Evening Star Newspaper, May 24, 1898, Page 1

—————— THE EVENING ®#TAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3iC1 aang im Cor. 11th St, b7 The Evening Star News Compan; : Rr QatrrMann Pree! = <> oh Few Yock Oise, 40 Potter Buidia;, po natn ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers fn the erty by cerriers, on thetc own account, at 10 cen! per week, or ceots per month. Copies at the cetater 2 certs each. Ds mail—anywhere ia the United States «r Cauada—postage prepaid—S0 cents per moat tar, $1 per year, with tuple Sheet adde¢ or St Washington, D.C. i All mail subse ng boast be patd in ateance, 3 cf advertising made known of-applicetior.. Star. NO NEWS OF A FIGHT The Navy Department is Without Information. THINK BATTLE NOT IMMINENT Functions of the Naval Board of Strategy. CHARGES FOR TRANSPORTS = It is stated at the Navy Depart- ment that no news has been received here of an engagement between the fleets, and that no news has been re- ceived of the arrival of the Oregon at Key West. Secretary Alger said today that he had given no consideration to Gus) question of a second call for volun- teers. It was persistently rumored in London that the Cape Verde fleet had been met in the Windward Pas- sage and destroyed by the combined fleets of Sampson and Schley. Reports from West Indian points, however, tend to discredit the rumor. | The general impression seems to; be that Cervera is at or near Santi ago, and that the American ships will soon overhaul him. Reliable information has been re- ceived that the cable from Cuba to Hayti, probably at. Santiago, has been cut by American warships. The House concurred in the Ser ate amendments to the bill providing for the organization of an auxiliary naval force. Paragraphs relating to the tax on corporations were discussed during the Senate debate on the revenue bill today. Missouri has offered the govern- ment a regiment of twelve colored companies. The House committee on military affairs voted to report the bill pro- viding for a second assistant secre- tary of war. The House passed a bill providing an American register for the steam- ship Zealandia, which is to act as a transport to the Philippines. standing the persi rculation to the effect sagement has been fought in the Wind- Passage, resi ng in the destructi of the Spanish fleet, it can be stated lively that the Navy Department has no information the slightest to rumors in that a great naval retary Long Navy told the newspaper men Department at 2:45 o'clock had not received Y quarter today. advices from Key West are Spanish fleet has | in Cuban waters engagement is probable Although the nature of ices received at the Navy Department today has not been josed, it is regarded as probab'e that they bt brief press dispatches from the na at Key There is un-} ly a ong feeling in official circl nportant develo; in the war ion may be expected w r two. British embassy has received no re- s from London er from British sources West Indies concerning t ted gement of the American and Spanish ns in the Windward passage. It is ailing feeling that when an engag t occurs word of it is quite likely to from London or some other foreign point, owing to the difficulties the Ameri- can commanders have in cabling to the Navy Department. in the next pain’s Alieged Change of Plan. There are signs in Modrid that have been ed here seeming to warrant the suppo: @on that there has been a compiete change f® the Spanish plan of conducting the war. Indications are believed to point to a re- laxatior if not a total abandonment of the efforts to conduct the campaign in Cuba and the West Indian waters. The natural sion, if this premise is well founded, would be that the Spaniards are going to concentrate their eatire energies to the defense of the Philippines, with the view to retaining them, in the event that peace is forced upon them by virtue of the prin- ple of international law which limits a rious nation in indemnifying he-self the vanquished to the territory s actually occupies when peace is declared. So the retreat of the Spanish squadron from the West Indies would be significant, first, in the danger it would place Dewey y. and, second, in the hint it that the Spanish mind for 2 contemplates the possiblilities con: vi from would conve: the first t of peace. ‘The: Naval War Board. The naval war board, lately known as the board, had a short session this There appears to be a great mis- ion on the part of the public and demic: rs as to the nature of this sition, functions und man- According to the popular ard sits in the Navy Depart- nd with autoetatic power directs the E f fleets and the execution of f campaig: details. This down to the very smali- conception has led to mments, some humorous and some at the expense of the board, and the idea had even spread to Europe, where so ¢ ervative a paper as the London Times has delivered itself of this criticism: “it 4 be wise in the future to leave eric | issue another call i | promptly that, so far as he was concé Nelson claimed the right to be, free to act when the fitting opportunity arrived. Now, Secretary Long is a member of the war board; at least, he is frequently with it during its sessions, and he says that the view above expressed by the Times as to the proper functions of a war council ex- presses exactly the functions conferred upon the naval war board and exercised by it. It has worked ceaselessly and intelli- gently, he says, to learn the movements of the enemy and the enemy's plans and to gather all kinds of information that would be of value to the United States naval com- manders now at s It has not under- taken to hamper them with unnecessary in- structions, but supplying them with all in- formation obtainable that might assist, has kept ever in mind the principle that the commanéer on the spot is the person best qualified to act. “The board has not made a single mistake since the beginning of the war,” was the tribute that Secretary Long paid to it. Just how little it interferes with our naval commanders is shown in the epi- grammatic messege to Dewey at Hong Kong: “Commence operations at once, particu- larly against the Spanish fleet. You must capture vessels or destroy.” There was no suggestion there of un- necessary instructions. And again at San Juan, according to Secretary Long, all that the board did was to authorize Admiral Sampsen to proceed as he did and attack the place. He likewise had no vexatious limitations passed upon him. Secretary Long has returned to Washing- ton and resumed his duties at the depart- ment this morning, where he was immedi- ately made the object of attack by a num- ber of congressmen, who are seeking all kinds of favors for their constituents. Delay in Getting Transports. Disappointed at the attitude the American transpacifie steamship com- panies in holding out for large prices for | chartering their ve for use as transports, iklejohn of the War Department is con- advisability of recommending that the ships be irapressed into the United States servic? or asking Congress to grant an American register to the ships of tie Northern Pacific Steamship Comp a foreign corporation, to the government Assistant Secretary siGering the ny, vsed for transport purposes. He has not yet reachzd a final decision in regard to either of these matters. The delay of the authoritics in chartering more vessels for the Philippine expedition has caused con- siderable comment here, for it realized that even after the ships are se- cured some time must be spent in preparin, them for the trip. The reason for the de- lay now s2ems apparent, and was no doubt due to the inability of the government and the steamship companies to reach sat! tory terms Today Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn an- nounceé that negotiations were in progress with a view to chartering the China and Colon of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co., but the terms have not yet been agreed upon. At the same time he Northern Pacific Steamship Co. had offered their ships to the government on condition that an Americin registry be givea to them, The vessels of this comp six in num- ber, the agents say, can be delivered at Tacoma, Wash., approximately as follow Stsamer Tacoma, by May 25; Victoria, June 3; Arizona, Columbia and Olympia, on June 15, and Argyl, at Portland, June The Tacoma is now in port, scheduled to sall for Japan on Thursday; the Columbia is on her way to Japan, where she could discharge her passengers and return to 2 at full speed; the Arizona is at Kong; the Victoria is coming from Yokohtma to Tacoma, and the Oiympia is in Japan. Th> department officials say there has been no difficulty in getting ships on the Atlantic and gulf coasts for transport uses for the army in Cuba. There has been no suggestion or intenticn of impressing any of the vessels on these coasts for the ser- vies of the government. The department now has ample accommodation for the ship- ment of 25,000 men to Cuba. SSS ee SECOND CALL FOR TROOPS. Alger Says That Not Considered It. sefore the cabinet meeting this morning retary Alger was asked the direct ques- tion whether the government was about to for troops. He replied ned, he had not considered the matter. In view of the fact that all the necessary equip- ment has not been secured for the first levy of troops it is believed that no con- sideration will be given to the advisability of another call at this time. It 1s, of course, apparent, however, that inasmuch as the number of troops required for the Philippines is far in excess of any demand Seeretary He Has that was foreseen when the original call ; was issued, there may later on develop a necessity for more troops, if the original plan for the invasion of Cuba is to be car- ried out. 2 -—_____—_ NO NEEDLESS RISK OF LIFE. Miles on the Methods of Cuban Invasion. “With regard to the invasion of Cuba.” suid Maj. Gen. Miles to a Star reporter, fn the course of a brief conversation at the War Department today, “I have nothing t» say, except that the United States will in due time bring Cuba under its control by judicious methods and without a useless waste of life. The United States is too great, too strong and too powerful io com- mit any foolish act in connection with the proposed invasion. As for myself, 1 have only to say that no officer fs fit to com- mand troops who, from any motive what- ever, would needlessly risk the life of a single soldier, either from disease or the bullets of the enemy. I have never sacri- ficed the Hives of men under my command, and I do not propose to subject them to any unnecessary risks in the present cam- paign.” ——————————______ AGAINST DISCRIMINATION Gen. Joint Resolution Regarding Appoint- ment of Surgeons. Senator Vest, from the Senate committee on public health, today reported the joint resolution prohibiting discriminations against the graduates of any legally char- tered medical colleges in the appointment of surgeons to the army and navy. In pre- Vest made a written report, submitting statements fron the surgeon generals of the army, navy and marine hospital service, saying there is no discrimination in either otilce against the senting the resolution Mr. Students of any college. o—_—___ Supreme Court Adjournment. ‘The United States Supreme Court today announced the final adjournment of the the direction of operations to naval com- mancers. Councils have néver proved ca- pable directors of war. Their proper fun: tion is to cbtain information and to for- ward ft to the admirals, who must be, as court for the term, Tuesday next. The court will not meet again until ‘Tuesday and will not meet -after that date until mext October. The meeting next Tuesday ‘will be only for the announcement of opin- ions en cases already heard, of some’ of! so that they may be| has been! aid that the| AT THE WHITE HOUSE | | The Cabinet Had No News in Ref- erence to Sea Fight, SECRETARY LONG FEELING THE STRAIN Hopes Soon. to Receive Informa- tion of an Engagement. HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION The cabir.et did not have a line of news from Cuban er West Indian waters today. The greatest interest was manifested in the many rumors afloat, and there was hepe that they might prove truthful, but the cabinet possessed no more information than any group of citizens in any part of the United States. Captain Crowinshield, chief of the strate- gy beard of the Navy Department, went to the White House with a telegram during the cabinet sessien and was admitted to the cabinet room. It is positively known, how- ever, that his visit related wholly to the sending of a certain ship to Manila. He had nothing to give to the cabinet about the American and Spanisi fleets. Secretary Long is thought to have given the President and cabinet his own views as to whether there had been a fight. At any e, the opinion of a majority of the offi- cials at the close of the meeting was the Admiral Cervera had not been encountered. retary Long is feeling the strain of the situation and freely expresses the hope t jit will soon be relieved by definite nev | that there has been & fight. The President | also feels keenly the tension. If Cervera is not discovered on this trip the American squadrons will be called in and will be used asion of Cuba. | to protect troops in the in Hawaian Annexation. Callers at the White House today differ as to what Congress will do with a resolu- | tien for the annexation of Hawaii. Representative Tawney of Minnesota said that he has recently made a canvass of the spublican side of the House on the resolt- tion for th- annexation of Hawaii. The canvass disclosed that 189 republica |in favor of annexing Hawaii. Fully haif of the number want immediate action. Mr. | Tawney did not make the canvass for the purpos> of laying the matter before Speak- er Reed or anybedy else. He simply de- sired to find how the republicans stand. Mr. Tawney: believes that the resolution 2 taken up by the House the last of s week ard will speedily be passed after sonable debate is allowed. Mr. Tawncy not intend to push the resoluzion un- less he finds there is too much and unnec- y delay. Senator Thurston, who is opposed to an- ation, said today that he does not be- | the question of annexing Hawati witl jcome up aggin at this session of Co Ss. He thinks the Senate has as much work on hand as it cares to attend to before ad- Jeurnment, end will not want to oring up a matter which will cause almost endless debate. The Delayed Civil Service Order. The President has been unable to issue Xpected civii service order be- civil service commission has rot ared the work placed in their hands by the President. It is understood, however, that the commission will finish its work in-a weck or ten days. This will then be laid before the President who will shortly afterward promulgate the order which will open up a number of place | ow under the civil service laws. The en- ure government printing office will be re- moved from the civil service regulations unless the President changes his mind. A Flag for Morro Castle. The White House was visited by a dele- gation of G. A. R. men today. They had with them a historic flag which they want to give the government to hoist over Morro Castle when that fortress falls into the hands of American sailors or soldiers. The flag was brought here from Mer- chantville, N. J., by George W. Algor and the following members of Lee P No. S. W. Voik, commander; H. L. Harts- horn, J. W. Bodene, Israel Fish, John Ward and John Reed. This delegation was met upon {ts arrival in this city by a dele- gation from Lincoln Post, No. 3, headed by Commander G. W. Hazer and J. L. Thomton, quartermaster. From the White House the delegations went to the War Department to present the flag. The flag was once hoisted by Gen. Grant over a place captured in the south during the civil war. A Patriotic Father, Among the White House visitors today was a proud father with three sons, who are in camp at Camp Alger and who were wearing Uncle Sam's blue. “Yes,” he said, in answer to a question, “I have given all my boys to my country. I hate to see them go, but my duty is con- trary to my feelings. I started early my- self, as you will see by this button, and I have™never regretted it. The boys are young, but they know how to fight. Proba- bly I am giving up more of my family than most men, but I am proud of it.” Senator Burrows’ Views. Senator Burrows cf Michigan was one of the President's callers today. The senator said that he did not know any of the plans of the administration about the invasion of Cuba, but he thought not less than 100,000 soldiers ought to be sent to ihe island. —_—_—__|_-e—______ OFF TO JOIN SAMPSON. ‘Two Hundred Naval Reserves Lenve Chicago for Mobile. CHICAGO, May 24.—Twe hundred Illinois naval reserves left today for service in Ad- miral -Sampson’s fleet. They go direct to Mobile, thence to Key West over the Plant system. All along the line of march and at the depot the reserves were wildly cheered. About 250 students from the University, of Chicago marched as an escort in keror of the commrading officer, Lieut. S. W. Strat- ton. who was professor in the department of physics at the university. —_. CABLES HAVE NOT BEEN CUT. Santiago and Guantanamo - Still in Touch With) Madrid. (Copyright, 1898, by Associated I'ress.) CAPE HAYTIEN, Hayti, May 24.—In- quiries made here at the cable station in_ regard to the reported cutting of the cables off Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo by United States cruisers show the cables have not been cut. The cable from this.’ Place to Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba is im working order. ¥ : TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS, MANILA IN DIRE STRAITS THROUGH THE HEAD Food Scarce and Rioting Among Volunteers Inminent. Later Reports Enlarge Spanish Lo in Late Battlo-Awatting American Troops. NEW YORK, May 2f.—A copyrighted dis- Ppateh to the Wor:d from Hong Kong, dated May 24, says: ‘The situation at Manila is desperate. Food is scarce and meat is exhausted, while all the canned stuff is nearly gene. Two weeks will exhaust the available supply. The volunteers demanded food, but the Spanish government atthorities refused to give it, and riots are threatened. A dele- gation is said to be preparing to wait on United States Consul Williams, as the citi- zens fear an outbreak. ‘The insurgents control the surrounding country, and Chief Anginaldo, sent by Con- sul Wildman from here, has arrived, and with his staff is organizing the rebels. For- eign residents are moving from Cavite. Spanish reports say that 500 were killed and 70) wounded in the bombardment by Admiral Dewey. ‘ All classes are waiting anxious!y the ar- rival of our troops. There is no sickness on our ships. ——_>—__ TROOPS SENT TO MANILA. Dispatch Received by the Navy De- partment From Dewey. ‘The Navy Department posted a bulletin this afternoon at 3:15 o'clock as follows: “The department has no reason to believe that an action occurred in the Windward passage. The United States steamer St. Louis has cut the cable at Santiago de Cuba and at San Juan, Porto Rico. “The City of Pekin with 1,200 troops on board sailed from San Francisco today and ydney and Australia are expected to leave San Francisco today for Honolulu, from which place they will be conyoyed by the Charlestem to Manila. Also a dispatch from” Admiral Dewey, which said: “Situation unchanged. Strict blockade con- tinued. Great scarcity prevails at Manila. oreign subjects fear an outbreak of the Spanish soldiers. Arrangements have been made for them (foreign subjects) to be transferred to Cavite by the foreign men- of-war, if nec Aquinaldo, the rebel commander-in-chief, was brought down by the McCullcch. Organizsimg forces near Cavite and may reuder assistance that may be valuable. DEWEY.” AWAITING NEW € K WEST. pr a4 Speculation Rife as to the Where- abouts of the Fleets. sary. Special From a Staff Correspondent. KE WEST, Fla., May 24.—Key West awaits news with the rest of the world. Ships that have been in during the last week have coaled and provisioned, so that they could either go ona long voyage or remain with the blockading squadron for a long period. It is common belief that the cruisers and some of the gunboats have gone east, where a junction may be effected between Admiral Sampson's ships and the vessels under Commodore Schley; but there is no knowledge. Nothing is known here concerning the whereabouts or positive destination of the Oregon. Everything the block- ading line off Havana last night. No move- ment had been made against shore batteries and nothing done toward effecting a land- ing for regular troops as a preliminary to It seemed to be understood that these effairs will await the result of the pursuit of the Spanish fleet. The blockade will be main- tained while the cruisers are engaged in other wate The 700 marines who have been on the transport Panther have landed and gone into camp. When the R&solute arrives they will go aboard it. PEPPER. Saaen wi quiet along the military occupation of the is!and. LEE OF 'rO TAMPA, Crowds Cheer Him a» He- Leaves Richmond. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., May 24.—Gen, Fitzhugh Lee left here today ai noon in a private car ever the Southern railway for Tampa, where he will arrive tomorrow afternoon at 5:20 o'clock. He was accompanied by Lewis Brander, whom he appointed yesterday as his color bearer. A large crowd gathered at the station to see Gen. Lee off. There were many ladies in the party, and dozens of people wept as the train pulled out. Three cheers were given for the general as he left. —__+——_ DRENCHED ON THE MARCH. District Troops Caught in a Storm on Their Way to Camp. Special Prom a Staff Correspondent. ROSSVILLE, Ga., May 24.—The Ist Regi- ment, District Volunteers, are now in camp at Chickamauga. After a hot march of eight miles thrcugh the noonday heat they reached the place assigned to them about 6 o'clock last/ evening. When the time came fer pitching tents it was found that the ridge poles for most of them had been left at the depot on ac- count of lack of facilities for hauling them, In consequence most of the men had their first taste of*real camping. They stood it like veterans, ard awoke this mcrning as bright and“happy as if they had slept in feather beds. ‘There is the same trouble at this camp as was experienc:d -at Camp- Alger. The water’ supply is very shert. Guards are placed at every point where there is water and only a limited supply is allowed to be used. There is no place for the boys to bathe. The supply of rations on hand will last for several days. The march from Rossville told on a num- Wer of the men. About fifty of them drop- ped from the line, but quickly recovered. Today there is not a sick man in camp. The place selected for the.camp is in a magnificent @ak grove, “bus unfortunately there is. lotszef poison oak. On the mafch to camp a thunder storm came up ang every nan-was drenched to o Sogo S Saree aoe cam) peat e the camp cf tie, 2 cated Sem 52 th Mary- land and New York.” By tonight the camp will be straightened’ out and a regi- mental dress parade wil! be had. Yester- day afternoon Gen, R. A. Carpenter, a So tay ma a catied on Col. eee and to have an officer defigna' | quatiermester. nell cl " Bullet Ends the Life of Baker Det- terer. NO KNOWN CAUSE FOR ACT Prosperous in Business and Happy in Home Life. FRIENDS GREATLY SHOCKED August Detterer, who has conducted a French bakery at No. 2012 H street north- west for about fifteen years, committed suicide this morning at his home by shoot- ing himself through the head. The bullet, fired from a Smith & Wesson 82-caliber weapon, entered the right temple and passed entirely through his head. Then it struck the glass covering the face of a clock and finally fell to the floor. Friends and relatives of the dead man are at a loss to find a cause for his act. He was not financially embarrassed, nor did he have any: family troubles. Neither he a man who drank to any extent. Recently he enlarged his bakery business and moved to New York avenue and 19th street. His cousin, Mr. T. H. Felter, was interested in the business, and this morning he was with Mr. Detterer about forty minutes before the shooting. Leaving Mr. Felter at the corner, near the house, Mr. Detterer re- turned home and walked through the hall on the ground floor to the kitchen, where the colored domestic, Catherine Alexander, Was making preparations to get dinner. The Fatal Shot. “Has my daughter come over yet?” he asked the colored girl, referring to his mar- ried daughter, whom he expected would visit him. “No, sir,” answered Catherine; hasn't come over yet.” “All right,” said the baker as he started toward the dining room door. He entered the latter room and had not been in there many seconds when the report of a pistol shot was heard. Catherine screamed and ran from the Kitchen through the hall without going in the dining room. Mrs. Detterer, who was on the upper floor and heard the shot,rush- ed down stairs and was first to enter ..e room and see the ghastly sight. There, stretched on the floor in a pool of blood, was the dead body of her husband, who had left her only an hour before. Beside his body was the weapon he had used. while the leaden missile was in front of the latrobe only a few inches from his head. He had passed the stage of consciousness, and Was unable togespond to her call. The doctors found that life had become extinct almost simultaneously with the pulling of the trigger. While there was no doubt about the result of the pistol shot, Mrs. Detterer clung to the last nope and sent for physicians, but, as already stated, life had left the body, and Drs. Sothoron, Ward ‘and Maddox, who responded to the call, were unable to do anything. Coroner's Investigation, Coroner Carr reached the house shortly afterward ard made an investigation. He was unable to assign any cause for the baker's act. The dead man’s clothing was searched in hopes of finding some explana- ticn for the sad affair, but no writing of any kind was found. A certificate of sui- cidal degth was given and an undertaker prepared the body for burial. “I can't understand what made him kill himself,” sald My. Felter to a Star re- porter. ‘“He-hag no financial troubles, no donystic diffituifies and was doing an’ ex- cellent business. Only a short time ago his business wag enlarged and he was doing well.” Mr. Felter said that Mr. Detterer’s busi- at the H street bakery had become ge that he was unable to supply the made upon him, and recentiy he moved to the new bakery and enlarged the business. This morning Mr. Detterer re- ceived that suit had been entered efore a justice of the peace of his wagons had colltdea with a milk wagon. Having to appear to- day to answer the complaint he said would greatly inconvenience him, suggested that he see an have the case postponed for a week. This ke had about concluded to do, and Mr. Felter thought that the matter was set- tled for the day. The men met at the bakery this morning and discussed their business affairs. From the bakery they “she strolled up 19th street together and chatted | pleasantly until they reached H street. Mr. Detterer was as bright and cheerful as ever, and there was nothing about his conduct to indicate that he had in view any such thing as self-destruction. When they were about to separate he called to Mr. Felter and reminded him not to forget to purchase some potatoes in market, as cme were needed at the bakery for yeast. Mr. Felter gct on a car and went to mar- ket, while his business associate went in the direction of his home. Half an hour later Mr. Felter received a message at the market telling hiin of his cousin’s sad end. The deceased was forty-nine years old, and had been in this country for about twenty-eight years. Fifteen years ago he opened the bakery after having been In the saloon business. He had served in the French army, and was.a native of Alsace. The Ueceased married after coming to this country, and a wife and three children sur- vive him. Arrangements for his funeral will be made later. ase * RUMORS OF BATTLE, None of Them Have Received Authen- tie Confirmation. All sorts of rumors were fiying about this rucrning in regard to a battle between the American and Spanish warships, and among them was one which found its way into print in an “extra” at noon, claiming that the Mail and Express of New York had received a London dispatch, saying: ‘There has been a big battle im the vicinity of the Windward passage. Sampeon closed in on the Spanish fleet and destroyed it. Mr. John S. Shriver, the Washing‘on cor- respondent, and one of the owners of the Mail and Express, telegraphed to that parer to know if such a dispatch had received. He regeived a repiy, saying: “We have 1.0 such news; would be glad to have.” Of course, there was the greatest amount of interest in the movements of the two ficets, and there has been a general belie! that either:Sampson or Schley would over- take the Spanish squadron and that an en- Bagement would take place. The rumors that have come by wire of the meeting of the fleets aud a battle have intensified this interest, but none of them have been con- firmed, and the public must wait until Gefinite information is received from au- thentic sources. ed Assignment of Officers. Lieut. Col. A. D. Andrews, chief quarter- Taster United States volunteers, has been ordered to Chickamauga for assignment to duty as chief quartermaster of the 6th Army Corps. ‘with the Philippine expedition. ‘Maj. John A. Logan, assistant adjutant general United States volunteers; has been ‘affairs took action on the same day upo: assigned to duty cn the staff of Maj. Gen. Coppinger at Mobile. Capt. James G. Blaine, assistant adjutant general of volunteers, detailed for duty with the expedition to the Philippines. Capt. Geo. L. Scott, 6th Cavalry, relleved from duty as acting Indian agent at Ash- land, Wis., and ordered to join his regi- ment. _ Lieut. Wm. E. Richards, assistant sur- geon, ordered to duty at Mobile, Ala. Private Willard Eckloff, Company L, Ist District of Columbia Voluntecrs, has been discharged the service of the United States, The following named officers have been ordered to Denver, Col., for examination and Thomas Wilhelm, 8th Infantry, First .ieuts. V. E. Btottle, 5th Infantry, Jchn Cotter, 15th Infantry, and Second Lieuts. G. M. Weeks, 15th Infantry, and B. H. Wells, 2d Infantry. ——__ CUTTING THE CU3AN CABLES. Two Ruening to Jamaica Belteved to Be Still Working. The authorities here are satisfied from re- Hable private information received that the French cable line running from Cuba to Haiti has been cut, probably at Santiago, by American warships, with a view to the isolation of Gen. Blanco. Coupled with this, however, is the less satisfactory information that the two Brit- isn cables from Cuba to Jamaica were not cut, so that the plan of isolating the cap- tain general, whil> advanced one step, has not yet been carried to the point where all his means of communication with the out- side world are cut off. This is regarded as unfortunate from a strategic standpoint, and also from the fact that cable-cutting 2xpeditions are attended with great danger to the men on board ship, who are under constant fire from the shore batteries, while unable to maneuver by reason of grappling with the cables. The officials here hav> definite informa- tion as to the exact routes used by Gen. Blanco in getting dispatches to and from Madrid. This shows that his communica- tions are exclusively over the British cable line, leaving Cuba at Santiago and running thene> to Jamaica, Bermuda, Halifax, Lon- don and Madrid. It is stated positively, a result ot official inquiry, that Gen. Blanco has at no time made use of the French line Tunning to Haiti. From this knowledge by the authorities here, the cutting of the French cable is looked upon as less impor- tant than it would be if it were a vital channel of Gen. Blanco’s communication. At the same time, it is a channel to which he might have had recourse, and to this ex- tent his means of sending and receiving in- formation from th> Spanish capital are be- ing gradually circumscribed. It is said by naval officials that the cutting of the two British cables at Santiago would completely close Gen. Blanco's communication. There is no positive information that these cables were not cut, but circumstances convince the authoriti2s that this has not occurred, as they say such a result would have been made known quickly through the agents of the cable company. It appears from the latest official infor- mation received by the Navy and War De- partments that the cable-cutting expedition at Cienfuegos about two weeks ago did not result in actually interrupting any one of the three cables looping Cienfuegos with Santiago. For this reason Gen. Blanco has no trouble in communicating from Havana ntiago, and thence by the two British lines from Santiago to the outer world. It is only by cuttiag the three cables at Cien- fuegos, or the two at Santiago, that final results can be accomplished, and the latter project Is regarded as the more expedi:nt. The Navy Department furnishes no infor- mation concerning the reported attack on e St. Louis and Wampatuck at Santi while engaged in cabl2 cutting. ———_ os NEUTRALITY DECLARATIONS, Expression of Friendship and Keen Regret by Russia. The consular reports today gave notice of the declaration of neutrality tries—Russia, Greece, Venezuela, the Neth- erlands and Canada. Particular importance attaches to the declaration by Venezuela, inasmuch as, bordering on the Carthbean sea, her ports would be of inestimab!+ vaiue to the Spanish fleet as places of refuge and as possible coal supplies in tfe event that the declaration of neutrality wer with- held. The notice is dated Caracas, April 29, end it appears that the minister for foreig: by five coun- which he was notified by Minister Loomis that the United Stats had declared war. The notification does not go into details as to the rules cf neutrality to be applied by Venezuela, nor d2al with the question as to whether coal is to be contraband or not, but her position is expressed in the one sen- tence: “The republic will preserv2 the strictest neutrality during the contest.” The Dutch proclamation of neutrality, in addition to the usual forms, cautions ali cit- izens of the Netherlands from becoming in any way involved in pri acceptame Of cny fole-ga pr.va cer.ng ship's papers, under penalty of prosecution. This provision may be of value to the United States in the event that Spain should re- sort to issue of letters of marque. The Sam: citizens are also enjoined to respect the blockades. Touching the coal supply the Dutch regulation is that this shall only be supplemented sufficiently to allow the ship or vessel to reach the nearest port of the country to which it belongs or that of on2 of its allies in the war. Belligerents are forbidden to bring prizes into the Neth- erland waters. The Canadian prociamation is in the same terms, mutatis mutandis, as that of Great Britain, except as to the preamble. The Russian declaration has one im- portant statement not usual in such cases, as follows: “The disagreements which have recently arisen between Spain and the United States of America have induced the imperial gov- ernment to seek, in concert with the other powers, some means which might prevent an armed conflict between these two coun- tries. Unhappily, our friendly measures are without results, and a state of war row exists between Spain and the Uniled States. It ts with keen regret that the imperial government witnesses an armed conflict between two states to which it is united by old friendship and deep sympathy. It is firmly resolved to observe with regard to these two belligerents a perfect and impar- tial neutrality.” 4 ‘The declaration is contained in a Hine stating that the strictest neutrality will be maintained. ———_—_~e-—______ | Assistant to Secretary Alger. ‘The House committee on military affairs ‘tofiay voted to report favorably the admin- istration bill providing for a second assist- Evening News from Macrid, published th afternoon, If you want to buy 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 closely studied by more than three tin any people read any other pap SPAIN WILL SURVIVE So Says an Unnamed Veteran Diplos mat in an Interview, PREPARED 10 LOSE HER COLONIES Went to War to Prevent a Revoe lution at Home. as SUCCESSOR TO CASTILLO NEW YORK, May 2%.—A dispatch to the World from London says: A veteran diplomat, who represented a continental power at various capitals for tjany years, but is retired from active ser- vice now, though well informed on cur- rent international affairs, said: “I expect European interference in this war, but not at the present stage, because the continental powers can find no pretext for sierping in as long as Spain holds out gemely. “I have reason for supposing that Aus- tria is only waiting for an opportunity to do something for Spain. But the Austrian emperor feels that he cannot go against the interests of the triple alliance by play- ing too much into the hands of France and Russia or attempting to lead Italy and Germany to pick a quarrel with the United States. Russia and France Hesitate. “Then, again, the Emperor of Austria knows that France and Russia have many interests themselves to make them hesi- tate about causing an open rupture with America or increasing the already visible tension of their relations consequent on too public a show of sympathy with Spain in the Russian aud French press. “The continental powers will interfere the instant events will give them an op- portunity of appealing to the better, nobler feelings of the American people and Presi- dent, asking them to show forbearance and Generosity and not insist upon making use of their supertor power and resources to make ‘Spain feel too heavily the conse- quences of her gallant struggie.’” Read Kctween the Lines. After a pause the diplomet added, with great earnestness: “Come, don't you think the recent speeches of Sagasta, Stlvela and even that horrid republican, Salmeron, point the same direction as my inferences? Cannot you read through the lines that those who can see beyond the popular agi- tations—which were very naturai at the outset—really feel in their heart of hearts that Spain, like all disabled, sinking ships in a terrible storm, will have to saye the noble craft by casting part of the cargo overboard after all? “Bir, Spain surviyed the loss of her Amer- ican mainland postessions and witil survive the loss of Cuba if she keeps the rest and 4verts revolution and civil warfare.” Castillo’s Successor Talks. MADRID, May 24.—Duke Almedovar de Rio has accepted the portfolio of minister for foreign affairs, offered to but declined by Senor Leon y Castillo, the Spanish am- bassador at Paris. The duke informed the correspondent of the Associated Press that he does not desire the office, but accepts it on patriotic grounds. The new minister added: “Every Spaniard is bound to devote all his powers to the defense of the country.” It is believed Senor navo, the present minister of pubiic instruction and iberal leader, will replace Senor Puigcerver, now minister of finamce, who has absolutely de- clined in the cortes to agree to an income tax and who is consequently ed to resign. Senor Gamazo favors the proposed impost. Fe: It is said that the concentration of Span- ish troops in the neighborhood of G due to an increase in the prepa The Liberal, ays that the powers preciu for t nite prompt diplomatic act powerful European backin; © England’s Preparations. Premi-r Sacasta’s organ, nt any def iving Spain eee SPANISH TROOPS SAIL. One Thousand Leave Barcelona— Ultimate Destination Unknow LONDON, May 24.—A Barcelona dis- patch to the Chronicle, dated Sunday, re- ports: “A steamer took 1,009 soldiers to Cadia sterday. There was no excitement. “The troops are bound either for the Cas naries and Ceuta or for the Philippines, though the sending of reinforcements te the Philippines probably has been post- pored indefinitely. “The obsolete ironclad Numancia has ar- rived here from Cadiz, and is being fitted up as a guardship. “Two transatlantic liners are in the port, and the batteries along the coast are being repaired. “The officals here boast that this city has been undisturbed throughout the trouble, but great misery has resulted from the im- post on raw materials and through the ‘fail- ing of the coinage. The workmen's com- mittee sent a deputation to the local gov- ernor yesterday complaining bitterly. The press sympathizes with the workmen.” —— PRESS CENSOR AT CADIZ. Belief That Aliexed News is Intended to Mislead. LONDON, May 24.—A dispatch to the says: “No news ts allowed out of Caciz, and, al- though it is announced today that Admiral Camara starts hence tomorrow the fleet, It would not be surprising to learn that the squadron has already ieft, and to rejoin that the presence of ACmiral Camara and the official announcements anent «he fleet soon sailing westward have been a blind to cover its departure. “There is some anxiety here as to wheth- er Admiral Cervera's entire squadron nas been cbie to reunite in Cuban waters If the ministers are sware of the precise whereabouts of Admiral Cervera they are