Evening Star Newspaper, April 22, 1898, Page 1

om THE EVENING STAR. = PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 31C1 Pernsylvaria Avenue, Cor. a St, by The Evening Star New: x Com Ss. H. Gaur: d IN Pres’ —— New York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers In the ety by crrriers, on thete own account, at 10 cents pet week. cr 44 cents per montb. Copies at the ccunter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere In the United States «r CanaGa—postage prepaid—50 cenis Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with stage added, $3.0 Washington, D. C.. €7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicetior. ———— Che Lvening Star. Ss 14,085. No. WASHINGTON, D. C, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1898—SIXTEEN PAGES. a TWO CENTS. The Evening Star is the only afternoon paper in Washington that receives the dispatches of the Associated Press. It is therefore the only one in which the reader can find the complete news of the world, directly trans- mitted by telegraph, up to the moment of going to press. tives Curtis of lowa and Babcock of Wis- consin, the latter the chairman of the re- publican congressional committee, were also with the President. Mr. Babcock's mission related to the proposed bond issue to meet war emergencies. He urged that it be made a popular loan, saying it was only right that the people should be given an opportunity to take part in the issue. No Immediate Bowbardent of Havana Expected SPECIAL CABINET MEETING — + Proclamation for Blockade of Cuban Ports. A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Already Prepared and Will Be Issued Today. OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED + The Cruiser Nashville captured the lumber-laden Spanish ship Buena Ventura and towed the prize into Key West. Captain Sampson's fleet sailed for Cuba this morning. Minister Woodford’s train was stoned while leaving Spain. An ef- fort was made by Spanish officials to arrest his private secretary. The President is opposed to ask- ing Congress to make a formal dec- Jaration of war. The President signed the congres- sional joint resolution putting an embargo on coal and other war ma- terials. A proclamation notifying nations of the blockade of Havana harbor was signed by the President. Gen. L. W. Colby, organizer of the American Cuban Volunteer Legion, will offer its services to the govern ment to assist in the invasion of Cu- Da. Col. Wm. H) Nash was nominated by the President to be commissary general of subsistence, with the rani: | of brigadier general. ations for positic are being made to the War Depart- ment. Captain Sampson, in command of the North Atlantic squadron, will be temporarily app: Lieutenant Cc Cowle has been assigned to the command of nmander the cruiser Topeka, on its way from England. Conferees representing —_ both houses agreed on the volunteer army bill, and the report was adopted by both houses and sent to the Presi- dent. President McKinley was at breakfast by 9:05 o'clock this morning. Two old friends, da rear admiral. | | The President, it is understood, agreed in this view, and Secretary Bliss, who has also been talked with, it Is stated, is heart- ily In favor of it. Mr. Babcock thinks the bonds should bear interest at 3 per cent. A member of the cabinet at 11 o'clock to- day, just before the cabinet assembled, said it had not been settled by the administra- tion whether to ask Congress to make a fermal declaration of war. Weuld Not Kavor War Declaration. Representative Grout of Vermont, after conference with Secretary Alger, said the administration would net recommend dec- laration of war. Special Cabinet Meeting. The special meeting of the cabinet which adjourned at 1 o'clock today did not agree upon any changes from the plans formed yesterday, and already given in The Star. The session was devoted chiefly to discuss- ing details of these plans. The President read to the cabinet a proc- lamation drawn up by Judge Day block- adipg thegports of Cuba. This kind of work is always prel‘minary to a war, and 18 @ potification to the countries of the world to keep their ships away from the block- aded ports. Under the proclamation no more 1s will be permitted to clear for or from the ports of Cuba. It will be only a few days until this information is known to ship owners throughout the world. ‘The ident signed the proclamation. ‘Th> cabinet had received no official in- fermation of the capture of a lumber ship by the gunboat Nashville. vess| Privateering Discussed. It is said that there was some talk in the cabinet about a change of front on tre question of privatecring. This talk wa: based wholly on the possibility the t in may resort to privateering against th> epinion of the world. If Spain does resort to Utis method this country will at once re- taliate. The cabinet whether nec discussed the a formal declaration sary by Consre: subject of of war is Of course, it was agreed that this qu jon was wholly in the hands of Congress. The President and cabinet are of the opinion that war can now be carried on without anotner declara- tion from Congress. It is considered that the recent resolution of Congress was a virtual declaration of war and further that s In the of Minister case Woodford {s a declaration of war on her part. It may be stated that many of the re- publican leaders agree with the adminis- tration Davis’ Opinion. . chairman of the foreign of the Senate, this rorning said: “My own opinion is that a declaration of war Is not necessary, having already been in the Cuban resolution but I do not know » decided on by Congress.” ‘or Cannon of Utah, who was at the but did not taik with the “I unink a declaration of t to be made tomorrow, imme- ¥ following expiration of the time zin in the Pr ing war should ried to the Senate at one minute tomorrow, and should be four minutes for a s in This Country, was no Kk of a proclamation Spa rs in this country tate of hostilities exists and giving © 10 St out of this country. It © said that Atto-ney General Griggs had pared such a resolution, but this ts not correct. In 1783 this country and Spain entered inte a treaty providing ts and citizens residing in the United s should be allowed one year in which to take thelr departure. Citizens of this mtry were to be also given the same This old treaty is not no Span remain so leng for Spain. Cabiavt members ridiculed a floating story that Spain has ceded Cuba to Aus- nec- citizens living here can as they do not become spies Webb ©. Hayes and Gen. Hastings of Onto, d the meal with him. Mr. Hayes is of ex-Presid=nt Hayes, and General Hastings was colonel of the regiment in which Mr. McKiniey servad during the war. They had beer the President's guests for a day or two. It was House the son un -¥ quiet at the White during the forenoon, largely in an- tion of the assemblage of the Presi- dent's official council, for it was the regu- tiei lar cabinet day. Proposed Deciaration of War. Senator Davis, chairman of the committee en foreign relations, and Senator Cannon of Utah were with the President early. Senator Cannon's visit, however, was of a largely personal character, but he expressed the belief that there would be a formal dec- laration of war made by Congress tomor- row, and that it would be put through the Senate within a few minutes after noon, ‘when the period allowed by the ultimatum of this government would expire, He did not, he said, belleve it wouid be proper for this government to take such action until after that limit had expired. Senator Davis was in conference with Mr. BicKinley for a half hour. At {ts conclusion he announced that there j haa bee no material change in the situ- , Btion and that everything was progressing satisfectorily, He was in an especially | happy mood, and as he Grove off for the | Benate jocularly called back, “Please put | down es-reticent. That's what one of CcHeagues fn the Senate takes occa- fon to suggest sometimes, and just mark | ino likewise.” 8 said hq understood the President issue the expected call for volun- before the close of the day. ag to the probability of a formal of war by Congress, he said #% was likely that action would be taken tomorrow. That would allow the Spanish government the full limit of time imposed by our ultimatum. pl | } } Senator McMillan of Michigan and Sen- ator Wilson of Washington, Representa- | ta. This would mean that Austria also wants to fight. No Immediate Bombardment. An authoritative statzment of great im- portance was made to a representative of The Star by a cabinet member this after- roon. It was that those people who are expect- ing an immediat: bombardment of Havana and bloody fights at once are likely to be disappointed. The orders to the Key West fleet are simply to blockade Havana and such other Cuban ports as can be conven- iently covzred by the fleet. No hostile shots are to be fired into Havana, for a short while at least, unless the fleet is attacked in any direction. The official statement {s made that the administration does not fear an attack from the Spanish fleet now at the Cape Verde Islands. The President does not be- lleve that this fleet will ever move toward Cuban waters. “Spain would not send this fleet over to be swallowed,” are the words of a high official. When the same official was asked if he thought this Spanish fleet would come to American waters to make @n attack on any port he answered in the negative. “It would meet the same fate as if it went to Cuban waters,” he said. He intimated strcngly that the flying squadron will be held in reserve to take care of any Spanish fleet coming in this direction. ‘These plans are based wholly on the be- Nef that the Key West fleet will not be attacked by the Spaniards. The war is to be a bloodless one if such a thing is pos- sible. A Forward Movement. In a short time, however, when sufficient troops are ready a forward movement will be made by both the navy and army. In the meantime it is believed by the admin- istration on well founded information that the insurgents will harass Blanco and his soldiers to desperation. The present situation is !kely to largely swell the ranks of Gomez’s armies. He will get plenty of ammunition now, and will become bold enough to march almost to Havana. With Gomez in the rear and starvation in front, Blanco will have to surrender or begin an attack on the fleet, The administration rejects the idea that Spain will be able to carry succor or aid to Blaneo by warships or vessels of any dina, SAILED THIS MORNING Sampson’s Key West Fleet Now En Route to Cuba. MONITORS WERE LEP? BEHIND Eg Se, Animated Scene in the Harbor During the Night. ‘ ORDERS TO BLOCKADE es KEY WEST, April —The North At- lantic squadron, excepting the monitors Terror and Puriten and the smaller cruisers, sailed from Key West at o'clock this morning headed for the Florida Straits. Besides the two monitors the ships left behind are the gunboat Helena, cruiser Marblehead, dispatch boat Dolphin and the torpedo boats Cushing, Dupont and Porter. ‘The Dauntless, dispatch boat of the As- sociated Press, left here with the fleet. Throughout the night there was unusual acilvity on the vessels of the fleet. Watch- ers on shore realized that the long awaited advance on Havana was near at hand, though there was nothing in the way of official news on which to found that belief. Washington advices of yesterday afternoon indicated the probability of a movement curing the night or today, but the naval men ashore disclaimed any knowledge of orders. They averred that their condition of uncertainty was sull unchanged. Early in the evening, however, came the first realization of the fact that the tedious period of inaction was nearing its close. When signals were hoisted recalling all the men to the ships without delay, many interpreted this as a precautionary meas- ure, especially in view of the fact that a number of officers, including several from the flabship, remained ashore and had leave for the night. Change in the Situation. About 11 o'clock there occurred a decided change in the situation, when a special boat hurried from the flagship with orders: to all stiH ashore to immediately return to the ships. Midnight found the city empty of gold braid and blue jackets, with which it has grown so familiar. Save one or two recalcitrant jackies whose convivial pa- triotism had run away with their sense of cuty there was not a naval man to be found in town. For many days past the flagship was anchored about seven miles out, flanked by the Iowa and the Indiana. The great smokestacks were barely visible from Key West. The inner harbor, however, offered a striking picture, crowded, as it was, with gunboats, monitors, cruisers and torpedo boats. When twilight fell last night this scene was unchanged. The signaling be- tween the distant trio of ships and those close inshore had been the custom ever since the a ablage of the fleet here, but last night varicolored iights glimmered their messages across the skies almost without tion. The first streaks of cernible and two bells had just the morning light were di been struck on the ships when a tiny and to unfamiliar eyes almost imperceptible line of fire appeared on the sky above where lay the flagship. A moment or two after and the signal staff of the Cincinnat!, lying off Fort Taylor in the inner harbor, flashed into colored light, acknowledging the call. é Others Joined in the Signaling. The Puritan and Helena joined in the in- candescent conversation, and soon the ski were kaleidoscopic, as ship after ship answered. New lights flashed mes- sages fraught with the gravest import and creative of history. What words, of course, no one ashore knew, but the few who watched with straining eyes from sea and docks needed no interpreter to tell that it meant hostile action. The message was not long in delivery, but sunrise had fully come as the last letter flickered and went out. Then th» witnesses saw that the movement had ac- tually begun, under cover of the night. —— CALL NOT LIKELY TODAY. White House Conference Over Ask- ing for Volunteers. Secretary Alger and Gen. Miles went to the White House today at 3 o'clock for the Purpose of conferring with the Presid:nt en the proposed call for 100,000 volunteers. Secretary Alger said before leaving the department that the call would in all prob- ability not be made today. a A WAR DECLARATION. Difference of Opinion Regarding Its Advisability. ‘There is a difference of opinion among the members of the House foreign affairs com- mittee as to th> advisability of a formal declaration of war by Congress. The wish- es of the administration, however, undoubt- edly will be followed in this regard. There are some members of th> House committee however, who believe a declaration should follow the first overt act, in order to define the international status absolutely. —— TO RETAIN SAGASTA‘’S CABINET. ‘This Js the Advice of the Queen Re- gent’s Advisers. MADRID, April 22, Noon.—All*the per- sons who have been consulted by the queen regent have advised a continuance of the Sagasta cabinet. It is probable, however, that the minister of marine, Admiral Ber- mejo, will insist upon resigning in order to take command of a squadron. Patriot enthusiasm reigns throughout Madrid and the Spanish provinces. ‘The queen regent had a long conference today with Gen. Weyler, and the European dip- lomats had a conference with Senor Gullon, the minister of foreign affairs, agen Watching for American Ships. ST. JOHN'S, N. F., April 22—Incoming ships report having se2? a mysterious steamer off Cape Race. Rumor has it that she is @ Spanish warship watching for American vessels. as Mr. Roosevelt im New York. NEW YORK, April 22.—Assistant Secre- tary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt, who is in this city, refus2d to talk for publica- ticn today. He would not tell why he is in the city or how long he intends to remain. 3 —__+— Ceal Will Be Contraband. LONDON, April 22.—A’ especial dispatch from Madrid says the Spanish government bas been officially notified that Great Brit- ain will regard coal as contraband of war. WILL AFFECT ALL’ EuRoPE| GUARD NOW READY St. James Gasette’s Opinion Regarding Spanish-American War. Does Not Believe Much in the Talk of am Angto-saxon jnmee: District Troops Awaiting Orders From the President. ACTIVITY AT CENTER MARKET LONDON, April 22.—The St. James Ga-| Companies Being Recruited and the zette this afternoon, discussing the inter- ests of spectators of the coming hostiliti2s, says: “Taking for granted. President McKin- ley’s sincerity in saying the United States do not desire conquest of territory, the fact ins that the United States, whch call ves America, are engaged in en- deavoring to expel a European power from her foothold in the new world. This can hardly happen without giving increased force to the sentiment which Mr. Olney ex-. pressed in such crude t3rms:in his letter to the Marquis of Salisbury, and the war can hardly end without affecting the -general position of European powers profoundly, be its course what {t may.” Referring to the possible action of Europe, the St. James Gazette says: “Spain has done something to put herself right with public opinion in Europe, and, no doubt, she, to some extent, is fighting in a common cause. If she gains success and roves herself capable of making head against the United States qf sea, thus in- dicating the presence of @ weakness in the American navy not hitherto. suspected, the disposition of the powers to intervene will be greatly strengthened.” “There is a great deal of billing and coo- ing among emotional Anglo-Saxons at pres- ent. In the United States there ts a cer- tain amount of gush, probably as sincere as the hysterical emotion exeited by Bry- an’s flashy ‘cross of gold’ metaphor. Here there are always people who gush when America is concerned, but these waves of emotion come and go. Deep-rooted feel- jage of dislike and substantial interests don't. - —_s—_—_. VOLUNTEER ARMY BILL. Passed by Both Houses an@ Sent to the Presidemt. . At 12:17 p.m. the House:adopted the con- ference report on the volumteer army Dill. The Senate later agreed to the report. It was then sent to the President. The conferees of the two houses on the volunteer army bill reached an: agreement on the volunteer army bill before Congresg convened today. According to this agree- ment the Senate receded from the first amendment concerning the time in which the organized militia shalb serve, but the time for which all volunteers are to be en- Usted is reduced from three years to two The Warren amendment authorizing the President to organize ‘independent troops wus retained, but the number was limited to 3,000. The Senate receded from its amendment making it compulsory for the regimental and company militia ‘bfficers to receive their commissions from the govern- ors of their respective states and leaving it optional, as fixed by the House. ‘The Senate also receded from its amend- ment attaching an engineer officer to the staff of each brigade commander. All the other Senate amendments, reducing the rank of staff officers, etc., were agreed to. The Senate went into executive seasion immediately on convening today in order to allow the conference report on the vol- unteer army bill to be acted upon before the announcement of Senator Walthall's death, in order that adjournment might be taken immediately after the announce- ment. The desire was’ out of respect to the senater’s memory to‘avoid-making any record of business on account of the Sena- tor’s death. % No business beyond that connected with the army bill was attempted in the ex- ecutivé session. The senators gathered in groups discussing the war situation when rot engaged on “e bill. It was stated that the doors were clased merely for the purpose of avoidirg the appearance of transacting business prior to the announce- ment of the death of Senator Walthall and not for other business than that con- rected with the army bill. Senator Hawley moved the-adoption of the report of the conferees and made a brief explanation of the- changes. There was no opposition andthe bil was soon disposed of. 3 There was, however, considerable de- lay, which was caused by the fact that it was necessary that the bill should be en- rolled and compared before being signed, so that the executive session continued for about two hours The report having been agreed to before the formal notification to the Senate of the appointment of the conferees, the an- nouncement of their appointment was made while the Senate was in executive session ind after the actual acceptance of the report by the Hou: PROMOTED. COL. NASH Nominated to Be Comminsary eral of Subsistence. The President today sént these nomina- tions to the Senate: : Col. Wm. H. Nash, assistant commissary general of subsistence, to be commissary general of subsistence, with the rank of brigadier general; Philip Raymond Ward of New York, to be second leutenant of artillery; Elisha W. Smith, postmaster at Franklin, Pa. To be third Meuterants in the revenue cutter service—Bugene Blake,-jr of Mary- land, F. B. Goudey of Massachusetts, Jas. F. Hottel of District of Colvmbia, Paul C. Prince of District of Columbia, Wm. J. Wheeler of Virginia, P. Hi Scatt of Vir- ginia, F. W. Smith of Massachusetts and Hermann H. Wolf of Ohio. - Gen- ———-o-_=_+— STEAMER PARIS EN ROUTE. The Auxiliary Cruiser“Has' a Valu- able Cargo on Boar. SOUTHAMPTON, April 22—The steame: Paris of the American Line, chartered by the Unit2d States government, sailed at 2:15 p.m, today for-New York, though her regular sailing day is Saturday. She had ‘on board 150 passengers, and her cargo in- cluded a quantity of guns and ammunition. There was creat enthusiasm among the crowds on the dock, nd of the Union Steamship 5 a Be ee Brit- ain played “Yankee Doodle” as the Paris steamed seaward. * The Paris passed Hurst Castle-at 3:35 p.m. —+—_ Spain Has, Not Spoken. LONDON, April $2—It was announced in tha house of commone this afternoon by Mr. Balfour, acting secretary-for- foreign af- fi has notice of Ther adherence ‘to "She! geclaration Of Awkward Squads Drilled. THE NEW ORGANIZATIONS —_—-+-—___ Probably never before in its history have there been such scenes of excitement about the Center market as now prevail. It certainly now resembles a-citadel more than a market. Although it is not at ali compulsory, while at the same time the men ‘have been notified to hold themselves in readiness to respond to the call expect- ed to be issued by the Presicent at any moment to the National Guard, a majority of the men were at the Center Market armory this morning. Some in unfform, some tn “cits” dress, but all with looks of anticipation on their faces. . There was such a large crowd of persons about the balconies of the building and In the quarters that this morning about 10 o'clock orders were issued making those who had no business there leave the place, as it was too crowded for comfort. Guards were posted on the bridge leading to the armory and at the street entrance, who questioned every one trying to enter. A crcwd of interested persons gathered on the street outside, and watched proceed- ings, or what they could see of them from that point. At intervals the guard came In for a share of good-natured “kidding” from the onlookers, which was accepted as good neturedly on the part of the victim. “You needn't noid that gun like you were afraid of it, sonny,” said one old fellow, with a chuckle. “It ain't goin’ ter explode in your hands.” “Looks like he wuz skeered it would get away from him, and ine couldn't git an- other,” said a second teaser, and so the ball was rolled from one to another. The guards mairtained their composure well under the circumstances, however, and realized that it was no refiection on their abllity to perform the duties of a “regular” to the satisfaction of their com- manders and the country in general. Pretty Girls With Bright Eyes. As was natural, the pretty girls were far more interested in the movements of the militia boys than if they had been reg- ulars, and a number of them were observed watching with bright eyes acrcss the bridge for some brother or lover who was waiting at the armory. Inside things presented a military ap- Pearance entirely in keeping with the whole. Recruiting was being carried on, @ guard being stationed, as in the regular army, in front of the recruiting places, which were desigaated by signs posted up ccnspicuously. The headquarters of the different companies were likewise sim- ilarly designated. Inside these the men were passing away the time speculating @s to how long the war would last, where the District militia would be detailed, and one and all expressing the wish that they could be sent out immediately. Some of them seng; one had a har- monica, which he was playing, as the others listened, ard others of the boys were congregated at a table set at the east end of the upstairs balcony, and indulged in a sociable game of “seven up” to kill tire. Many of them yawned and did not hesitate to swear at the delay to which they considered they were being subjected. In the armory proper the “awkward squads” were recelyng finishing touches to their military education, while there was a crowd of onlookers. There was an ait of business about the whole which showed that the men were not there for the fun of the thing; that they were in earnest, and that the Span- ish should have been more careful how they trifled with American affairs or per- mitted one of Uncle Sam’s warships to be blown up in a supposedly friendly harbor. The watchword among the boys was: “Re- member the Maine.”” “That affair the Spanish were pleased to term an ‘accident’ will be more of an in- centive for short, sharp fighting than any- thing which could have happened,” sald one of the men. “It furnishes the finest pretext in the world to carve them up. If all of them feel like I do, for every sailor who met his death there should be an ac- count of more than double interest.” The martial spirit was evident every- where. This and the air of unrest were the most noticeable things about th: men. They were all anxiety to be given orders to move somewhere, to do something—only to be under erders, one way or another. The Mothers There. There were some mothers who visited the armpry today to speak to iheir sons, so cer- tain did they seem to be that they would be called out in a short time, and would see fighting in a few days. They appeared to take affairs philosophically, and b2yond words of advice, did not talk much. They left as if they knew their offspring were do- ing their duty, and there were no regrets to be expressed, whatever they mignt have thought, over the fact that the boys had enlisted. Some of the boys looked after their ac- couterments, fully satisfying themselves that everything was in readiness for tho call of “Time!” when the fight between Uncle Sam and Spain—that of a heavy weight with a light weight who had been foolish enough to force a match—would be- gin. General Harries went up to the War De- partment this morning to see if he could learn anything of the contemplated detail of the District guard. He stated t» a Star eporter that he had heard nothing new. There are several vacancies to be filled in the Brigade Band. Some of the men who were members of it wili be unable to leave here, and it is considered desirable that the organization should have its fcll qvota. Applications for enlistment should be made to the band headquarters, room 22 in the Center Market Armory, after 8 o'clock tonight. The Naval. Battalion Bill. Present time is regarded as one when the battalion, which has been described in ‘The Star, would be most acceptable. General | Harries has expressed himself several j times as being heartily in favor of ft, as an adjunct to the militia. Under the biti about 400 men would be available, ana these could be utilized for the defense of the capital, as outlined in ‘The about a month ago. About 150 men are actually members of the battation, but, as Mr. Hains States, it 1s deemed proper that the organization should have a legal standing. No appro- Priation is asked for at the present, and the chief thing to be provided by the gov- ernment would be a monitor, such as has been elven naval reserves in other places, or a ship of some kind. Mr. Hains, who has attended the Naval Academy at An. Papolis, ts regarded as in every way cap- able of filling the position of commander. He says he is flooded with applications every day for enlistment in the battalion, but nothing can be done until the bill is passed. : Ladies Ofer Their Services. The members of Ladies’ Union, Veteran Legion Auxillary, No. 32, of this city, under date of April 9, sent to the President of the ties States a letter Indorsing his course reference to the Maine dis Giban amen e disaster and The communication was signed by Mra. Harriet L. Scribner and was as follows: “We, the mothers, wives, widows, sist=rs and daughters of Union veterans and army nurses of the war of '61 to '65, who com- Dose this organization, desire to express our appreciation of the deliberation and reluc. tance shown by you in plunging our coun. try in grizvous warfare. “The horrors of the late war are fresh in | our memories, our hearts are still wching from the loss of our dear ones sacrificed to preserve the Union, and we witness daily the pain and suffering incurred in veteran service, all of which cause the cry of ‘war’ to bring terror to our souls. “Because of this knowledge our nation’s Gignity and honor are more dear to us, and {f to maintain ‘them it should be decided necessary to lay anew the flower of Amer- {ca’s manhood on our country’s altar, we the Ladies’ Union Veteran Legion of Wash- ington, D. C., Auxiliary No. 32, hereby ten- der our services to you, to be commanded in whatever way we can best serve the in- terests of our country to the extent of our abilities.” Mr. J. Addison Porter, sceretary to the President, sent Mrs. Scribner the following reply: “I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of recent date, addressed tc the President, the contents of which he has carefully noted. I assure you of the Presi- dent’s sincere appreciation of your cordial words of approval of the policy pursued by the administration in regard to the matter to which you refer.” ‘The members of the legion have arranged to give an entertainment in aid of the movement they have undertaken tomorrow evening. A silver contribution or offering will be expected at the door. Exciting Scenes There was great excitement about the Center Market Armory of the D. C. N. G. last night. The armory itself was brilliant with lights and a large crowd had gathered outside to watch the soldier boys coming and going. 1t was momentarily expected that orders would be issued to call the mil- itia out, and this was the primary cause of the suspense. There was some drilling on the avenue, and the spectacie of men in uniform waiking to and fro caused some- thing of a sensation. The men were at the armory until midnight, as they had been given verbal instructions to be ready to re- port at a moment's notice. Severai conferences with army officials were held by Gen. Harries yesterday, and it was expected tnat the militia would cer- tainly be called out. In ail probability the crder will be issued today or tomerrow at the latest. It ts stated that recruiting among the different companies is continuing at an un- precedented rate, and the companies are being filled up with their full quotas. An entirely new company has been formed from raw material. Its capt G. B. Young, formerly inspector of rifle practice for the old Engineer Bat . has been busy getting his men in shape. At present his company numbers about fifty men and will be known as Company D of the 6th Battalion. Light Battery A of the District Guard has had its strength brought up to ninety- nine, having had an accession of thirty- three new members. It is commanded by Captain Charles B. Hine, a former West Pointer. When it takes the field it will carry with it six of the 32-inch guns, iike those used in the regular army. The men who have been seiected for service in this battery have nearly all had military ex rience of some kind. More than si: applications were refused on account of in- experience. Fifth Battalion Recruited. Of the 5th Battalion, Cap‘ain King, Com- pany B has added about forty recruits to its original quota of forty men; Company Cc, 4th, Captain B. K. Streeks command- ing, has added twenty-five new men to Its fifty-two formerly; Company B, 4th, Cap- tein J. E. Hosford, has added twenty-five new members to its original fif : Company A of the 4th, the Emmeit ards, has added twenty-eight men to its quota of fifty-three; the Corcoran Cadets, Captain E. C. Edwards, and the Morton Cadets, Captain E. B. Chisholm, have each en- listed about ten new m2n. Company D of the 2d, Captain Fred J. Stutz, has added twenty recruits to its forty old members. Most of the companies in the guard have received accessions to their mumber, and nearly all of them have filled out to the quota. The Brigade Ambulance Corps, com- manded by Lieutenant W. D. Fales, M. D., has received an addition of four or five members, and the corps now has fis full complement. Lieutenant Fales has given lectures almost nightly to the physicians, medical studenis, pharmacists and nurses who compose the corps. He has reviewed the anatomy of the human body; the best methods of stopping hemorrhages, the best methods of giving attention to the wound- ed and the hygiene of -camp life. His corps is divided into corps of squads of four men each, and each squad is in charge of @ stretcher. Abolition of Staffs. It {s sald that one of the most important changes to be made will be the abolition of the battalion staffs and the reduction Star ot The bill for the organizatjon of the navul|of the rank of regimental staff officers battalion of the District, which has been | from captain to first Heutenant. The ma- passed by the Senate, is held up now on] jcrs will be reteined, but none of the other the desk of the Speaker. In conversation with a Star reporter this morning Mr. Hains of the patent office,} last night with Commissary with whom the idea of forming the bat-| meyer. It was held tn. talion originated and by whom one was or- | understanding as regards ganized, stated that he did not understand why the measure was not acted upon. The 3 see i battalion officers. Adjt. Gen. Heyl consulted for two hours order Tmnnagement of the HAVANA HARBOR Ty Be Blockaded by U5. Warships —_ + - AFORMAL PROCLAMATION Notification to the Powers of the Intention. fOr ee SPECIAL CABINET MEETING ——_»— Prepared by Attorney General and Signed by President. TEXT OF THE DOCUMENT The following proclamation in re- gard to the blockade of Cuba was is- sued at the State Department this afternoon at 2:40 o'clock : By the President of the United States—A_ Proclamation : Whereas, by a joint resolution passed by the Congress and ap- proved April 20, 1898, and commu- nicated to the government of Spain, it was demanded that said govern- ment at once relinquish its authority and government in the Island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters; and the President of the United States was directed and em- powered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States, and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of the several states to such extent as might be necessary to carry said resolution into effect ; and, Whereas, in carrying into effect said resolution, the President of the United States deems it necessary ta set on feot and maintain a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports on said coast between Car- denas and Bahia Honda and the port of Cienfuegos, on the south coast of Cuba; Now, therefore, I, William Me- Kinley, President of the United States, in order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim that the United States of America have instituted and _ will maintain a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda and the port ef Cien- | fuegos on the south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws ! of the United States and the law of nations applicable to such cases, An efficient force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching any of said ports, or attempting to leave the same, without notice or knowl- edge of the establishment of such blockade, will be duly warned by the commander of the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the date of such warning where such indorsement was made, and if the same vessel shall again at- tempt to enter any blockaded port she will be captured and sent to the nearest convenient port for such pro- ceedings against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. Neutral vessels lying in any of said ports at the time of the establishment of such blockade will be allowed thi ty days to issue therefrom. In witness whereof I have hereun- to set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of April, A.D. 1898, and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty- second. WILLIAM McKINLEY. By the President. JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary of State. y'