Evening Star Newspaper, May 23, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING &TAR. * *UBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. THE STAR BUILDINGS, JCI Fenteylvenia Ayenue, Cor. a Bt, b7 The Evening Star Ne rt Company 8. H. EAUFFMANN J Pres Sew York Ofice, 49 Puttor Buildins, ‘The Evening Star Is setved to subscribers in the anty by crrriers, on thete own account, at 10 cents Per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the ectnter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere {a the United States «r Canada—postege prepaid—50 cents Per month, Snturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with forefen postage added, $2.08. (Entered at be Po t Gitiee at Washington, D. C.. 8 must he patd tn advance. pt Rates of advertising made known oD applicatior. Che Evening Star. “WASHINGTON, D. GC, MONDAY, MAY 23, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. WAITING FOR NEWS It is Believed That Cervera’s Game is About Played. —— SHORT OF COAL IN CARIBBEAN SEA No Port Where He Can Replenish Bunkers. AT THE END OF HIS STRING ——__+—___ The mustering figures received at the War Department show that 106,- coo volunteers have taken the oath of allegiance to support the United States government. Senator Chandler introduced a bili today authorizing the President to retire at his discretion officers above a certain rank in the army and nav: The House of Representativ passed the Senate bill providing for the payment of volunteers from their enlistment. There is prevalent a strong im- pression that news will soon come regarding the hostile fleets in the Caribbean sea. It is believed that Admiral Cervera’s supply is about exhausted and his phght will soon be serious. It is denied that Gen. } coal opposed the prompt invasion of Cuba. The invasion of Cuba will prob- ably begin in a few days, it is said, with about 20,000 troops A report that Italy had protested against the Cuban blockade is de- nied at the State Department. Commander Leutze was detached from command of the Alert and or- dered to command the Monterey. Col. J. S. Pettit will recruit a reg- iment from residents of the District, Maryland, West Virginia and North Carolina, composed of men immune from contagious and infectious dis- €ases. The Senate resumed discussion of the war revenue bill. The Treasury Department is mak- ing preparations for the collection of tariff duties in the Philippines. The District volunteer regiment arrived at Chickamauga Park this morning. None are on the sick list. There was a lively expectation today that some sort of information would soon be r. ceived with relation to the operations of the fleet. The time has come when it may reasonably be expected that word will come elther of an engagement or that the Spanish fleet was not found in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba. If the Spanish fleet is in the harbor of Sartiago de Cuba It is believed to be bottled up there permanent- ly, but no surprise will be felt if the first information from our fleets 1s to the effect that the elusive Spaniards are not to be found. The conviction has grown stronger that the Spanish admiral is expecting ri inforcements and that vessels either have or will soon ! from Cadiz to join his Squadron. ry inquiry at the Navy Department is directed toward the ent fleets and th ation of the differ- chances of an early con- flict. But the sum total of the official ad- vices throws Ht ton the time wh the place battle m: cur. It ts said by best situation that a decisive - next few hours, Several days, time, th S are Admiral Cervera ame much lon Spaniards’ Diminixhed Coal Supply. There are several reasons for this, but the ret hurried greatly lessened ¢ prolonging his elusiy € made supply, and these in- not been m: up by any ri ing which they have been able to mak: Each of the armored crutsers in the Span- ish fleet carries 1 ns of coal, and eac! of the destroye tons, making 4. tons on the ships of Admiral Cervera’s fleet when it left Cape Verde. The run across used up the greater part, if not all, of this supply. Since then stops have been made at Martinique, Curacao and Santiago, but at no one of these places has ft been possi- ble to take on more than enough coal for temporary use. At Martinique the French decree of neutrality prevented the Spanish ships from getting more than enough c to carry them to the next port, which would be 300 to 400 tons at most. At Cura ao the amount of coal secured did not ey ceed 700 tons. At Santiago there {ts no coul, unless colifers have brought it there recent. ly, which ts not believed to have occurred. As against these smal! supplies, the Span- ish ships have msuming much coal on their elusive runs, and the coal exhaus- tion has exceeded the coal supply. No Coalinz Depots Open. There are no other coaling depots in the West Indian Islands open to the Spanish ships, except for their most temporar needs. The Britigh islands. Jamaica, Bar- hades, and others, are clos against them by t ree Wer. The Dut further coal r tions with the Dutch contraband of nds will give them no. S a result of negotia- uthorities, following the couling of the Spanish ship: «ao. The Danish island of St. Thomas is similarly closed against them. Guada- lovpe and other French fslands have the seme restrictions as Martinique. Haytiar ports are closed te them by a strict treaty provision between Hayti and the United States, which the Haytian authorities will see is not walved In the present case. Santo Domingo’ ports are similarly protected against the chance of a zecoaling by Admiral Cervera's.fleet. In short, the Spanish admiral fs now in- les has} side the Caribhé with his original stock of coal used up, with scant additions already well exhausted, and with no coal- ing depots in sight for a complete recoal- pg. This, in naval parlance, woull star | long. Gelief Only From Colliers. The only relief possible fer this danger- ous condition is the juncture with colliers frem the other side. A good collier car- nies from 1,000 to 4,000 tons of coal, and two or three of them could completely re- ecal Admiral Cevera’s fleet. Whether the Spanish will succeed in accomplishing this is a matter of doubt, and it is a doubt on wkich large results depend. There nave been wnoflicial reports that British colliers were sighted off Martinique, and also eff nd reports from Spain took the and shipping ze 1 coal before the decla- understood that the while maintaining the and one exceptioraily United States, have not ered it proper to interfere with ship- of coal to Spanish ships, when the nipment actually antedated the war. But has been no official contirmation of made a juncture Admiral Cervera’s fleet. The naval authorities are inclined to the belief that the S-anish ccmmander fs dangerously near a coal famine. before Lenden have sts fon of ntities of Briti; It of war. h authoriti strictest neutrality orable to the the he report that its coll with Cervern's Critical Position. If this cordition exists or fs likely to aris2 iy the near future Admiral Cervera’s poal- tion will be extremely critical, even thoug’ he does not meet the American ships. He will be much ‘n the position of Commodore Dewey after being warned away from Heng ws and before his successful at- teck on Manila. The Spanish admiral will be in the Caribbean sea, but he will de un- able to get out of it. Not less than 4.000 ters of coal would be required to take him safe ° the Aulantic, back to Spain or to the Cepe Verde Islands. A prominent naval official said today that naval stratezy consisted mainly in knowing jusi the condition of the enem: t. It fs for this reason that the condition of the coal supply on the Spanish ships is looked upon as vital, net only in foreshadewing any aggressive tactics Admiral Cervera mey mbeldened to adopt, but also in di: elcsing his chances of escaping from this side of the water now that he has got here. Seeretary L will revurn tomorrcw ssach ,» Where he went to ‘s. Le who b been in de health of late. In his absence Mr. who succeeded Mr. R: elt, He received a including secretary. number Burrows, Money a tive Hilbourn. Except for thi large umount of routine busine: upon the war prozra veiopments a . there were y Department toda: t has sent half a dozen to clean the bottoms of “This is a temporary expedient, as it fs not possible at present to dock the ships and vive them a thorough cleanin: The ish this cleant fer all practical purposes, renewing the ef- ficiency of the ships in their evolutions, but it will impossible to repaiat be the bettoms and thus add to the good effects 0? the cleaning. Need of Armored Cruisers, Representative Hilbourn; who fs a mem- ber of the House committee on 1 af- fa.rs, ri red to ex-Secretary Tracy's re cent suggestion that Congress should order Ts at once, to place our navy on an offensive as well as a def sive basis, and said: “That will not do just at present, but it y come in time when we get our bear- The war is costing us $1,000,000 per From present indications, I think it leng war. When it is over ings. day. is going to be we will have a lot of outjying islands, and will have to adept the policy of Great Eritain of looking after these islands with adequate naval and military forc it wili be time enough then to talk of more armor- ed cruisers. Th are not things which can be supplied in a day. It is out of tae question to have them built now.” ——E——————— PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. Premotions in Consular Service. The Presid ticns to the nt today sent tese nomina- Senate: rict of Columbia, now envoy extraordl- and minister plenipotentiary and con- sul general, to be envoy extraordinary and er plenipotentiary to Greece, Rou- and Servia. at Hong Kong, China. George F. Lincoln of Connecticut, now corsul at Antwerp, to be consul general at Antwerp, Belgium, Edward D. Winslow of IMlinols, now con- sul at Stockholm, to be consul general at Stockholm, Sweden. Oliver J. D. Hughes of Connecticut, now consul at Spnneberg, to be consul at Co- burg, Germany; Henry H. Morgan of Louisiana, now consul at Hergen, to be consul at Aaran, Switzerland; Geo. H. Jackson of Connecticut, now consul at Cog- nac, to be consul at La Rochelle, France; Edward Z. Brodowski of Llinois, now con- sul at Turth, to be consul at Solingen, Ger- many. (all of the above to take effect July 1, 1808. Richard T. Greener of New York, re- cently confirmed as consul at Bombay, to be consul at Viadivostock, Russia. Her- bert J. Hagerman of Colorado, to be second secretgry of the embassy at St. Peters- burg, Russia. Rufus A. Lane of California to be secr2- tary of the legation to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Salvador. Chas. E. McCrum of Ohio to be consul at Pretoria, South African Republic. ymination of Mr. McCrum as consul at Tahiti withdrawn. Victor E. Nelsen of California to be con- sul at Bergen, Norway. y—-Thomas Leidy R. Hoades of Penn- syivania and Ralph Thompson Orvis of California, to be assistant surgeons in the navy. Department of Justice—Samuel R. Church of District of Columbia, to be justice of the peace. Henry Terrill of Texas, to be Umted States attorney western district of Texas. Treasury—John Boyle, jr., of Missouri, to be assayer In charge of United States as- say office at St. Louis, Mo. James Jeffries of Tennessee, to be surveyor of customs, Memphis, Tenn. Intertor—James G. Reid of South Dakota, to be Indian agent at the Cheyenne river agency in South Daketa: nomination of W. H. Rand for above office withdrawn. War—Henry F. Herit of Minnesota, to be ehief surgecn, with rank of major. Nomination of Henry F. White of Min- nesota for the above position withdrawn. MUST RUN BLOCKADE jLondon Times Correspondent Has Started for Cuban Coast. GUSTAVUS BOCK ALSO WANTS 10 GO Both Are Very Friendly to the Spanish Government. | DANGER IN SUCH PERMITS Special From a Staff Correspondent. KEY WEST, Fla., May 23.—If Admiral Cervera has allowed himself to be bottled up in Santiago the balance of the problem is a simple one; but naval commanders in Cuban waters have no idea that this has happened. They fear a long and perhaps fruitiess chase after the elusive Spaniards, who persist in refusing to appear in the places where the strategy board figures that they should appear. Enough Ameri- can warships are afloat to intercept the whole Spanish navy. Complaint cannot be made that ‘the ves- seis of Sampson's fleet waste time in harbor when they should be at sea. Blanco keeps Morro Castle signal light hurning, but it is evidently for the pur- pese of misleading the ships that are lying cil Havana. Before Cervera put into San- tlaso Blanco may have had reason to think the fleet was coming to the relief of Ha- Vana, but as he was ubie to secure word by telegraph of the whereabouts of the Span- ish ships, he could not have kept Morro signal lighted since Friday as a beacon for these ships. His present action is looked upon as a ruse. if the Spanish fleet made for any Cuban port after leaving Santiago it would more likel ‘Too Much Liberality With Permits. Complications are pretty sure to arise from the liberality whi Wasnir y be Cienfuegos. been shown in on In granting permits fer sub- Jeets of foreign powers to pass the blo’ ade and enter Havana. Navy officers unable derstand why these permits not revoked. The German steamer Polaria, on which passage was to be taken, h has to were do the author from embarrass- ment by sailing for N York. The indi- viduais who had been granted official dis- pensation were not so obliging. Mr. Knight, the t of the London Times and a British subject, did noi find his own severnment su favorably dis American governme corresponde Lust night he left on a tug, with the ex- pectation of leing landed on the Havana and reaching that city tonighi. Once ashore the documents he bears froin M drid showing that he is persona gratu to Spain will insure him sate canduct. But to ashore, notwithstanding his official permit from the United States government, it will be recessary for his tug to violate the regulations made by Admiral Samp- son and to run the blockade. Gustavus Bock, who also got a permit, has been very hopeful of securing a Ger- man cruiser to take him o confident of success, nd he is yet I do not know wheth- er it is true, as alleged, that he is a colonel of Spanish volunteers. The fact that the German ambassador in Washington m: arrangements for his permit indicates th during his long residence in Cuba he has not lost his German cit: nship, His Interests Are With Spain. But whether he ts colonel of volunteers or not, it is a matter of common knowiedge that Mr. Bock's interests are all Spa: h; that his sympathies are pro-Spanish and that his obligations to representatives of St a are great. No one knows these things better than Gen. Fitznugh Lee, and it is not at all creditable to Gen. Lee's judgment that h: ivaorsed Bock’s request. No question of diplomatic courtesy can lie at the basis of the subject. merce: nish severeignty in Cu Bock's motive is purely a nary one. If he can get into Havana he may make a lot of money for himself and his European partners, possibly in legitimate trades, possibly by a gigant! tobacco speculation, Naval officers were at first skeptical about a permit having been granted to Bock. When satisfied that it was genuine, they investigated his standing. No trouble was had iu establishing his friendly rela- tions with Blanco and the Spanish authorl- ties. Besides his own declarations, he ex- hibited numerous letters from them. What is going to be done in the case I do not know. As naval commanders are charged with responsibility of maintaining blockade aud preventing valuable information from reaching the enemy, it is proper that they should be relieved from the responsibility which attached to letting Mr. Bock pass the blockade and enter Havana. PEPPER. eg Ste ANOTHER TROOP TRAIN WRECKED. One Man Killed and Another Fatally Injured Near Savannah. SAVANNAH, Ga., May 28.—Early this mornirg a special train on the Florida Central and Peninsula railway, cartying North Carolina trocps en route to Florida, collided with a north-bound vegetable train. Private Wm. Barbee, Company 1, of Durham, was killed, and Private J, M. Colciough was fatally injured. —_—>—_—_ TRANSPORTS AT TAMPA. Al in Readiness to Embark Cuban invading Army. TAMPA, Fla., May 23.—Nearly all of the transports chartered by the government for the conveyance of troops from Tampa haye now arrived here. The Leona, Iroquois, Santiago and Cheroke> were today addcd ty the lst, bringing the total'number up to twenty-one, and two or three more are ex- rected lata this afternoon or tonight. POSITION OF GENERAL MILES WILL SOON INVADE Has Not Opposed a Prompt Invasion of Cuba. Has Merely Objected to Landing an Insuflicient Force Upon the Ixland. ‘There has been @ great, d2al of private and some public criticism of Gen. Miles, based on the theory that he is standing in the way and opposing the immediate fn- vasion of Cuba. This criticism, there is good reason to believe, is unjust and is based on a faise assumption as to what Gen. Miles’ attitude ts. It fs known to a few people, at least, that Gen. Miles has for some time Leen strongly in favor of a speedy and effsctive invasion, and that he has chafed at the delays attending the or- ganization and equipment of the volunteer army. That he is accused of advovating aclay is said to be merely an 2vidence of the fact that he has not been taking into his confidence any one outside the depart- ment. The difference of opinion which has ed hes be2n as to the cheracter of the invasion to be made. Gen. Miles has ear- restly and determinedly opposed sending a few thousand men to Cuba wita a great quantity, of stores and equipment, trusting to the support whieh might be giv:a them by the Gomez army.~ It fs likely that an invasion of that sort, might hays occurred a week or two ago had he not so carnestly opposed it, and to that extent only, it is de- clared, is he responsibl2 for the delay: He has taken the ground that there would be a very unwise risk in sending so small a force; that it would endanger the lives of the few thousand men sent, possibly result- ing in our stores falling into the hands of the enemy, and thus giving them supplies which Spain is unable to furnish them; and that it would do very little toward hasten- ing a conclusion of the war, even if the m2n were able to defend themselves and their stores. He has aavocated, it is assert- ed, an immediate’ invasion of the island with a force of between seventy and one hundred thousand men, and that this force should be landed as nearly as possible at the same time at different points. It is said that he has insisted that transports 2nough should be provided to land eighteen or twenty thousand men at a time in quick succession, with abundant svres. The change of plan frem that first contem- plated of merely establishing a bas> of sup- plies for the insurgents to une for an in- yasion on a large seale has necessarily re- sulted in delay. The metter of equipment of troops has dragg2d, and a great deal of time has been consumed in adjusting the commands and «rganizing the yveluni army. Jt is believed now that everything is in readiness for thg invasion and that Gen. Miles is not aGvieing postponement until fall, as has been esbetted. He has been too impatient of deley, 14s said, to desire any Turther postponementy Tags’ wisdom of his objection to the landing-of a small force, it is suggésied, iias apparently ‘been fully jus- tiffed by the difficulty im ocating a large chough force of Insurgents to be of eff-ct- ive service; by reports as to the cundition ef the insurgent army, and by the evidence discovered in our, naval eragons along ths coast of Cuba of the presence of a strong and well-armed Spanish army. It is generally conceded now that had a force of but a few thousand ben landed in Cuba to establish a base of supplies they would not have been ettzetively supported by the in- surgenis, and that a large Spanish army could have been concéntrated in an attac upon them, which in all probabity would have been disastrous. The insurgent ay Whatever its siz2 is, undoubtedly is greatly in iced of provisions, arms and ammuaui- lier, but apparently is unable to much in getting the needed relief iy it looks as if the invasion of the with a lirge force and the ef of the in- surgents must be coincident. Gen. Milles himseit denies that he favo: postponing the invasion until fall. It is ‘aimed by those cicse to him that he has from the first favered a speedy invasion, and is yet of the opinion that it should ny, be done. He realizes, {t is safd, that $0,000 soldiers are not yet equipped for the work, but thinks that a smaller number could be sent over at once. NO DOUBT OF ADOPTION Prospect of the Hawaiian Resolution in the House. Representative Hopkins of Illinois said to- day that there was no doubt whatever that the Hawafian resolution would be adopted by the House, The Senate, he sald, might be given some more time on the revenue bill before the Hawaiian question was taken up, but within a short time the resolu- tion would be made a special order and would be voted on and adepted. He said that there was nothing in the talk of post- poning the question uptil next session, and that the Speaker, being fully committed to the proposition that whenever a majority of the republicans waagted to vote on a proposition they should ave an opportuni- ty, would undoubtedly eonsent to a special order being reported from the committee on rules, 3 The developments of the present war, Mr. Hopkins said, had fully demonstrated the importance of our possessing the Hawaiian Islands, and had effectually answered the arguments that had been advanced against annexaticn. Whether we took and field the Philippine Islands er not, it was important to have Hawall. Ig we held the Philippines possession of the Hawaiian Islands would be indispensable, From another qaarter it is learned that the opponents of annexation in the Senate, being conyinced that the Hawaiian resolu- tions will pass the Houge, threaten to de- day the séssion indefinitely to prevent tifis being adopted by the Senate. An argument against action by the House at this session which is being advanced is that 1t would be much better to have the annexation accomplished through treaty, and that<%f the matter is permitted to lie over untiknext Depember,.the treaty now Pending gan Teadily be watifiva by the Sen- ‘This. of a proposition-bas no weight with of annexation. Deelined a Lieutenant Coloneley. Mr. Andrew C. Gray, ‘@-20n of Sengtor: Gray of Deleware, Who nomi- nated as judge-adyocate-with the rank of |Ateutenant -edlonel in the yolunteer- army, today notified Secretary Alger that he wilt }-resented snot be able to accept the ‘appointment. Descent on Cuba to Be Made ina Few Days. PRESIDENT’S § PLANS UNCHANGED The Volunteers Mustered in Num- ber 106,000. INDIANA’S PROMPTNESS ae Nothing has happened in several days to indicate that there has been any change in the President's plans to invade Cuba es soon as the soldiers can be fully armed and made ~eady regardless of the vanish- ing Spanish fleet. The invasion will prob- ably begin in a few days. There is considerable talk now of eending from 15,600 to 20,000 troops at once, and to establish them upon nigh and healthy sround, where they could easily defend themselves and at the same time become acclimated. These could be followed by others, if thought advisable. A vigorous blockade of Havana would continue. It is said that there would be no great danger for 20,000 soldiers camped on high hills near the shore and protected by boats of the navy. The officers would be tn po- sition to equip the insurgents and Cuban volunteers for the assault to be finally made upon Havara. In addition they would acquire the gcography of the coun- try and much valuable information, build roads, &c. 106,000 Volunteers, The mustering figures received at the War Department today show that up to this time 106,000 volunteers have taken the cath of allegiance to support the United States government. Monday morning at the department wit- nessed a continuance of the ceaseless ac- tivity which has characterized the mili- tary branch of the government for two i months past. Sunday was a rest day in name only for many of the officials, for they took advantage of the absence of visit- ors to catch up with the vast amount of routine business which, in muny cases, had to be pushed aside for more important matters during the week da This morn- ing there was an almost endless number of callers at the offices of Secretary Alger, istant Secretary Meiklejohn and Gen- eral Corbin, made up largely of senators and representatives and applicants for ap- pointments in the volunteer branch of the army. Payment of Troops Going to Manila. Paymaster General Stanton has selected 4 corps of paymasters for duty with the Philippine expedition. Three of these of- ficials will go to Manila. They are well tried officers who have been in the service for a long time. Their names are Major Charles McClure, who is to be chief pay- master, and Major Charles H. Whipple of Minnesota, a son of Bishop Whippie, and Major Charles E. Kilbourne. An adequate amount of cash to pay the soldiers for three months will be taken and this will be made up entirely of gold and silver. The Bank of California, located at San Francisco, has offcred to act as the fiscal agent of the government at the city of Muniia, but, inasmuch us Manila is not yet in our actual pos: jon, nothing has been done in the matter. The designation of some reliable financial concern as the agent of the United States in the Philippines will no doubt soon be made, as this is regarded z bsolutely essential to avoid the actual transfer of large amounts of cash by the government. Use of Mexican Dollars Suggested. Somebody has suggested that the govern- ment purchase a ge consignment of Mexican silver dollars, two of which cant be bought with one United States dollar, and that the troops at Manila be paid in these coirs, The Mexican dvilur will purchase considerably more in Manila than the American coin of the same denomination, and thus the soldiers for the time being would receive a greater apparent amount of compensation than it paid in United States silver. Toe government, however, is not disposed to y the men in depreciated coin, for when tne soldiers return the Mexi- can dollars whi might have saved weuld be of iess value by half than a sim- ilar number of American er dollars. The preposition was Lever taken seriously, but is mentioned simy shew the queer characicr of some of the propositions whi the 01 4s of the governmeni ure con- Stantly receiving during these times. Ordered to Camp Alger. Orders to the following regiments to move to the front were given today: Thirty-third Michigan, Col. Charles L. Boynton, com- manding, to Chickamauga; 2d Virginia, Col. J. C. Bacon, commanding, to Tampa; 2d Kentucky, Col. E. H. Gaither, command- ing, to Chickamauga; 22d Kansas, Col. Henry E, Lindsey, commanding, to Camp Alger, Virginia. Indiana’s Prompt Response. Col. Russell Harrison of the pay depart- ment of the volunteer army, who is rep- resenting the governor of Indiana in Wash- irgton, is jubilant over the record made by that state in responding to the Presi- dent's call for volunteers for service against Spain. He said that Indiana was called upon to furnish 4,400 soldiers tor the volunteer army and has already done 50. ‘The Indiana troops," Col. Harrison said, “‘were the first in camp, the first to be mustered in the service of the United States, fully armed and equipped, and were the first to be paid off. Their sal- aries up to the time of their departure from Indianapolis to the places of mobili- zation were paid by the state of Indiana, and it took the sum of $200,009 to do it. In addition to supplying tentage and other camp equipage for its own troops, Indiana has also offered the government the use of 1,000 additional tents for military pur- poses. This offer was made on behalf of Gov. Mount by Mr. Charles Wilson, mil- itary secretary to the governor.” Short of Tents. These tents are reported to be in good condition, and as each will accommodate the state troops mustered into the volun- teer army. It thus happened that several regiments of state troops went into camp without tents, and were compelled to sleep on the ground without ehelter for several nights, until the tents ordered by the gov- ernment were delivered by the manufactu- rers. Several army officers were very out- spoken today in their criticisms of the dog- in-the-manger policy adopted by the au- thorities of several of the states in declin- ing to provide their troops with proper ficid equipments, out of the large unused stoci belonging to the state Senator Maso; Timely Gift. Senator Mason of Mlinois has purchased and sent to Camp Alger, Va., a large num- ber of cots, blankets and other camp requi- sites for use of one of the Ilinols regiments rendezvoused there. This thoughtrul act was the outcome of a visit made by the senator to the camp yesterday, when the need of these articles was foreibly brought to his attention,the hard rain that fell there during the day rendering the place more or less uncomfortable. The body of Private Bludsoe of one of the lilinois regiments, who died at Camp Alger last week, was sent to his home at Rock Island, lil., yesterday. —_—_—__-.—_____ TO RETIRE OFFICERS. Authority Granted the President by a Bill Introduced in the Senate. Senator Chandler today introduced this bill: ‘Phat during the war with Spain the President be, and hereby is, author- ized in his discretion to place upon the retired list any officer in the army above the rank of leutenant colonel and any officer in the navy above the rank or rela- tive rank of commander, énd to fix, in his discretion, as the retired pay of any such officer any rate now by law provided for officers retired for any of the various causes for retirement; and the Pr. may fill every vacancy happening through retirement by promotion through selection and not according to seniority.” ————-._____ FOR LOCAL IMMUNES. Residents of the District Given A\ other Opportunity to Volunteer. Capt. J. 8. Pettit, Ist Infantry, and Lieut. H. H. Sargent, 24 Cavalry, who were re- cently appointed colonels of independent regiments of volunteers, to be composed of men immune from contagious and infeo- tious diseases, are now making arrange- ments for the organization of their regi- ments. Since the outbreak of the war these officers have been on duty in the office of Adjt. Gen. Corbin, and have ren- Gered most efficient service in the muster- ing in and organization of the volunteer army. Col. Pettit will recruit his regiment from residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina, and Col. Sargent wilt sceure his men in the states of Alabama and Mississippi. SS CAPT. GOETHALS ORDERED SOUTH. Will Act a» Chief Engineer Officer of the First Corts. Captain George W. Goethals, one of the assistants of General Wilson, chief of en- gineers, recently appointed a lieutenant col- onel of engineers in the volunteer army, has been ordered to report to Major Gen- eral Brooks for duty as acting chief engin- eer oMfcer of the lst Army Corps at Chick- amauga. Colonel Goethals has been sta- tioned in this city for several years, and is one of the ablest and most popular officers in the service. Although not yet assigned, it is under- stood at the War Department that Major W. M. Black, Engineer Commissioner of the District of Columbia, will be detailed as chief engineer of either the 3d or 6th Army Corps, now rendezvoused at Chicka- mauga, Ga. ———2 + ______ MORE MONEY WANTED. Secretary Alger Sends to Congress Estimate for a Deficiency. Secretary Alger sent to Congress today an estimate for a deficicncy appropriation of $50,000 for the medical and hospital de- partnient of the army, caused by the un- foreseen and large preparations and out- fits required for the Philippine expedition and the necessary establishment of large general hospitals at Fort McPherson, ( Tampa and Key West, Fla., and Fort My er, Va., &c., expenses of state boards for the examination of physicians for the vol- unteer forces and other extraordinary ex- pense - INSURGENTS COMING TO COAST. Fighting Their Way Through Junction With Our Tro NEW YORK, May 23.—A Key West spe- cial says: The Cubans are fighting their way to the coast, where they will join with our forces of invasion. ‘Three hundred Cubans engaged a squad of Spanish cavalry on Thursday fifteen miles w2si ot Matanzas. The battle was fiereciy waged in sight of the ships on the blockading squadron, The firing continued after dark, and Fri- day morning the Spanish caval which had been reiaforced during the night by a battalion of infantry, were seen r2treat along the beach in the direction of Ha- vana, The Cubans ure pushing rapidly to the coast to join with our landing troops. ———— GAVE CERVERA LITTLE COAL, to Governor of Carseno Enforced Neu- trality on Spanish Admiral, THE HAGUE, May 23.—The governor of Curacao, Dutch West Indies, has sent a cable dispatch to the foreign office here saying that only two of Admiral Cervera’s ships were admitted into the harbor, in spite of the request of the Spanish admiral, ard he adds that they were only allowed to take op card coal enough to take :hem to the nearest harbor. —_— BLOCKADE OF MANILA. Notice Sent by Secretary Gage to Cas- toms Officers. Secretary Gage issued an order today to customs officers notifying them that the pert of Manila, Philippine Islands, 1s blockaded by the United States fleet under Admiral Dewey, ard therefore clearance will not be granted to merchant vessels for that port. The instructions also warn owners and mesters of vessels that in un- dertaking voycges to Spanish ports not now blockaded they run the risk of in- terruption by future blockades and mili- tary operations. ———__ The Cruiser Yankee. PHILADELPHIA, May 23.—The cruiser Yankee arrived at the Delaware break- The regular permanent family, circulation of The Evening Star in Washington is more than double that of any other paper, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternoon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- fore stands unequaled and un- approachable, EMBARK TOMOKROW General Otis Issues the Order to the Philippine Troops. en MONTEREY 10 BE {OWED OUT Engineers Placing Mines at Ene trance of ‘Frisco Harbor. — A BANK'S GENEROSITY =p ee FRANCISCO, M Maj. Gen, sued the following general orde “The Volunteers Untted States Inf of California heavy artillery, consisting of ist an officer and fifty men, will constitute a brigade of the expeditionary forces about to depart from this port, and it is placed under the command of Brig. Gen. Thomas Anderson, United States Volunteers. The vessels designated to transport this com- command ure the City of Peking, the City, nd the Australia. “The ist California Regiment the Peking this morning, th and will report at the Paciti er's wharf at S a.m. The two battalions of the 24 Oregon Regiment will ship op the steamer Australia Tues- day morning, May 24, reporting at pier No. 7, Ocean Steamship Company's dock, at 8 will ship on 23d instant, matl steam- iquarters and a.m. A battalion of the Mth United Infantry, a battalion of the 24 ¢ iment and a detachment of heavy artillery will report at the Py Matl Company's wharf fer shipment on the City of Bydr t 8 o'clock en May 24. “Orders affecting the medical ndance of troops, order supply artments or cencerning the freight of vessels, hava been, or will be, issued in die season and exdcuted so that the vessels may imme- diately depart as soon as trocps are placed on board. Gen, Anderson Arrives. Brig. Gen. Anderson has arrived from Portland, Ore., and today will go on board the steamship Australia, which is already loaded with supplies and is ready for the reception of troops. He will have charge of the advan brigade of the Manila ex- pedition. He is accompanied by Lieut. Clark of the 14th Infantry, who is his ald- de-camp. Major P. R. Jones, who came from Oma- Will be the quartermaster of the exe dition. Major R. E. Thompson of the Corps, who arrived from Tampa, the chief signal oflicer. The Examiner states that the coast de- fense vessel Monterey, just ordered to the Philippiaes, will bo towed all the way to Manila, probably by some big steam col- lier. It says: The Monterey of herself could not go h u Signal will be half way tc Honolulu. She carries only 200 tons of coal in her bunkers, whica would hardly last more than two days. She could carry 300 tons more on her decks if good weather prevatied. “Tne Monterey will be on the dry dock for five days. After the vessel comes from the dry dock two days will be required for. coaling and two days more for loading sup- plies. She will be ready for sea a week from tomerro' ‘The that accom- panies the M yy ¥ loaded with coal and stores for herself and the wer- ships. The voyage of the Monterey is a hazardous one, but this is the most favors able time of the year for euch an unde taking.” Planting Mines in Harbor. Lieut. Meyler and a number of his vote unteers will today begin planting subm: rine mines near the harber entrance: they will all be in place by Wednesday. Regulations were received from Major Charles B. Davis at San Francisco provid- ing for the navigation of the harbor in time of war. They go into effect May 3. No vessel will be allowed to pass through the channel entrance between the hours of 8 p.m and 4a.m. During this interval ves- sels must not approach within three milea of Ballast Point. The light on Ballast Point will discontinued until further order: Orders have been received to begin the excavations for another Winch rifle at Ballast Point. There are now three of! these big guns all ready for action. Letter Carriers’ War Fund. Lists have been distributed at the post cffice and at various stations in the city for the signatures of letter carriers who be will pledge themselves to pay the sum of 50 cents on the first of exch month to # fund to be known as the Letter Carriers’ Relief Fund, for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers now engaged in the war, with Spain. The lists are being signed with’ eagerncss.® A Christian Endeavor society has beeu organized by the soldiers from the state of Washington. : The Crocker-Woolworth bank of this city has volunteered to advance pay to all officers leaving this port for the Philippines; no matter what part of t country they come from. No charge will be made for this service. THAT FRANCO-SPANISH ALLIANCE. Spcnish Fours Take a Jump on the Ramor. LONDON, May 23.—The St. James G gette this aftcrneon, in its financial article, said: “In the foreign market this morning several lesCing dealers were said to be in Possession of advance news of the forth- ccming announcement of a Fran panivh alliance; hence the rise in Spanish fours. “In connection with the sbove it is cur- rently reported that the recent speech of the Marquis of Salisbury end Mr. Josepa Chamberlain did not refer to west Africa, but to this impending alliance, against which Mr. Chamberlain's allusion to an Anglo-Amecican alliance was intended as @ counter-blast.”” ‘The strength of silver is attributed to the prospective Spanish purchases zo replace the withdrawals from the Bank of Spain, amounting tc 135,000,000 pesetas since April 16. ae ANOTHER SPANISH CANARD. . eerie Rumor That Italy Ha» Protested Against Cuban Blockade. - At the State Depariment an emphatic _ }Gental was made to the report that Italy or any other nation has made a protest