Evening Star Newspaper, April 25, 1898, Page 2

——————————— THE EVENING STAR. = PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, JIC] Ferrsylvania Avenue, Cor. a St, by The Evening Star New: r Ea Prost) Ss. H. UFF: a Rew York Offce, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers In the aity ty crrriers, on thete own account, at 10 cents Fer week. or 44 cents per month. Coples at the cctnter 2 certs each. By mall—anywhere in the United States «r Canada—postage prepald—50 ecnts Per month. eanteniar so foreign pe (Entered ') t Gfilce at Washington, D. C.. L-lase mal matter.) TF All mail sutscriptions must be pald In advance. Rat WASHINGTON, D. C, MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. TS. TWO CEN The President Sends a Message to Congress, 1898, calling forth volunteers in order t» carry into effect the said resolution of pril 20, 1898. Copies of the proclama- appended. In view of the measures so taken, and with a view to the adoption of such other measures as may be necessary to enable tiens ere here me to carry out the expressed wiil of the Congress of the United States in the prem- ises, I now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resoluticn de- claring that a state of war exists between the United States of America and the king- dem of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon to the end that the definition of the international status of the United States as a belligerent power may be made brown, and the assertion cf all its rights A FORMAL DECLARATION ee He Thinks That Such Should Be Made at Once. EFFECT ON NEUTRAL POWERS Our Contention With Spain Will Be Made Plain. TEXT OF THE DOCUMENT The President sent to Congress a message recommending a declara- tion of war against Spain. It was referred to appropriate committees in both houses. ‘The Senate military affairs com- mittee decided to favorably report the army reorganization Dill just passed by the House. and the maintenance of all its duties in the conduct of a public war may be assured. WILLIAM McKINLE Executive Mansion, Washington, April 25, 1898. Minixter Woodford's President’s message was accompanied by ten or fifteen telegrams and notes that have passed between the governments of Spain and the United § s,mainly through Min‘ster Woodford, but parily through Min- ister Polo. It ved these papers will clearly establish the position of this gov- ernment that Spain has recognized the ex- istence of a state of war. : In the cerrespondence ac Pres age today v ing: On April 21, 1598, Minister Woodford tele- graphed Secret: Last Note. s hel anying the as the follow- dent's mi herman as follow: of my reply to the i this morning at ish minister of state: ‘I knowledge the receipt this morning of your rote of this date inform- ing me that the Spanish minister at Wash- ington has been ordered to withtraw with all his le: d_ without loss of time from North American territory. ‘ou also inform me that by this act diplomatic relations between the two coun- tries are broken off; that all officia munication between their respective repre sentatives ceases. I have accordingly this day telegraphed the American consul gen- eral at Barcelona to instruct all the con- suls of the United States in Spain to turn their respective consulates over to the Brit- “Following is offic: from th text ul note recety ave ation com- A “war room” has been establish- ed at the White House, where the telegraphers will be located and where maps of Cuba and the West Indies will be hung. The House of Representatives took one minute, forty-one seconds to pass a declaration of war against Spain. No one opposed it. “The District National Guard went into camp and then the order for such movement was revoked and the troops marched back to their armory. Secretary of State Sherman tender- ed his resignation to the President, and Judge Day will succeed him. The Senate passed the naval bill and took up the army reorganization bill. ‘The President today sent the following me ze to Congress: To the Senate and House of Represerta- lives of the United States of Ameri I transmit to the Congress for its consid- eration and appropriate action copies of correspondence recently had with the rep- Tesentative of Spain in the United States, with the Untted States minister at Madrid, and through the latter with the govern- ment of Spain, showing the action taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 18US, “for the recognition of the inde- pendence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the Island ef Cuba, and to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these resolu- uons into effect.” Upon communicating to the Spanish min- ister in Washington the demand which it became the duty of the executive to ad- adress to the government of Spain, in ob dience to said resolution, the minister ask- ed for his passports and withdrew. The ish consuls and to leave Spain at once. I have myself turned this legation over to her Britannic majesty’s embassy at Mad- rid. That embassy will from this time have the care of all American interests jn Spain. I now request passports and the safe conduct to the French frontier for myself and the personnel of this legation. I intend leaving this afternoon at 4 o'clock for Paris. “ (Signed) WOODFORD.’ ” Mr. Wocdford to Mr. Sherman (telegram.) United States Legation, Madrid, April 21, 1898. Following ts text of official note received this morning at 7:30 from Spanish minister of state. “In compliance with a painful duty I have the honor to inform your excellency that the President having approved a reso- lution of both chambers of the United States which, in denying the legitimate sovereigniy of Spain and threatening an immediate armed intervention in Cuba 1s equavalent to an evident declaration of war, the government of his majesty has ordered its minister in Washington to with- draw without loss of time from the North American territory, with all the personnel of the legation. “By this act the diplomatic relations which previously existed between the two countries are broken off; all official com- munications beiween their respective rep- resentatives ceasing, and I hasten to com- municate this to your excellency, in order that, on your part, you may make such dispositions as seem suitable. I beg your excellency to kindly acknowledge receipt of this note, and I avail myself, et (Signed) “WOODFORD.” On April 14 Secretary Sherman notified Mr. Woodford cf the passage in the House, the previous day, of the Cuban resolutions, and of reporting to the Senate of the reso- luucas from the foreign relations com- mittee. On that day Secretary Sherman wired: “Ultimate resolution in conference cannot now be forecasted, but will doubtless direct intervention by force, if need be, to secure United States minister at Madrid was in turn notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the withdrawal of the Ss) the United States had terminated diplomatic relations nish representative from between the two count nd that all otti- cial communications between their resp: ive representatives ceased therewith. I commend to your especial attention note essed to the United St: id by the S; foreign affairs on the the for he es minis- ter a sh minister for t ant, whereby It onveyed. Will be perceived therefrom that the gov- ernment of § saving cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Con- gress, and in view of the things which the President was th required and au- thorized to do, treating the reasonable dem; he nent as with that ice of relations me ins by its action of t and complete seve which by the sage of nations accom: n existent state be- of war tween sove The p krown € position and f Spi the me e of rred upon id to pro- north coast of as and the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast ef Cuba; and, further, in exercise of my constitutional powers and nia | free Cuba. The situation is most critical.” On Sunday morning last Acting Secretary Day notified Mr. Woodford of the passage by the Senate of the resolution amending all of the House resolution after the en- acting clause, and informed him the House d until Monday, and that if it non- He again announced the ultimate form of reso- lution could not be foreseen. Last Tuesday Acting Secretary Day noti- fied Minister Woodford of the final adop- tion of the resolutions by Loth house “An Instruction will be telegraphed later, Immediately on the President signing the joint resolution. will re concurred conference would follow. In the meantime you for withd prepare wal from Sy in, and notify consuls to be ready for the sig- ul to leave. If any consul’ is in danger » may quietly leave, at his disere’ ned) Following is the repl jon. DAY." Mr. Woodford to Mr. Day. MADRID, Apr ~Have received tele- gram of Tuesday morning; am prepared to withdraw. Have notificd consuls to be 1} ready. WOODFORD.” On Apr 20 Secret Sherman tele- | graphed Mr. Woodford the ultimatum, here- | tofore published. On the same date Sherman sent the following to th nish minist “WASHINGTOD I have 3, D. c » honor to ¢ > a copy of an instruction sent this day » April mm to th ed telegraph, in obed! tion of the Cong: of the United of America, in relation to the p of the Island of Cuba, approved this d Un -s minister at Madrid, by ence to a joint using the authority conferred upon me by the act of Congress approved April 2, of which a copy {s hereto annexed. I av (Continued on Second Page.) 1 Landed in Cuba, AID 10 BE GIVEN GOMEZ Munitions of War aad Supplies to Be Furnished. TEERS TO FOLLOW se eee ee VOLU As soon as it was announced by the President to senators ard members of the House that a declaration that a siate cf war exists would be recommended to Cor- gress in a mes morning, assured that the upon as scon as There has been a strong de to make such a declaration, houses were ready to do so, hi { the desire of the President, on the Minister Woodford was given ke was od ved. ress both been y that pass- | { and it ports by the Spanish government. ium ; the time of the Maine report there has Leen more or le: ntiment i r of declaration of war. exists, and the dec meet technical requirements in conne with our international relations The foreign relations committee held a special session at 11 o'clock to prepare the war resolutions to be reported to the Sen- | An understanding was reached in both that there would be no delay what- in responding to tne President , and it is regarded as necc der the terms of that act be dec contemplated recruiting army can be begun. This re than any- thing else, renders a declaration desirable ther than a day or two later. First Invesion of Cuba, me un- all ry that war shall | ared by Congress to exist before the for the regular The general understanding is that it is the purpose of the President, been stated in The S: army for the first invz as has before e the recular ind not to call uve our shores fter they have become thoroughly The departure of scveral of the from Sampson's fleet for Matanzas, reported in the Havana dispatches this morning, is interpreted to be a movement In conjunction with a decision which has been reached to immediately land 5,000 reg- ular troops at Matanzas or some other con- venient point in that direction, to establish a base of supplies. It is understood that arrangements have been completed for es- tablishing communication between such a base of supplies and Gen. Gomez's army, which is being concentrated for the purpose of forming a junction. The hour of the departure of troops from our shores will be determined only by the question of how fast it Is possible to get the transports and put them under na cort. A large quantity of military supplies and of provisions for feeding the destitute within reach of and under the protection of the invading army and the army of Gomez will be transported to the point selected as the base of supplies in Cuba. A Base of Supplies. It is felt that a force of 5,000 men will be amply able to establish the base of sup- plies and to protect it from any force the Spanish could send against it. As soon as the force has landed the way will be open to pour into the island ail the supplies and munitions of war that can possibly be need- ed, and the investment of the island will begin. The vessels which have been detail- ed from Sampson's flect will be quite able to cover the landing of the troops from the transports and giving them a clea foothold. It is understood that the Cu! army of Gomez, as embled, will be provided with rms, ammunition, clothing, prov horses and equipment as they need as rapidly as possible put into a condition for effective service. After it has been determined how effective a force can be relied upon from the Gomez army, ft can be decided to what extent our own un- acclimated soldiers will have to be called upon for service in Cuba at this time. Starting with the regulars, the more si soned soldiers will be first drawn upon for the army of invasion. The militia and raw recruits will be kept in camp as long as possible, to allow them to become sea- soned, and when the calls upon them begin areful selection will be made of those ming best suited for the sort of service for which reinforcements will be needed. The Regular Army. ‘The regular army, which will be recruit- ed under the bill which has been passed by the House and Is to be act2d upon by the Senate, will retain a character sharply distinguished from the volunteer arm. It will be built up by recruiting to nearly three times its present size an army mad2> up of hardy and seasoned men. The re- cruits will naturally be of a very different class of men from those comprising the voluntezr army. The men in the volunteer army will be composed of men, for the most part, who would never think, in time of peace, of adopting the profession of a private soldier. The recruits to the regular army are 2xpected to come from the same class of men, used to hardships and priva- tion, who ordinarily choose the profession of soldiers in the ranks, and they will be recruited to fill up companies of men who have become fully seasoned. Th3 volun- teers, coming chiefly from walks of private life, where many of them have been used to luxury and have ney2r known whal hardship is, while experience has shown that they make excellent soldiers, in fact, the best in time, need to be given longer time in camp, so that they may become used to its hardship: reason it is probable that the will not be called upon to join the army of invasion for at bas! de ably longer before any of them are erdered to duty outside this country. —— EXPECT A LONG STRUGGLE, ur, tov ‘ast as they can be such ‘his Conclusion Re- War With Spain, LONDON, April 25.—Basing its opinion upcn New York cabie dispatches referring to the alleged unpre of the United States troops, Lordon has come to the cenclusion that the struggle will b3 a | lingering one, although It is still watching with the greatest interest what the stock exchange people term the “prize compe- titicn, In some quarters, even now, the belief is expressed that Spain will yield before long. Whatever the prize court may decide relative to the legality of the captures, British naval men applaud the promptness ot action upon the part of the American rships as being evidence that the ‘Gnited States is very much alive.” ——— Soldier Boys, MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT ORDERS Everything in Readiness at Sodiers’ Home and Along the River. AT ARMORY SCENE BUSY With hearts beating to the tune of “Yan- kee Doodle,” “Dixic” and “The Girl I Left Behind Me,” the District National Guard, about eighteen marched from the armory over the Center Market ire detachmer: n the hours of 9 and hundzed strong, betw mid the cheers had assembled them off. Wive veethearts ef th semble at the Per entrance at an eariy hour this & to give the brave soldier be great send-off. It looker e war. It meant war. The Guard was never in better shape to meet the emergen They were ordered to as- sembie at 9 o'clock, and fifteen minutes thercatter the 4th Battalion left the armory on its march to the Soldiers’ Home, where they were to go into camp. The other co nies and battalions left in succession. In just one and three-quar- ter hours the last detachment, the 5th Bat- talion of the 24 Regiment, which was the last to leave, marched up the avenue. The quariermasters and commissaries had in the meantime gotten everything packed en n tra nd they had left the the various camps. A few min- fter the 5th Battation left the armery were scen marching down th2 avenue returning to the armory. Cousiernation reigned supreme at the ar- mecry. It could not be understood why the battalion was coming back. They returned to the armory with disappolnument pictured on every face. They went to their quar- ters in a very crestfallen condition. For a moment rumors of all sorts were fleating through the great building. “Spain has surrendered and we will have no more war,” “W. night,” and like expre every side. No one seemed to know just ex actly what the order meant. The reporter for The Star went immediately to Maj. Si- monson of the 5th Battalion and asked for information. Maj. Hine said: “I don’t know what it means. I have simply recetyed or- ders to return to the armory and store al! of my stuff. This I have done.” From about 11:30 until 2:30 the companies which had been sent to the Soldiefs’ Home began to return to the armory. On the face of every man who returned was the same crestfallen appearance. «None of them could understand just why they were or- dered in. The officers wére equally as ig- norant as the men. It tock the National Guard just one hour and a half to turn its entire strength out from the armory, at 2:30 o'clock the last ccmpany had returned, and it will not take more than an hour for all of the stores, the tents and other camp equipage to be put away where it was taken from, and the armory will present the same peaceful, quiet appearance that {t did before the troops began to assemble this morning. All cf the men expressed the deepes regret that they were not allowed to stay out in camp over night, as they were of the opinion that it would have been of great benefit. When the companics were taken to the armory the order for dismis- sal was given, but the company com- marders took the piecaution to ell tier men to hold themveives ready to report at @ moment's noucs, and a number of them told them to report tonight anyhow. It is believed that the entire guard would answer to a hurry call in less than an hour. Explanation. nely difficult to obtain from als of the War Department any factoty explanation for the recall rict National Guard this mo: ing. Saturday afternoon Secretary Alger gave Br n. Harries, commanding the guard, written authority to use his own discretion in ordering the guard into camp. Gen. Harries informed the Secretary, when he received the order, that he proposed to have the entire National Guard in camp at the Soldiers’ Home at sunrise Sunday morning, and that he had arranged to issue the necessary orders, Subsequently the Secretary notified Gen. Harries that he weuld prefer that the troops should not go into camp until Monday (this) morning, his idea being to preserve the sanctity of the Sabbath as mvch as possible. It was upon this understanding that Gen. Harries issued the orders under which the guardsmen assembled at their armorles this morning in heavy marching order and Started out for the stations assigned to them. The main body was to have gone into camp at Soldiers’ Home,while a smaller detachment started on their way up the Conduit road, to guard the Washington aqueduct. ‘The order for their recall was issued by Adjt. Gen. Corin by the personal direction of Secretary Alger, who was at the White House in attendance on the cabinet meeting at the time. The Secretary’s action is un- derstood to have been based on representa- tions by the heads of the various executive departments that the work in the depart- ments was being serlously embarrassed by the absence of many clerks and employes belonging to the National Guard, who failed to report for duty at the departments this morning. ‘The alacrity with which the National Guardsmen had responded to the call for military service gave the officials no time or opportunity to supply their places. In view of this consideration and the further explanation on the part of the Sec- retary of War that there was no special necessity for the guard to g0 into camp immediately, the cabinet concluded it best to call the soldiers back and postpone the pians for its encampment fer a few days at least. Gen, Corbin sa‘d to a Star reporter th!s afternoon that he was too busy with more important matters affecting the increase of the army to enter into any details regard- ing the change cf plans of the District ational Guard. All he would say was that they were called back by order of the Secretary of War, for the reason that the servidys of a great many of them were much needed in the executive departments, and also because there was no special oc- (Continued on Eleventh Page.) the offic! very sat of the I PLAN OF INVASION| THE GUARD RETURNS! MR.SHERMANRETIRES| The Regular Army to Be First) Half a Day Sorvice of the District | Resignation of the Secretary of State TENDGR2D TO THE PRESIDENT TODAY aes | Leaves Public Life Aft of Service. er Many Years ——--+ -— JUDGE DAY TO SUCCEED Another resignation from the cabinet oc- curred today, when the venerable Secre- tary of State, Mr. John Sherman, tendered his resignation of the premiership to the President. The resignation is to take effect at as early a day as may be converiznt to the President, and with it Mr. Sherman re- tires from public life, after a service of over forty years, embracing the House of . the United States Senate, ctaryship of the Treasury and the Secretaryship of State. The Resignation Brought Over. Secretary Sherman left the extra meet- ing of the cabinet about 11:30 o'clock ti mcrning, and twenty minutes later sent resignation to President McKinley. The President had gone out for a short walk with Post ion arrived. The messenger went back to the State Department, and returned at o'clock. The President had then returned, and received the resig- nation. When Secretary Sherman went to the cabinet meeting it was his purpose to ver- bally tender his resignation and follow this with a formal paper to that effect. He had told a representative of The Star at the State Department that he would do this. The Secretary, however, did not say a word on the subject to anyone during the cabinet session. All of his fellow of- fictals left the meeting in ignorance of the Secretary It was noted that the Secretary was next to the last man to leave the meeting. He probably said something to the President in a private way. As he left the White House he was asked his intentions, anything. intentiors. but refused to say Secretary Sherman's fellow ofticials had supposed, from what 1! that the Secretary inten: y had learned, ed to resign dur- ing the meeting. They were surprised this aftewzoon when they learned what had oc- curred. Each one feels the deepest regret at the retirement of the venerable Secre- io the effect that should there of the State Department. In fact, it is said that he will even resign the position of as- sistant secretary of state. At the pre: time be is in Canton, where, tt is said, he has gone to arrange for a return to bis law practice. The name of Whitelaw Reld is represent- ed as being cbnsidered by the President in connection with the office, and it is said that he will nominate Mr. Reid. However this may be, it is positively known that Senator Platt of New York has been tele- graphed to in the matter, and that follow- ing the lines of his former opposition to Mr. Reid, he will come immediately to Washington and enter a protest against the appointment. An interesting story is told in connection with Mr. Reid and the State Department Portfolio. Before the cabinet was an- | nounced President McKinley, it is said, had Mr. Reid slated for the position and Charles, Emory Smith was selected for Postmaster General. When it became known that Mr. Reid was the President's choice for the State Department there was @ general protest from the republican ma- chine in New York. The President sent for Senator Platt, it is said, ard told him he wanted to exact a Promise from him. Senator Platt said he Was anxious to serve the President in whatevgr way he could, and asked the na- ture of the promise. The President replied, it is said, that he was desirous of recogniz- ing his old friend, Whitelaw Reid, whom h3 had selected as Secretary of State. Senator Platt promptly replied that under no cir- cumstances could he agree to such an ap- pointme as it would leav2 him without a friend in New York state. The conference jasied some time, but Senator Piatt was ob- durate. ! | for and ask>d to support the nomination of Charles Emory Smith for Postmaster Gen- eral. This he also refused to do, and, as the story goes, the President, anxious to re- lain the friendship of the two Republican lsaders, did not pr2ss the names of Reid and Smith, —_——__-+e-_______ AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT. Legality of Recent Seizures Has Net Been Taken U From the fact that the State Depart- ment has not been called upon so far to prepare any proclamation giving notice of a blockade of either Porto Rico or the Phillipines, tt may be set down as a fact that no such blockade has been undertaken. It is the usual practice, as was shown in the proclamation relative to the blockade ot Cuban ports, to give due notice to for- cig powers by proclamation of an inten- tion io biockade, and although it is not @ itely necessary to follow this course it believed that the State Department | will observe the usual rule. It is entirely within the province of an admiral com- manding, however, if in his opinion an emergency exists sufficient to justify it, to establish the blockade first and then sive notice and in the case of the Philli- pincs it is probable that such a course will be followed in order that the Spanish naval fcrce now at Manilla might not be given an opportunity to escape capture at the ‘hands of the United States Asiatic squad- ron by advanced notice. The State Department has not yet un- @ertaken to pass upon the iegality of seizures of prizes by United States naval vessels. It is the disposition of the of- ficials to allow this question to be decided by the prize court, but the lodgement of earnest protests with the department against some of the seizures already made may result in obliging the department to pass upon this question in the beginning. The officials are feeling just a trifle un- comfortable over the statement coming from Madrid to the effect that the Spanish government has allowed American mer- chant ships thirty days to make their way safely out of Spanish ports, parison likely to be made betw practices in this respect of the t 0) ernments might place us in a disadvan- tageous light. The impending retirement of Secretary Sherman and the absence of Assistant retary Day in Ohio resulted in leaving the practical conduct of the State Departm today in the hands of Second Assistant 8 be any swapping of places in the cabinet as a result of the retirement of Secretary Sherman, the indications point to Attorney Judge Day. General Griggs being the man who will go to the State Department, but this is the merest gossip. Judge Day will become the head of the State Department unless he changes his m:nd. ‘The reason for the resignation is the con- dition of the Secretary’s health, which is now impaired as the result of years of de- votion to the public service and the ardu- ous labors of a lifetime, added to age, the venerable Secretary being now within a few days of seventy-five years of age. The Secretary's resignation was couched in a simple note tendering to the President the portfolio intrusted to him upon the in- auguration of President McKinley and ask- ing that it take effect from the close of to- day. Mr. Day himself is out of the city and is thought to be in Canton, Ohio, arranging his personal affairs. He has had entire charge of Cuban affairs almost since the beginning of the present administration. It is learned that Judge Day is in Can- ton because of the severe illness of Mrs. Day. It is not known how long he will remain. GOSSIP ABOUT THE CABINET. Whitelaw Reid Mentioned in Connec- tion With the State Portfolio. Gossip about cabinet appointments con- tinues to be extremely active. It Is insisted in some quarters that Judge Day will probably not accept the portfolio retary Adee. He was engaged during the morning in the preparation of the corre- spondence bearing upon the ultimatum ac- companying* the message of the President recommending a formal declaration of war. The correspondence is mainly interest as tending to bear out the contention of the State Department that Spain has ac- knowledged the receipt of our ultimatum through its admission that a state of war exists. Senator Lodge, Senator Hanna and some other senators and representatives called upon Assistant Secretary Adee this morning and in consequence the foreign re- lations committee of the Senate was fully advised as to the purpose of the President in recommending a declaration of war be- fore the message itself went to Congress. It was felt best to do this in order that the committee might prepare it€elf in advance for speedy action upon his suggestion. ‘There was a good deal of speculation at the department upon the succession upon Secretary Sherman's retirement, but in the absence of Judge Day, who has been most prominently mentioned for appointment to the Secretaryship of State, no one appear- nator Quay at the same time was sent The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Star in Washington is mor® than double that of any other paper, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternoon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- fore stands uncqualed and un- approachable. FIRED AT THE FOOTE Masked Battery ie intense to Ma- tanzas Opened the Ball. sane THREE SHOTS AT TORPEDO BOAT Were at Short Range, but Went Wide of the Mark. > BLOCKADE Is COMPLETE — Special From a Sta® Correspondent. KEY WEST, Fla., Apri 25.—The first fire known to be directed against the squadron blockading Crvban ports came Se turday from a masked battory commanding the entrance to Matanzas barbor. Thr sh were fired at the torpedo boat Foote, in command of Lieut. W. L. Rodgers, The Foote was taking soundings about 300 yards from shore when, without warning, the bat- tery opened fire. made in quick succession. They all went wide of the mark, apparently several hun- dred yards wide, for the shots struck the water a quarter of a mile away. Officers and men on the torpedo boat were momentarily startled by the volley, then observations were taken. The cruiser Cincinnatl, which was stand- ing off, was hailed by the torpedo boat and Lieut. Rodgers made his report, through the megaphone. He said: “We seem to have drawn the enemy's fire from shore. W have been fired at thre> times.” The orders of Capt. Chester, in conimand of the cruiser Cincinnati, did not permit shelling Matanzas, so the fire trom the masked battery was not The blockade of the port is complete and the squadron is having a lively time warning ships which get within the blocks ing line. PEPPER, ts Three discharges were returned. By Associated Press. ON BOARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS DISPATCH BOAT DAUNTLESS, Matan- zas, Island of Cuba, via Key West, Fla. April 25, 7:42 a.m —The United States tor- pedo boat Foote, Lieut. W. L. Rodgers commanding, has the honor of having been the target for the first shots fired by the Spaniards at the American flag during the war just begun. The firing occurred be- tween 5 o'clock and 6 o'clock on Saturday afternoon while the torpedo boat was take ing soundings in the harbor of Matanzas. She was within 200 or 300 yards of the shcere, when suddenly a Spanish masked battery on the east side of the harbor aud not very far distant from the Foote fired three shots at the torpedo boat. They all went wide of the mark, and the Foote re- turned leisurely to the Cincinnati, where she reported the result of her soundings, and then announced she had been fired upon. The Cincinnati was anxious to steam in instantly and reduce the Spanish batteries, but she was not permitted to do wo. No captures are reported by the fet off Matanzas. It is alleged that two Spanish gunboats but the report could were seen in-shore, not be veritied. THE MATHILDE CAPTURE Solid Shots Hind to Be Fired Before She Hove To, Special From a Staff Corvespondent, KEY WEST, Fla., April Another eap- ture was made by the fleet this afternoon 4 o’clock—the Mathilde, a steamer. She 1 live get away, and three or four sol ots had to be fired before she hove inally overhauled by the torp Porter, a prize crew put aboard started te Key West under tow of th. Dauntless. rpedo boat Ericsson has just a With official dispatches, Up to 10 this morn- ing there had been no bombardmer I am indebted to the courtesy of Karl Decker in placing the New York Journal dispatch boat Echo at my disposal for car- rying today’s dispatches back wo Key W PEPPER, between a to. tug rive > LOST FOR SPAIN. Not Now Bound by the Ulimatam, MADRID, April raisod as to the non-delivery matum. The view now taken non-delivery leaves the pledged in regard to th with refersnce to Thus, it is pointed out, gratified, Spain has le poixT United Stay —A new point has been of the ulti- city ana ed to be authorized to make any statement upon the subject. ———e-____ JUDGE DAY AT CANTON. It ix Believed He Will Be Secretary of State. Ohio, April 25.—Judge William R. Day, accompanied by his son, Luther, reached Canton this morning. He looked as If in good health. As he stepped from the train the Assoctated Press correspond- ent informed him of the resignation of Sec- retary Sherman. When asked if he would accept the vacancy he replied: “I will take the matter under consideration. While Judge Day declined to talk for publication, it is believed he will accept the secretaryship if the President nominates him and the Senate takes favorable action. It is known here that Judge Day made a great business sacrifice when he a-cepted the place of assistant secretary of state. He has not felt that he could afford tg tke a cabinet portfolfo, but under present cir- cumstances, however, it is not believed that he feels he ought to decline. —_ +. Depzriment Day Lengthened. The Secretary of War has issued the fol- lowing cireular: “In view of the large increase of work which the preparations for war have en- tailed upon the department, the hours of labor are hereby extended to 5 o'clock p.m., in the cases of all employes whose services urtil that hour may, in the judgment of the respective heads of bureans and offices, be necessary to the prompt dispatch of the public business.” CANTON, The rewspapers of th inces are filled with rumors of captures made by the war vessels of Spain or the United States and with of the movements of the American wars with patriot utlerenc ters of the kin, com- pm all Commander J. M. station at % commanding t, has orted Deparument t © of panish pri sels of ampson’s fleet. He says that on the 24th instant the Detroit into Key West the prize steamer Catalina of Cadiz and that yesterday the Cushing and Algon- quin arrived at Key West with two Spanish schooners, which had been seized in neig¢h- boring waters. The last two named prizes were towed into port by the Algonquin, which is one of the recent acquisi to the navy. LE a ee Havana Cable Stil Werking. NEW YORK, April 25.—Vice President Clark of the W. Telegraph Company said tod be- ing transmitted as usual betw Havana and the United States, via Key West, but subject to the United States ce Key Wes:.” ensors=hip at Signal Men Won’t Volunteer. BRIDGEPORT, Conn., April 25.—1t is re- ported that the fourth section, signal corps, has refused to a man to volunteer.