Evening Star Newspaper, May 26, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. | eee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 310] Fors — Cor. 11th 8t., by The Evening Star News; par Company Ss. H, €. UFFMANN, Pres’t. : ee New York Offce, 49 Potter Buildiay, The Evening Star Is served to subscribers tn the eity by cirriers, on th own account, at 10 cents per week, cr 44 cents per month. Coples at the cccnter 2 certs each. By mail—answhere Ia the Cnited States «r Cnaada—postage prepald—50 cents per month. Saturday Quintupl: Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foretzn postage added, $2 Entered at the Po class ma’l mi 2 C7 All mail subscriptions must be paid f: vance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior. Che Evening Star. No 14,114, WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1898-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. If you want to buy, sell 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 times as many people as | read any other paper. HE WANTS ACTION President Confers With His War Secretaries, GEN, MILESAND THE WAR BOARD They Were Also Present at the Conference. TO CAPTURE PORTO RICO This May Be Done Before Cuba is Invaded. ATTITUDE OF EUROPE The President held an important conference, lasting several hours, to- day with Secretaries Alger and Long. General Miles and Captain Crown- inshield, Captain Mahan and Ad- mural Sicard were also present. The whole situation was gone over, and it is stated that the Presi- dent desires immediate action. It is probable that Porto Rico will be captured before Cuba is invaded. The Oregon arrived at Key West this morning and coaled preparatory to joining the fleet off Cuba. There are renewed predictions of a revolution in Spain. The queen has been advised to fly, but has pro- claimed her determination to remain in Spain. The western states have made quick and hearty responses to the President’s call for additional troops. Spain is suspicious of the visit Mr. George Goschen is to make to Gi- braltar. Secretary Alger and General Miles conferred today with General Col- lazo and Lieutenant Colonel Her- nandez of General Garcia’s staff re- garding the strength and condition of the insurgent army in Cuba. It was reported that there were be- tween 20,000 and 25,000 soldiers in the field. The Post Office Department is making arrangements to extend the facilities of the money order office to the soldiers and sailors going to Manila. Newspapers destined for the troops will be forwarded, the department waiving the regulation. The subject of granting American registry to foreign built ships so that they can be used as transports has been referred to a Senate subcom- mittee. Senator Sewell’s bill to employ re- tired army officers on active duty was favorably reported today. : The most important war council of weeks Was held at the White House tcday, and the results will be far-reaching, although ho final decision has been reached. The President, however, has the whole situation in hand more fully than ever before. He krows the opinions of his war secretaries and chiefs, and as the situation develop: by the movements of the enemy the Pres! dent will alone issue the orders which he thinks will do the most harm to the ene- my and result in the most benefit to the arms and honor of the United States. The composition of today’s conference alone foreshadowed the subject under con- sideration. Those present, in addition to the President, were Secretary Alger and Gen. Miles of the War Department; Secre- tary Long, Capt. Crowinshield, Capt. Ma- han and Admiral Stcard of the Navy De- pertment, the last three composing the naval war board. Today was the first time all these men have been assembled to- gether. They were sent for by the Presl- dent. Going Over the General Situation. Secretary Alger went to the White House a ) o'clock and the others were sent for an hour later. The council continued until after 1 o'clock, and the utmost se- ‘erecy was manifested. Not one member of the party would talk. Secretary Long said: Ve have simply been going over the gen- eral situation, from the Philippines to Porto Rico and Cuba.” The Secretary frankly admitted that no clal news has yet been received that ervera has been bottled up in Santiago. This fact, which leaves the situation yet unsettled, naturally prevented the. council agreeing upon details In plans which were scussed and formulated. But the situa- tion is in such shape that plans were prac- tically made on the belief that Cervera is securely bottled, and these plans, with full details to be quickly arranged, will be put in operation just so soon as the first official news comes that Cervera ts out of the way. Wants Action at Once. Summed up briefly, it can be stated that the President warts action at once, and that he called his war secretaries and their advisers together to get their opinions on every feature of the plans he has con- cluded are best. The few words dropped here and there tend to the conviction that the President is now thinkirg of invading and capturing Porto Rico before the march is made upon the Cuban capital. A man of highest prom- inence said today that “there is a strong feeling for invading Porto Rico first.” It is known positively that there is a division of opinion as to what should be done, and that the President will determine the ques- tien when Schley and Sampson are definite- ly heard from. The Capture of Porto Rico. The proposition by some of the admin- istration's advisers is that the capture of Porto Rico wouid knock ancther leg from under Spain, in that it would deprive her of a base of supplies and greatly embar- rass her in a division of her forces and energies. The estimate is that 25,000 sol- diers would be sufficient for capturing and holding Porto Rico. While operations against that island are in progress the re- mainder of the volunteer troops-can be seasoned first and made ready for Cuba. It is also put forward that the loss of Porto Rico, with the certain knowledge of the eventual Joss of Cuba, would cut the war spirit of the Spaniards to a minimum and accrue to an earlier peace. Attitude of Europe. While the military and naval advantages of the capture of Porto Rico first are fully considered, the attitude of Europe is an- other feature not lost sight of. It is sald that Europe would be sure to regard this as a step to acquire territory and might put in an objection. At the same time she might use this step to force Spain to sur- render without further delay. It is regarded as a foregone conclusion that a Porto Rican campaign would stir Eu- rope to action of some kind. Her diplomats would put together the Philippine seizure and the Porto Rican seizure as evidences that Uncle Sam was secking new ground at too great a pace. They might not be tempted to talk saucy in this direction, but they weuld, it is said, put the screws down hard on Spain. The Invasion of Cuba. If Cuba is to be first invaded the fact cannot be concealed long. The President's orders will be revealed in some direction. Secretary Long has given an idea of how wrany ships he can spare as convoys if it is found to be true that Cervera is trapped. Secretary Long and the war board fully believe that Cervera is in ~dago. Their information is to the effect that Schley w in front of Santiago twenty-four hours after Cervera entered. Schley, it is said, wes probably unable to find out about Cer- vera for several days. He could not see inside the harbor from outside. He was forced to organize some dangerous expedi- tion to get precise information. He prob- ably called for a landing party which un- dertook to make a long trip to find if Cer- vera was inside with his ships. This being the case information may come from him at any minute. * The President desires that an invasion shall not be started until it Is assured of safety. He does not think a reserve squad- ron has left Cadiz. Either Cuba or Porto Rico could be invaded before that squadron could get to this side. The Oregon could be used as one of the convoys for an ex- pedition. AB A basis for caution in an immediate in- vasion of Porto Rico is the whereabouts of the Spanish torpedo boat Terror, which left Martinique a few days ago, and is sup- posed to have joined another boat of lke character. These would be dangerous to troop ships not well protected. It is also urged as objectionable to a Por- to Rican invasion the fact that a number of ships would be required to remain at San Juan all the time, thus dividing the United States force. ‘The most powerful argument with the President for going to Porto Rigo prior to Cuba 1s that there are now enough sol- diers fully equipped to take and hold Porto Rico, while it may be some time before enough are equipped to take Cuba. Several weeks may elapse, it is said, before 100,000 so’diers can be armed and equipped for the Cuban expedition. is for Caution. Orders Being Prepared. Late this afternoon it is said on good au- thority that the necessary and multitudi- nous orders for the invasion of Cuba and Porto Rico are being prepared and will be issu2d immediately upon news being re- ceived from Sampson or Schley that they have Cervera where he will be harmless. The belief was advanced at today’s con- ference that not more than 25,000 soldiers would have to be sent to Porto Rico to overcome the 13,000 Spanish soldiers on the fsland. The American troops would probably not be landed at San Juan following a bom- bardment by the fleet. ‘They would be landed at some unfortified peint and would make an attack upon San Juan from the land side, a bombardment taking place simultaneously from che sea. No doubt is expresssd of the easy con- quest of the island. Some Callers Today. President McKinley saw few visitors to- day, early engaging in what {s considered one of the most important conferences of the war, and dismissing the visitors on hand. Representatives Dinglwy and Grosvenor were among the first to confer with the President. They are thought to have talk- ed over pending legislation. They were asked about the Hawaiian annexation bill, but answered that there was nothing to be said. Representative Hitt, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the House, called later, but did not see the President. Col. Bingham, superintendent of public buildings and g-ounds, took to the White House today a piece of the cable cut at Cienfuegos. The piece was about six inches long and six in circumference. In cutting the cable at Cienfuegos several sailors lost their lives, and the Spaniards were shelled by the Wilmington and other beats, losing several hundred men. Senator Hanna was at the White House with General John §. sountz, ex-com- mander of the G. A. R. A Florida Battery Tenderea. Representative Davis of Florida received a telegram this morning from Captain Gumbinger of Battery F, Jacksonville, ten- dering the services of the battery to the government. Mr. Davis saw both President McKinley and Becretary Alger. The bat- tery, known as Wilson's, 1s one of the old- est and most historic organizations in the south. Its membership is made up of men of the highest social stahding. OREGON AT KEY WEST Captain Olark Talks of His Trip Around the Horn. ON LOOKOUT FOR THE SPANISH Opinion Among Naval Officers Regarding Havana's Defenses. ADMIRAL CERVERA’S POLICY —————— Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. KEY WEST, Fla., May 26.—The battle ship Oregon arrived in the harbor this morning and anchored off Sand Key light. Captain Clark came ashore afterward and reported to Commodore Remey. He said the voyage from Rio de Janeiro was most uneventful. Nothing was seen of any Spanish vessels, and very few ships of any kind were passed. The Oregon touched at Bahia and the Barbadoes, coal- ing at the latter place. From the Barba- does Captain Clark took a northwesterly course to Jupiter, Fla., to avoid the Spanish fleet. When we left Rio de Janeiro there were no foreign men-of-war in the harbor. The health of the crew is excellent. No deaths occurred during the voyage. Captain Clark says he left the Marietta and the Buffalo between Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. Steamed Ten Miles an Hofr. Captain Clark said he covered about 12,000 miles from San Francisco, steaming at the rate of about ten miles an hour. “At the Barbadoes,” he said, “we were warned that the Spanish fleet was looking for us at Martinique, and we were ready for it. We had the guns trained all the time. The only thing we were afraid of was the torpedo boats; but all I can say is that had the Spaniards tackled us my boys would have given a good account of themselves, and the Spanish fleet would not have been as fine a one at the finish. “After we parted from the Marietta we increased our speed to twelve miles an hour. We left San Francisco March 14 and came right through without incident worth mentioning. Our men suffered from heat coming through the tropics, but we had very little sickness.” Havana's Defenses Good. The feeling here in well informed naval circles is rapidly changing regarding the resistance to be expected from the Span- jiards in the impending occupation of Cuba, and upon other matters of vital import. Every expedition which returns from Cuba to this base helps to dispel the belief that the Spaniards are by any means neglecting to take every precaution for a long and determined resistance. It has been cir- culated that the Spanish are snort of am- munition, .especially powder, when as a matter of fact it is known here that there is a large powder factory running night and day and turning out both smokeless and black powder. ‘The use of the smoke- jess powder is proving of great advaniage to the Spaniards. The land patrol of the Cuban coast is ex- celient, while the fleet of torpedo boats Stationed at different points along the coast is both larger in number and in size than at first calculated. Spanish Force in Cuba. A foreign resident of Havana now in Key West, and who, although being a Spanish partisan, appears to possess rel{- able information on the subject, claims that Spain has a force of acclimated, well drilled soldiers of not less than 120,000 in Cuba. This man is in cable communication with Cuba. Recently I asked him wheth2r he be- Heved the reports that Havana was becom- ing so short of provisions as was belleved here. He replied: ‘No, but I can easily find out and let you know.” He wrote a dispatch to one of the secre- tarles of Gen. Blanco, addressing him, not in his official capacity, but in that of a Practicing physician of Havana. It was to this effect: ““How_are Mary and chiidren doing; have they all they want?” ‘The reply he showed, read: “Doing well enough for months yet."”” ‘The same authority claims that the guns of Havana fortifications are in charge of | German, French and English officers, whose services had been secured before he left the island. The same information is obtained frcm the correspondent of the London ‘Times, here, who only left Cuba a few days previous to the declaration of the war. This man accompanied the Gussie expedi- tion, and pointed out to the commander thé exact position of the powder factory, which he himself had inspected during his stay on the island. He also corroborates the figures regarding the strength of the Spenish forces, the excellence of the Span- ish coasts patrol, and he expresses the be- Nef that Havana can hold out for months yet, in so far as the question of provis- ions is concerned. Spanish Fleet’s Policy. The Spanish fleet, he maintains, is car- Trying out exactly the policy which he had been informed they would follow by the Spanish authorities before he left Cuba, and the tactics the Spanish admiral for the future will be te close himself up in Santiago de Cuba, where there is a g20d coal base, and endeavor tc draw on the United States veseels to battle. By this time the Spanish fleet now getting ready * at Cadiz, will be here to support him, and to attack the American vessels in conjunction with him. The entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba is comparatively narrow and danger- ovs, and presents many difliculties to a fleet desirous of attacking ships in the harbor t- self. ‘The plan of the Spanish, according to a competent authority here, who knows every inch of the harbor and approaches, will b2 this: The American ficet cannot judiciously attack the Spaniards in the harbor; they can only blockade. As soon as the Cadiz flect arrives a sortie will be made and an attempt be made to hem in the United States ships in the channel and give them battle from the harbor and sea, Naval Officers Criticised, One hears considerable criticism regarding the doings of executive officers of th navy yard here—the failure of the government to supply colliers to accompany the fleet to the blockading squadron, and so forth, but Iam informed from: a high naval officer that all this is entirely uncalled for. The work being done Lere by the navy yard is- excellent. The men are working night end day, every requisition is filled prompt- ly and satisfactorily, and I have not heard of even one vessel of the fleet being de- tained here for a signle minute through any fault of the navy yard officials. On the contrary, the cfficers of the fleet ure high in their praises regarding the work of shore men. The coaling is done most rapidly, the New York recentiy having filled her bunkers up at the rate of seventy- five tons an hour. The advisability or even possibility of coaling the large fleet at sea is questioned. ——_>—_ SAMPSON TURNED BACK Orders From Washington Caused Him to Change Course. He Was Cruising Eastward With Big Squadron When He Was Overhauled. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. OLD BAHAMA CHANNEL, May 21, via Key West, May 26.—Five days ago Rear Admiral Sampson left Key West to prevent the Spanish warships in the Carribean sea from escaping Commodore Schley and flying up through the Windward passage to dis- turb the blockade of Havana and menace d cities. turday and Sunday his flagship lay off Havana, assembling vessels, sending the slow-sailing monitors ahead and provid- ing for the integrity of the blockade in his absence. Then, on Monday morning, with a battle ship, two torpedo boats and three gunboats, the armed cruiser New York, he steamed eastward, against stiff winds, through a rough sea. . Before reaching the light of the “Cross of the Father” enough ships had jotned us to compose a formidable squadron, strong enough to make even dispatch boat skip- pers feel brave in its wake. On Tuesday the ships lay to, awaiting information from Washington. Near sunset the Montgomery, Commodore Watson aboard, hove in sight, the steamer smoking hard, and brought dis- patches. At dusk the ships, now numbering fif- teen, moyed into line eastward, showing upright rows of various color lights bril- liant against the starry sky, until all were in motion; then the signals went out; silence fell, and darkness obscured every- thing save the crimson battle lanterns shining clear from each stern. Just before dawn today a cruiser over- hauled us with dispatches: Whatever was contained in them they caused the squad- ron to core about and head reluctantly, engines hardly turning, back towari Ha- vana. Had Schley locked up the Spanish ships in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba or had they evaded egain our pursuing forces, or were we to stop the chase and guard the three channels which, meeting at Cayo Frances, offer exit from the Car- ribean? Only the admiral knew, and only he knows where we will be at nightfall. + GEN. LEE RBACHES TAMPA. i === - Col. Greenleaf Perfe¢ting a Reorgani- zation of Medical Corps. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. TAMPA, Fla.; May 20,--General Lee's ar- rival last evening was wholly without flour- ish of trumpets, although he had a cordial reception from regular army officers and others here. Several members of his staff, including Col. Curtis Guild, jr., of Boston had preceded him. Official matters certain- ly grow more animated every day, with 2 continual flow of officers of high rank. A very interesting work is being: done by the medical department. Col. Greenleaf of General Miles’ staff is perfecting what may be called the division organization of medi- cal department as distinguished from the regimental organization into which the medical department has to a considerable extent drifted in the years of peace since the civil war. It may be confidently predicted that with the legislation which has lately been obtained ufliliating the med- ical service of the volunteers with the work of the general staff there will be no such breaking down of the medical department as some authorities have feared. On the contrary, an admirable success may be an- ticlpated. ‘Two hundred and five men of the Illinois Naval Reserve passed: through here this morning on their way to the front, The men were full of enthusiasm and appeared to be a very fine lot of lake sailors. —_—_— ‘CES AT KEY WEST. DISTURBS Blue Jackets and Marines Fights With Civilians. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. KEY WEST, Fla., May 26.—There is a general feeling of unrest here. Groups of marines and blue jackets congregated on the street corners last night and engaged in severel encounters with civilians. Sheriff Knight says he is doing the best he can, but with the limited force at his disposal 1s powerless to maintain order. A squad of marines marched to the ecunty jail and demanded that the sheriff hard over a negro arrested on suspicion of assaulting blue jackets and marines the night before. The sheriff succeeded in paci- fying the men, assuring them that there was no positive proof against the prisoner. It was reported that @ member of the marine artillery had been shot in the negro quarters. Sheriff Knight said, however, that the report lackéd colifitmation. The feeling 1s general heré that’ steps must be taken to assist the local’ authorities in maintaining law and order: Both marines and blue jackets are highly incensed and threaten to attack the negré quarters. Have ———— QUEEN ADVISED TO FLY. Renewed Predictiéas of Impending Revolution*in Spain. LONDON, May 26—TheFe are r2newed sinister predictions of impending ruin in Spain contained in a special dispatch from Madrid today. Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria is said to have strofigly advised the queen regent to prepare to fly, and har mother, who is now in Madrid, ts reported to have given her thé samé advice, but, it is added, the queen rsgent is determined to remain. Continuing, the dispatch says: “The de- feat of the Spanish fleet, which the best in- formed here regard as only a question of a f2w days, is bound to p\cipitate an out- break.” : ae a ee UNKNOWN STEAMER ASHORE. SS Suggestion From’ Paint That It is a Ds ST. JOHNS, N. F., May 26—An unknown steamer is ashore thirty miles south of this Port, and is likely to be a total wreck. The British steamer Coban, Captain Fra- CERVERA’S BLUNDER Naval Experts’ Comments on His Re- treat to Santiago, HIS ESCAPE DEEMED IMPOSSIBLE Guarding Against a Night Sally by the Enemy. OBSTRUCTING THE CHANNEL The naval authorities have advanced an- other stage in their calculaticns on the Status of Admiral Cervera’s fleet at San- tlago de Cuba. They not only have good reason to believe that he is bottled up, but as an offices expressed it foday, “the cork is in the bottle,” and it is practically impossible for the fleet to leave the har- bor day or night. It is felt that this condi- tion of the Spanish fleet is not only im- Portant from the present strategic stand- Point, but of momentous concern to the entire future of the war, as the crippling of this naval force—the most effective that Spain possesses—will leave her with such scant naval resources 2s to make a vro- longation of the war improbable. Still in the Harbor. That Admiral Cervera went to Santiago and is still there continues to be the view taken by the Navy Department. At the same time it can be stated that not a word has been received from either Admirai Sampson or Commcdore Schiey in official confirmation of this reported trap. It rests now, as it did two days ago, on a semi- official report coming to the Navy Depart- ment from a source believed to be reliabl It was not a naval source, nor one con- nected with the State Department; neither did it come from pri advices. It was from persons having relations with the Navy Department and in a position to be accurately advised. The naval authorities were extremely anxious to secure an offi- cial confirmation from one of the American commanders, and had this been received it would have been made public at once. Rut lacking this the department gave to the public all it felt warranted in giving from the facts at hand, namely, the expression of belief that the Spanish fleet was in Santiago harbor. This belief has been re- inforced by the negative fact that the fle et has been seen at no other point, and also by cumulative evidence from London and elsewhere. Still word from Sampson and Schley ts being most anxiously awaited giving official assuranc2 of a condition felt to be of the most vital importance. Cervera Cannot Escape. As naval officers accept as true the state- ment that Admiral Cervera is at Santi they are now turning the quiring whether it 1s possible for him to get out of the harbor. They hold that this maneuver is imposstbie, and that being in. side, the career of the Spanish fleet is at an end, as far as it constitute: against our ships. This view is brought out by the British comment that Admiral Hornby, in 1885, escaped with his entire fleet from a harbor, under similar condi. tions, and that Admiral Cervera will have no difficulty in making his escape when he gets ready to do so. The naval view here fs just the contrary. It is pointed out that Admiral Hornby escaped from an open bay, while Admiral Cervera must come through a narrow channel, about 300 yards wide, on which the American searchlights will play constantly, It is sald that this 1s not mere opinion, but that naval maneuvers were carried on at Key West and Tortugas which furnish a positive demonstration that Admiral Cervera cannot come out without being discovered. An officer who was on board one of the American ships during the Tortugas movement says a sham night at. tack of torpedo boats was made upon the big battle ships and cruisers. The latter were given no notice of the projected at- tack, and there was no extra guard, such as the American ships now maintain. But every torpedo boat engaged in the attack was discovered long before it was within striking distance of the cruisers and battle ships. One of the attacking torpedo boats was so bewildered by the searchlights that it nearly ran into a cruiser. Might Sally Impossible. The lesson drawn from that attack was that a night sally by an enemy was im- Possible, owing to the modern methods of discovering an approach. It had shown, also, that the attacking fleet could not get within range, although they had come with- in the range of the guns on the ships at- tacked, It is said that these maneuvers at Tortugas and Key West practically repre- Sent the situation before Santiago. If Cer- Vera sent out his torpedo boats as scouts they would be detected before they could do damage and be destroyed by the small guns of such cruisers as the Montgomery. The American ships would have the advan- tage of concentrating their entire fire upon one small passage about 300 feet wide. A night battle is quite unusual in. naval aunals, but it has occurred. The Constel- jaticn fought the Revenge at night, the en- agement continuing for six hours in the darkness, during which time the mainmast of the Constellation was carried away and the ship crippled. It is believed that if Ad- miral Cervera attempts to escape he will chcose the night for the movement. Obstructing the Channel, On the other hand, naval officials are dis- cussing the means which the American ccmmander may adopt to make exit im- porsible. In the blockade of Charleston barges full of stones were sunk at the ckannel entrance, cutting off ingress and egress. A few old hulks would serve the same purpose in the present case. But there is difficulty in getting such old craft, and even if they were available, the sinking of a derelict at the proper point in the channel would be attended with great dan- ger. It would have to be towed to position, subjecting those in charge to the d: of mines and torpedoes, ‘Phere is also the fire from Morro Castle to be guarded against. It is understood, however, that Morro Castle has no searchlights, so that a night operation of the character indicated could be executed without the Spaniards being made aware of it. Taking everything into account, naval officers feel that Admiral Cervera committed a fatal blunder in go- ing to Santiago and permitting himself to be shut in by United States naval forces, ——__-- . Ex-Assistant Secretary Calis. Gen. Grant, formerly assistant secretary of war, and now a resident of Minnesota, Was 2 visitor at the War Department today officials. ago, attention to in- S a menace eo. LOCATION OF THE SQUADRONS. Well Settled That Schley is in Front of Santiago. By Associated Press, KEY WEST, Fla., May 26.—The move- ments of the American war vessels under the three squadron commanders, beyond the generally accepted fact that Commodore Schlzy’s squadron is now in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba, at the eastern end of the island, while the blockading squadron, un- der Commodore Watson, is thought to be on duty along the western and northern coast of the island, are now shrouded with orly slight uncertainty. The composition of th? three squadrons has been changed, but the exact complement and names of the ships under each command is not permitted, for Strategic reasons, to be t2legraphed. Concerning the statement that Admiral Cervera’s ships are bottled up at Santiago de Cuba, it has been accepted that Com- modore Schley could maintain the blockade of the harbor there and annthilate the Spanish fleet if it is found outside. The fact that Commodore Schley 1s now thought to be outside of Santiago de Cuba has given free rein to Rear Admiral Samp- son, who is known to be in the Baaama channel. His known purpose was to in- tercept the Spanish fleet if it attempted a movement along the northern coast in an attempt to reach Havana. With Commo- dore Schley at Santiago de Cuba, Kear AGmiral Sampson vould be in the position to proceed eastward and effect a junction of two powerful squadrons or return to Havana to resume cperations in that vicin- ity. It is now accepted as a fact that Com- modore Schley is to be permitted to work cut the problem off Santiago de Cuba. aCe PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS, to the Senate To- day. The President today sent these nomina- tions to the Senate: Ralph J. Whitledge of Missouri, to be supervising inspector of steam vessels for the fourth district; Daniel T. Cole, coiner of the mint at San Francisco; James Jef- freys, surveyor of customs, port of Mem- phis, Tenn. (the nomination of James Jef- fries for above position is withdrawn); Samuel W. Campbell of Colorado, to be first lieutenant in the Ist Regiment Volun- teer Engineers (the nominatien of Thomas J Sullivan of Colorado for above office withdrawn); Howard S. Giddings of Con- necticut, to be captain in Signal Corps (the nomination of Howard A. Giddings of Connecticut for above office is withdrawn). Navy—Lieut. Kossuth Niles, to be a lieu- tenant commander; Lieut. (junior grade) F. L. Chapin, to be a Meutenant; David Bell Kerr of Virginia and Chas. Alexander Crawford of Mississippi, to be assistant surgeons in the navy. ——_-e-_—_____ ORDERED TO SEA DUTY, Selections Sent Officers Who Will Give Up Navy De- partment Desks. The expected arrival of the Brazilian cruiser Nictheroy, recently purclased by the United States and renamed the Buffalo, at Norfolk within the next few day i cause the detachment of Lieutenant Com- mander J. N. Hemphill of the bureau of navigation and Lieut. S. W. B. Dichl of the office of naval intelligence from their pres- ent duties. Commander Hemphill has been selected as the first commander of the Buf- falo, and Lieutenant Diehl will be one of his assistants. Another officer who will probably be as- signed to duty on the Buffalo ts Lieut. Geo. W. Logan, who has been on duty in the bureau of navigation for several weeks as- sisting Lieutenant Whittlesey in the im- portant work of deciphering dispatches from the seat of war in the Philippines and in Cuban waters. Lieutenant Commander W. J. Barnette, formerly of the Mangrove and at present naval aid to the assistant secretary of the navy, has been assigned to the command of the converted gunboat Dorothea, and he will probably have the assistance of En- sign John F. Hines, now on duty in the bureau of navigation. So far as can be learned there is no truth in the revived rumor that Captain Crown- inshield, chief of the bureau of navigation and junior member of the strategic board, is to be given an important sea command. HOSPITAL SHIP RELIEF, Orders Issued in Consonance With the Geneva Agreement. "Tha steamship Englis, recently purchased by the army for use as a hospital ship, has been renamed the Relief. In accordance with the terms of the Geneva convention, the Geneva cross flag will be carried at the fore whenever the national flag is flown, and the neutrality of the vessel will at all times be preserved. © guns, ammunition or articles contra- band of war, except ccal or stores neces- sary for the movement of the vessel,” says an order issu2d by Gen. Miles today, “shall be placed on board; nor shall the vessel be used as a transport for the carrying of dis- patches, officers or men not sick or dis- abled, other than those belonging to the medical department.” ———— SEC. ALGER’S ARRANGEMENT. He Will Remain at Home During the Morr!ng Hours. Owing to the great pressure of business Secretary Alger will be forced to hereafter remain at his home during the morning hours with his stenographers. Her2tofore he has gone to his office promptly at 9 o'clock each morning, but the rush of vis- itors prevented his attending to important correspondence. Until he finishes with his stenographers 2ach morning he will remain at home. He will then go to his office pre- pared to receive visitors and attend io busi- ness accumulated there. — RETIRED ARMY OFFICERS. Senator Sewell's Bill to Them on Acttve Duty. The Senate committee on military affairs teday authcrized Senator Sewell to report an original bill providing for the employ- ment .of retired army officers on actiye @uty in any service during the existing War, except in commend of troops. The permission does not extend to officers above the grade of colonel, and the purpose of the bill is to uaiiize the retired officers in mustering end in performing other mis- Cellaneous service in which some three or four hundred regular are now en- gaged, with the view of permitting the active officers to rejoin their commands in the field. Employ a —E——— |THE ARMY OF CUBA Details Peported by Representatives of Gen. Garcia, HIS HEADQUARTERS ARE AT BAYAN Forces on the Island Estimated to Be Between 20,000 and 25,000. ee COMMUNICATION OPEN a eee Secretary Alger and General Miles con- ferred today with two officers from the staff of General Garcia, General Enrique Collazo and Lfeut. Col. Charles Hernandez, who came @trect from Garcia’s headquar- ters bearing credentials from him to effecy a plan of co-operation with the American forces. They accompanied Lieut. Rowan of the United States army, on his return! from Garcia's camp, and shared with him the dangers of a two days’ v ein an open boat from the north coast of Cuba until picked up by 2 small sloop which car- ried them to Nassau. They reported first to the Cuban delegation here, and Secre- tary Quesada was careful to keep their presence secret until after their interview with General Miles. This relieved them from further secrecy, and today Collazo ard Col. Hernandez gave an int esting account of General Garcia's force and surroundings, and the general equip- ment of the Cuban army. Headguarters at Bayamo. Col. Hernandez says Garcia has his head- quarters at Bayamo, one of the large town of Cuba in the central part of the island. It was surrendered by the Spanish forces. a few weeks ago after, Garcia and his troops had maintained a long siege. Gen- eral Garcia and his staff, with a body guard of several hundred men, are quarter- ed inside the city. The commanding gen- eral’s headquarters is in one of the prin- cipal buildings on the main street, called Commercial street. With him are General Rabi and his staff end body guard. The men, infantry and cavalry, are quartered in the suburb of south Bayamo. Tents are not used, but in their place men hastily construct coverings made of palm leaves and guinea grass, which is more effective than canvas as a shelter against the sun. In all about 3,000 men are thus quartered. ‘They are well armed, with Remingtons and with Mausers captured from the Spaniards. Most of them have machetes, but only the officers carry other small arms. The caval: ry have small horses, much like the Indian mustangs, hardy and reliabie. Mules are used for pack purposes. Colonel Hernan- Gez says that the commissary and quarter- master’s department {fs unknown in the. sense used by arny officials here. In lieu’ of these the companies not fully armed are organized as “predios.” The duty of the “predios” is to bring meat, ample supplies being secured from Puerto Principe, and vegetables which are grown quickly in the woods. The system works perfectly, Col Hernandez says, and the troops are kept well fed and in good spirits. There are no dress parades, and none of the regularity of daily drill usual in the United States army. The main occupation is in making long daily marches to keep the mea in con- dition. Rowan Causes Enthusiasm. The Cuban generals say that the arrival of Lieut. Rowan aroused the greatest en- thusiasm throughout the Cuban There was no notice of his com first known of Lieut. Rowan was when he galloped up Commercial street, followed by the Cuban guides who accompanied him from Florida. He wes warmiy greeted by Gen. Garcia, and the two held a three hours’ conference. It was decided that Lieut Rowan shouid return that afternoon, and Ger, Garcia assigned Gen. Collazo and Col. Hernandez, with three guides, to ac- company nim. He hai come in from the south shore, but the party went out north- ward. They had expected to secure a large sail boat, but tne best thing available was an open yaw! or life boat, wilh a cubic capacity of only 104 feet. There were no sails, and improvised sails were made out of the tents carried by the officers. The first night out was stormy, and the small craft was bare.y kept afloat, but after that the weather was good. The first morning out the party saw twelve American warships of Admiral Sampson's fleet, but they made no attempi to board the ships. The next day they were picked up by a sloop off Bayamo Key and carried to Nassau, coming thence to Washington. Communication With Cubans. Col. Hernandez says communication is maintained with Gen. Gomez and with points along the coast. From these he has @ general idea of the Cuban forces out- side of those with Gen. Garcia at Bayamo. He estimates that there are 12,000, all of them well armed, east of La Trocha, end constituting the forces In the eastern di- vision of the island, under Gen. Garcia. These include the 3,000 at Bayamo, the others being scattered at various points. He estimates Gen. Gomez's immediate com- mand at about 3,000 men, with 6,000 men scattered at various points, under the gen- eral command of Gomez in the western section. In all, there are, according to the estimates of Gen. Polloza and Col Hernan- dez, 20,000 to 25,000 troops actually in the fierd. It is understood that the purpose of the present visit of Garcia's officers is to give that general's assurance to the authorities here of his desire to give every possible co-opefation to the American movements. Similar assurances have com¢ from Gen. Gomez, and have been presented by Secre- tary Quesada. The Cuban officers have made a good impression here, and the au- thorities were agreeably surprised to find them men of ability and soldierly bear- ing, speaking English well. They will re-