Evening Star Newspaper, April 26, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. ! _—— PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, { iat ee Cer. 11th St, by vening Star New: Company SH EAUFFMANN, Pres‘t. fae es atti Few York OSce, 49 Fettor Building re ved ihseribers fn the cau bo co triees: on thefe own account, at 10 cents per week, cr 44 cen per month. Copies at the ecupter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the Uniten States +r Caaada—postage prepaid—S0 cents jonth, PSarurdas Quintople aoe Star, $1 per year, with ice at Washington, D. C.. C e er. must he paid in ad nee. known on appli : Rates of advertising ma SPANISH SHIPS HERE an Merchantmen Given Until May 21 to Depart. -_— SUCH VESSELS NOT TO BE MOLESTED Neutral Flag Covers Enemy's Goods Not Contraband. —— ANOTHER PROCLAMATION The State Department has given notice to all nations and powers of the declaration of war made yester- day against Spain. Rear Admiral Erben, retired, was put in command of the mosquito fleet. Both houses of Congress agreed to the conference report on the army reorganization bill. Chairman Dingley reported the war revenue bili to the House and gave notice that the bill would be called up tomorrow, general debate - ae The Evening Star. SS: No. 14,088. WASHINGTON, D. ©, TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. /TWO OENTS, | to continue until Thursday, the bill to be considered Friday for amend- ment under the five-minute rule until 4 o'clock, when a vote should be taken. The State Department has sent al! foreign nations notice of Congress’ declaration that war has existed since April 21. This was done to save our rights. Most governors have made prompt and gratifying responses to the call for volunteers. Secretary Long authorized an em- phatic denial of reports current that advices had been received that Mor- ro Castle had fired on the fleet, and that it had replied. The President nominated Wm. R. Day to be Secretary of State and John B. Moore to be assistant secre- tary. Secretary Day was confirmed. Details were received of Lieut. Fremont’s landing in Cuba. Rear Admiral Walker will be suc- ceeded on the naval strategic board} by Capt. A. T. Mahan. The Mangrove captured the big Spanish liner Panama about twenty miles out of Havana this morning and the gunboat Newport caught two small coasters. The President issued a procla- mation defining the attitude of the government over Spanish ships in United States ports. The President today issued the following proclamation respecting the rights of Span- ish vessels now in or bound to United States ports and also with regard to the right of search: By the President of the United States of America, A proclamation. Whereas, by an act of Congress approved April 25, 1898, {t is declared that war exists and that war has existed since the 2ist day of April, A.D. 1898, including said day, be- tween the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain, and Whereas, it being desirable that such war should be conducted upon and in harmony with the present views of nations and sanc- ,tioned by recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy cf this government will not be to resort to priva- teering, but to adhere to the rules of the declaretion of Paris: Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the action and the laws, do hereby declare and prociaim: First. The neutral flag covers enemy's goods with the exception of contraband of war. Second. Nzutral goods not contraband of war are not liable to confiscation under the ewgmy's flag. ‘Third. Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. Fourth. Spanish merchant vesseis in any ports or places within the United States shall be allowed entil May 21, 1898, inclu- sive, for loading their cargoes and depart- ing from such ports or places; and such Spanish merchant vessels if met at sea by any United States ships shall be permitted to continu: their voyage, if on examina- tion of their papers it shall appear that their cargoes were taken on board before the expiration of the above term, provided, that nothing herein contained shall apply to Spanish vess:ls having on board any officers in the military or naval service of the enemy, or any cual (except such as may be necessary for their voyage) or any other articl: prohibited or contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish government. Fifth. Any Sperish merchant vessel which prior to April 21, 1888, shall have sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United States shall be permitted to enter such port or place, and to discharge her cargo and afterward forthwith to depart without molestation; and any such vessel if met at sea by any United States ship shall be permitted to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. Sixth. The right of search is to be exer- cised with strict regard for the right of neutrals, and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a violation of law in respect of contraband or block- ade. Gigned.) WILLIAM McKINLEY. In witness whereof, etc., done at the Department of State, etc., this 26th day of April, ete. The President’s Visitors. President McKinley had many visitors this merning before the time for the cabi- net meeting. Nearly allof them are in- terested in securing places or promotions in the army or navy for constituents. Senators Quay, Penrose, Pritchard, Lind- Gear Fairbanks, Spooner, Represen- atives Jenkins and Grosvenor, Lieutenant General Schofield, and ex-Govenor Oates of Alabama, were among the cailers. Prof. Moore, the new first assistant sec- retary of state, called as the cabinet was assembling. He had a long taik with the President. There is much satisfaction at his selection. MacVeagh, ex-ambassador to Italy, was a visitor. He has been at the White House frequently since the begin- ning of the trouble with Spain. Ex-Secretary John W. Foster was with the President a short time. The visit of ex-Governor Oates was to urge the appointment of General Wheeler of Alabama as a major general of volun- teers. This appointment is being urged from all parts of the country. Senator Davis of Minnesota has indorsed the sug- of General si gestion, saying that he know Wheeier’s ability, having been chased over several southern states curing the war, by the noted “Alabamian. Discussing Coast Defenses. General John M. Wilson, chief of engin- eers of the United States army, went to the White House this morning with a num- ber of important maps and papers in his possession. He was present during a great- er part of the cabinet session and was un- doubtedly consuited regarding the coast whout the country. It is generally believed that his presence at the White House was exceedingly significant. The click of telegraph instruments at the White House never ceases now and makes merry music when everything is still. Hun- dreds of messages go across the White House wires daily. All the newspaper dis- patches are sent to the President, in addi- tion to the numerous official dispatches. The Cabinet Meeting. The two hours’ ion of the cabinet to- day did not reach any agreement changing in any way the movements of the army and navy heretcfore agreed upon. Every- thing is said to be proceeding to the satis- facticn of the President and cabinet. The cabinet discussed numerous matters in connection with the pending situation. Secr=tary Sherman was present for the last time. His resignation was accepted at the close of the meeting, and the venerable and much-beloved statesman bade good-bye to th> President and his fellow-officials. The farewell was affecting and histor‘cal. ‘As he was leaving the White House he ccn plied with a number of requgsts for his autograph. The Buena Ventura's Case. The seizure of Spanish ships by the Key West fleet was informally discussed by the cabinet. It is said that there is not unanim- ity among the administration officials as to the case of the Bucna Ventura, but it 1s felt that no orders can be given from here regarding that ship or any of the other vessels which were captur ‘The prize court will settle ail these cases, and the government here wiil have to abide by the decision of the court. Attor- ‘y General Griggs will represent both the government and the captors through the district attorney of the southern dis- trict of Florida, who is now engaged in the preparation of the papers. Report of Engagement Denied. Cabinet officials denied the rumors of an engagement between the fleet and the bat- teries of Morro Castle. No news intimat- Ing this was -eceived during the day by Secretary Long, who reported that every- thing stonds as ordered several days ago. It was authoritatively stated that the government has received no official news of the sailing of the Spanish fleet from the Cape Verde Islands. It is said that the government is keeping a close eye on this fleet. ‘The run of the Minneapolis and Columbia to the New England coast is declared to have had no particular purpose in view, ex- cept to give the people along the coast an idea of how quickly they can b2 protected in case of the approach of the enemy. The quick run of the two splendid cruisers was gratifying to the officials. The reports that a Spanish ficet is head- ing this way gave no alarm to the Presi- dent and cabinet, who feel sure that the coast is well protected at every point by fortifications and mines. General John M. Wilson, chief of engineers, increased this assurance today by showing the assembled cabinet officials just how everything stands. War Revenue. There was some discussion as to the question of war reverue measures, but {t was purely informal, pending action by Congress. Secretary Gage, who always keeps the cabinet posted as to financial af- fairs, ‘s in New York, and was absent from the meeting. Secretary Day will take his seat at the cabinet table Friday, if he is not detained at Canton: He has been present at nearly every cabinet session for weeks, but did not participate in the deliberations except to unfold the progréss of affairs, when called upon to do so, and to order the carrying out of such matters as were agreed upon. AES ASA aee SPAIN WILL PLAY BADGER. To Wait for an Aggressive Warfare Erom Us. MADRID, April 26.—The general public here is in complete ignorance regarding the Spanish war movements. The newspapers make no mention of them, while fully re- cording the tactics of the United States fleet. Judging from the available advices, Spain appears to have the tactics of the badger. The Liberal says: “We are inside our house, Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philip- pine Islands, and inside we will remain until you come and drive us out in fulfill- ment of your arrogant boast.” It is generally believed that in conso- nance with this policy the Spanish fleet, unless compelled to fight, will avoid e gagements, and the fastest ships will be employed to destroy the commerce of the United States. ‘ ‘The newspapers today reflect general sat- isfaction at the unanimity of the support given the government in the cortes yester- day. A bill to indemnify the government fer granting autonomy to Cuba, which was not authorized by the cortes, is expected to pass by acclamation today, unless the Reb- ledoists, who are hostile to autonomy, up- pese the measure. Mrs. McKinley's Retura. Mrs. McKinley returned from New York at 8 o'clock this morning, accompanied by Mrs. Barber and Miss Barber, her Canton, Ohio, guests. The President was up early to greet them, but did not go to the station. Mr. Webb C. Hayes met them instead. old war colonel; y and Miss Barber. They were later jcined by Mr. Abner Meninley, the President's brother. | red Nag THREE MORE PRIZES ——_.—___ Blockading Fleet Continues to Prey on Spain’s Commerce, BIG LINER PANAMA CAPTURED Mangrove, With Two Six-Pounders, Gets the Big Prize. NEWPORT GETS OTHER TWO KEY WEST, Fla., April 26—The biz Spanish steamship Panama of the Ceballos line, which left New York April 20, for Havana, with a number of Spanish refu- gees on board and a very vi able cargo, including, it is understood, stores for the Spanish army, was captured last ins about twenty iles from Havana, by the little lighthouse tender Mangrove, now be- longing to the Mosquito fle The Man- grove mounts two six-pounders and four 38 revolvers. She is commanded by Licut. Commander Everett and has a crew of thirteen men. The Panama is of about 2,800 tons, and a very ricl. prize. The United States gunboat Newport, Capt. B. F. Tilley, has brought in the Spanish slcop Paquete and the Sp schooner Pireto, Cuban coasting v: which she captured off Havana this morn- ing. When the Mangrove sighted the Panama she ran up to her and fired a gun across her bows. The liner did not take the hint and a second shot was fired, after which the Panama slowed down a little. A third shot was fired across the bows of the Pa ama, at a hundred yards, and the officer of the Spanish ve: was hailed and notified that if he did not “heave to” a shot would be sen through notification caused the brought to. Ensign Dayton then bo: eamer and took pos: 1 ‘ded the Spanish n of her. The battle ship Indiana then steamed up and Commander Everett notified Captain Taylor of the Indiana that he had cap- the Panama and borrowed a prize the tured crew from battle ship, consisting of cadet Fale and fifteen marines. The Mangrove was then crdered to report to the flagship and Rear Admiral Sampson Commander Everctt to take his prize Key West. sma is understood to have thirty- engers on board. As she rounded to afier the little Mangrove overhauled her, Commander Everett knowing tie Pan- ama was an auxiliary cruiser, expected to be fired upon. It is not yet known whether the Panama had guns on board. Carrying the War Into Afrien? MIDDLESBORO’, Ky., April 26.—Two Spaniards with tame bears were ru: out of Jonesville, Va. One was seriously hurt, Lut they escaped Value of the Panama, NEW YORK, April 26.—It was stated at the office of the Spanish transaslantic line, which owns the Panama, that that vessel was valued at §200,000 and her cargo at $75,000. ee CARLOS V IN PARIS’ PATH. Spanish Cruiser Kas Been Sighted by the Penniana. QUEENSTOWN, April 26.—The Red Star Line steamer Pennland, €aptain Albrecht, which left Philadelphia on April 16, has ar- rived here, and reports that she has not sighted the American liner Paris, char- tered by the United States government, which the Spaniards are said to be trying to capture, but last Sunday the Pennland sighted the Spanish warship Don Carlos (possibly the Carlos V), which was steam- ing rapidly at the time. The Carlos V, a first-class armored cruiser, left Havre for Ferrol, it was said at the time, on April 3 es ae MUSTER IN TROOPS. To Colonel Heyl to Receive the District Battalion, Col. C. H. Heyl, adjutant general of the District militia, was today assigned to the duty of mustering into the United States service the battalion of infantry to be re- cruited in the District for service in the volunteer army of the United States, under the President's call for 125,000 men. ee TAKEN TO THE WHITE HOUSE. Agreement on the Army Reorganiza- tion Bill. ‘The conferees of the two Houses reached an agreement this morning on the army re- organization bill. The House conferees agreed to the Senate amendment requiring that the quotas of militia of the various states and territories shall be in compa- nies, troops and batteries in order to be ac- cepted by the President, and also the Sen- ate amendment increasing the Signal Corps to the extent of ten corporals and 140 privates. The conference refused to accept the amendment authorizing the active employ- ment of retired army officers in time of war, and it was therefore eliminated from the bill. Both houses agreed to the report and the bill left the Capitol at 2:05 o’clock for the President's signature. ae ES FIRST CHEERS, THEN CURSES. Ward Line Steamer Has Exciting Ex- perience in Havana. NEW YORK, April 26.—The Ward line steamer Saratoga, Captain Johnson, ar- 1ived today from Havana with 211 passen- gers and a full cargo of cigars, sugar, etc., and about one million dollars in specie. The Saratoga sailed from New York April 14 with a cargo of supplies for Havana, where she arrived April 18, and was re- celved by the pecple with cheers. The fort at Morro hoisted the American jack and great rejoicing prevailed. The people ran wild about the streets, and troops were seen ‘marching and coun- termarching on all sides. When the steamer had discharged her cargo the passage, and liged to go ashore and purchase sup- plies for the 211 passengers who embarked. ‘The Saratoga sailed about 5:30 a.m., April 22, This time the sentiment of the people was displayed in a different manner. = They lined the shores of the narrow channel in dense crowds, jeering and hoot- ing, cursing and hurling obscene epithets at the steamer and her While Se eee ean wee from each side eittrance and a ‘was hoisted on Morro Castie, |BLaNco i] i IS DEFIANT Says He Can Defend Hevana Without Fleet's Help. Answer to a Spanish Admiral— Polo May Quit Canada. MADRID, April 25 (delayed in transmis- sion).—The Pais today announced that the Spanisn admiral in command of the fleet at St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands, has cabled to the government here that when the United States fleet is betore Ha- vana his place is not at the Cape Verde Islands, ad: thet he would sail against the American rquadron in the morning. or- ders or no o>ders. Blanco Docs Net Want Them. HAVANA (via London), April 2%—Cap- tain General Blerge hes cabled the ment at i to the effect that the Span- ish sqradron of warsh ps may be utilized elsewhere, as he can account for the de- fcense of Havana without the assistance of flees. Why is Pelo in CG LONDON April 26.—In the house of com- mons tocay Mr. James F. cgan, anti- Parnellite, member for the middie division of ‘Tipperary, wil ask the government Mr. A. J. Balfour, first lord of the y and secretary of state for foreign whether Senot Polo y Bernabe, the former Spanish minister at Washing- ton, who is now in Canada, is at liberty to Toronto as a base for supplying Spain ion, ‘and whether there is any fonndation for the suggestion that Vole is accredited to the whole of ica north of the equator, and that he thereby acquired a definite status in a, and generally to “indicate the ns imposed by precedent and diplo- matic usage on the activities of an ex-min- ister of a belligerent power who keeps up a temporary idence in a British colony.” leade} PROSPECT OF EOND ISSUE. Republicans. Confident of the Senate Pavoring It. At the meetirg of the; ways and means committee today, Mr. Bailey, on behalf of the democratic mirority, offered the sub- stitute agreed upon by them for the propo- sition in the bill authorizing the issue of $50,000,000 coin bonds. It provides for an income tax of 8 per cent on incomes from all sources in excess of $4,000. State, county and municipal Bonds, however, were excepted from its provicioms to meet the uranimous decision of the Supreme Court in this respect. The minerity estimated that such an income tax weuld raise $100,- 000,000, Coupled with dt was the proposi- tion to coin the silver welgnisrage, which at present amounts: to $£2,000,000. "he substitute was veted down by a strict party vote. No amendments were offered to qther provistons of the bill, owing to the lack of tinie. No doubt is expresseg.among republicans of the Senate finance committse as to pass- ing the war measure with the bond propo- sition in it. Nearly all republican members of the Senate are ‘said to favor it, and from six to ten on the democratic sida are ex- pected to vote with them. There {s quite’ an interesting contest among democrats of the Senate for the Place on ths finance committee made va- cant by the death of Serator Walthail. Sen- ator Gorman of Maryland has been favor- ably considered, but the ardent silver men want a prono: nced silyer man for the place. The fact that in the immpdiate future the committee will be compelied to act upon the Lond proposition in the tariff bill is be- ing considered in connection with the filling of the vacancy. The names of Senators Bacon of Georgia end Chilton of Texas are also mentioned in connection with the vacancy. ae NOW SHCRETARY DAY. Nomination Sent to the Senate and Contirmea. The President today nominated William R. Day of Ohio to be, Secretary of State, vice John Sherman, resigned, and John B. Moore of New York to be assistant secre- tary of state, vice William R. Day. The Senate committee on foreign rela- tions agreed unanimeysly to a favorable report on the nomination of Secretary Day. The Senate later confirmed the nomination, and the nomination of Mr. Moore was re- ferred to the commitiee. Judge Day's nonfiration was favorably reported from the committee on foreign relations without the formality of a meet- ing, the members expressing their concur- rence through a poll made on the floor of the Senate by Senator Davis. When the executive seesjon was called Mr. Davis reported the acticn: of the committec, and the nomination wag taken up and confirmea without comment or delay. Senator Wkite suggested the propriety of similar action in the case of Prof. Moore, nominated for assistant secretary, but Senator Davis sald the committee preferred to have his nom- ination referred to, it, The reference was accordingly made. Spy at Fort Hancock. NEW YORK, April 26.—It is reported that a man in an army uniform was ar- rested at Fort Hancdck and imprisoned at Governor's Island today as a spy. peli a Ba France to Prockiim Neutrality. PARIS, April 26.—At the cabinet council here today, the minister of foreign affairs, M. Hanotaux, informed his colleagues of the neutrality instructions fssued, and the council apprcved @ progtam of neutral- ity which is about to be ptblished by the French government atid wiiich is identical with the program issued at the time of the Russo-Turkish war. ——_> Minneapolis Disappears Again. BOSTON, April 26,=2The cruiser Minne- apolis, which left the flyliig squadron at Hampton Roads last: Sunday night and Passed in by Highland light at 6:45 p.m. yesterday, was nowhere to be seen in the bay this morning, and Ing steamers from the eastward asd o1 points this morning saw nothing of the warship. SSSEE A eS WAR CHART SUPPLEMENT. On Thursday, the 28th, a hand- somely colored chart of the scene of the present naval operations will be issued as a nt‘ to The Star. This chart will he so arranged that the location of ious naval ves- sels can be reailily indicated. from A DARING EXPLOIT! Lieut. Fremont’s Landing of Marines in Cuba. THPORTANT INFORMATION GAINED Uncertainty as to the Course of the Spanish Navy. oe OUR SHIPS ON LOOKOUT The dctails of Lieut. Fremont’s daring exploit with the torpedo boat Porter have been rezeived by an official who visited the White House today. The story printed Jn the morning's papers was censored by the gcvernment's agents at Key West, and all the facts did not come out. Lieut. Fre- ment ran his boat in under the guns of the Matanzas batteries and landed a company of marines in Cuba. The pilot who guided the Porter was the same man who suc- ceeded in landing so many filibusterii® ex- peditions in-Cuba. The point selected for the landing was the same one at which tae War Department intends to land its first force of 5,000 infantry, cavalry and ar:il- lery. The pilot, un reaching shore, was in- trusted with dispatches to deliver io Gen. Gomez acquainting him with the plans of the approaching expedition and directing him to hold his forces in readiness to co- operate with those of the United States. Capt. Sampson has characterized the expe- dition of Licut. Fremont as “a daring ca- ploit.” News at the Department. The Navy Department also, it is under- stood, has rezeived dispatches re'ating to the landing of Lieutenant Fremont from the torpedo beat Porter for a short time in Cuba with relation to the landing of munitions of war and supplies for the cs- fablishment of the base of supplies. It tion secured by nt Fremont but whether it show junction with Gome: cessfully managed or not is net disclosed It {s belicved, how: that the inform:- tion was satisfactory. It is pr atical as to how maay troops Gom ble, and upon that depe: mediate operations in Cuba. e} Intention cf the President to begin a for- midable invasion of Cuba until after there has been a test of streagth between the American and the Spanish fleets, or unti! it has been estabiisned that Spain docs not intend to send her ficet to American wate Plan Unchanged. It is believed that the information secur- ed by Lieutenant Fremont was not of a character to change in any way the plan of landing five thousand troops somewhere on the coast of Cuba to establish a base of supplies. On the contrary, it is supposed that a thorough understanding has been arrived at with’ the commander of the Cu- ban forces with respect to the establish- ment of the base of supplies. The Amerl- can trocps landed in Cuba will not be there for any aggressive movement, but will be strong enough to maintain themselves in the position which they will occupy. The authorities on which the administration relies chiefly for advice with respect to operations on the island regard a force of five thousand men as ample for this pur- jose, and this force will carry munitions of war and provisions for a large army, so that if Gomez’ army should fail to make a junction with them and Sampson's fleet should be called away from blockade duty to meet the Spanish fleet on the high seas the force would be strong enough to de- fend itself against attack, and would be so well provisioned as not to suffer from being cut off from communication, even for a long time. If the plans work out satis- factorily and Gomez can provide a suffi- cient force the Cuban army will be weil supplied and equipped for such aggressive Movements as may be déemed advisable for them to make. Objections to a Large Invasion Force. There are some authoriiies here who urge very strongly the immediate invasion of Cuba by a large force, but serious objec- ticns arc raised to this, and it Is not con- templated in the present plans. The plan of invasion, in fact, has not yet been defi- nitely deciced upon, and the President is still in consultation with the Secretary of War, Gen. Miles and Gen. Schofield on the subject. Th2 reason that the President and Secretary of War do no: intend an Invasion at this time by a large army, in addition to the danger from disease, is that if the two Spanish fleets, that at St. Vincent, Cape Verde, and the Cadiz tieet, should join and proczed at once to attack any of our bcrts or to give battie to our ficets, it might result in cutting our army in Cuba off from communication for a time and subjecting it to practically a blockade in Cuba, such as Havana is now undergoing. If by any mis- chauce our fleet should suffer reverses, a large army in Cuba would be placed at great disadvantag>. It is regarded as desir- able, therefore, that military cperations in Cuba should be confided chiefly to Gomez's forces until the naval operations have led to seme definite result. Uncertainty of Spanish Navy. The department here, it Is said, is left largely to surmise for a conclusion as to the course which will be pursued by the Spanish navy. It is regarded as definitely settled that the Spanish fleet at St. Vincent, Cape Verds Islands, will not remain there, and that the Cadiz fleet is on its way either to form a junction with the St. Vircent fleet at the Canaries or on an independent expedition to our northern coast. Our own vessels have been so distributed as to meet either of these movements. If the two Spanish fleets are joined in an ag- gressive movemert they can be met, it is said, by the Hampton Roads fleet and a large part of Sampson's fleet at any point toward which their movements are direct- ed. A small part of Sampson's fleet could maintain the blockade now established in Cuba, if the entire Spanish fleet were be- ing engaged by our fleet, so that they could not attack.the blockade. The interpreta- tion put upon the movements of the Min- neapolis and Columbia in our northern wa- Neither Schley's fleet nor Sampson's fleet alone might be strong enough to warrant thelr engaging the combined Cadiz and 8: Vincent fleet. But should this eombined fleet appear both our fléets would probably be able to quickly unite in an attack wpen them without relieving the blockale of Havana or Matanzas, and the belief is that the united foree of Schley and Satnpson could sweep the united Spanich fleet trum the oesan. Amxtoun for a Naval Rattle. If {t ts net the intention ef Spain to send her neval ferce azainst us, it is expected that the war wil! continue for some time witheut any very freat amotint ef military activity en the part ef this government. Our navy is anxtous to mect the Spanish fleet, and to make the first battle a naval battle. If the blockade of Havana is © tinued for some and the military operations on the island are eonfided to the Cubans, Spain will be compelled to attempt the reiief of Blanco by the use of her navy, thereby having to brave a naval engagement in American waters. Where- as, if Havana should fall speedily and the entire island be captured by en invasion, Blanco having to capitulate, Bpain would not then be under the pressing necessity of sending her warships here, but could engage in retallatory operaticns, making predatory expeditions with her fleet and keeping up the war for a long time at long range. It is only within a day or two, it is said, that the department has felt it to be probable that the Spanish fleet would be ordered to American waters, but it is realized now that under the plan of cam- prign we have sGopted the Spanish navy cannot be kept idly in port, while Blanco and his army are belng subjected to the ering starvation of a blockade, without r to strike a blow at our fleet in efense. Spain, with her warships at incent and Cadiz and her army help- ssly blockaded in Cuba, would be in an inipess{ble position, and could not continue her navy in an attitude of inaction. Meanwhile the destruction cf the small Spanish fleet at the Philippines and the capiure of the Philippine Islands by our Asiatic squadron ts expected at an early date. ee ee GRATEFULLY REMEMBERED. The President Speaks of Mr. Sher- man’s Services. The following is a copy of the note writ- ten by the President today in reply to the letter of Mr. Sherman, tendering his resig- nation @s Secretary of State: Fon. John Sherman, Secretary of State. Dear Sir: Your ietter of the 25th instant, your resignation of the office of retary of State, has been received, and the resignation fs accepted. I can not let this occasion pass without gratulaiing you upon your useful and inguished career, covering a period of nearly half a century in the public service and filled with exceptional honor and suc- cess. Your great service has added luster to American statesmanship, and will always Le gratefully remembered by your fellow ecuntrymen. With ccrdial good wishes, Very truly yours, WILL} IAM McKINLEY. ——~o—___ JUDGE DAY AT CANTON. His Friends Say He Will Accept Port- folio of State. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 26.—Judge W. R. Day, accompanied by his son Luther, arrived in Canton yesterday morning. He was met by Postmaster Frease and other friends and was at once driven to his home. When asked whether it was true that he had been tendered the portfolio of state, he said: “I have the matter under con- sideration.” Being asked how long he would remain in Canton, he said “a day or two.” His friends state that he has decided to take the place and had advired his law partner to that effect before leaving Wash- ington. One of tem stated that the prin- cipal object of his coming at this time is to arrange his business affairs for a long siege at Washington. He had intended retiring as assistant secretary, and the turn affairs have taken has made it neces- sary to make corresponding changes in his business affairs. Mr. Day was made aware on his arrival that the resignation of Secre- tary Sherman had been made public, but he declined to say cnything on that sub- ject. There ts no doubt of his acceptance. SS WAR LEGISLATION. Measures Intended to Fneflitnte the Carrying on of Hostilitics, Senator McMillan today introduced a bill intended to reconcile the naval militia of the various states to the national service. The bfil provides for their service es or- ganizations in the same lines as the land militia will be utilized under the bill which recently became a law. The Dill is as fol- lows: “That the naval militia of the states when called into the service of the United States shall be organized under and shall be subject to the laws, orders and regula- ticns governing the United States navy, provided that when members of the naval militia of any state shall enlist in the United States navy as a body, as such naval militia, the officers in service with the organization thus enlisting shall be appointed by the governors of the states and shall when so appointed be officers of ecrrespondiig grades in the same organi- zation when it sha!l have been received into the service of the United States as a part of the volunteer navy.” Secretary Alger has recommended to Con- gress th> removal of the restriction of the number of hospital stewards of the army hospital corps to 100, in view of additional stewards needed in the field and increased military posts. Chsirman Hull of the House military ef- fairs committee ts framing a bit] suspending the laws applicabi> to the quartermaster's department of the army for report to the House tomorrow. It follows administration If you want to buy, sell ot exchange anything, lease property or tent tooms, want a situation or want help, it will pay you to announce the fact in the advertising columns of The Star. They are closely studied by more than three times as many pcople as read any other paper. PROMPT RESPONSES ——_.—____. Gratifying Reports From the Govern: ors of Btates. PENNSYLVANTANS EQUIPPED FOR DUTY ER a Dispatch Received From Governor Hastings. —--+ WAR DEPARTMENT NOTES ps Prompt and gratifying has heen the re sponse @f the roverners of the states and terriotics to the telegrams ef the Seoresary of War notifring them of the number of men they will be expected to furnish ender the President's preciamation, and asking them when such trocps will be ready for niuster into the United States service. Mott of the executives have replied to Secretary” Alger’s Gispatch and thelr snewets gener- eily are very satisfactery, indicating the time when the state troops will be ready for muster into service of the United States government. Hardly had the last telegram to the Rov- ernors been sent last night before a Gie~ patch came from Governor Hastings of Pennsylvania, which said that the men called for were reafty and equipped for Guty. He was the first of the governors to respond, but the others came in quick sue- cession during the night an@ this morning. The officials in Adjt. Gen. Corbin’ office, under whose direction the arrangement of all the details incidental to the raising of the volunteer army come, were very busy all the morning. Im addition to the many telegrams of inquiry, a large number of congressmen and cthers were on hand making inquiries and suggestions bearing on the allotment of the varions states. An Identical Note. Secretary Alger has tollowed up his tele grams of noilfication to the governors of the states sent yesterday with a letter gtv- ing more detafled informaticn respecting the troops thet are to be raised. The Sec- retary reiterates the senttments heretofore expressed that as far as practicable the National Guard should ne given preference fn the recruiting of regiments, battalions, &c. The Secretary's letter to the sovera- ors, which, except in stating the number of Volunteers wanted from the states and the Place of rendezvous, is identical in each case, is as follows: “To the Governor of “Sh nder the act of Congress ‘to pro- vide for temporarily increasing the mili- tary establishment of the United States in time of war, and for other purposes.’ ap- Proved April 22, 1898, and calling for 125,000 volunteers, by direction of the President 1 have the honor to request from your mate @ quota of volunteers as follows: - to serve in the arms of service designated for a period of two years, unless sooner discharged. Attached will be found a state- ment showing the organization for artu- lery, cavalry and infantry. “Please cause the adjutant general of the army to be informed of the time your quota will be at its rendezvous, as it will be met as soon as practicable thereafter by an officer to muster it into the service and pay of the United States. The mustering officer will be instructed to receive no man, under the rank of commissioned officer, who is in years over forty-five or under ighteen or whe is not in physical strength and Vigor. As scon as mustered into the United State: service it is the intention that troops: from your state shall be assembied with others for instruction and service under the direction of the major general commanding of the army, at some point or points to be designated hereafter. It is desired, for rea- sons stated In telegra.. of this date, that, as far as prac ational Guard for your state will be If for any cause it is found necessary t> change the point of concentra- tion your recommendation is requested. “Bands may be organized from the strength of the regiments as in the regular army, viz: See paragraph 245, Army Regu- lations, 1805," “The rendezvous Engineers to Vol Expecting that the governors of States will be prompt in getting the vo! teere concentrated at the assembin pol the War Department officials have already Prepared a list of officers who will be sent to the various states to muster the men into e ef the United States. When this is aceomplished they will be under direct control of the federal govera- ment and will be subject to the c and requirements of the army. The tele gram from the governcrs of the states in reply to Secretery Alser’s telegram cf yes- terday indicates that the patriotism of the Citiser-soldiery is at its height. There is everywhere an eagerness to serve the United States government in its present emergency. The officials decline to make public the text of these telegrams at this tire, saying that they coutain much of detail that is of nc popular interest. The €ispatches also contain information bear- ing on the requirements of the militia a respects equipments, ammunition, arms, blenkets, tents, &c., and it is sugzested that the best interests of the country would not be subserved by making them public. Some oppositicn bas arisen on the part of several of the states to the Iccntion of recommendctiors. - Assistant Secretary of War Mciklejohn has recommended to Congress | tion authorizing enlistment of members of hos- pital corps. He recommends the following in connection with the call for 125,000 vol- unteers. For each regiment of volunteer infantry or cavairy mustered into the serv- ice of the United States there be enlisted the following members of the hospital corps: One hospital steward, one acting hospital steward and twenty-five privates: for each artillery battery, one hospital steward and five privates; each army Givision, in additicn, one hospital steward, the assembiing points selected by S-cretary Alger. The War Depariment officials say the selections were mace with a view to satisfying all persons interested, aud in ‘most cases the regular camping grounds of the National Guanis were selected. The department officials dec'del today to change the concentrating point for the militia of Kansas from Kansas City to the military post at Fort Leavenworth. The state troops will thus be enabled to avail