Evening Star Newspaper, April 30, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 31€1 Fearrylyaaia Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by ‘The Evening Star Ne 5. EAUPFMANN,| Ey Few Yas ee © vec Bulking cages ‘The Evening Star 1s served to substribers in the eaty by cirriers, on thetc cwn account, at 10 cents per week. or 44 cents per mouth. Copies at the cetnter 2 certs exch. By mail—answhere in the United States «r Canada—postage prepaid—50 cents per month, Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.08. (Entered t'Gffice at Washington, D. C.. &s sec md-cluss mail matter.) £7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstlor.. Canny U1) e Fen No. 14,092. WASHINGTON, D. ©, SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1898-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. TWO CENTS —=—==s \ If you want to buy, sell or exchange anything, lease property or rent rooms, want a situation or want help, it will pay you to announce the fact in the advertising columns of The Star. They are studied by more than three times as many people as read any other paper. closely SILENCED THE FORTS Flagship New York Bombards An- other Cuban Shore Battery. + -— ONLY A FEW SHOTS ARE FIRED —_* Again the Spaniards Opened Fire From Shore First. NEWS OF THE FLEET The House of Representatives considered the conference report on the naval appropriation bill. An agreement was reached to vote on the conference report on the bill at 4 o'clock. The following governments have declared neutrality: Italy, Nether- lands, Sweden and Norway, Switzer- land, Colombia, Mexico, Russia, France, Corea, Argentine Republic, Portugal, Japan and Uruguay. The Navy Department was inform- ed that the Spanish torpedo boats Azor, Rayo and Ariete sailed this morning from the Cape Verde Is- lands for the Canaries, towed by the San Francisco and Ciudad Cadiz. Neither France nor Germany will protest against the operations of the American fleet in the Philippines. Lieut. Commander D. Delehanty has been ordered to command the Suwanee, Lieut. C. B. T. Moore to command the Nantucket, Lieut. Commander J. D. Adams to com- mand the Penelope, Lieut. J. B. Mil- ton to command the Wyandotte. The President had a large number of callers today, most of them urging friends for army positions or asking an increase of the quota of volun- teers of their states. ig. Gen. Harries has been un- officially informed that the quota of volunteers from the District of Co- lumbia will be one regiment of the minimum number, viz., seventy-seven to each of the twelve companies. Detailed instructions regarding re- cruiting for the regular army have been issued by Adjutant General Corbin. General Schofield, president of the National Volunteer Reserves, says that the enrollments had become so numerous that the New York office had been unable to handle them. ATLANTA, Ga., April ths Journal from Key West s banas, a small fortified town, thirty: miles west of Havana, on the northern coast of Cuba, was fired on by the New York Friday ning, and the fort demol- ished. The firing began at 6:30 o'clock and lasted fifteen minut Ten shots were fired from the New York's batteries. The ew York and Helena tried to draw the fire from the batteries of Havana and Mariel, Lut failed. Yesterday afternoon the flagship New York, with eight well-directed shells from the Girch gun on her port dow and two from one of the 8-inch guns in her forward turret, completely silenced two Spanish forts at Port Cabanas, twelve miles west ef Mariel and thirty-five miles from Ha- Vara. As in the case of Matanzas, the firsi shot was fired by 2 Spaniard. Stea: West Coast. ‘ew York stsamed up the coast. Following the flagship for quite a distance came the Iowa, ladiana, Helena and torpedo boats Porter and Erics- son. But after Havana was passed, where the Helena went in so clos? that a crash thom the guns at Morro was momentarily expected, the ships, with th2 exception of the torpedo boats, soon returned to their station. Under a full head of steam, the flagship bowled along until Mariel was reached. It was casy from aboard the dispatch boat, without glasses, to see the commotion rais- ed by the presence of the warships in the pretty little village. Great Excitement on Shore. The people rushed wildly about, and small boats quickly put in shore. But there Was no apparent life in either of the forts on two hills that cover the approaches to the harbor. The Porter steamed within half a mile of them and the New York swung leisurely at anchor at a mile range. After Admiral Sampson had surveyed Marie] to his epparent satisfaction, he sent the flagship clipping merrily further up the coast. Again the flagship rode unconcernedly within half a mile of the forts, and the Porter and the Ericsson pushed their way ahead. Suddenly there was a roar of a heavy gun, a puff of smoke from the shore, and the little torpedo boat came scurrying beck under the lee of the flagship. The officers and men disappeared from the decks of the New York like magic, and in less time than it takes to tell it, one six- inch gun on her bow belched forth. The evening was dying fast. Quick, good work was necessary. Arother shot from the flagship, one more from shore, and the fort guns were silenced. Three six-inch shells had sufficed. Five Parting Shots. Five more shots put a quietus on the for- tifications. The first shot was fired at 6:20 p.m. At the New York let go two six- imch sheils, one at each fortification, to complete the Job. There was no answer from the shore. ‘Ten minutes later the flagship let go two of her eight-inch turret guns, and the shrieking shell« left a trail of fire easily geen in the dark shadows of the evening. At this time the shore was hardly visible and the New York put back to her station. Fired on the Porter. ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP NEW 1 to before. The flagship lies to the westward of Havana. The torpedo toat Porter, while close in to shore last night, reported having been fired upon by the Cojimar battery, which is to the eastward of Morro Castle. The plucky little Perter escaped unscathed. The coast of Cuba is being carefully pa- trolied by the Spanish cavalry. Captain Taylor of the Indiana came on board the flagship today and had a long consultation with Rear Admiral Sampson. News of the movements of the United States army is eagerly awaited by the fleet, and there is much speculation as to when the troops will be ready. The weather, which is cool and calm, could not be more suitable for military operations. A Slight Misunderstanding. YORK, April 29, 11 a. m., via Key West, Fia., April 30.—The blockade continues as While the Dauntless, the dispatch boat of the Associated Press, was making her way from Key West early this morning she was sighted by the flagship. The lookout on the New York were unable to make out her identity, owing to the mist and the distance which separated her from the flagship, and a 4-Inch shell was fired in her direction. It was not aimed at the Dauntless, but was enly sent near enough to make her heave to. The Dauntless, thinking she was be- ing fired at by a Spaniard, promptly put about and steamed away. Then she was recognized, snd a few minutes later the recognition became mutual, and the Daunt- less ran alongside the New York. Later she proceeded to Matanzas. Learning that mines and earthworks were being placed and built at Mariel, in the province of Pinar del Rio, not far from Havana, the flagship then moved in that di- rection, accompanied by three torpedo boats, but there were no signs of movement at Mariel, and the flagship proceeded to a point twenty-five miles west of Havana, and about tea miles beyond Mariel. There suspicious movements were observed ashore, probably work on fortifications. Consequently the flagship fired three shots in that direction from cne of her big gun! The firing, however, brought no respons: and the flagship returned to her station. Watching fer Torpedo Attack. A strict watch against a posstble tor- pedo attack is being kept on board the f ship. Al the available officers Watches at night, including the chant: paymaster’s clerk and the assistant sur- geon. The small craft captured by the Wi ton yesterday was only taken to K because her crew were members of second Spanish naval reserve. t was ught also that they might be members ¢ the crew of one of the torpedo gunbeats, for whicn vessels a very sharp lookout is being kept. — NO NEWS FROM PHILIPPINE Speeulating Regarding the Pl.ns of Commodore Dewey. No official news from the Philippines had been received at the State or Navy Departments up to a late hour this afte! reon, but this occasions no surprise, inas- much as the Spanish authorities have con- trol of the There is r able. m to believe that Commo- dore Dewey may not attack directly Man- ila Itself In the begi ing. The repo: that he took aboard, befcre leaving Hong Kong, one of the most popular of the lead- ers of the Philippine insurgents, is r2 ed as evidence that the commodore largely upon insurgent support to main- tain his footing on the islands. If this be so he may avoid Manilla, the capital, and seize first another port, where the insur- gents are in greater stren and where there are no fortificaticns to overcome. While the: objects of the Spanish = is no doubt that one of the ommodore Dewey Is to crush nadron in the East Indies method of protecting verests in that quar- as the most effectiv the important trade i ter, his main purpose Is to seize and hold & port suitable for use as a coaling station. Notwithstanding the rumors that have come from Europe of interference to pre- vent the seizure of the Philippines or any part of them by Americans, it is not to be supposed for an instant that our govern- nt will abandon in any degree this pur- pose. The coaling station is not only de- sirable, but is absolutely negessary from a naval point of view, unless the United States is prepared to surrender all com- merce in American bottoms with Asia, and, fully realizing this, the naval officials will proceed with their campaign undeterred by European threats. Whether the station will be retained afier the war by the United States will not now be determined. It is positively asserted that up to this moment these Eurepcan menaces have taken no official form, and so far no pro- tests have been lodged with the Stat@ De- partment. If any stch should be made, based on diplomatic reasons, it would not be hard for our government, by pointing to the wholesale seizures of almost the major part cf the Cninese coast by the European powers, to justify ourselves in seeking to obtain at least so much of a foot- hold in that seciion of the globe as would suffice to give our warships a safe home port in time of stress such as the present and afford a moderate degree of protection at least to our commerce, which, !n mag- nitude and in ccmperison with that of some of the European powers who have been most forward in their threats, is by no means insignificant. THE STAR’S WAR CHART. Being Used by Diplomat: md News- paper Correspondents. The Britieh and French embassies have utilized the colored map recently issued as a supplement to The Evéning Star by hang- ing it up in the respective chancelries and Preparing to use it In recording the move- ments of the hostile fleets. The small boats accompanying the map have been cut cut and will be moved to correspond with the movemunts of the fleets. ‘The Star’s map is proving a great con- venienc2 to correspondents. who visit the Senate press gallery. Mr. J. D. Preaten, who has charge of the press gallery, has posted one of these maps in a conspicuous place in the galery and daily changes the location of tha ships on the map in accord- ance with The Star’s reports. This system allows all newspaper correspondents to see at a glance just where all the men-of-war of the two nations now at hostilities are stationed. —_——__-+ e-+-_____ HAVE DECLARED NEUTRALITY. Attitude of Foreign Countries Dur- ing the Coming Hestilities. Tho following 1s an official list of gov- ernments that have declared neutrality: Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, Switzerland, Colombia, Mexico, Russia, France, Korea, Argentiné Republic, Por- IN NEED OF SOLDIERS|7° CAND ae MESULARS| THE PHILIPPINES | Spanish Call Out Young and Old at} Santiago, CIY IN A REIGN OF TERROR Threats of Murder and Rapine When Biockade Begins. SCARCE FOOD VERY (Copyright, 1898, by Associated Press.) SANTIAGO DE CUBA, April 27, via Steamer Remus, Filed Port Antonio, Ja- maica, April 28—Don Arsenso Linares Pombo, commandante general of this di- vision of Cuba, proclaimed four days ago that every man between fifteen and fifty years of age must enroll that night with the volunteers for military service, under penalty of arrest and military trial and death. Senor Chucho Manduley, magistrate of the high court of Santiago, and known as an intense Spanish sympathizer, one of the most prominent in the city, left for the camp of the Cuban brigadier general Ca- vallos. He was accompanied by several kinsmen, and his going produced a vivid impression. The exodus from the city has continued by night, the Spaniards making no opposition except that a few men have been arrested as examples. Five thousand persons have left for the country since the proclamation, four-fifths being women and children. Soldiers Are Aggresive. The Spanish soldiery now assumes a bullying attitude and threaten to kill every Cuban man and to outrage every Cuban man left in the city when the blockade When the American fleet appears, as it is daily expected to do, all the non- col atants will be expelled. Though the governor of the city, Enrique Capriles, has seized for the government all the large store of food in private hands, many shops still do business with small stocks, the prices doubling day by Monday meat was 40 cents a pound, Tuesday, 70 cents, and today it is $1 pound. Other prices in gold today are: Rice, 24 cents a pound; beans, 21 certs; four, 19 cents, and lard, c Chickens are $2.50 apiece. The governor announced today to quiet public alarm that a ship loaded with pro- visions was expected, but when, where from, and what her name nobody knows. The story is not believed. All Poorly Fed. The Spanis Idiers, especially the sick, fed. Fourteen hundred sick in the military hospital here get nothing except bean soup three times a day, with an ounce of meat to a plate. One th are abominab sand an Luis Hospital have had « this. week; and condi- tions 2 now so bad that tne Spaniards would almost rejoice to surrender after one gced fight. The preparations for defense go forward, however. A new battery has been erected at the west harbor entrance, with four rapid-fire guns, and, this correspondent hears, ten or twelve mere rapid-fire, sinail caliber guns will be mounted on Morro and the east side battery. The Morro fort has at least fifty ancient brass cannon, marked 17j$. There are reports about torpedves in-the channel end harbor, but they are confusing. Pre rations have certainly been made to lay torpedoes, but whether it has been actually Gone is not known. Strong floating mines are ready to be placed. Silver ata Premium. - The Spaniar mble nightly in the chief streets y “Long live Spain!” and “Death to the Yanke The military authorities seem to have little control of the soldiers and the disorderly elements. Spanish si at 45 per cent premium. The bank notes ed by the government bank at Havana are practically worthless and sometimes pass for 3 to 5 cents on the dellar. —_— MANILA WELL PROTECTED. Commodore Dewey Has a Difficult Task Ahend of Hin HONG KONG, April 30.—If the reports which are current here are correct, the United States fleet has a difficult task to accomplish. It is said that the entrange of Manila bi commanded by from fifty to sixty heavy guns, well placed, and it is added that it will be impossible for the American warships to enter the bay with- out battle ships,or without the co-operation of a strong land force. Therefore, it is be- lieved, Commodore Dewey will not attempt to forc> the entrance into the harbor, but will blockade the port until the insurgents move on Manila. Agents of the insurgents here are trying to charter a steamer, in expectation of be- ing able to transport a force of insurgents to the vicinity of Manila, and capture the strong fortress of Cavite, inside Manila bay. The cable to Manila is still intact, but the transmission of news regarding military or naval movements in the Philippine Islands is barred. The British warships and tor- pedo boats at Hong Kong have been for- bidden to commence fresh repairs, which would seem to indicate the possibility of a movement in the near future upon the part of the British fleet. MATANZAS NOT IN DANGER, The State Department Amused at a Report of Protests. . The State Department officials are more ‘amused than concerned by the report from Madrid, originating with Captain General Blanco, that the Austrian and French con- suls at Mataazas have lodged a protest against the bombardment of that place by Admiral. Sampson. THfey say in the first Place that there has been no bombardment at that place, and, owing to the distance that Matanzas lies away from the fort at the entrance of the harbor, the town it- self never was in danger from any of the few shots fired by the American warships. Gen. Blanco’s report to Madrid that French and Austrian consuls at Matanzas have protested against the shelling of the city on the ground that no notice was given, is known to be incorrect, as neither France nor Austria has a consul at Ma- tanzas. Furtharmore, diplomatic officials say there was no bombardment in the sense understood in international law. A bom- bardment would have affected the city of Matanzas and jeopardized the residents there, native and foreign, whereas the shelling of last Wednesday was confined to the earthwork defenses, far distant from the. city. Admiral Sampson's Fleet Will Aid Landing Party. Flagship Feels the Maricl Without Drawing Their Batteries at Fire—Mnarines Still Affoat. Special From a Staff Correspondent. KEY WEST, Fia., April 30.—News from the bloekade fleet indicates that the vessels are surely preparing the way for the land- ing of regular troops. The flagship New York in firing a few shots when off Mariel failed to draw a response. It is believed that the Spanish authorities have some masked batteries there, but they are not as extensive as those at Matanzas. Mariel is at the head of Weyler’s famous trocha, some parts of which are row held by the insurgents. It is forty miles west of Havana. This was the first time that the flagship had cruised to the western station of the blockading line. = A macadamized road leads from Mariel into Havana. The Spanish have thrown up fortifications along his road, but they are not strong until within.twelve or fifteen miles of Havana. There they are quite extensive. The Red Cross ship state of Texas is yet in this harbor with supplies. A hint is given that instead of sending these loaded supplies to Matanzas, a war ship may con- voy them to Sagua or Caibarien in Santa Clara province, 150 miles further east. At both points the Spanish coast cefenses are weak. Caibarien is within easy communi- cation with Gomez’ headquarters and the insurgents are strong all through that country. A small body of marines with a detachment o/ regular troops would proba- bly prove a suffi The marir ient landing force. who arrived yesterday on the Panther have not gone into quarters and this confirms the belief that an early landing is to be made in Cuba. It is un- derstood that a private expedition which left Key West Thursday night with arms and a small detachment of recruits for the insurgents succeeded in affecting a sate landing PEPPER. —_—_~—— THE PARIS SAFE .IN PORT Capt. Watkins Had a Very Stormy Voyage Across. - ae ae NEW YORK, April 30.—The American line steamer Paris arrived this morning from Southampton after a rough passage of seven days, seventeen hours and forty- five minutes, with nine ‘saloon, forty-two second cabin and ninety-eight steerage pas- sengers. The Paris left Southampton April 22, at 2:05 p.m. After clearing ‘the land, Captain Waikins shaped his course about north, and, after a run of thirty miles, headed for home, keeping a distance of about thirty mil from the usual course taken in previ- trips. Captain Watkins had no fear that a Spanish war vessel would catch Its fleet steamer after she got sea room, but it was thought possible that some craft of the enemy might be lurking in the vicinity of the channel, or in thé neighborhood of the Irish coast to waylay the American craft. At night every light on-board of the Paris was extinguished and dead lights were cov- ered. Strict watch was fmaintained to de- J-Lect the 2pproach of vessels. Leaving the Lizard with the wind southeast, then north northeast, vary light, the weather became overcast, and a long westerly swell prevail- ed. This condition of weather continued until the wind became westerly, and, com- mencing on the 23d, increased to a gal2. Rough seas with fog, rain and generally thick weather prevailed. On the American coast a heavy northeast gale with high head seas Was encountered. The Paris sighted the-White Star line steamer Majestic on April 23 at 5:43 a.m. in latitude 48.25, longitude 20.29, and at 7:20 p.m. of the same day passed a freight steamer of the White Star line bound east. Nothing else was seen on the way across. ‘The Paris brought sixteen cases of mu- nitions of war and a: small quantity of miscellaneous merchandise. The Paris en- tered the narrows through the fleld of mines and torpedoes at 6:80 this morning and was saluted by steam ‘whistles of pass- ing craft as she went to her dock. It is expected that the Paris "will discharge her cargo today and will be ‘reéelved by the naval guthorities tomorfgw zporning, when her name will be changed to Yale. The Paris has a crew of*280 and two mall clerks, Bhe als Brought two stow- aways. » When the Paris reached her dock a tre- mendous crowd awatte& her: Capt. Wat- kins was the central fighre -6f the demon- stration. 3 ss When he came ashore he was picked up and carried on the shoiiifem of a group of stalwart men. > > * pee SKES O28 DID NOT SEE OUR FLEET. Steamer Memnon, However, Saw the Spanish Of Manila. HONG KONG, April :80.—The British steamer Memnon, whichi-has just arrived here from Mattia, capital of the Philippine Islands, reports having » the Spanish fleet cruising outside Maj She also met the British eteamer- da, chartered .by the banking companiés. of this place, which is on her way to Manila to take on beard the specie there. © She did not ‘see any vessels of the United States fleet. The latter ia supposed to be ous A Battle May Be Raging There Today. STRENGTH OF THE TWO FLEETS Permanent Occupation of the Islands Not Contemplated. THREATS TO INTERFERE ———>-—__ The eyes of the civilized world are cen- tered today on the Philippine Islands. Un- less all signs fail events are in progress there which wi!l have a most important ef- fect upon the war between the United States and Spain, and which may possibly cause a change in the map of the eastern hemisphere. Pursuant to the war plans of the strategic board, the Asiatic squadron, under command of Commodore Dewey, will today attempt to make a landing on Span- ish territory in the far east, not for the purpose of conquest, however, but more for the purpose of establishing a base of opera- tions in that part of the world. This course has been rendered imperative because of the action of the powers ih the orient in declaring neutrality and closing their ports to the vessels of the belligerents. The United States has a large and powerful fleet in Chinese waters, and unless it se- cures a port in that quarter, where it can secure coal and other supplies, including provisions, it will be put to the extremity of returning home, a course which it has no position or intention of pursuing. Permanent Occupation Net Intended. The present policy of the United States, it is said, does uot contemplate the perma- nent occupation of Spanish territory in the far east any more than it involves the an- nexation of Cuba. Its operations in beth instances are governed solely by its pur- pose to terminate Spanish sovereignty in Cuba and to give the people of that island peace and a stable government. This policy involves the enforced retirement of the Spanish army under General Blanco and the establishment.as well of a base of operations in the Spanish colony in the In- Gian ocean for the protection of the vast American interests in Asia. Commodore Lewey has a strong fleet of modern warships under his command, and the confident expectation is that he will have no special difficulty in the execution large port in the Philippine group and es- tablish his headquarters there pending the settlement of the conflict between Spain and the United States over the future po: session of Cuba. He will undoubtedly re- jcelve material aid in this movement by the people of the islands, who, like their relgibor# in Cuba, have -been in rebellion ugainst Spanish oppression, for over three years past. Advices from Madrid as well as from Manilla indicate that the Spanish government will resist the efforts of the led States to effect a landing in the Philippines to the full extent of its power. It has a large standing army in the colony and a fair-sized naval fleet. The latter, however, is not considered powerful enough to cope for any Kngth of time with the American fleet which is moving against it. The land forces-will be too much occupied in resisting the advances of the insurgents, who are confidently expected to act with the American forces, to make any effectual resistance to the landing of the latter in case of the defeat of the Spanish nav An Engagement Expected Today An engagement between the sea forces is expected today, as Commodore Dewey's fleet is undoubtedly in the neighborhood of Manilla by this time, and it is possible that a decisive battle has already occurred. The American fleet was due at Manilla today, and if the Spanish fleet lives up to its alleged purpose of giving fight, it is possible that Commodore Dewey has al- ready struck a blow which will render his subsequent proceedings in the establish- ment of a base of operations at that point merely matters of detail. News from that quarter of the globe must necessarily be taken with a consid- erable grain cf allowance, inasmuch as the Spaniards have control of the cable connections, and, following their usual war methods, will undoubtedly herald a great victory, regardless of the facts in the case, The truth will therefore have to come from other sources, and may be a little slow of development. Presuming that Commodore Dewey is bound directly for Manilla, the calculation made at the Navy Department shows that he should arrive there about 2 o'clock this morning, Manilla time, which is about twelve hours earlier than our own. The opposing fleets near Manila are made up as follows: United States. Baltimore, cruiser, 4,413 tons, four 8-inch and six G6-inch guns; Olympia (flag- ship), cruiser, 5,870 tons, four 8-inch and ten 65-inch guns; Concord, gun- boat, 1,710 tons, six 6-inch guns; Boston, cruiser, 3,000 tons, six 6-inch and two 8- inch guns; Petrel, gunboat, 892 tons, four 6-inch guns; Raleigh, cruiser, 3,218 tons, ter 5-inch and one 6-inch guns; Monocacy, cruiser, 1,370 tons, four 8-inch guns; Hugh McCulloch, revenue cutter small ton- noge; Zefiro, auxilary cruiser; Nanshan, store ship. Spain. Reina Christina, cruiser, 3,090 tons, six 62-inch guns; cruiser, 3,342 tons, four 5.0-inch gurs; Velasco, cruiser, 1,130 tons, four 3.6-inch guns; Don Juan de Aus- tris, cruiser, 1,152 tens, four 4.7-inch guns; Don Antonio de Ulloa, cruiser, 1,152 tons, four 4.7-inch guas; El Cano, gunboat, 525 tons, three 47-inch guns; General Lezo, gunboat, 525 tons, three 4.7-inch guns; Marquez del Duero, gunboat, 500 tons, one 6.2-inch guns; Paragua, gunboat, 137 tons; Manila, transport; Cebu, transport; Alava, transport. These vessels have from two to five torpedo tubes, It is understood that the Spanish fleet Regarding the harmless growls that ap- pear in the Huropean_papérs and. threats to interfere to prevent the United States blockading the Philippines, it A aff of his orders to seize Manilla or some other” anticipation of the action of the Germa: commercial interests in combining to secure exemption from search for their mail steamers, it is pointed out that the Presi- dent in his proclamation declaring the ex- istence of war explicitly announced that the voyages of mail steamers are not w be interfered with except on the clearest grounds of suspicion of a viciation of law in respect to contraband or blockade. Importance of the Islands. The Philippine Islands are a large and impértant group of the Malay Archipelago, forming its N. division, and, next to Cuba, the most valuable colonial Possessions of Spain, chiefly between latitude 5 32 and 19 38 N. and longitude 117 and 128 E., having N. and E. the Pacific ocean, W. the China and Socloo seas, and 8. the sea of Selebes. There are abcut 1,200 islands in all, of which 408 are inhabited. The principal islands are Luzon, Mindanao and Palawan, With Mindoro, Panay, Negros, Zebu, Bo- hol, Leyte, Samar, Masbate, and many of less size. The total area ie estimated at about 115,528 square miles, and the pop- ulation at about 8,000,000. The islands are of voleaniz formation, traversed by a chain of mountains from north to south, rising in some of them to 6,000 feet, and some of these are still active volcanoes. The coasts of mest of them are deeply indented by the sea, and the larger islands are well watered by ‘large streams, with es- tvaries affording excellent harbors. Earth- quakes are of frequent occurrence. The sroup is within the range of the monsoons. and violent hurricanes are common. From May to September the west coasts are deluged with rain, while the October mon- soon brings rain to the east coasts, which are at other seasons dry. The high tem- perature and abundance of moisture pro- duces a luxuriant vegetation, so that they are capable of yielding all kinds of colonial and probubly European produce. Rice, mullet, maize, sugar, indigo, hemp, to- bacco, coffee and cotton are raised; and £ago, cocoanuts, bananas, cinnamon, betel, humerous fine fruits, timber for ship- building, and dye woods, are among the products. ———————--2-_____ THE CUBAN CAPITAL. Belief That It W Be Established or Near Matanzas. In high Cuban quarters the opinion pre- vails that President Masso of the Cuban re- public and his cabinet will soon remove from Sancti Spiritus, where they are thought to be at present, to the neighbor- hood cf Matanzas, with a view to estab- lishing the seat of the Cuban civil govern- ment at or near Matanzas. It is said, how- ever, that this will depend much upon the instructions carried by Lieutenant Rowan, U. 8. A, to the Cuban commanders, and the nature of these instructions are not dis- closed. It is intimated, however, that one of the first results is likely to be the trans- fer of President Masso and his entire cabi- net to the Cuban coast and the setting up there of a complete civil organization. One of the advantages of this move, from the Cuban standpoint, is that it will give the Cuban civil government a most distinct identity, and will advance the recognition of its independence. This independence continues to be sincerely hoped for at an early day by the Cuban authorities in Washington, and they are anxious to as- sume a more official status with the au- thorities here than théy occupy at present. Indirect Recognition of Cuba, It would not be surprising if a singular complication over the Cuban flag, with its five stripes and single star, arose at an early day. Up to this time no occasion has arisen for the recognition of this flag as the embiem of Cuba, but it is said that a eondition may soon arise, and, indeed, 1s likely to arise, by which the recognition of this flag may be presented. Numbers of small craft are plying between Florida and Cuba owned by Cubans. If one of these raised the Cuban flag and approached the flying squadron the question would then arise as to what course Admiral Sampson would adopt. Not being a Spanish boat with a Spanish flag it would not be made a prize. Under ordinary circumstances the ship could be seized as flying a flag in de- fiance of Spanish sovereignty over Cuba, but as the United States is also denying this sovereignty of Spain over Cuba, and is co-operating with the insurgents, it is felt that the attitude to be adopted toward this Cuban flag would be complicated and might lead to an indirect recognition. As yet, however, this condition 1s purely hypothetical, although it has come 40 the attention of the Cuban authorities here as one of the circumstances that may arise any moment. Conscription of Cubans. Secretary Quesada of the Cuban legation here said today that Gen. Blanco’s order conscripting Cubans between the ages of fifteen and fifty in the Spanish army showed the dire extremity to which the Spanish commander was driven. Up to this time, Mr. Quesada said, the Spanish authorities have not utilized ‘the services of a single company or regiment, wsll knowing that the Cubans were at heart devoted to the cause of Cuba and would take the first op- portunity to turn their arms against Spain. For this reason the volunteer forces at Ha- vana and elsewhere are recruited exclu- sively from Spaniards. Mr. Quesada says the present move to raise Cuban conscripts will be futile, and that such Cubans who are forced to enlist under the Spanish flag will find an opportunity to use their strength in the caus2 of Cuba. This view is reinforced by the opinion of the Cubaa mil- itery authorities who are attached to Mr. Quesada’s staff in Washington. They rid- {cule the conscription of Cubans for Span- ish defense, saying that the danger which has kept Gen. Blanco from utilizing these forces thus far will be doubly great now thai the Cubans are aware that the United States has taken up their cause. ~ ——_ o-_____. PANAMA’S PASSENGERS HELD. ‘WU Be Treated as Prisoners of War —A Willing Prize. NEW YORK, April 30.—The Evening Post's Key West special today says: “All the thirty-five passengers on the cap- tured steamer Panama will be held as pris- oners of war. They left New York with on the way to join the Spanish army. The United States marshal will turn them to the army authorities, who will lodge AT THE WHITE HOUSE ——____ Many Persons Called on the Presi- dent Today. PRESSURE FOR ARMY COMMISSIONS Interest in the Expressions of Eng- lish Sentiment. as VOLUNTEERS INCREASING The Whit> House was visited by hun- dreds of people today, the statesman and the spring bride and groom mingling as they entcred the big doors. The newly married couples did not see the President, while the statesmen and officials <id. The great majority of the officials were seeking changes in the quotas of voluateer soldizrs of thelr respective states and try- ing to secure military appoiatments. The quota allotted lowa was a few hundred short of four full regiments. Senators Al- i#on and Gear visited the President to ob- tain his permission for an increase to four full regiments. Representatives Dolliver and Lacey of Iowa also had business with the President. Mr. Dolliver presented a petition signed by; Jowans asking the appointment of J. Rush Lincoln as brigadier general of volunteers. Mr. Lincoln is at present inspector g>neral of the lowa militia. Butlcr Wants a Commission. Senators Tiliman and McLaurin of South Carolina asked the President to appoint ex-Senator M. C. Butler a major general, General Butler was a famous cavalry leed- er in the confederate army. Army matters drew to the White House the following other prominent callers for talks with the President: Senators Quay, Lindsay, Kyle, Spooner, Eikins, Gray, Lodge, Representatives Grosvenor, Shaf- roth, Stone, Hull, Foss; ex-Secretary Here bert, ex-Speaker Kiefer and Russell Hare rison were other visitors. Vice President Long saw the President during the day. Secretary Long and the President took @ walk through the White House groundg, just before lunch time. Secretary Long went to the White House, about 1 o'clock. He had hardly got into the President's room before the President asked him if he had any news from Manila, Expected Fight Off Manila, President McKinley has anxiously watch- ed all the press dispatches sent to him to- day for news of the fight off Mantia. He will probably remain up until a late hour tenight for all news likely to arrive from the far east. The President was assured by many people today that.Connnedere, Dewey will win the victory. Senator Ele; kins and others describe Commodore Dews ey as the same kind of a man as Fighting Beb Evans. All of the President's callers teday have anxiously inquired for news from the east. The Sanitary Commission, Ex-Gov. Pattison, George C. Thomas and Dr. McCook, representing the Pennsyivantt sanitary commission, called cn the Presi+ dent this morning to ask him to recognize the National Relief Association, organized. to aid the government in the care of the soldiers and suilors and to relieve their families when left in a defenscless condi- tion at home. They laid before the Presi- dent the plans of the organization, similar to that which did good service during the rebellion. The President asked them to lay the matter before the Secretary of War and to submit to him the whole plan in writing, and that he would taxe ft une der censideration. He spoke mest favora- bly of the proposition. Another Call for Volunteers. When President McKinley rece.ves the bill to be passed by Congress authorizing additional regiments of yellow fever ime munes he will issue a call for volunteers, Interest in En, President McKinley continues deep interest in English public cpinion of the war with Spain. He reads the com- ments of the English papers fully and then comments on these opinions to his closq friends. The cabled statements that the weekly press is almost unanimous in sup- port of the United States are deeply gratl+ fying to the President. He is also highly pleased with the remarks of Lord Wolseley, commander of the English atraics, in which the great general speaks in praise of Amer- ica. The President talked with friends this merning about English opinion, and feela wermly the sympathy of the great nation across the water. It is believed ihe Pres!- Gent would be keenly disappointed should England now do arything favorabie to” Spain, or antagonistic te the Untied States, It is said that a continuation of the pres- ent kindly official feeling for Eng!and may result in far-reaching movements in future years if Great Britain does not change her policy under European pressure. Point de Mariel Battery. President McKinley reads all the press dispatches received at the White House. Early today one of these dispr'ches ar- rived telling of the silencing of a battery at Point de Mariel. The dispatch said that the town was Mariet. The President could not at first find a town of this name on the ap. The town is thirty-five miles west of Havana, and is Iccated at the cnd of a small bay. ~~ SPANISH STORY OF A FIGHT. Opinion, to take Ligeria Reported to Have Defeated a, Torpedo Boat.