Evening Star Newspaper, May 27, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. ee eed PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 130) Feensylvania Avenue, Cor. Tith St, by tee ee Esurematn Present) New York Offce, 49 Potter Building ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the ety by crrriers, on thete owm account, at 10 cents per week. or 44 cents per month. Goples at the setter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States «r Canada— postage prepal cents per month Saturday Quintuple os ‘Star, $1 per year, with for postage added, $2, (Entered at the Po fice at Washington, D. C.. a ter.) aa see ma’l 2 EF All mail subscriptions must be pald in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicst! NOT YET DETERMINED Sa + Plans for Cuban Invasion in a Ten- tative State. —— + PORTO RICO OCCUPATION UNDECIDED Only the Philippines Movement Is Clearly Outlined. eg GEN. MILES IN WAITING ——_+ A large number of nominations of brigadier generals were sent to the Senate today. Senator Lodge offered the New- lands resolution for the annexation of Hawaii as an amendment to the war revenue bill. It is stated on authority that plans for the invasion of Cuba and the occupation of Porto Rico are yet in a tentative state. The China and the Colon were to- day chartered to carry troops to the Philippines. Today’s war expenses amounted to over $5,000,000. The volunteers mustered in to date number 118,000. The governors of states will not be called on for troops until next week. No official report regarding the fleets in West Indian waters has been received. Three supposed Spanish spies were found prowling around one of the batteries at Key West with a box containing dynamite. When a ser- geant tried to arrest them they fired on him. A rumor was current in New York today that Cervera’s fleet has left Santiago de Cuba. Gen. Brooke told Col. Harries that the District volunteers would probably go to the Philippines. Probably the calling of the conference at the White House yesterday has led to the revival of the rumcr of an immediate movement upon Cuba, as well as upon the Philippines. It may be stated. however, upon the best authority, that aside from the Philippine movement, which has been y determined upon and even in- ittated, it has not yet been finally decided when to begin the Cuban invasion and, as far as Porto Rico is concerned, whether to attempt an occupation of the island at all er not. In other words, the plans are in a tentative state, subject to alterations any moment, just as conditions develop. There was a revival this morning of the almoet daily rumor that Gen. Miles was about to depart on his trip to Tampa, wich is, of course, construed to mean the direct beginning of the invasion of Cuba. As a matter of fact, there fs just as much feundation for this statement today as during any day in the past week. The ecmmanding general has had a special car ready for himself and staff lying in the Pennsylvania station in this city ready to stort at a moment's notice for Tampa. He has been anxious to depart himself for many days past, and has been restrained orly because conditions were not ripe for the movement. When that moment ar- rives, a start will be made, but whether that will be tonight or a week hence is absolutely not now known even to Gen. Miles himself. No Report From the West Indies. When Secretary Long started for the cabinet meeting this morning he was with- out any more information than he had yes- terday morning as to the movements of the fleets in the West Indies. Notwith- standing th> repeated statements, which, of course, will come true in the end if per- sisted in, to the effect that he has been in communication with Commodore Schley off Santiago, the Secretary stated that he had not received any message from Commodore Schley since his brief report made several days ago from another point in Cuba. ‘Therefore the department !s in exactly the position it has occupied for the last few days so far as its knowledge of the fiests goes. It has heard through unofficial, and, it is hoped, reliable, sources that the Span- ish fizet is in Santiago harbor and that Schley is lying in wait outside. But it has still no official information in this respect, So that the statement cannot be said to be beyond question. The department having Waited so lorg as dignity seemed to require for news directly from the squadron, has, it is believed, now taken steps to secure it through its own Inquiries, and consequenily it may be expected at any moment that some of the dispatch boats or scouting ves- sels will bring news of the squadron to one of the cable stations, probably in Hayti, for transmission to the Navy Department. Eurepean Mediation. Another rumor which was revived this morning with some degree of plaustbility related to certain attempts on the part of Tepresentatives of European powers to se- eure peace thrcugh direct representations to the United States government. Like the other rumor, this meets with an absolute and unqualified denial at the State Depart- Ment, and, so far as known, neither in Europe, throvgh the United States repre- sentatives, nor in Washington has our government been approached on this sub- gect. The frequent repetition of this story is believed by the officials to be perhaps tn the execution of a policy of inquiry, with a view to sovndirg public sentiment in this country as to the terms of peace that would probably be acceptable. The con- @itions mentioned in these stories—the re- tention by Spain of the Philippines and Porto Rico in return for the release of Cuba—represent the very minimum offer that might be expected from the Spanish side, but as mest peace treaties are im the nature of compromise bargains, it cannot, of course, be supposed that that is the maximum price Spain expects to pay for her indulgence in a losing war. To Supplement the Mosquito Ficet. The Navy Department is making ready for the purchase of a number ef small steam Che Lven * By ‘Star. No. 14,115. WASHINGTON, D. ©, FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1898—-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. 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. craft to supplement the mosquito fleets on the coast. Already the chief of the mos- quite fleets, Admiral Erben, at New York, kas submitted to the Navy Department a list of over 100 such craft whic have been examined and found suitable. The dep ment Was prevented from making any pur- chases on this score because it lacked the nec>. ‘y authorization, but now that Con- sress has passed, and the President has ap- proved, an act appropriating 33,600,000 for the purchase of such vessels, it will begin az once to acquire them. They ure needed very badly just at present, not so much for scouting purposes as for the protection of the elaborate mine fields which the en- gineer officers have laid in almost all of the Atlantic ports. The reckless conduct of the coramanders of vessels entering and emerg- ing from these ports in lisregard of the government regulations, and even causing the less of several lives through their care- lessness, has determin2d the authorities here to deal summarily hereafter with per- sons who disregard the repeated warnirgs which the local engiteers hav2 given the shipping crossing the mine fields. The mos- quito fleet vessels will all be armed, and if any vessel disregards their warning and in- terferss with the mines, or even jeopardizes their workings, it will pay the penalty. A Report From Admiral Sampson, The following bulictin was posted at the Navy Department at ncon today: ‘The following is the copy of a report made by Rear Admiral Sampson concern- ing the action off San Jvan de Puerto Rico: pen approaching San Juan it was seen that none of the Spanish vessels were in the harbor. I was therefore considerably in doubt whether they had reached San Juan and again departed for some un- known destination or whether they had not arrived. As their capture was the object of the expedition, and as it. was essential that they should not pass to the westward, I determined to attack the batteries de- fending the port in crder to develop their positions and strength, and then, without waiting to reduce the city or subject It to regular bombariment—which would re- quire due notice—turned to the westward. “I commenced the attack as soon as it was good daylight. This lasted about three hours, when the signal was made to dis- continue the firing. The squadron stood to the northeast until about out of sight cf San Juan, when the course was laid to the westward with the view of communi- cating with the department at Port Plata and learn if the department had obtained information of the movements of the Span- ish vessels. At Cap> Haytien I received word from the department that the Span- ish vessels had been sighted off Curacao on the 14th instant. As stated in my tele- gram, no serious injury was done to any of the ships, and only one man was killed and en injured slightly.” More Troopships Chartered. ‘Two more steamships—the China and the Colon of the Pacific Mail Steamship Com- pany—were today chartered by Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn of the War Depart- ment to carry troops to the Philippines. The ships have capacity for 2,500 men, and if they can be made ready in time will form part of the second expedition to the islands. Mr. Meiklejohn succeeded in com- municating with C. P, Huntington, presi- dent of the Pacific Mail Steamship Com- pany, by telegraph somewhere in Iowa last night, while the latter was on his way east, and secured the China and Colon in that way. The Colon is at San Francisco, where she is loading a cargo for the orient, and was scheduled to sail tomorrow. The China, Mr. Huntington says, will be due at the Golden Gate city tomorrow. As soon as practicable both ships will be turn- ed over to the agent of the quartermaster’s department for such changes and altera- tions as may be necessary. Five vessels are now available for the second expedition to the Philippines—the Centennial, the Zealandia, the Ohio, the Colon and the China. Their combined ca- pacity is approximately 5,000 men, and the opinion of the officials here is that they may be ready to sail for Manila some time next week. The acquisition of the China and Colon is a source of satisfaction to Mr. Meikle- john, and he says that the department is in much better shape in the matter of transportation than it has been. He ex- plains that there is no desire on the part of the government to impress vessels into its service unless it is ansolutely essential. ‘The government, the assistant secretary explains, wants to be absolutely fair in its terms of charter, but at the same time be- lieves that it is paying for the vessels all that their services are worth. It may be interesting to vessel owners to know that the decision bas been reached by Mr. Mei- klejohn in making contracts in the future to concede to them certain features relat- ing to crew and fuel which were embodied in the charter of the City of Pekin by the Navy Department. Vessel owners were dis- posed to hold out for these concessions, which the secretary finally concluded to yield. An Offer to the Department. Today an offer came from the Pacitic Ccast Steamship Company offering the de- partment such vessels as \hey could con- veniently spare from their line. The offer expressed the hope that the government would not take such vessels as the com- mercial trade of the country required to conduct ite business properly. Meanwhile no further steps have been taken by the War Department to obtain the six ships of the Northern Pacific Com- pany, for which the agents are holding out for a larger amount of money than the government is disposed to pay. Mr. Mei- kiejohn aeclines to give any more money than last proposed, believing that the bene- fits which would accrue to the ships from an American register would more than compensate them for the lower prices at which their vessels are asked to be turned over than similar American vessels. ———— ee CERVERA LEFT SANTIAGO? HAS Rumor to That Effect Published in New York Pape NEW YORK, May 27.—An afternoon pa- per prints a dispatch from its Key West correspondent alleging as on the best of authority that Cervera’s flect left Santiago de Cuba on Saturday last. The stat>ment lacks confirmation. ae KEY WEST FULL OF SPIZS. Guards at the Forts Ordered to Take Extra Precautions. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. KEY*WEST, Fla., May 27.—Jiminez, the alleged Spanish spy taken from the steam- 2r Panama, is to be sent to Fort McPher- scn, Atlanta, as a prisoner of war. Two other passengers will be detained today. ‘That Key West is full of Spanfsh spies there is now ample proof. The guards at the forts say that many persons whose appearance caus2d suspicion have been seen about lately, and extra pre- cautions are being taken, =~ % WILL GO TO MANILA|O8STRUCTING, ANNEXATION) AT THE WHITE HOUSE District Volunteers to Be Among Re- “ inforcements for Dewey. MEN ARE PLEASED AT THE NEWS Threatened Mutinyin Camp Nipped in the Bud. COL. HARRIES SERENADED Special From a Staff Correspondent. CHICKAMAUGA PARK, Ga., May 27.— Last night Colonel Harries learned from General Brooke, the corps commander, that the regiment would in al! probability be sent to the Philippines. This informa- tion made the hearts of the District boys glad, as they are anxious to get to the front as soon as possible. From early morning until late in the aft- ernoon the District volunteers are being put through the manual of arms and marching. The principal instruction given the men is in the firing and in skirmish drills. The various camps are divided into squads, in charge of corporals and sergeants. All day small parties from the regiment and the regiments stationed near by can be seen skirmishing through the woods. A school of instruction has been cstab- ished, with Major Charles Hine of the 2d Battalion as instructor. The officers are given certain lessons in military duty to learn and then are quizzed on them. The commissioned officers in turn instruct the non-commissioned officers and the latter the privates. In this way the regiment is rapidly becoming efficient. There has been a marked improvement in the appearance of the regiment since it left Camp Alger. It is remarked on all sides that the Ist District of Columbia is the finest regiment in camp. They are com- pletely uniformed and equipped. Glad They Will Have a Band. The boys expressed great pleasure when they learned from The Star that a band is being organized for them in Washington. They miss a band badly. On all sides mar- tial music can be heard from reveille to taps, and we have not even a drum and fife. Last night Col. Bild of the 2d Nebraska Regiment, accompanied by a number of his officers and his regimental band, called on Col. Harries and tendered nim a sere- nade. The band is a good one, and the music was inspiring and grand. It was the first music in the District of Columbia camp since the boys left Washington. Col. Bild and Col. Hu:ries are warm personal friends, having been together in the c2le- brated Wounded Knee fight. They had not seen each other since that time, and their meeting was most cordial. The regi- ment has no canteens. not approve of it. After considerable for- aging, however, a supply of punch was gotten together, and the health of the two colonels was drunk. Tomorrow afternoon there will be a brigade dress parade under command of Col. Harden of the 2d New York Regiment. This will be the first brigade drill in which the District boys have taken part. It is felt sure that they will give a good ac- rount of themselves. Col. Harries does Details and Promotions. Private Thomas F. Bocher, in charge of the stable guard, has been appointed lance corporal. Sergt. William A. Kent of Com- pany E has been detailed to assist Capt. D. W. H. Gaillard, chief engineer of the 8d Army Corps. Major Charles Hine of the 2d Battalion has been appointed on the field officer court-martial. First Lieut. Richard J. Donnelly has been appointed temporarily quartermaster of first division, 8d Army Corps. These details are consid- ered quite a compliment to the efficiency of the Ist District of Columbia Volunteers. Chaplain George F. Dudley is acting as regimental postmaster and Is also in charge of the regimental officers’ mess. Sergt. A. W. Shilling has been detailed as assistant regimental sergeant major. This regiment has the best record so far us sickness is concerned of any regiment in the entire camp. There was but one man in the hos- pital tent today, and his ailment was very slight. Martin Scott, the insane private, is s‘1ll confined in the guard house, but will be sent to the asylum at St. Elizabeth's as #con as possible. Dr. L. H. French, inspector of rifle prac- tice of the D. C. N. G., is here as a major cecmmanding one of the squadrons of Grigs- Ly’s cowboys. Col. Harrizs is very much afraid that some of the tentage will be taken away from the regiment and six men made to sleep in a tent as required by the regula- Uons. A number of regiments in the camp have no tents at all. One hundred and ninety mules will be is- sued to the regiment as soon as they can be gotten hold of. This will give two six- mule teams to each camp. Came Near Having a Mutiny. It has just leaked out that there came near being @ mutiny in the 14th New York Regiment several days agu.~ The men ask- ed for fresh meat and Col. Grant, it ts said, informed the division commander of the fact. The reply was short and decisive: “Any man that attempts mutiny in this camp will be shot forthwith.” The excellent behavior of the boys from Washington has been the cause of much favorable comment. They #ppear to appre- ciate the fact that they are National Guardsmen, and that they are in the midst of real war. The officers’ mess started this mcrning and now there is a plenty to eat. B. —_>—_—_ LOCAL MEASURES IN CONGRESS, Favorable Report Authorized by the Senate District Committee. A number of local measures were acted upon favorably today by the Senate com- mittee on the District of Columbia. Favorable reports without amendments were authorized on Senate bils 4626, to reg- ulate admissions to the government hos- pital for the insane; 4571, providing for the extension of Rhode Island avenue from Florida to Lincoln avenues. Also House bills 1028, to require the Brightwood Rail- way Company to abandon its overhead trol- ley on Kenyon street between 7th and 14th streets; 10106, to establish building lines on minor streets in the District ot Coruuwia; 6054, to regulate plumbing in the District of Columbia. A favorable report on House bill 10278 was authogized with an amendment reduc- ing the tax on merry-go-rounds from $12 to $3 a week. House bill 9068, to authorize the closing of the alley in square 465 was acted upon favorably. me a Speaker Reed Opposing the Administration and-His Party. Standing in the Way of @ Vote in the House on the Acquisition of Hawaii. The situation in Congress with respect to the arnexation of Hawaii is becoming ex- tremely irritatirg. The contending forces are the administration on one side. sup- ported by a very large niajority of repub- leans, a considerable numiyer of democrats and a strorg popular sentiment, and on the other side, Speaker Reed with a small fcllowing of republitgns and possibly & najority of the democrats in the House, and Senators Pettigréw and White with a small force composed principally of popu- lists and democrats in’the Senate. Speaker Reed and Senator Pettigrew are the back- bone and muscie of the pposition. Sena- tor Pettigrew's efferts were+ sufficient to prevent the adoption of the treaty by the Senate. but wculd nct be capable! of pre- venting the passage of a resolution by a majority vote, should the House adopt the resolution. Speaker Reed's power thus far © been sufficient to prevent a vote be- ing had en the annexation resolution in the House. Neither Speaker Reed nor any one else denies that if-a vote on these reso- lutions were permitted they would be adopted by a large ‘majority. But the Iicuse cannot reach a vote without a spe- cal order from the committee on rules, this system of special ordefs having been adopt- ed in all matters, and Speaker Reed, having the casting vote in the committee on rules, has it in his power arbitrarily to prevent a special order being reported. Importance of Prompt Action. Every effort is being, made by the Prest- dent and by a majority of the members of the House to induce the Speaker to per- mit a vote on the question. The President has had numerous conferences with his in the House, urging upon them 1 importance under the present circumstances of securing, the annexation of Hawaii at once. The ‘ger of serious ccmplications of an international charac- ter growing out of the necessity of our ves- sels bound for the Philippines coaling at Honolulu, and of the brave determination of the Hawalian government to permit this in defiance of the rules of neutrality, thus subjecting herself to attack as.an ally of this country, have been earnestly and per- sistently pointed out. Chairman Hitt of the House, foreign affairm committee and many cf the republican leaders in the House, supported by a petition of a major- ity of the republicans of the House, have repeatedly waited upon the Speaker in an effcrt to induce iim to permit a vote. Attitude of-the:Speaker. The Speaker, it is leafned, has never pos- itively refused to consider the question of a vote, but has simply met their petition with a determined and_almost angry argu- ment against the advisability of consider- ing the question now, and has put them off from time to time, without even hold- ing out the hope that he would comply with their request. Meanwhile, the Speaker {s said to have been exerting all the influence he possesses in an effort to overcome the sentiment which is seeking to drive him to action. As a last resort the republicans intended to hold a caucus this .weck. The influence has been strong enough, however, to post- pone the proposed caucus action until next week, in the hope that Speaker Reed may relent meanwhile. There 4s a great deal of talk among republicans‘to the effect that Speaker Reed's attituge {s largely influ- enced by a disposition to antagonize the administration. One prominent republican member ot the Housé, sald‘today that it was beginning to look as #f Speaker Reed saw an opportuaity to antagonize the ad- ministration at a critical point where hi antagonism would be a serious embarra’ ment, and that he was ayatling himself of the opportunity Annexationints Hopeful. The friends of the Hawalian annexation resolution say this afterngon that they are sanguine of getting the gesolution before the House for consideratign after the reve- nue bill is passed by the Senate. They en- tertain the belief that’ this can be accom- plished without the ald .of a republican caucus. They say they are convinced that when the bond bill is disposed of there will ‘be no objection to bringingihe resolution be- fore the House. They hope that this can be done within a week, 2 CHASING THE “PHANTOM SHIP.” Bancroft in Pursuit of:a Mysterious Craft Off Key West. Special Dispatch to The E Star. (Copyright, 1888) KEY WEST, May 27.—For several morn- ings recently, just at daybreak, a suspi- cious-looking three-masted steamer has been noticed cruising off the man-of-war anchorage at Sand Key light. She has been known as the “Phantom” ship, as all endeavors to make her gut have been fu- tile. y That she ts a Spanish gcout reconnolter- ing Key West is now certain. The Wil- mington, which arrtv$d ftom Cuban waters this morning, reports that about sundown last night she sighted; a° three-masted steamer with a yetlow smokestack, hull down. The Wilmington was unable to give chase, being short of The Bancroft afterward fove in sight. She had also seen a craft earlier in the day, and immediately gave chase, steaming after her ing sauth-southeasterly direction. - This 1s doubtless the same vessel which gave chase to the United-States, ship Eagle yesterday afternoon, follawing her to with- in sight of the Oregon, feverad other ves- sels of the fleet also report having seen her. The Wilmington reports having land- ed couriers in Cuba ‘with dispatches for the insurgents. ———. BALTIMORE IS NO® DISABLED. Story Pro! iy ated at of the “ane Fight. LONDON, May 27.—The stories-circulated at Madrid and elsewhere regarding the Bal- timore are evidently groundless. The dis- patch received at the Spanish capital from Manila apparently referred to the alleged disablement of: the- Baltimore during the battle of Manila, wheR: a Spanish shell struck her and ammunition, slightly injuring eight mgn on board. Cervera at ‘Santiago de.Cuba. MADRID, May 2T7.—The Impercial reiter- ates today that Admiral Cervera is at San- tiago de Cubs, witeh’ it saya, pos- sess28 advantages over : Time « » But Little Reference to War Plans at the Cabinet Meeting. Se ONE INVASION TOBE MADE AT A TIME Schley Capable of Keeping Cer- vera's Fleet at Santiago. SOME OF TODAY’S CALLERS Seg ee Cabinet members, after the cabin2t ses- sion today, said that they have no doubt that Cervera is in Santiago harbor and that Schley is on the outside watching vigilantly for any evidence that the wily Spaniard is preparing to attempt an escape. This un- shaken bellef is not based on ihe receipt of any fresh information. Befcr> the cabinet me: an€ at its close Secretary Long sald that he had heard nothing from Commodore Schley. “That's what we are waiting for,” said another official. Notwithstanding the confidence that Cer- vera Is penned the President will not move to carry out any of the plans inade yester- day, fully outlined in The Star, until he knows beyond the remotest doubt that Cer- vera is in Santlago. The cabinet meetings have ceased to b> councils of war, so far as talking over plans for invasion, etc, go. These are left entirely to the portions of the goverment which must execute the orders of the men who do the planning. Invasion of Porto Rico. A cabinet officer said this afternoon that. the merest reference? was made to the inva- sion of Cuba and Porzo Rico during the cabinet session. ‘his referenc? was ret sufficient to give an flea of the int ns of the Presid This same oficial, hew- ever, is individually in favor of the invasion and capture of Porto Rico first, and he is believed to have given his views to the President. Among those best qualified to know, the suggestion of 4 simu us invasion of Cuba and Ports Rico within a short time is considered ridicuious: If there is te be an. thing like an immediace invs heved to be the intention be selected at a time. It tempt an invasion of boih on to at- ould be to postpone th> work for -wo or three months. It is weil known that the volun- teer troops now in service lac arly everything of pped. It is esti- mated that abou regulars, a ly equipped munition, tents and s work anywhere. army now in the field is deficient even in shoes. When ail these things wil be pro- vided for the ent!r2 army is a matter of conjecture. The ieparcure cf Gen. Miles for the souta 1s simply to be an inspection tour, which will end tn a report jo the President of how the troops stand ail what bas been provided them. Cervera's Fleet. With Cervera supposed to be securely shut up, much doubt is injected into the advisability of invading even one island until his fleet is under the water. When troops are s2nt across the water to Spanish territory they will be protected by at least half the navy. To attempt two invasions at once would be to divide the navy in such a way that a fleet and wansports would be at the mercy of any new squadron sant from Spain. This danger would be greatly reduced, it is said, by attempting the invasion of Porto Rico first. Schley will be tully ca- pable of keeping Cervera in Santiago or whipping him if he comes outside, and Sampson can take encugh vessels to Porto Rico to insure the trarsports against a sec- ovd Spanish squadron. This, then, is be- Neved to be the frogram just so seon as news comes from Schley. Sufficient troops are eqvipped for Porto Rico, and the work of taking the small island would be a mat- ter of a few days. It is believed in many quarters today that Sampson will be on his way to Porto Rico tomorrow, and that 080 me , Must of them h | he will stay there until he reduces all the fortifications, permitting the easy landing of troops. The invasion of Porto Rico now will fur- nish action, which the President is deter- mined to have, and it will make Spain all the more ready to accept the terms of peace which will be thrust upon her by Europe. The President knows this, and is of the opinion that the war will be greatly shortened by active work on Spanish ter- ritcry. For a long time he thought that the destruction of Cervera’s fleet wouid bring peace, but Cervera has not been de- stroyed, and is out of harm’s way. It is said this afternoon that the govern- ment has no fear that any of its plaus for the invasion of Porto Rico will be interfer- ed with by Europe. Secretary Day assures the President that everything is quiet in the diplomatic field, with no indications of the slightest trouble. All the European countries are said to be behaving them- selves. Today's Callers, A large party of Knights Templar of Mary Commandery of Philadelphia were in- troduced to President McKinley today by Senator Penrose. The, knights were ac- companied by ladies. The party has been attending the state conclave at Harrisburg. The quota of Minnesota under the second call for troops will be 1,700 men. The peo- ple of the state are wiring their representa- tives here that everybody wants to go. Senator Davis today offered the President three regiments instead of the 1,700 men asked for. Senators Wetmore, Aldrich and Hanna and Representatives Grosvenor and Mann talked with the President on business to- day. —————e—__ DECLINED TO COMMIT HIMSELF. Ex-Secretnry Sherman May Be a Can- didate for Congress. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, May 27.—John Sher- man, ex-Secretary of Stet:, was asked at Mansfield this morning if he would be a candidate for Congress this fall. He de- clined to commit himself, stating that it was a subject which he did not care to dis- cuss. His answer is regarded here as being very ant. Mrs. Day, wife of the present Secretary of State, who is under treatment at a hos- pital here, is much bstter this morning. BPRS. British Bark em Fire. 4 NEW CASTLE, May 27.—The British bark Olivebank, Capt. Petrie, which has been THE PRESIDENT'S OWNPLAN | FIRED ON THE SENTRY Immediate Attack on Porto Rico and Its Occupation. In Favor of the Invasion of Cuba Following—Indications That Steps Are Already Being Taken. The war conference yesterday strength- ens the purpose of the administration to occupy Porto Rico at once. Persons tn Congress who are close to the President and understand thoroughly his ideas with relation to the prosecution of the war and the policy to be pursued now and in the immediate future say that the immediate occupation of Porto Hico befere the in- vaeeion of Cuba, or simultaneously with it, is the President's own plan. The attack upen Manila was the President's idea, strongly advocated by him in the cabinet ecuncils and acquiesced in by his advisers. It is said now by those who undoubtedly are close to the Prerident that he is tak- ing & position just as strongly in favor of making an invasion of Porto Rico the next move. The invasion of Cuba may take place simultaneously with that of Porto Rico, but the President's idea is to take Porto Rico first and to have the invasion of Cuba follow that. Steps Being Taken. Indeed, there is reason to believe that steps toward the invasion of Porto Rico ere already being taken, and that very soon Sampson's fleet will appear suddenly before San Juan and that fortified port wil! be again bofhbarded, this time in dead earnest, and an army of twenty thousand or more wil! be landed. It is asserted pesitively, on the best of authority, that the first troops embarked on the transports, though the troops themselves may think they are going to Cuba, will be sent at o1ce to Porto Rico. The President's deter- mination on this point is sald to be fixed and positive and to be based on a well- ecnsidered plan of operation, which was decided on before the orders were sent to Admiral Dewey to destroy the Spanish fleet at Manila. The President took the position at that time that while every effort should be made to supply the insurgents with arms and provisions, our first military and neval operations should be directed against the Philippines and Porto Rico. The first step in this plan of operations was the order to Admiral Dewey. Bombardment of San Juan. The brief bombardment of San Juan more than two weeks ago would have re- sulted in the occupation of that port, as Manila is now occupied, had the Spanish fleet been found there, as it was expected it would be, and an invading army would have been sent as soon as possible. We were not prepared, however, at that time to transport the troops immediately, and the presence of the Spanish fleet in the Carib- bean sea rendered it desirable that the capture of San Juan should be delayed un- til the transports for troops were ready, and that meanwhile Sampson's fleet should co-operate with Schley's in an effort to de- stroy the Spanish fleet. Though the Span- ish fleet was not destroyed, its bottling up at Santiago de Cuba removes it as a factor, and the plan of Porto Rican invasion, it is said, is to be proceeded with. Meanwhile, assistance 1s being rendered the insurgent army in Cuba, and preparstions are being perfected for the landing of a large invad- ing army in Cuba, after San Juan has been reduced and Porto Rico occupied. This plan of operation gives us immunity, it is thought, from Spanish operations in the Pacific, cuts Spain off from all base of oper- ations in the Atlantic and leaves the Span- ish army in Cuba at our mercy, without the possibility of relief from Spain. Blanco Expected to Give Up. The natural expectation is that Blanco, being placed in such a position, will reason from his necessities and surrender Cuba, without necessitating the great amount of bloodshed and devastation which would re- sult from a prolonged siege. This does not mean a “peaceful blockade” ror a “blood- less it.vasion.” A large army will be land- ed in Cuba for a vigorous campaign, and the defenses of Havana will be reduced by our fleet. Promptness and vigor in this movement, after all the surrounding condi- tions have been rendered satisfactory, are relied upon to shorten the war and to re- duce the loss of life on our side. ‘This plan starts on the broad radius marked by Mani- la and Porto Rico, and draws in our forces irresistibly around Cuba. ———__--____—_ SECOND CALL FOR TROOPS. It Will Not Be Made Until Next Week. The statement was made at the War De- partment today that the call on the gov- ernors of the states for their apportionment of troops will not be issued until some time next week. There are many details that remain to be agreed upon before the call ts made, and besides there is considerable work to be done in connection with the equipment, assignments of troops, etc., un- der the last call for 125,000 men. It is un- derstood that no final decision has yet been reached as to the precise manner in which troops under the second call are to b: raised and whether independent commands ere to be received as such. There are other questions y2t undetermjned, the most im- portant of-which is whether the 106 regi- ments of volunteers, not yet recruited to their maximum strength, are to be filled be- fore any new regiments are organized. Army officers contend that this should be done, as the spectacle of full regiments is much more satisfactory, and besides is much more beneficial to the servic: than when organized at their minimum strength. ‘These officers lay much stress on section 7 of the velunteer act, which states ex- Plicitly as follows: “That all crganizations of the volunteer army shall be so recruited from time to time as to’maintain them as near to their mseximum strength as the President may deem necessary, and no new organization shall be accepted into service from any state unless the organizations already in service from such state are as near to the maximum strength of officers and enlisted men as the President may deem neces- ‘The President is considering this matter theroughly before taking any action. with reference to the raising of the 75,000 troops Just calied fer. The mustering officers togay report that up to this time 118,000 men have taken the oath of allegiance to support the govern- ment in the present war. oo > Three Mysterious Men Attack Ar- tillery Sergeant at Key West. ee THEY HAD A BOX OF DYNAMITE Supposed to Have Intended to Blow Up the Battery. MADE THEIR ESCAPE KEY WEST, Fla., May 27.—A sergeant of artillery on duty at a mortar battery near Fort Taylor was fired upon early this morning by three unknown men, whom he says he knows to be Spaniards. The fire was promptly returned, but the men es- saped. The affair, which is involved in a good deal of mystery, began yesterday after- noon, when three swarthy men made an attempt to enter the gate of the reserva- tion, but were summarily turned off by the sentry. No further attention was given to the incident until last night, when between 10 and 11 o'clock the sergeant of the artil- lery guard, near the mortar battery, no- iced three men a few yards ahead of him. Almost simultaneously with the discovery they opened fire upon him with Pistols. Three bullets whizzed harmlessly past the sergeant, but a fourth lodged in the fleshy part of his left arm, just above the elbow. The sergeant dropped his raised rifle and before he could raise it again the men turned and fled out of range. He sent sev- eral shots after them and then went for the guard. Returned at Midnight. A sharp lookout was kept for the strangers, and, soon after midnight, a sus- Picious noise heard outside the gate near which the mortar battery is located. An investigation resulted In the discovery of @ carriage in the street just outside the gate. The sergeant gave orders to fire and @ volley was sent at the vehicle. A mo- ment later, it appears, three men were seen running up the street and the fire of the soldiers was directed upon them, but with- out effect, the suspects escaping apparently unharmed. The sergeant declares that on the ocea- sion of the last visit of the strangers one of the latter carried a suspicious looking package about three feet long. The sergeant, who was the principal in the adventure with the three strangers, is Charles W. Richards, Battery B, ist Arttl- lery. Loitered About Al Day. Sergeant Richards says that on three dif- ferent occasions during the day he saw the men loitering about various entrances, and at one of these they lingered for near- ly two hours. At 9:45 last night Richards, when walking over to Fort Taylor, across the reservation, heard sounds coming from the mortar battery, close io the roadway. Getting his rifle ready, he crept stealthily up to the pit, and when close by heard voices say: “Jim, get the package.” The sergeant then entered the pit and confronted a stranger who was coming out with a three-foot package in his hands. Richards 2!med his rifle at the man and ordered “Hands u; but without an in- stant’s hesitation the stra r blazed away with a revolver, which he apparently had drawn and ready. Two shots flew past the soldier, and he dropped to his knees as @ third bullet ploughed through the fiesh of his left arm above the elbow. After the three shots the mysterious as- sailant of the sergeant turned and fied at top speed toward the road, Richards firing one shot after the fugitive and missing him. He saw the man leap into a carriage just outside the gate, in which were al- ready seated two other men, and the trio drove furiously away. Was Taken Unawares. The suddenness of the attack caught Richards unawares, and the men were out of range before he could bring his rifle to bear upon them effectively. Shortly after midnight Sergeant Rich- ards, with several artillerymen, returned to the mortar pit, to see if all was right there. As they drew near a figure darted out and sped to the road. Richards recognized this figure as the man who had shoi at him, and ordered Private Gates to fire. But, the suspect was again too agile the one shot fired went wild. “We chased him some distance,” said Richards, “but he got away. At the road we found a long cuban cigarette, dropped by him and still burning. He was about six feet tall, had a heavy black mustache and wore a yellow coat. I am satisfied that all three men were Spaniards, and that the package contained dynamite with which they intended to destroy the bat- tery Richards, whose wound is of a trifling ne- ture, was emphatic in his asertion and added: “There are other details which I am not permitted to reveal. —<— TO BE BRIGADIER GENERALS. A Large Number of Nominations Sent to the Senate. The President today sent these nomina- ttions to the Senate: To be brigadier generais—Col. Robert. H. Hall, 4th United States Infantry; Col. B4- win V. Sumner, 7th United States Cavalry; Col. Peter C. Hains, Corps of Engineers; Col. Geo. L. Gillespie, Corps of Engineers; Col. Marcus P. Miller, 34 United States Ar- tullery; Col. Jacob Kline, 2ist United States Infantry; Lieut. Col. Osward H. Ernst, Corps of Engineers; Lieut. Col. Loyd Wheaton, 20th United States Infantry; Lieut. Col. Arthur MacArthur, assistant adjutant general; Lieut. Col. Henry C. Has- brouck, 4th United States Artilicry; Lieut. Col. John C. Gilmore, assistant adjutaut general; Lieut. Col. Wallace F. Randolph, 3d United States Artillery; Maj. Joseph P. Sanger, inspector general; Frederick D. Grant of New York, 144th New York Vol- Charles King of Wisconsin, Lucius F. Hub- bard of Minnesota,.Geo. A. Garretson of A. Wiley of Pennsylvania, Wiilam A. Ban- croft of Massachusetts, Willam J. McKee of Indiana, Francis V. Greene of New York, Tist New York Volunteer Infantry; Charles Fitzsimons of Illinois, Jos. K. Hudson of Kansas, James Rush Lincoln of lowa.