Evening Star Newspaper, April 28, 1898, Page 1

a — THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 310] Fenrsylvania Avenue, Cor. 1th St, by The Evening Star N Co: one oe eae Few York Ofice, 49 Potter Baildiny, —— ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers In the |aty by cirriers, on thetic own account, at 10 cents per week or 44 cents per month. Copies at the cecnter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere tn the United States «r Caaads—postage prepald—50 cents Fer month Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.08. tered at the Po t Gfilce at Washington, D: C.. n<l-class ma’l matter.) 7 All mail subscriptions must be pafd in advance. Rates of advertising made known on apjlicatior. Che Fnen na Star. No. 14,090. WASHINGTON, D. ©. THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. Advertising is not an expense It is a business investment. If you want to invest your money profitably you will therefore put your advertisements in such a paper as The Evening Star, that is read regularly and thoroughly by everybody worth reaching. e Star is the recognized household and family journal of the National Capital, and has no rival as an advertising med- tum. FORTS SILENCED Admiral Sampson Bom- bards Matanzas, REPLIES TO BATTERIES’ FIRE New York, Puritan and Cincin- nali in the Engagement NO CASUALTIES ON THE FLEET Believed That a Number of Span- iards Were Killed. MEANING OF THE VICTORY Brig. Gen. Shafter and Col. Bab- cock were in conference with Gen. Miles, it is believed, with reference to the proposed invasion of Cuba. The plan of the War Department, it is said, is for 10,000 yellow fever immunes and the “cowboy” regi- ments to join the armies of Gomiez and Garcia first. The House passed without objec- tion an urgency war measure to re- peal limitations upon the purchase of quartermasters’ supplies and re- sumed consideration of the war rev- enue bill. There will be a split on the demo- cratic side when a vote on the war revenue bill is taken in the House, over a dozen having declared that they will not insist upon striking out the bond provision. The significance of the bombard- ment of Matanzas is said to con- sist in its being an indication that ac- tive aggressive movements are soon to begin. It is expected that a base of supplies will be established near there, and that that city may be made the capital of the Cuban republic and the civil government by the Cubans set up. = It is now expected that the volun- teer quota of the District of Colum- bia will be a full regiment. Secretary Long says he has no re- ports whatever of any bombardment of Matanzas. A member of the strategy board says he is sure Samp- son made no attempt to reduce the batteries. The board believe his Purpose was only to draw the fire of Matanzas batteries and learn their number and strength. If any bat- teries were building Sampson would prevent continuing work on them. Copyright, 1898, by Associated Press.) ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP NEW YORK, OFF MATANZAS, April 27, 2 P.m., via Key West.—The New York, the Puri- tan and the Cincinnati bombarded the forts at the mouth of Matanzas harbor this afterncon. There were no casualties on our side, but it is believed that the hail of iron which pounded in the forts must have caused loss of life to the Spaniards, though nothing is. known definitely. The engagement commenced at 12:37 and ceased at 1:15. The object of the attack Was to prevent the completion of the earth- works at Punta Gorda. A battery on thg eastward arm of the bay opened fire on the flagship, and this was also shelled. About twelve cight-inch shells were fired from the eastern forts, but all fell short. About five or six light shells were fired from the half-compieted battery. Two of these whizzed over the New York and one fell short. The ships left the bay for the open sea, the object of discovering the whereabouts of the batteries having been accomplished. in the neighborhood of 300 shots were put on land from the three ships, at a range of from 4,000 to 7,000 yards. Admiral Sumpson Pleased. Rear Admiral Sampson, when asked if he Was satisfied with the result, said: “Yes, Iam. I expected to be.” The half-completed Spanish earthworks end battery were apparentiy all ploughed up by the shells. All the ships engaged showed excellent. marksmanship throughout the engagement, end when they were firing at the shortest Bange nearly every shell took effect. The forts which were bombarded were on a low-lying point, and were considered merely earthworks. They did not make a good target, yet when the big guns ‘were fired at the shortest range portions of the forts could be seen flying in the alr at every shot. ‘The flagship returned to Havana, and the Puritan and Cincinnati were left on Mat- anzas station. What the Victory Means. Special From a StaT Correspondent. KEY WEST, Fla., April 28.—The success- ful shelling of Matanzas batteries opens the way for a base of food supplies and for landing troops if nec2ssary. Matanzas was practically an outpost of Havana’s defenses on the east, and the Spanish plan was to hold the sixty-mile line between the two cities. Matanzas harbor was mined at the same time some of thse batteries were formed. Countermining it now will not be difficult and transports with either food or soldiers will be able to enter the bay. Gen. Molinas, in command of that military district, has ad 5,000 Spanish soldiers under his com- mand, but the number is small now. The garrison is weak and the soldizrs are in a distressing condition. ‘The reconcentrados at Matanzas have been in a pitiable state and early relief will be necessary to save the remnant of thm. The officers of the squadron are con- gratulating themselves on the accurate work of the guns on the New York, Cin- cinnatl and Puritan. They do not, how- ever, measure what will have to b2 encoun- tered when Havana is bombarded by the resistance shown by the old-fashioned bat- terles at Matanzas. If a military force is not landed an effort may be madz to recon- struct the fortifications. PEPPER. By Associated Press. Discussed at Key West. KEY WEST, April 28—The bombard- ment of the forts of Matanzas by the United States cruiser New York, the flag- ship of Rear Admiral Sampson; the moni- tor Puritan and the cruiser Cincinnati is eagerly discussed here, and every incident of the affair is weighed and reweighed by army and navy officers and the newspaper men. The interest in the engagement is mixed with delight at the fact that there are no casualties to record on the Ameri- can side, not one of our ships being even touched. There is much curiosity as to what was the effect of our fire upon the enemy, but at present all information on this point is lacking. From the fact that the Spaniards opened fire on our ships while the latter were mak- ing a reconnoissance in force, and when the vessels were nearly five miles out from the batteries leads to the belief that the cnemy believed that all that was necessary to induce the United States fleet to move further away was for the batteries to open fire on them. Limit of Forbearance. But if, from former experience, they had reached this conclusion, they found that forbearance had reached the limit, and they must have been intensely astonished when the New York, being the farthest west, but the nearest in shore, opened fire with her batteries with a vengeance, and, steaming nearer shore, accompanied by her consorts, made such excellent practice with her guns that in eighteen minutes every Spanish gun was silenced. It would have been worth a year’s pay to any on? to have seen the effects of the last shot fired, that from the Puritan's 12-inch pet, when a mass of stones, earth and abattis went sixty feet in the air, falling in the rear of the spot where a Spanish gun had been but a few minutes before. There must have been many casulties on the Spanish side, since the rapid fire guns on all the ships were used as wel us those of larger caliber. ‘ It seems to be the general opinion that the Spaniards had nothing heavier than 8-inch guns, and that they had very poor gunners with any of their ordnance. One Gun Got the Range. However, just b2fore the Spanish bat- teries were silenced one gun on the west side of the harbor seemed to be getting the rang> of the flagship, several shots striking near the New York and on both sides of her. If the purpose of the reconnoissance and the subsequent cannonade was to secure an available place for ths landing later of United States troops, such purpose has been well accomplished, for no doubt exists that the Spanish batteries at Matanzas are like- ly to prove in any way dangerous again. They have ben silenced for good, or at least for a longer time than will be neces- sary to effect a landing. Spanish Version of the Affair. MADRID, April 28.—The Spanish version of the bombardment of Matanzas is “that after a half hour's bombardment the Amer- ican fleet was compelled to retreat.” “A NAVAL RECONNOISSANCE.” gE How Admiral Sampson's Action is Re- garded at the Navy Department. The greatest inter2st was shown at the Navy Department today in the telegraphed Teports of the engagement at Matanzas, Cuba, yesterday betwe2n the shore bat- teries and three vessels of Admiral Samp- son's fleet. The Navy Department itself had absolutely no report of this affair from any of its agents or any of tha officers of the blockading fleet. It, of course, could not be expected that news could be had from Havana, with » Spanish censor man- ning that end of the cable. The fact that Admiral Sampson has not made any report to the Szcretary as yet, notwithstanding he must have had the opportunity to commu- nicate with Key West that was enjoyed by the press, leads the officials of the depart- ment to believe that the affair was not of great consequence. Indeed, they say it is inconczivable that any very extensive dam- age could have been inflicted upon properly placed batteries at the distance reported, varying from two and a half to four miles, in the short space of eighteen minutzs, dur- ing which tt {8 said the engagement lasted. A member of the strategic board, who Is, of course, thoroughly conversant with the Plans of Admiral Sampson, as far as they have been generalized, Js authority for the statement that the admiral had no inten- AN ACTIVE MOVEMENT | LANDED UNDER wuiTe FLAG| AT THE WHITE HOUSE |PORTUGALS Significance of the Bombardment of Matanzas. TROOPS 0 BE LANDED IN. CUBA Concentration of the Insurgent Troops in the Vicinity. CIVIL GOVERNMENT ————— THE The news of the bombardment of Matan- zas is given a significance here beyond the mere dismounting of the guns and destruc- tion of the batteries at Matanzas. It is re- garded as the preliminary of an aggressive movement to be followed soon by the d- ing of enough troops to establish a base of supplies for the Cuban army. It does not necessarily mean that troops are to be landed at Matanzas, but they will be land- ed in that vicinity, and no opportunity will be given the Spanish to complete t! de- fenses nor to repair the damage done by the bombardment. It is thought that a Pert will soon be opened to us in that im- mediate vicinity free from the fire of Span- ish guns and that a large quantity of sup- plies will speedily be landed both for the equipment of the Cuban army and for the relief of the suffering non-combatants. The time that fs being consumed in com- parative inactivity is not being wasted. An opportunity is being given the Cuban army to ccncentrate at a convenient point and to open up free communication with the har- borage selected for the landing of equip- ment and supplies. . Time for Action in Sight. The fact that the bombardment was or- dered is accepted as an indication that matters have developed so that the time for accion is definitely in sight. The bom- bardment was hardly a mere retaliation for shots fired frem the Spanish batteries, for such provocation has before been without response from the guns of our fleet, and the general instructions do not centemplate our vessels going into action until some definite object is in view. In both official and congressional circles it is felt that things are drawing to a fo- cus, aad that activity may be expected, at most, within a day or two. A distinguished official who has been watching every move with great interest, and has been on the inside for informa- tion, says that the comparative calm will be broken suddenly, and real war will come with a crash. information thet the Spanish fleet is to bs ordered from the Cape Verde Islands to- day is received with satisfaction, and it is not thought that this fleet can afferd io return to the Canaries and remain in port there while we ere landing in Cuba sup- plies for Gomez's army to enable it to p up the Spanish forces in Havana from the island side, as they are now cut off from relief by sea. A Forward Movement -Expected. A forward movement of the fleet is th fore expected. The Spanish must realize that nothing can be accomplished by a di- rect attack upon our blockade. Therefore some significance is attached to the reports in marine circles at St. John, N. F. it is expected that the Spanish fleet will soon, appear there and attempt to obtain coal. The inference drawn may not, however, be that which appears most evident on the surface. The appearance of Spanish war vessels in our northern waiters or the re- port that they have sailed in that direc- tion is Hable to be a feint to cover another movement. The theory is advanced here, and {fs regarded as of sufficient plausibility to warrant precaution, that while a feint is made at attacking some of our northern ports, a strong Spanish fleet will sail by a southerly course to or south of the Wind- ward Islands and attempt to approach Cuba on the south side, landing provisions, troops and munitions of war. May Land on South Side of the Inland. At this season of the year the waters in that direction are extremely calm and islands, are so numerous that the approach of the fleet, while difficult, would to a great extent be protected from dis- covery. To watch for them would be like @ chase through a maze. The landing of the Montesarrat on the south coast of Cuba is regarded as indicating that the Spanish ‘place reliance upon a circuitous southern course to avoid our blockade fleet. The fact that she succeeded indicates that this reliance is not entirely without reason. The intricate passages among the Wind- ward Islands have been the scene of Span- ish piratical exploits in the past. . News of an engagement between, our Atiatic fleet and the Spanish off the Phil- ippine Islands is expected in a day or two. About the same time we may have a di- version in the North Atlantic, and simul- taneously with the landing of troops in Cuba to provision the insurgents there 1s @ possibility that the Spanish fieet may appear off the southern coast of Cuba. A Junction With Gomes. The plan for forming a junction with Gomez contemplates not only the provision- ing and equipping of the insurgent army, but also the establishment by Gomez of a civil government in Matanzas and declare it the capital of the Island of Cuba. ‘The Cuban army is to be concentrated, the cap- ital declared, the civil government fully es- tablished under the protection of our fleet and the army to be provisioned and equip- ped by the United States. It is calculated that under this plan the island can be con- quered largely by the Cubans themselves and at the same time their civil govern- ment can be perfected and so strongly in- trenched that when the Spanish have evac- uated the Cubans will be prepared to give the island a stable and peeceful govern- ment. All the relief to the starving popu- lation is to be for the present from this central point, which will also be made the base of operations for the Red Cross. —____e-—____ * Lieut. Colwell’s Health Restored. LONDON, April 28.—Lieut. Colwell, the United States naval attache here, has re- covered his ‘health sufficiently to be able to return to duty, and Lieut. Sims, the United Gunboat Algonquin Put Off a Paroled Span- ish Officer, Cavalry Watched the Incident From the Forts on the Hills—Quiet at Havana, Special From a Staff Correspondent. OFF SANTA CRUZ, April 27, via dis- patch boat to Key West.—Admiral Samp- son's flagship, the New York, does its share in maintaining a peaceful blockade of the northern Cuban ports. Both the Cuban and Spanish population have had a chance to learn something about the big cruisers, for along the coast near Maro there are no reefs, and the biggest vessels can lie well frshore. One of the gunboats has been cruising within less than a mile of the beach, and the flagship has been close enough for a row boat to push off ani reach it. he people of the village of Santa Cruz can be easily seen from the deck. They do not seem surprised or overcome at the nearness of the American warships. Most of them came down to the beach. The village itself 1s a typical one, with its church and cemetery as its most conspicu- ous objects. Back of it stretches two ranges of hills, and each knob is crowned by a small fort. One of these little forts seems to be abandoned, but with a strong glass it can be seen that others are yet garrisoned. A squadron of Spanish cavalry appears to be camped in the neighborhood for drill. The regulations of war are understood, because when the tug Algonquin put off from the flagship flying a white flag there was no hostile demonstration on shore. This was the first time since the squadron left Key West that this peaceful embiem had been seen. The tug carried a paroled Spanish officer who was picked up off shore near Matanzas the other day by a cruiser, the Cincinnati, when he put out to sea In a small schooner to enjoy a furlough that had been granted him. The Algonquin steamed right up to the mouth of the creek, which is cailed the Sunta Cruz riv- er, landed the released prisoner, signaled the flagship and then proceeded directly to Key West. Old Filibuster Landing. In the old days this creek, was the land- ing place for the filibustering expeditions. It makes a cut through hills in which many insurgents are said to be encamped now. if they looked closely the crew of the Algonquin saw earthworks which men Were even then engaged in throwing up ne the coast Mne, for these are visible from the ships further out at sea. These earthworks are said to be part of a line of fortifications extending from Matanzas to Havana. They are not formidable. If any batteries are n g there the ha ugh rom any of the big guns which point shoreward from the battle ships or even from the gunboats. What- ever batteries exist, if any, would be quick- ly reduced and small landing parties would have no difficulty in getting ashore in the many coves and inlets. In the day time brown stubble can be seen close to the beach and on the sides of the hills where fire has swept. These fires are still raging. Half a dozen of them can be seen. Last night three or four big ones were seen on the hills far back in the interior. What there is to burn is a mystery, for all the fields in this part of the country were fired weeks ago. They are not sig- nal lights from the insurgents, for they have other means of communicating. The officers of the flagship and other vessels in the blockading squadron are looking for- ward to a period of dullness until the bom- bardment of Havana is ordered. At is the opinion that few Spanish mer- chantmen now afloat will come close enough to Cuban waters for pursuit by the fleet. Biockade running will probably be attempied, but that is more of matter for the smaller vessels of the fleet. Should the decision be made in Washing- ton to land food supplies before the bom- bardmeutt of Havana is begun, that under- taking will furnish work for several ves- sels. PEPPER. The Blockade at Matansus. Special From a StaT Correspondent. OFF HAVANA, Wednesday Morning, yia Dispatch Boat to Key West.—Matanzas gunners not to tempt a return cane harbor is completely closed and no ef-, forts are mad> to -run the blockade. Last night the New York started in chase \ after what seemed to be a Spanish steamer, but the cruiser Detroit signaled she was already in pursuit, and chase was left to her. The efficiency of the squadron will soon be increased by a number of tugboats and other “mosquito” craft, which can run close Inshore where the big ships cannoy go, and keep watch of smal! bieckade run- ners. # Morro’ Castle no longer shows its lights at night. | PEPPER. ee ‘TORPEDOES IN SP. SH: PORTS. British Foreign Office! Reeeives Of- ficial Notitication ofthe Fact. LONDON, April 28—The British foreign office has been officially notified by the Spanish embassy that the government of Spain’hes ordered the ports of Cuba, Phil- ippine Islands and Porto Rico to be defend- ed by lines of torpedoes, and that entry into: the ports, therefore, is.only possible un- dep the guidance of s, who are in readiness. outside the lines of ‘defense to The President Greatly Interested in the Matanzas Bombardment. DISCUSSED IT WITH HIS VISITORS Regiments of Yellow Fever Im- munes for Cuba. WILL BE THE PIONEERS President McKinley was greatly interest- ed this morning in the press dispatches telling of the bombardment of Matanz: He r2ceived the news before breakfast exhibited anwonted eagerness in quickly arriving at the facts. Despite the absence of official confirmation no doubt was felt that there was considerale truth in the re- ports. Many of th2 Presilent’s early vis- itors, including Secretary Alger, talked with him about the effective work done by the three ships. Some of the visitors were in- clined to believe that th2 press reports had been greatly exaggerated. One of them said that there is only one fort at Matan- zas, and that a dilapidated affair, which could be hammered to piec2s by a few skcts from modern ships. Senator Money of Mississippi, who was also of this cpin- fon, had a talk with the President during the morning. Admiral Sampson’s ‘Instructions. Numerous inquiries were made as to whether Rear Admiral Sampson exceeded his authority in bombarding the fort. The opinion of men who have a general idea of the orders to the rear admiral was that he followed instructions. It was heid that these instructions authorized him to pre- vent uny increase in the strength of the fortifications at Matanzas. When Licu- tenant Fremont ran into the port with his s being done in strengthening the force reported to Rear Admiral Sampson. ng either under fresh instructions or previous orders, the three ships decided to dismantle the forts so as to prevent any opposition in that line when troops are landed in the neigaborhood. The Landing. One or more of the ships will now pre- vent any further work on the forts. Wien everything is ready to land troops their landing will be covered by the gung of the fleet. Spanish troops could nog meet Amer- ican troops under the fire of the fleet. The warships couid take care of the troops unul they were well posted and fortified on the high hills on the coast. It is not doubted that Rear Admiral Sampson is keeping things in good shape for the early landing of troops. lt ts also said that if Rear Admiral Sampson did not act under instructions in instituting a bombardment his general in- structions were to respond to an attack upon him. The moral effect of the bombardment will be good in Cuba, it is said at the White House. Regiments of Yellow Fever Immunes, Secretary Alger had a long talk this mcrning with the President on the ques- tion of at once ri iS several regiments of yellow fever immunes in the south for duty in Cuba. Later in the day Senator Money und other southern leaders talked on the same subject with the President. The subject is now greatly interesting President McKinley and Secretary Alger, nd it has been practically decided to at ce move in the direction of ascertaining how many of these regiments can be raised in the south. The President, it is said, would like to secure 10,04) immunes for immediate service in Cuba. Justice White of the Supreme Court be- lieves that nearly this number could be pedo boat recently he ascertained what | No News Concerning Movements of Warships Can Be Sent. The Official Aun meement Causes a Sensation and is Construed as Friendly Act to Spain. LISBON, April 28.—The Official Gazette today announces that the Portuguese gov- ernment has, so far as the public is con- cerned, stopped the dispatch of telegraphic information regarding the movements of warships on the seaboard or in the harbors of Portugal. LONDON, April 28.—A sensation has been caused by the action of the Portuguese government in stopping the transmission of telegraphic information, so far as the pub- lic is concerned, regarding the movements of the warships in Portuguese ports, as it reveals the hitherto scarcely concealed fact that Portugal is doing everything pos- sible to aid Spain. The decision of the Por- tuguese government today is undoubtedly in response to the pressure brought to bear upon her by Spain, and the sole object, It is believed, is to prevent news of the de- parture of the Spanish fleet from being cabled from St. Vincent, Cape Verde Is- lands. A dispatch received here from Lisbon this morning, in reiterating the denial made in the Portuguese house of peers yesterday that President McKinley had called upon Portugal Yo obtain the departure of the Spanish squadron from St. Vincent, Cape Verde Isiands, adds: “President McKinley's notification is un- derstood to nave threatened, uniess the Spaniards were ordered to leave St. Vin- cent, that the United States would regard Portugal as an ally of Spain, and treat her accordingly.” The Spanish torpedo flotilla, together with several first-class Spanish cruisers, has been at St. Vincent, Cape Verde Is- lands, a Portuguese port, for some time i past. Daily bulletins have been received from there by the Associated Press, but the action of the Portuguese government apparently closes this source of informa- tion regarding the movements a abouts of the Spanish’ fleet. > ATTITUDE OF PORTUGAL. where-. Her Minister Expects News of Action Today. Viscount de Santo-Thryso, the Portu- guese minister, called at the State Depart- ment this noon 2nd had conferences with Acting Secretary Moore and Assistant Sec- retary Adee. Great interest attached to the visit, owing to the delay of Portugal in issuing her neiftrality decree, and the feel- ing that this delay to some extent favored Spain, in allowing her ficet to remain at the Cape Verde Islands. The minister's call was not, however, for the purpose of giving notice of Portugal's neutrality, or any step in that direction, as he said his government had not yet communicated with him on the subject. At the same time the minister took occa- sion to express his strong personal convic- tion that Portugal would maintaiy the strictest neutrality between the United States and Spain. He pointed out that in a matter of this moment there had not been sufficient time for any official action. He called attention to the fact that war was not declared until the 24th instant, and the fact became public on the 25th. ‘The official notifications as to the existence of war would reach Lisbon, considering the difference in time and the allowance for transmission, on tue 26th. ‘Then would fol- low the calling of a cabinet council, and that deliberation due to a question of this solemnity. This would bring the matter down to today, and, although not officially advised from Lisbon, the minister felt con- fident that he would receive official in- ebtained in New Orleans alone, and has|fFmation very soon, possibly late today. so informed the President. s or Money seys that not many men who have had yellow fevar couid be secured in other parts of the south. It has been ny years since yellow fever raged in the larger cities of the south. Those men who were afilicted in the great epidemics of the past have reached ages which practically untit them for military duty. The number of young men outside of New Orleans is small. ‘The President is wiiling to take as many men as will volunteer. If he cannot g2t 10,000 he will be willing to have any num- ber less than that. “Wili Be Sent to the Front. Secretary Alger, acting under the Pres- ident’s advice, will in.mediately see what can be done. These regiments of south- erners and the cowkoy regiment wil! prob- ably be sent to the front together, and sent as S000 as they can be organized, Senator Money toid the President that the greatest danger in Cuba is not from yellow fever, but from dysentery. This G:sease is more fetal than the fever. ‘The President has spent a great deal of time today in considering this matter. ‘The plan of the War Department will be to have 1u,000 “immunes” and cowboys join thé armies of Gomez and Garcia for the at- lack which will be made upon liavana when everything is ready tor the fieet to act. With the tteet bombarding Havana in front and the combined American and pa- trict armies in the rear, the Spaniards would be quickly forced to surrender. > ‘che Commander. It has noi been decided who would com- mand the American forces in an expedition of this kind, but it ts intimated that Gen- eral Lee will be selected. His residencé in Cuba has put him on an almost equal fooi- ing with a-man who has had yellow fever. it is said that he would gladly accept the command. His knowledge of the climate General Lee will reach the city this after- noon, and will at once have a conference with Secretary Alger. It is thought he wili approve the plans and enter eagerly into the ee arrangements. i Assembling the Volunteers, s As fo the reports from London that the United States had sent a threatening noti- fication to Portugal that she would be re- garded as an ally of Spain unless the Span- ish fleet was ordered from the Cape Verde Islands, no confimation could be secured from State Department officials or from the Portuguese minister. On the contrary, these reports were dismissed as highly im- probable. The authorities here were gratified at the minister's expression of confident belie that Portugal’s neutrality would soon be communicated, and this served to allay the growing concern over the delay. When the minister's attention was calied to dispatches announcing that no reports would be allowed to leave Cape Verde con- cerning the movement of the Spanish ships he said this of course ¢id not apply to ofti- cial information transmitted by United States officials at Cape Verde and else- where to the United States government. Under such circumstances it would appear that the authorities here will not be cur- tailed in any way in their sources of infor- mation as to the movement of the Cape Verde fleet. ————e-______ DISTRICTS QuOTA. Assurances That a Regiment Volunteers Will Be Called. » Secretary Alger today virtually set at rest all doubts regarding the quota which the District of Columbia is to have in the army of volunteers to be organized in pur- suance of President McKinley’s call for 125,000 men. It had been gossiped about for several days that the District was to be given-a regiment and this morning the Secretary cf Wer was asked by a Star re- porter if the regiment would be called out. “Yes,” replied the Secretary prompuly, “I think it will be.” “Will the order be issued today?” in- quired the reporter. “No, not “today,” responded the Sec- retery. “There is no especial necessity for any haste or hurry about it, as the District troops are in readiness and can be called out at any time.” or NEWSEMBARGO|RICHEST PRIZE YET Terror and Machias Capture the Spanish Steamer Guido, CARGO OF PROVISIONS AND MOWNEY jE NS Warships Fired Several Shots at the Fleeing Steamer. “2 eames PILOT HOUSE DEMOLISHED ape KEY WEST, Fla., April 28.—The United States monitor Terror, Captain. N. Ludiow, captured the big Spanish steamer Guido, beund from Corunna, Spain, for Havana, carly yesterday morning. a of money intended fer the Spanish troops in Cuba. The capture took place ten miles of Carderas, after a desperate chase, dur- ing which the Terror and the gunboat Machias fired, almost blowing the Span- iard’s pilot house into the water. The Terror was alone when the Guido was sighted, and she immediately gave chase. After a blank shot had been fired to order the steamer to heave to, the Span- fJard put out all her lights and fired up in an attempt to run away. The big monitor, plowing after “her, brought her six pound- ers te bear on the steamer and fired shot after shot at the latter, nearly all of which took effect on the Guido’ One man in the pilot house was injured, but how seriously he was hurt has not yet been learned. The Machias, which was some distance away, heard the sound of the tiring, came up and brought her four-inch rific into play, firing one shot, which failed to hit the Span iard. This, however, brought aer to, and Lieut. Qualtrough and a prize cr:w were put on board of her and brought the prize in here this morning. The money captured is in an iron safe. The smount therein contained known. The Guido is one of the richest prizes yat captured. The prize had on beard large cargo provisions and pilot house. is not The Spanish steamer Guido, Capt. Armar- cchia, is a vessel of 2,065 tons net, owned by the Navigation Company of Bilbao. She was built at Belfast in 1883, is 200 feet long, has 41 feet beam and is 26 feet deep. The Guido left Liverpool on April 2 and Co- runna on April § for Havana. Two Solid Shot Struck. NEW YORK, April “A special dis- patch to the Evening World from Key West, recounting the pursuit and capture of the Spanish steamer Guido by the mon- itor Terror, says that two solid shot struck the Guido. The first, a six-pound missile, carried away the pilot house, the second a@ boat, and the third the compass. The Machias fired her 4-inch rit His ship's steering gear disabled, Captain Alegin, ac- cording to the World’s correspondent, hur- ried his men aft to the wheel. But in the momentary delay the Terror had gained upon him, while ahead, ready to intercept him should he continue his flight, was the gunboat Machias. Then only did the Span- jard give up. But even at the last he would not lower the red and yellow flag which floated at the stern. He simply er- dered his engines stopped and lay to until the Terror sent a prize crew on board. The Guido was taken to Key West by Lteut. Edward F. Qualtrough and Ensign Willard. Eight Spantards W: ed. Eight Spaniards were wounded by spli ers made by the impact of the Terrors shot. This is the first blood shed on board ship. As soon as the men from the Terror were on board the Guido the stars and stripes were raised above the Spanish flag and, with Lieut. Qualirough in command, ihe prize was brought into port. It is the first time that a Spanish vessel has been brought in with the stars and stripes flyi above the Spanish emblem, and this and the shattered pilot house, as well as the big holes in the hull, caused the vessel to be viewed with much curiosity by those who could get out to her. The Guido is roughly valued at $400,000 aside from the specie she has on board. eae: te AFTER OUR MERCHANTMEN. Nine Spanish Warships Lying in W; Om Subig Bay. LONDON, April 28.—It is reported in Madrid, says a special dispatch this after- noon from the Spanish capital, that a Spanish squadron of nine warships sailed from Manila on Monday last to take up positions off Subig bay, where they will await the passage of American merchant vessels for the purpose of capturing them. GILRALTAR, April 28—Two Spanish Casa Valencia, wife of the former Spanish ambassador here, have opened “funds” in connection with the war between i 3 RFE ! g id i Hi f