of th> Carnegie Steel Works Company, and the result may deter- mine the duration of an encounter with Spanish men-of-war. It is claimed that they are of a more dangerous nature to the ensmy than any other projectile in the Navy Department. Within the next week they will be forward- ed to Sandy Hook's testing grounds, where they will be put through the government’s most rigid examination. Fourth Infantry Moves, CHICAGO, April 19.—The troops at Fort Sheridan, who have been ready to start since Saturday, will leave for the south at noon today. It had been expected that they would march through the city, but Gen. Brooke, commander of the depart- ment, would not permit this. Battery A, 2d Artillery, and a squad of cavairy go to Chickamauga Park, and the 4th Infantry to Louisville. On account of the somewhat limited trackage accommodations at Fort Sheridan, it was decided later that only the 4tn Regi- ment of Infantry, who go to Tampa, Fia., would leav2 today. Battery A, 2d artillery, and the company of cavalry will require considerable time for the loading or their horses, guns, etc., and will not leave untli tomorrow for the Chickamauga camping ground. Maj. Gen. Brooke will commaid the forces at Chickamauga, and will leave tonight for his post. H2 will be accompanied by his staff—Capt. Richards, 16th Infantry; First Lieut. Dean, 14th Infantry; Second Lieut. McKenua, 15th Infantry; Col. Sheri- dan, assistant adjutant general, and Lieut. Col. Hartsuff, deputy surgeon general. A larger number of men will be left at Fort Sheridan than at any post in the de- partment of the lak2s. A department prison is located at Fort Sheridan, and as at the present time an unusual number of long- time prisoners are in confinement there a larger force will be l2ft to guard them than would otherwige be the case. Thirteenth Infantry, U. S. A. BUFFALO, N. Y., April 19.—Company E of the 13th Regiment, U. S. A., arrived here from Fort Niagara last night and joined the four companies stationed at Fort Por- ter. The five companies will lsave for Tampa at 3 o'clock this afternoon. They will be escorted to the station by the 65th and 74th Regiments, National Guard. Regiment of Rough Riders. PHOENIX, Ariz., April 19.—Governor Mc- Cord is deeply interested in th2 formation of Colonel Bridges’ regiment of rough rid- ers. He has telegraphed to the President as follows: “I beg you to rem2mber that Arizona was the first to offer to the government a regi- ment of cavalry recruited from the cow- boys of the southwest. The regiment can be ready for must2r in ten days, and will be an honor to the territory and to the na- tion. Please give me authority to raise such a regiment outside of our quota of volunteers to be called for.” WHITEHALL, N. Y., April 19.—Two spe- cial trains with the 2lst Regiment,. United States regulars, will leave Plattsburgh at noon today, connecting with the West Shore at Albany. Maryland Naval Reserve. BALTIMORE, Md., April 19.—The Naval Reserve Corps of Maryland is fully pre- pared for service and only awaits the word to go into action. Each of its battalions is full and many would-be recruits have been turned away. The crew which will man the Dixie has been selected, as has also the crew for the Mahopac, and that portion of the reserves which has as yet been unassigned are of the belief that they will be put under the command of Capt. Sigsbee and ferm a portion of the crew of the auxiliary cruiser St. Paul. The re- serves have attained a high state of etfi- ciency, and have among their number sev- eral ex-naval officers of prominence and ability. No orders have as yet been received by the Maryland militia, but it is thought they will be ordered into camp at Pimlico, just outside of Baltimore, within a few days, and from there will possibly be sent to Chickamauga Park. Movements of Warships. NEW YORK, April 19.—The cruiser San Francisco left her anchorage off Tompkins- ville at 1 p.m. for the navy yard. Chief Engineer Dixon was the only mem-' received * He and the Officers of His Fleet Are Gratiffed. Danger From Yellow Fever to Army of Invasion Less Now Than in Automa. Special From a Staff Correspondent. KEY WEST, Fie., April 19.—The news of the acticn of Congress was carried out to the fleet early th:s morning. Naval com- manders are intenscly gratified at the pros- pectseot en@iig the uncertainty. The squadron under Captain Sampson's command is so thorovghly prepared that nothing mere can be said on that subject. Nawal officers are beginning to think that if war comes the great naval battle may not be fought in West-India waters at all, but somewhere off the Atlantic coast, or wherever the Spanish flc2t now at the Cape Verde Islands is encountered They are, however, without definite knowledge on this point. They reaiize that whatever comes the first work cf the squadron will be to reduce the shore batteries at Havana end open a way for the army to occupy that cicy. These are the orders which Cap- tain Sampson awaite. Hints to the effect that the military au- thorities are unwilling to ‘venture a land- ing of trcops in Cuba till October are heard here, though what foundation thcy may have is unknown. There sho.ld be no misunderstending on this matter. October means December. Uc- tober in Havana is what June is in Wash- ngton. The coo ing winds from the north do not sweep over the island until two months later. American troops landed in October would be there in ample time to suffer from the climate and from diseases which had been bred ,during the summer months. The mortality will be less to sol- diers who enter Cuba in May than to those who may be sent there later in the fall. Yellow fever is not limited to the sum- mer months. It so happens that this spring yellow fever is almost extinct. Immunity from it ts fully as great now as will be Possible six months hence. Jf the present conditions in Cuba are allowed to continue through fear for the heaith of the army, the same plea can be made in October. Since the Havana cable has been reopened word has been received about peace nego- tations. This is humbug, like all pre- vious peace negotiations. Juan Govin and Ramirez, who are said to be the emissaries selected, have no influence with the insur- gents and no standing with other classes. Their alleged mission is a sham meant only to secure delay. PEPPER. ————— WITH THE FLYING SQUADRON. All of Commodore Schlep Ready for A. peace ode FORT MONROE, Va,, April, 19.—There Was nothing particularly to be done this morning on board the fiying squadron vhen the news cam6 that @éfinite action had been taken by Congresg on the Cuban question. Everything was fm perfect order at a late hour yesterday afternogn. The Minneapolis,’ whitch had some small defects in steering gear, was reported com- plete in every deja, Each ship in the squadron has a full complement of ammu- nition and the Massachusetts by coaling this morning makes the squadron complete in that particular. Each stip has more than its extraordin- ary compicment of coal aboard and is ready for a long cruise. Sub-calibre gun practice was indulged in this morning by the squadron. Captain Higginson of the Massachuseits reported that his men were unusually proficient at the guns and that he was greatly pleased with their work. Captain Jewell of the Minneapolis said this mornirg that stoffes as to the disa- bility of his ship were the mer2st nonsense. It was in splendid condition and wouid give a good account 6i itself. The ships and men of the squadron are ready for ac- tion and no shore leaves were granied to- day. a TO FORCE AMERICANS OUT. Agitation at Porto Rico Due to Exng- werated Reperis. ST. THOMAS, West Indies, April 19.—Ad- vices received here from Porto Rico today show there is agitation there with the ob- Ject of forcing naturalized Americans to declare themselves and leave the island. Further reports have also been received here of excitement following tne departura, of the American consuls, and it is said that meny people are ready to leave the island at the first opportunity. The Spanish authorities have ordered 80,000 rations for the troops at Porto Rico. The news of outside happenings which reaches Porto Rico is considerably enlarged upon by the imaginatién of the people there, which is one of the causes for the excitement recorded. The senatorial elections, which took place on April 10, resulted, as prearranged, in a liberal victory. ——— SPAIN’S VOICE Is FOR WAR. Queen Regent's Speech to the Cortes ‘Will Be Firm. MADRID, April 19,-2:30 p.m.—The terms of the speech which the queen regent will deliver at the opening ef the cortes to- morrow are jealousy ; fled, but it is said that the speech will provg firm, convincing and satisfactory to the nal_sentiments. it is claimed here that perfect unanimity Prevails in Spain to face.war gather than yield to the demands of the United States. An official note issued this % joon says negotiations are actively, progeeding be- tween the colonial government of Cuba and the insurgents of that 4 h the view of obtaining the submissigp of the latter as @ result of further. concessions regarding autonomy. cnesPo was mud. Minister Loomis Cablgs Confirmation of the Be Secretary Sherman to firmatioa of the news ofthe ith of ex- President Crespo of Venesuela in the form of the following cable message from United States Minister Loomis at, Caracas “Ex-President Crespo ‘killed while bat- tling with the insurgents.” 2 Ue interests, what steps, '4f.anz, have been Americans left by Consul Brica at Three Branches on Their Way to: Points of Mobilization. oe WILL GO INTO CAMP ON ARRIVAL Sa eee Arranging to Call for 80,000 Vol- unteer Nationa! Guardsmen. AIM OF THE MOSQUITO FLEET e regular army— to The three branches of thi infantry, cavalry and arti‘lery—be move today toward tne mobil.zi-g pvints in the south from ali parts of the United States. This action was in response to the erders issued last weck by Gen. Miles, «om- manding the army, and is for the purpose of getting the army prepared for any steps that may b2 intended for tne occupation of Cuba. The four points to which the army today began its movements are Chicka- mauga batilefield, Tampa, New Orleans and Mobile, where they will go into camp. Ad- vance agents of the department have pr2- ceded the troops and made all necessary arrangements fer their comfort an‘ con- yenience. The treops carry thirty days’ ra- tucrs and a number of rounds of ammuni- tion with thom. The telegrams recetved at the War Department today indicate that a large proportion cf the army will be on its way south before nightfall. In a few cases where detachments of troops were tempor- arily located a considerabl2 distance from their posts, in order to reach which several days’ marching wil! be required, there will be some delay in getting started south. To Cull for 50,060 Guardsmen. Avaliing himsclf cf the rccess taken by the cabinet Seerctary Alger repaired to the War Department and sent for Maj. Gen. Miles and Adjt. Gen. Corbin. A confer- ence lasting nearly an hour was had as to the means to be empioyed to give effect to the decision cf the Presid2nt und the cab- ingt to call for 80,00 Naticnal Guardsmen as volunteers. Considerable progress was made in outlining the plan io be followed, but owing to the ccmpicxity of the subject all of the details were not arranged. It is now the purpose to uiilize this additi 1 force in conformity with the terms of the bill submiited today to Congress by Scere- tary Alger. According to the decision thereia laid down, presuming the bill to be snacted into a law, the President would first apply to Congress for the special permission requir- ed in this case to call for voluntcer The men thus secured, wheiher attached to the organized militia or not, would technically pass into the service of the United States. This would be necessary probably in or- der to escape the consequences of a viola- tion of the constitutional prohibition against sending the state militia out of the country. The additional men would still, however, be actually volunteers and only in namo part of the regular establish- ment. The law requires that in a call for troops the number required must be distributed according to population among the several stated. In anticipation of this call the de- partment officials have prepared a table showing the nuinber of men that would be required from each state and territory ac- cording to the apportionment of the last census. Under this apportionment the District of Columbia will be called on for about 300 men. It was said by Secretary Alger after the conference, that the subject had not ad- vanced so far into consideraiion as to make it possible to send to Congress today a mes- sage from the President esking for the au- thority to issue a call for volunteers. Providing for 200,000 Soldiers. Pians now being formulated in Congress involve the placing of about 200,000 sol- diers, in round numbers, at the disposal of the governmant within a very short time. This calculation is based on the following figures, covered in plans already in effect or im contemplation, viz.: Standing army, 27,- 000; by call for volunteers, 60,000; by call- ing out state militia, 75,000 or 100,000; by army reorganization bill, 5,000, Leaving aside the pr2sent regular army force, the second and fourth items are prac- tically settled on in committee, whiie the third, as to state militia, is being actively canvassed, and waile thare are many differ- ing views, they are expected to crystallize into an authorization to call out the num- ber stated. The bill drawn up by the War Depart- ment for introduction by Representativs ‘Hull, chairman of the House military com- mittee, authorizes the President to call for something like 60,000 volunteers to be drawn through the various states. Whils this method obviates the legal technicali- ties involved in the services of state mili- tia organizations per ee, it is likely the vol- unteers thus obtainsd through quotas fur- nished by the respective state and territo- rial governors will come from within state militia ranks. In the ‘House committee on militia a plan to effectually put a large number of the militia at the disposal of the President is being formulated. Some think 100,000 ex- cessive, but Chairman Marsh and others regard the figure as conservative in the view that the resolution evident!y means war. The President, as now suggested by Representative Marsh, can call out the militia at any time, and Congress can fol- low up the executive action by legislative enactment providing for their mustering into the United States service. At the same time the army reorganization bill re- cently recommitted by the House is being carefully pruned in the military affairs committee to meet objections. It is pro- posed to extend the army organization to the three battalion war formation and to increase the batteries of artillery to 200 men each. This measure, it is claimed, may bring about 5,000 more men into the The attention of Adjutant General Corbin of the army having been called to certain publications stating that ill-feeling existed between the regular army and the Nation- i absolutely Impossible for him to give any definite information; that the President doubtless, in any call he might make “for troops, would specify the number and char- acter, so as to give each state a represen- tation in prcportion to its population. Whether the National Guard can be called into service as such is a question about which there is a difference of opinion. It can be stated, however, that the War De- partment recognizes the fact that the Na- tional Guard is largely composed of excel- lent military material, and, within the lim- {tations of the law, every effort will be made to secure this fine material for any active service that the government may have for troops outside of the regular army. Numerous inquiries and applications have been made for the appointment of com- missioned officers of volunteers. definitely determined that the War Depart- ment will deal only with the governors of stated, and when the regiments are offered as appointed by the governor. The sug- gestion Is made, therefore, that such appli- cants for their own best interests better put themselves in touch with the governors of the states. ‘. No definite information, General Corbin says, can be given on the many questions involved, but when It is once officially de- termined that troops, other than the regu- lar army, will be called into service, the cepartment will then meet them promptly, and on the lines of fairness, having in mind the rights of all concerned. Admiral Sicard Reports. Rear Admiral Sicard reported at th: Navy Department this morning and was imme- Giately assigned a desk in the office of the -cretary of the Navy to act as official ad- viser to the Secretary. Nearly all naval of- ficers on detached or shore duty have put in applications for sea service. An ilus- tration of the alacrity with which they are coming forward was afforded by the care ef Lieut. A. H. Baker. He has just re- turned from Paris, where he accompanied Assistant Secretary Cridler as a aaval eid m preparation for the Paris exposition. Be- fere shaking the dust of travel from his ciothes the officer reported to the navigation bureau and asked for a sca asstgnment. By virtue of his rank h> will probably receive command of one of the vessels of ihe mos- quito fleet. Work of the Mosquito Fleet. There appears to be a mistaken impres- sion in some quarters as to the functions of the mosquito fizet. It is not destined for ‘ore guard, nor yet for attack, but, as ex- rained by one of the naval strategists, the primary use of the vessels of this fleet wiil be to protect the battl: ships and other ironcleds from attack by torpedo boats and destroyers. The purpose is to create in the avy something like the samc system that prevails in the army in con.iucting hostil> operations. It seems at first rather odd to require great battle ships to be protected by these light, frail, unarmored vessels, but . this, it is said, accords with th: military Practice of protecting heavy artillery by infantry, from the attack of the cavalry, which in a measure corresponds to the at- tacks of a torpedo boat. In other words, the battle ships correspond to the heavy ar- Ullery, th mosquito fleet to infantry and the torpedo boats to the cavairy. Demand for Modern Guns. The board of naval bureau chiefs is con- sidering the advisability of utilizing some of the old converted smooth-bore guns for the auxiliary cruisers. Working day and night, and using up the raw material for the macufacture of guns as rapidly as it can be procured, the naval ordnance bureau is unable to supply this enormous demand now made upon it for guns of medium cali- ber. This is the case, notwithstanding the fact that almost all availavle ordnance of this character in forelga markets has been purchased. A large part of the guns that have been set apart for the auxiliary navy have been absorbed by the recently pur- chased Morgan line vessels, and it is the intention of the board to supply deficiencies in the armament of the remaining vessels by the use of the converted sinooth bores. These guns are really very much more formidable w2apons than the unin tiated re- alize. They are not smooth bores at all, but are cast-iron guns lined with a steel tube fully rifled. There are two classes of these guns, one an 80-povnd muzzie-loading Parrot gun, such as was used in the civil war, converted into a breech-loader by cut- ting off the base and fitting a breech biock. These are light and effective pieces, al- though their range is necessarily limited by reascr of the light charge of powder necessarily used. To compensate for this, the projectile is reduced in weight to a 60- pound shot or shell. The other class is made up of what were 1l-inch smooth-bore naval guns, reduced to the caliber of eight inches by the insertion of a steel rifled tube. They are not, however, breech loaders, so they will be necessarily slow in action. Their weigat is eight tons, and all that weuld be necessary to fit them to vessels of the St. Paul and New York class would be the laying of a deck track and the tas- tening of a couple of heavy ring bolts for each gun. They fire a solid-armor-piercing shot weighing 180 pounds, or a bursting shell with ten pounds of powder, weighing 156 pounds. With an accurate range of from two and a half to three miles, they would be effective weapons against any urarmored ship, which is, after ail, the only class of vessels that the auxiliary cruisers are expected to cope with. It is the intention of the Navy Department to replace them upon the vessels by modern weapons just as fast 2s tne new guns can be turned out. Asking for Protection. Applicaticns are pouring into the War and Navy Departments for the immediate protection of supposedly exposed points on the Atlantic and gulf seaboard. Some towns ask for the immediate construction of batteries, while others want warships stationed off the shore. A vast majority of these applications are from very small towns. The two Florida senators called upon Secretary Alger, with a committee of citizens of Miami, to urge that protection be afforded to some of their coast towns, such as Miami. The officials say it is mani- festly impossible to comply with these re- quests, and they have no hesitation in de- claring that thcapprehension which hasbeen excited among the people of these towns is largely groundless. They say that there would be no inducement for a Spanish naval force to attack unfortified small coast towns. The only purpose that could be served by such an attack would be the collection of ransom, and this could in no case be impored for a lack of time. Also it is said thet the rules of Civilized warfare require that no unfortified towns shall be bombarded withoyt at least twenty-four hours” notice, the object of this delay being to allow non-combatants to retire to a place of safcty. A request hes been made for troops at Miami and Fernandina. Orders to Light Batteries. Itis quite|THE FLE for muster these officers will be mustered | papers here _ BROKERS FEEL GLUM Operators on London Exchange Re- gard War as Inevitable. ANOTHER “DREIBUND” CANARD a Spanish Press Advise the Govern- ment to Strike Quickly. a AT CAPE VERDE LONDON, April 19.—The afternoon news- tcday unanimously express the inion that if President McKinley xigns the joint resohition of Congress it will pre- clude the possibility of peace. The papers also think it probable (that when the de- mands of the United States are transmit- ted to Spain the latter will regard them as an act of war, witi-out waiting for further action upon the part of the United States, Operators on the stock exchange here take the gloomiest view of the crisis. Se- curities were flat all around today, and the feeling of nervousness wes enhanced by fallures in connection with the Paris settlement, and fears of further trouble there. The features of the day were the slump in Spanish fcurs and the steadiness of American securities, after the decline at the opening of the market. Rumored Action of Dreibund. It 1s reported that the dreibund, or tripie alliance (composed of Germany, Austria and Italy), acting upon the suggestion of Italy, has proposed to the powers a pie- bescite, under which the population cf Cuba should be allowed to vote for the form of government under which they shall live. In the house of commons today Mr. Bal- four, the goverrment leader and acting secretary of state for foreign affairs, re- plying to’ James H. Dalziel, Mberal, said the British ambassador at Washington, Sir Julian Pauncefote, at the end of March, was authorized to “Join with the other ambassadors in friendly representations to the United States, provided we were first assured that such representations were likely to be well reveived and useful.” Continuing, Mr. Balfour said: “Sir Julian Paurcefote accordingly joined with the others and the British charge d'affaires at Madrid, on April 9, joined with the rep- resentatives of the other powers in verbal iGentical representation expressing the opinion that the Spanish government would do well to effect a suspension of hostilities which might lead to an honorable under- standing for the peace of Cuba. No fur- ther representations have been made.” A Denial From Berlin. BERLIN, April 19.—The German foreign office declares that Dr. Von Holleben, the ambassador of Germany at Washington, instead of joining in renewed represent tions to the United States, is urging am- bassadors to stop their attempts at media- tian, as they are considered worse than useless. The United States military attache at Vienna, utenant J. L. Chamberlzin, and the United States military attache at St. Petersburg, Lieutenant George L. Ander- son, have been called home. Spanish Press Comment. MADRID, April 19.—The Imparcial to- day, commenting upon the commercial as- pect of the war, which it regards as cer- tain “as soon as President McKinley stops vacillating,” says: “The Americans who are rushing into war will be surprised to find that it is not an affair of weeks, but of months. .Jt will last until the commercials are more anx- ious for peace than they are now anxious for war.” The Liberal says: “The Spaniards are tred of talk of papal and other interven- tions, War is a matter of hours, in spite of the rumors of delays upon President Mc- Kinley’s part.” Continuing, the Liberal urges Spain to stop argument, saying: “The time has come for blows, and not for words.” Spanish Croisers at St. Vincent. ST. VINCENT, Cape de Verd> Islands, April 19.—The first-class Spanish cruiser Vizcaya and Aimiranto Oquendo, last re- Ported at Porto Rico, arrived here ai noon today, to reinforce the Spanish fleet in these waters. War Generally Expected. The general belief here is that the jvint resolution of Congress makes war between Spain and the United States inevitable. The correspondent of the Associated Press was the first person to tak> the news cf the action of Congress to the Unitea States minister, Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, and to the minister for the colonics, Senor Moret, and the minister for forcign affairs, Senor Gullon. The pr2mier, Senor Sagasta, had a long conference with the queen vegent this morning. —__—_ TO CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. Senator Hawley Introduces the War Department Bill, Senator Hawley tcday introduced the War Department Mil in the Senste au- thorizing the President of the United States to call for volunicers tor the Cuban war. The bili provides for @ proclamation by the President, stating the number of vol- unteers desired, the number to te taken from the states aad territories in proper- tion to pupuladioa. The regimen:ai and company officers are to be appoiried by the President on recommendation of the governors of the stags. The bill carries a general provision re- quiring the troops, whether regular or vol- unteer, to be organized into divisions of three brigades each in time of war, the divisions to be organized into corps when practicable, The appointment of one major gencral for each corps and division, and of one briga- dier general for each brigade of volunteer troops ts authorized. The pay and allow- ances of all officers and men is to be the army. ; i i il ! |