Evening Star Newspaper, April 21, 1898, Page 4

THE EVENING STAR. = eeepc PUBLISHED DAILY Ba. ”T SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDjNGS, JC] Tecrsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by The Evening SOrrMam Pres 8H KA Pres’t. ger Kew York Office, 49 Potter Buildiny, is wed té ibscribers In the exgy by cie's, on thels own aceodue. af 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the ectnter 2 certs each. By mall—anywhere in the United States «r Canada—postage prepaid—50 cents per month. Seturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.08. (Entered at the Po t Gifice at Washington, D. C.. as second-class ma’! matter.) > All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior. ng Star. No. 14,084, WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. — The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Star in Washington is more than double that of any other paper, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternvon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- fore stands uncqualed and un- approachable. WAR DECLARED ee Spain Gives Minister Wood- ford His Passports, a WILL LEAVE MADRID AT ONCE Special Cabinet Meeting Called by the President. GENERAL MILES CONSULTED Captain Crowninshield Also Sum- moned to the Conference. AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT The President this morning was notified by Minister Woodiord that he had been given his passports be- fore he had presented the ultimatum of the United States. This was considered a declaration of war, and the President summoned leaders of both houses of Congress for consultation at the White House. Later a special cabinet meeting was held, at which the situation was fully discussed. Judge Day gave out an official statement, including the dispatches of Secretary Sherman and Minister Woodford. Adjutant General Corbin has been notified that every regiment or- dered to the south has started. Secretary Alger 1s replying to all inquiries that the first call for troops will be limited to the National Guard. Army officers attach little import- ance to reports of trouble at Key West last night between a sergeant of the colored 25th Infantry and a policeman. General Miles expects to leave in a few days to inspect the points chosen for the mobilization of the army. Army headquarters will remain in Washington unless unexpected cir- cumstances render a change neces- sary. The nomination of Charles Emory Smith, to be Postmaster General, vice Gary, resigned, was sent to the Senate. The Senate committee agreed to report Mr. Smith’s nomina- tion favorably. The State Department was official- ly notified that the representatives of France and Austria would look af- ter Spanish interests in this country. The sundry civil bill was passed by the Senate and the naval bill taken up. The Senate passed the resolution introduced by Senator Hawley lay- ing an embargo on coal and other war materials. The Senate military affairs com- mittee authorized a favorable report on the volunteer army bill passed by the House yesterday, reducing time of enlistment to one year. It is now thought that the Presi- dent will issue a proclamation calling for troops this afternoon or tonight. General Miles and Captain Crown- inshield were sent for as soon as the cabinet assembled and were frequent- ly consulted. The fleets at Key West and at Hampton Roads have both been or- dered to move, and Captain Sam- son’s force has already started for Cuba. President McKinley received a message a few minutes after 10 o'clock this morning from Minister Woodford announcing that diplomatic relations had been broken off by Spain and that he would leave Madrid in a few hours. The message had not been in the hands of the President ten minutes be- fore it was in possession of The Star. Instantly the President saw that the trick which he had anticipated from Spain had been attempted, but he and his friends congratulated themselves that the trick bad been foiled, as was exclusively an- nounced yesterday afternoon in The Scar. Unaccountable Delay. ‘The cable message from Minister Wood- ford did not announce that he had been handed his passports before he had been permitted to present the ultimatum of the President, but this is believed to have been done. This was somewhat surprising, as the President had made every effort to get the ultimatum to General Woodford oefore Sagasta was aware of the signing of the congressional resolution and had opportunity to hand the American minister Ris passports. General Woodford, however, appears to have been innocent of the in- tention of the Spaniards, and to have held his message and instructions until Polo was able to get word to Madrid. It is probable that General Woodford will be called upon to explain this matter. It is now recalled that once before he held a se for hours before delivering it, Considerable indignation was expressed by official callers at the White House that General Woodford had apparently delayed handing in his instructions. All calculations are that he received his instructions last night. Whether he could have delivered them is another matter. Spain Served Through Senor Polo. At any rate President McKinley is satis- fied with the fact that he served notice on Spain yesterday threugh Minister Polo. Senor Polo was then the official represen- tative of his governmert, and in serving him before he asked for his passports Spain was served. “We trumped their trick,” said Senator Davis as he left the White House this morning. It was of lit- tle consequence that Minister Woodford had been unable to hand Spain the ultima- tum. The shrewd Sagasta did not then think that Polo had been served at this end by President McKinley. He thought he had Lrevented the ultimatum officially reaching Spain. But under the laws of diplomacy Spain was served when Polo received the ultimatum. An Official Statement. Not long after receiving the message from Gen. Woodford it was announced that Judge Day, who had been in consul- tation with the President, would give out a statement at his cffice. Th's was flashed over the world in a few minutes. The following is the text of the official statement given out by Chief Clerk Michael at the State Department, just after 12 o'clock today, containing a copy of the ul- timatuzn to Spain, Minister Woodford’s cable message of this morning announcing the action of Spain, giving him his pass- perts and an explanatory statement of the situation prepared by Assistant Secretary Day: On yesterday, April 20, 1898, about 11 o'clock a.m., the Department of State served notice of the purposes of this gov- ernment by delivering to Minister Polo a copy of an instruction to Minister Wood- ford, and also a copy of the resolutions passed by the Congress of the United States on the 19th instant. After the receipt of this notice the Spanish minister forwarded to the State Department a request for his passports, which were furnished to him on yesterday afternoon. Copy of the instruc- tion to Woodford is herewith appended. ‘The United States minister at Madrid was at the same time instructed to make a like communication to the government of Spain. This morning th2 department received from General Woodford a tzlegram, copy of which is hereunto attached, showing that the Spanish government had broken off dip- lomatic relations with this government. This course renders unnecessary any fur- ther diplomatic action on the part of the United States. April 20, 1808. Woodford, Minister, Madrid: You have been furnished with the taxt of a joint resolution voted by the Congress of the United States on the 19th inetant—ap- proved today—in relation to the pacification of the Island of Cuba. In obedienc2 to that act, the President directs you to tmmedi- ately communicate to the government of Spain said resoluticn, with the formal de- mand of the government of th2 United States that the government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and govern- ment in the Island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters. In taking this step the United States her+by disclaims any disposition or inten- tion to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over said island, except for the pa- cification thereof, and asserts its determi- nation 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 communicaied to this gov:rnment by that of Spain a full and satisfactory response to this demand and resolution, whereby the ends of peace in Cuba shall be assured, the President will proceed without further no- ties to use the power and authority” en- joined and conferred upon him by the said joint resolution to such extent as may be necessary to carry the same into effect. SHERMAN. MADRID, April 21, 1898. (Received 9:02 a.m.) Sherman, Washington: Early this (Thursday) morning, immedi- ately after the receipt of your open tele- gram and before I had communicated same to Spanish government, Spanish minister for foreign affairs notified m3 that diplo- matic relations are broken between the two countries and that all official communica- tion between their respective repres2nta- tives have ceased. I accordingly asked for safe passports. Turn legation over to British embassy and leay2 for Paris this afternoon. Have noti- fied consuls. WOODFORD. A Special Cabinet Meeting. Immediately after President McKinley saw that the question of beginning war hed been brought two days closer by the action of Sagasta, he sent word to the cabi- net members to assemble at 3:30 o'clock. This hour was later changed to 1 o'clock, at which time all the members had reached the White House and were ready for busi- ness. Pending the arrangements for this meet- ing, messages of various kinds were sent to leeding members of Congress, giving them accurate information of the situation to that hour. A number of the republican leaders had learned of the telegram from Minister Woodford while visiting the White House ezrlier in the day. Among these werc Sen- aters Platt, Davis and Lodge. They went immediately from the White House to the the cabinet, attended the meeting. There was no doubt in the mind of any one that the President had called the cabi- net together to consider the advisability to beginning at once the work of blockading the port of Havana, instead of delaying until Saturday or Sunday. Sagasta’s work in handing passports to General Wood- ford was positively known to be Spain’s answer and her only answer. The Presi- dent knew that early this morning. The only question was whether a few days more are needed to begin the blockade. A Delegation of Colored Men. A delegation of the most prominent col- ored men in the United States called upon President McKinley today and presented @ patriotic address. In the delegation were Representative White, Register Ly- re ai creche nl mains ciabnisaa | Capitol. Postmaster General Gage, who is to leave ! (Continued on Second Page.) Te AWAITING THE FRAY)REFUSE « RPPrenene=/t EAVES THE CABINET Fleet at Key West All Ready to Move on Havana, OFFICERS EXPECT BLANCO 10 FIRE Ugly Fracas Between Poiiceman and a Negro Sergeant. LATTER NOW UNDER ARREST es Special Frem a StaT Correspondent. KEY WEST, Fla., April 21.—The squadron still lies off Key West awaiting orders. There is ccnsiderable shifting of patrol and picket boats and more than usual activity. The monitors have not been mov- ed out from the harbor. All the vessels are fully coaled. Naval commanders are not so confident that if a peaceable biocl from Washington it can b vied out, pe- cause of the protability that, under Blan- co’s orders, the shore batteries will open fire without waiting for summons to sur- render the city. ude is ordered In that case the fire would necessarily be returned at once. After the shore batteries are silenced the Squadron would not be able to land forces to hold the city, and the inquiry is repeated about the co-operation of the army and transports for troops. The reported plan of sending food to Ma- tanzas under convoy of warships is said to be practicable. The Detroit or Marble- head may be assigned for that duty. No attempt, however, would be made to enter the harbor until it had bzen counter- mined. Many officers think if the reports of the Spanish fleet leaving Cape de Verde are cor- rect it means that the squadron here will be divided and some of the ships sent to re- inforce the squadron at Porto Rico, while tke remainder invest Havana. Soldiers Cause Trouble. Company G, 25th Infantry, can b2 spared from @ share in the advance on Cuba with- ou: detriment to the service. No race war has been started in Key West, and none is likely, but the authorities in Washington can hardly overlook the disclosures as to the lack of discipline which last night's events have demonstrated. When announcement was made that col- ored troops would be brought here a local paper published a hysterical article de- bouncing the “outrage.” The people, how- ever, did not get excited. After the ar- rival of the two companies of colored troops there was no show of feeling. The soldiers for most part also behaved well. However, they liked to go around town dis- playing their weapons. The mayor of. the city called the attention of Col. Daggett to a local ordinance forbidding the carry- ing of weapons, and the colonel directed that soldiers should observe it, telling the authorities to arrest any of them who fail- ed to do so. Brandished a Pistol. Last night when Sergeant Williams of Company G appeared cn the street and told a policeman to take his pistol away It he could, it was gecd fortune that no one Was killed. A hundred persons were sit- ting on the plazza of the hotel when Will- iams tried to shcot the policeman, but the ball went into the ground. The fuct that the policeman’s revolver snapped several times, but failed to go off, alone saved the negro’s life. After the soldier was disarmed and taken to jail no one anticipated further trouble. But the laxity of discipline In Company G was not taken into account. The sheriff says there were at least twenty-five sol- diers who came to the jail with their weapons and demanded Williams’ release, which was accorded them. The peoplé of the town knew nothing of what was going on until Williams had Leen egcorted back to the barracks in tri- umph by his comrades. Col. Daggett Informed. Col. Daggett and Capt. Wilson knew nothing of it until informed by newspaper correspondents. Then an investigation was made, and Williams was put in the guard house along with Private Coles, who was identified as the ringleader. After the civil authorities are through with him Williams will be tried by court- martial. Up to this morning no other offenders had been placed under arrest by their su- periors, though some may be identified later. The most serious phase of the oc- currence is that twenty or twenty-five members of a company could leave their barracks with their arms without being challenged. It is a severe reflection on discipline that was supposed to be main- tained, independent of the consequences of their forcible rescue of Williams. While the affair has excited the com- munity, stories of a race war and a proba- ble outbreak are without basis. The peo- ple will await the results of civil and mil- itary procedures, and-a few hot-headed youths who want to win notoriety for them- selves by precipitating trouble have al- ready been suppressed. PEPPER. ee eS NO INTENTION OF RESIGNING. An Unfounded Rumor in Regard to Secretary Long. A rumor was in circulation this after- noon to the effect that Secretary Long had resigned his place in the cabinet, based Presun.ably on his well-known peace pro- clivities. After Secretary Long had left the cabinet meeting this afternoon a Star reporter asked him as to the truth of the story, and he said that it was utterly groundless, and that he had no intention of resigning. Quban Insurgen*s Decline to Consider Spanish Propositions, Annotncement of am Ultimatum to Sprin Arouses Great Enthusi- asm im Havana, HAVANA, April 21.—It is currently re- ported here that the insurgents have de- clined to confer with the delegation of the colonial government which was sent to treat with them for peace on the basis of a broader form of autonomy. It Is added that the insurgents will only accept Span- isk generals as mediators, The announcement of the United States ultimatum to Spain caused great enthu- siasm at the theater last night, the audi- ence making a bellicose demonstration against the United States. Secretary Montero has called a meeting of the merchants and bankers to discuss the financial situation. They have already agreed to help the government. The vol- unteers were drilling as usual on the prado last night and the Albisu. Theater was crowded when the news that the United States had sent an ultimatum to Spain was made public. The announcement was greeted with enthusiasm by the public, and the auclence in the theater called upon the orchestra to play the “Cadiz March,” which the$saccompanied by singing a stirring chorus. The movements of troops continue and there are daily conferences of the generals and the Spanish admiral at the palace. Fine Weather Prevails. ‘The weather is finé and warm this morn- ing, and quiet prevails here. The government has accepted the propo- sal of Nicholas Tamin & Co., an American concern, to arrange for a supply of water from Paita and Colon. The contract will be signed immediately. It is looked upon as a good business arrangement from both standpoints. The Spanish steamer Vivana arrived here yesterday, and the English steamer Luci- lini arrived here today. The Diario de 1a-Marino in its editorial this morning praises the Spaniards of Mex- ico, who are said to have raised by sub- scription about $1,000,000 for Cuban relief. ‘The same paper say “There is no fear of @ scarcity of provi- Sions in case of war, owing to measures adopted by the government and to the pa- triotic attitude of the Spaniards of Mex- ico.” The Union Constituctonal refers in high terms to the stand takém by Spain, saying: “She does not need sixty hours, not even one hour, to return the Americans’ insult- ing challenge.’ American Defeat Predicted. The Union Constitucional says of the American ultimatum: “The disappoint- ment of the seventy miilions-of people will be great when they come out of the fight with the people over whgee possessions the sun has never set.’ * At a meeting yesterday of the directors of the Spanish Bank, it was agreed to de- clare compulsory ‘the acceptance of paper money at its value on the day of presenta- tion, estates to receive it at the previous day’s value. ae Se COLLIER FOR SCHLEY'’S SQUADRON. The Commodore Denies Alleged In- lerviews With Correspondents. FORT MONROE, Va., April 21.—The new colliet for the flying squadron, the Saturn, errived, this morning, and Commodore Schley sent it to Norfolk at once to get its complement of cowl. Small ammunition was given to the ships of the squadron this afternoon and subcaliber practice with the big guns was engaged in. Commodore Schley asked the Associated Press today to say that he had refused to express any cpinion upon prospective war, the government's action cr movement of bis squadron to anybody, and that pubdlica- tion of quoted remarks ascribed to him were without any foundation and were not authorized. poe sPs H WARSHIP SIGHTED. Hovering About Hayti Sappoxedly in Search of Merchantmen. ‘ PORT AU PRINCE, Hayti, April 21.— The Spanish warship,; which, as already cabled, was sighted yesterday to the south- werd of Jeremia, on the southwest penin- sula of Hayti, about 125 miles west of this place, was hovering about the coast. She was too far distant for her number of guns to be ascertained, but she is prob- ably the same vessel reported from Fortune island as being off Cape Maysi, the eastern extremity of the province of Santiago de Cuba last week. It is claimed here that she has been making a tour of the Haytian coast looking for merchantmen. eee PARIS HELPS SPAIN. Fifty Thousand Dollars Subscribed at the Spanish Embassy. PARIS, April 21.—-A national subscrip- tion has been opened here on the behalf of the Spanish government and is meeting with prompt and effective support. The sum of £10,000 haz already been reccived in subscriptions atthe Spanish embassy. —.-—_ SPANISH INTERESTS: HERE, They Will Be Looke@ After by France and Austrians The French ambassader, M. Cambon, ac- companied by his secretary, M. Thiebaut, and the Austrian migistery Mr. Hengel- muller, called at thé State Department to- day and gave official metice-that they had assumed charge of Sganis& interests in this country, pending. tae severance of diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain. This.qoes mot mean, how. ever, that M. Cambom an@ Mr. Hengel- muller will have any @plomatic functions to perform for Spain. Theie sole office is to protect material Spanishiinterests, per- sons or property already in-the United States. No negotiationg wilisbe carried on through them ahd they-will not be in com- munication with the Spanish government. After making their call at the depart- ment the ambassador and minister con- ferred as to the division of Spanish inter- ests befween them. These are very con- siderable, Spanish consuistes being located in.many parts of the country. It was de- termined that the +h consul general at New York charge of the ef- fects of the te and Spanish interests in generaliat {hat point. At Chi- cago the Austri eneral, Mr. Proskowetz, -wilt eae Postmaster General Gary Resigns His } Office. —— ACT ADVISED BY HIS PHYSICIAN Editor “Charles Emory Smith to Succeed Him. Ea See NOMINATION SENT SS IN The resignation of Postmaster General Gery was cfficially announced at the White House this afternoon. Mr. Gary himself confirmed the announcement that he had decided to leave President McKin- ley’s cabine® He said that his bealth— heart trouble—had decided him to take this step. His physician had advised him not to remain in the cabinet during the excit- ing days sure to follow in the next few months. President McKinley was aware of the 82- riousness of Mr. Gary's condition, but held back an acceptance of the resignation as long as possiole. Ckarles Emory Smith, who will succeed Mr. Gary just as soon as the nomination sent to the S2nate today, is confirmed, has Gary. been a constant visitor at the White House for several weeks. He was with President McKinley yesterday when the latter signed the congressional Cuban resolution. He has had access to the President at all times. While here he has written a number of signed articles for his paper. During all this period he has had the con- fidence of the President. Just before sending the nomination of Mr. Smith to the Senate today President Mc- Kinley sent for_Senator Quay of Pennsyl- vania. My. Quay gave his assent without question to the nomination. Nearly two years ago there was talk of Mr. Smith going in the cabinet, and it was said he would have been then honored had Senator Quay fully consented. All stories that Mr. Gary has resigned because of differences with the President and cabinet over the Cuban-Spanish ques- tion are denied. Mr. Gary has heartily supported the President in every move, and is yet supporting him to the fullest extent. It is stated at the White House that Postmaster General Gary's resignation had absolutely nothing whatever to do with our present foreign complications, but was ow- ing entirely to the condition of Mr. Gary's health. He has suffered a great deal of late from a general breaking gown of the system, which had continued to progress until finally he reluctantly reached the con- clusion that he was unable longer to carry the burden of his office. Mr. Gary's Farewell. No one at the Post Office Department had any intimation that General Gary had any intention of resigning until 1 o'clotk this afternoon. At that hour a messenger from the office called upon each of the assistants to the Postmaster Gencral and sald that the Postmaster General desired to see them at once in his office. When they arrived the general was seat- ed at his desk, and motioned them to seats around him. Then he said: “Gentlemen, I have called you in to say good-bye to you. I have resigned my posi- tion as Postmaster General, and my suc- cessor has been selected. I have taken this step only after full consideration. A month ago I told the President that the duties of the office were too onerous for one in my poor state of health. The President tried to dissuade me, and I finally consented to let the matter rest. The strain of the past two weeks, together with the increasing work of this office, has made it imperative that I resign. At a meeting of the cabinet last Sunday I wrote out my formal resig- nation and handed it to the President, cou- pled with the statement that, while I re- gBretted to leave the service of the govern- ment, my health demanded freedom trom the cares of office Nfe. There is nothing else to be said. 1 have resigned because 1 believe my health demands it. There have been no differences of opinion between che President and myself that would suggest any such move as this. 1 régret very much severing my connection with you, gentle- men, which has been so pleasant, and I as- sure you I shall ever remember the loyal support you have given me In the admin- istration of this department,” Each one of the assistants to.the Post- master General expressed his regret at the severance that was about to occur, and re- ferred to the pleasant relations that had existed between their offices and the head of the department, and spoke feelingly of his resignation. The news of the selection of Charies Em- ory Smith to succeed General Gary follow- ed close upon the news of the latter's res- ignation, and general satisfaction was ap- parent. Mr. Heath, first assistant postmas- ter general, said he knew Mr. Smith very well; that he was an able man, and would make an excellent Postmaster General, Expected by Mr. Smith. Charles Emory Smith, chosen to be the new Postmaster General, is the editor of the Philadelphia Press. He has been min- ister to Russia, is an earnest, active re- publican and known to public men through- out the United States. He is at present in Washington. He was informed by tele- phone of his nomination and received many congratulations this afternoon at the office of the Philadelphia Press in this city. He said that he did not know the nomination ‘was to go in at this time, but added: “I | issued orders do not wish to saying that I did not know the nomination | was to be sent to the Senate.” Senator Quay was asked for some in- formation about the nomination of Mr. Smith and said he had nothing to sa: Favorable Report Agreed On. The Senate committee on post offices and post roads was polled and agreed unani- mously to report the nomination of Mr. Smith favorably. It was reported that Senator Quay was going to fight the con- firmation, but he told several senators that such was not the case. The nomination was not recommended by him and was wholly personal with the President. The announcement that Postmaster Gen- eral Gary had resigned and that Mr. Smith had been nominated to succeed him came with startling suddenness to his friends in the House. None of the Maryland congressmen knew of Mr. Gary's prospective resignation. Rep- resentative Melntire was just about to start for the Post Office Department, where he had an engagement with Mr. Gary, when apprised of the- news. None of the House leaders had had any intimation of the change. Mr. Dingley ex- pressed great surprise, as did Mr. Grosve- nor. The latter said:- “No better selec- tion, however, coula have been made. Mr. Smith's appointment is a glorious one.” Resignation and Acceptance. The following is the correspondence re- garding the resignation of Postmaster General Gar: WASHINGTON, D. C., April 18, 1898. My Dear Mr. President At che time you tendered me the honor of a place in your cabinet you will re- member I frankly stated that my health had not been robust, and I expressed the fear that it might not be equal to the de- mands that would be made upon it. Recently these fears have been realized. The duties of the department over which I have presided have been so constant and arduous, admitting of no relaxation, that I find my health is seriously affected and jeopardized. I am admonished that to pre- serve it I must ark you to relieve me from the position. I tender my resignation with deep re- gret, for I have been greatly interested in my work, and my association with your.ad- ministration has been most agreeable. May I also add that I write this letter with special reluctance because I have from first to last been in such entire accord with your administration, especially at this most trying time. Your kind personal consideration will ever remain a pleasant memory. Very sincerely yours, (Signed.) To the President. Copy. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, April 21, 1898. My Dear Mr. Gary: 1 cannot express the deep regret I feel that you are compelled to tender your resignation as Postmaster General. 1 had hoped that you would be able to remain with me until the end of my term. Your resignation is accepted most reluct- antly, but I believe that in your condition of health I am not justified in asking you to remain longer in office. I beg to assure you of my appreciation of the value of your services in the exacting department over which you have so ably presided and in the councils of the cabinet. With pleasant recollections of our asso- ciation, which I shall always carry with me, and with best wishes for your restored health, I am, Your friend, (Signed) WILLIAM McKINLEY. Hon. James A. Gary. Prompt Confirmation Insured. Senators Quay and Penrose say that they will not oppose the confirmation of Mr. Smith. It was reported when the nomina- tion was made that they would. This declaration insures prompt confirmation. It is said that when General Gary an- nounced to the President Sunday his deter- mination to resign the President conferred with Mr. Smith, and it was arranged that he should be appointed today. Mr. Gary's Statement. Postmaster General Gary was seen at the Post Office Department as he was about to lsave for the White House to attend a cab- inet meeting. He was asked as to his resig- nation, and said: “Yes, L have resigned, and Charles Emory Smith will be my successor. The ground of my retirement ts my ill-health, which has bean growing worse steadily until I regard- ed it as imperative that I should lay down the labors of the Post Office Department Scme time ago I acquainted the President with my desires to retir2, indicating to him that I would, of course, await his selection of a suitable man as my successor. “He found such a one in Mr. Smith. My resignation was thereupon renewed, taking final fora. last Surday, when I submitted to the President my written resignation expressing the deep regret I felt at giving JAS. A. GARY. up my work and severing agreeadie rela- | tions, and stating that my action was im- pelled out of regerd for my health. The | transfer of the department will be made as soon as this can be done conveniently to all parties concerned. It has not occur- red yet, as you will see from my going to a cabinet meeting.” Mr. Gary was asked if his resignation, ccming at the time of the Spanish war crisis, could in any way be attributed to that. He said: “That has not entered into the consideration in any way whatever. I have xt all times supported President Mc Kinley’s policy on the Spanish questi and I support it now. My cabinet relations have been most agreeable, and there have been no differences of poii se About five years ago Mr. Gary was taken ¢ attack of Brig: disease of the kidneys, but he finally rallied, and it was thought he had fully recovered. Of late, however, the old symptoms have again returned, complicated with heart trouble. Recently he has had a number of sinking spetis thai have seriously alarmed his friends, en€ Upou Use is.stent advice of his physician he concluded to resign. He made two short cals at the White Heuse before noon and was one of the first of the members to arrive for the cabinet me:ting at 1 o'clock. During the sessicn the Postmaster Gen- eral came out of the cabinet room and an- pounced that he would later give out a statement which he thought would set at rest any sensational stories that might be sent wut as to the cause of bis resignation. -—__—__—_ MILITIA EXPECT A CALL. New York National Guard Could Move in Half a Day. NEW YORK, April 21.—A call for the militia to go to the front ts being awaited and expected at any hour today by the offi- cers of the National Guard of New York. General Roe said today that it would only be @ matter of half a day to have the troops on the move. :: Sed ecalge eee Massuchusctts on a War Footing. to raise tha Massachusetts be ‘understood, though, as | militia to a war footing at once. SPAIN'S SHIPS SAIL Reported at Madrid They Are Steam- ing This Way. NAVAL OFFICERS DISCREDIP. STORY ——_-+--—_ Think They Have Sailed for the Canary Islands. ——$——_— DECLARATION OF WAR ——--+ MADRID, April 21, 3:20 p.m.—A semi- official note, issued this afternoon, says: The Spanish government, having received the ultimatum of the President of the United States, considers that the docu- ment constitutes a declaration of war against Spain, and that the proper form to be adopted is not to make any further re- but to await the expiration of the time mentioned in the ultimatum before opening hostilities, In the meantime the Spanish authorities have placed their possessions in a state of defense, and their fleet is already on its way to”meet that of the United States. MADRID, April 21, 3:20 p.m—aA semt- official note just issued says the Spanish government considers the ultimatum of the United States constitutes a declaration of war. The semi-official rote adds that Spanish fleet ie already on its way to meet the fleet of the United States, Confirmed at Navy Department. News came to the Navy Department to- day that tended to confirm the newspaper reports that the fo:midable Spanish naval force at St. Vincent, Cape de Verde Island, had sailed last night for an unknown des- tination. Naval experts say that leaving out cf consideraticn the question of the relative strength of personnel, the Spanish force is at least equal and probably super- jor in some respects to Commodore Schley’s fleet. While the latter has one battle ship, the remainder of his force is made up of un- armored ships, like the Columbia and Min- neapolis, or only partially protected, like the Brooklyn. As against these the Span- ish force has four armored cruisers, the Oquendo, Viscaya, Cristobal Colon and In- fanta Maria Teresa, almost equal in each case to battle ships, and all of vastly su- perior speed. Then ther? are the three tor- pedo boat destroyers Furor, Terror and Plu- ton, 28 and 30-knotters, and the small tor- pedo boats Ariete, Azor and Rayo. Woald Scarcely Attack Schley. It is not believed by any of the naval of- ficers that this fleet will undertake to cross the Atlantic and attack Commodore Schley on his owa base, but it would seem te be equally impracticable for the com- medore to take his flyirg squadron across to attack the Spaniards, unless he is rein- foreed. The threat of the Spanish news- Papers to give us a surprise in the shape of a naval visitation does not cause any Particular uneasiness at the Navy Depart- ment. Although nothirg positive is known as to the destination of the Spanish squad- dron, it is surmised that it has started on its return to Spain, 1,600 miles distant from Cape Verde, thus indicating the pur- pose is to await an engagement in their own waters. It is likely that in this event the first pcrt made will be the Canary Islands, dis- tent about 825 miles from St. Vincent, and a Spanish possession, partially fortified and a fair base. A Dangerous Undertaking. It Is not believed that the Spanish naval commander would be foolish enough to run the risk of taking his torpedo flotilla across the Atlantic in the attempt to defend eith- er Porto Rico or Havana. It is about 2,500 miles from Cape Verde to Porto Rico, and in the present stormy season on the North Atlantic the torpedo boat flotilla would have all it could do to keep afloat, and vould be exposed to destruction at the honds of the smallest swift cruiser sent to intercept it. HOW HE GOT HIS PASSPORTS. wh oe SSS hisses nha Madrid Papers it fonal Ac- counts of the Affair. MADRID, Ar 2 p.m.—The newspa- pers of this city today print highly colored | accounts of how General Woodford was |handed his passports, but the cireum- i zs were as cabled to the The Spanish govern- ment having recelved the text of the ulti- matum of the United States from its own sources, did nct wait for the lnited States minister to pre the ultimatum, but sent It is not expected that there w formal declare | tion today is considered a virtual declara- | tion of war, and hostilities may begin im- | mediately. Both nations, however, may make to their own people and to all neutrals what is termed “the notification of war.” re PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. | Selection of New Postman ' and Other Official The President sent the following nomina- tion 5 today: mith, General to the Chas. General, vi Interior — at Boston. ceiver of public Wm. H. Ludden to be Postmaster Samuel A. . moneys at Spokane, Wash. register of the land office at Spokane, Wash.; Wm. J. Pollock of the District cf Columbia, to be agent for the lnciuns of the Osage agency, in Oklahoma. To be consuls—irederick H. Allison of New York, at Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Hans J. Smith of South Dakota, at Port | Louis, Mauritius; Wm. E. Bainbridge of Iowa, second sectctary of legation at Pe- king, China. ‘Treasury—Perry M. Lytle, to be surveyor of customs, aistrict of Philadelphia, Pa. Postmasters: Maine—George W. Stearns, Rumford Falls; Hiram A. Huse, Bath; John Lovejoy, Rockland; Winchester G, Lowell, Auburn; Moses P. Stiles, Norway, Pennsylvania—Catherine A. Endsley, Some ersel STARTED FOR CUBA. Captain Sampson’s Fleet Anchor This As a result of this afternoon's delibera- tions of the cabinet, it is understood that orders were given to Captain Sampson ta Proceed with his entire fleet at once for Cuba, and it is further reported that the fleet has alrsady weighed anchor and start: ed for the island. Weighed