Evening Star Newspaper, June 20, 1898, Page 1

— THE EVENING STAR. ®UBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 330) Fernsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by the eng Sy ASTI GoEOY Yew York Offce, 49 Potter Ba‘ldiay. The Esentrg Star ts served to subscribers tn the Mty by errriers, on the?c cwn accouut. at 10 cents per week or 43 cents per month. Copies at the tevater 2 certs each. By mail—answhere io the Laited States «r Canads—postage prepald—50 cents per month Saturday Quinteple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with toretga pestege added, $2.08. (Entered at the Po t Ciice at Washington, D. C.. as second-class ma‘l matter.) £7 All mail sunscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior WASHINGTON, D. ©, MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. “TWO CENTS, — NOW OFF SANTIAGO Belief of ‘Oficial Regarding the Troops. PLANS FOR THE DEBARKATION Wharf at Aguadores Commanded by Spanish. ——+ NO REPORTS RECEIVED Se Commodore Watson has reported ‘SPAIN REFUSESTOEXCHANGE| AN EVENTFUL WEEK|4NX!OUS TO.ENLIST/AGUINALDO ELECTED|FOURTH FLEET FOR MANILA Will Not Give Up Lieutenant Hobson and His ‘Associates. Report of Commodore Watson to the Navy Department—What is Said in Official Circles. The Navy Department received a tele- gram this morning from Commodore Wat- son, commanding th> Cuban blockade squadron off Havana, saying that he had been informed by the captain general that the Spanish government fad refused to ex- change Hobson and his fellow-prisoners. The refusal of the Spanish officials to >x- chanze Hobson caused a disagreeable feel- ing here. While there is no positive obliga- to the Navy Department that the | tion upon a belligerent to >xchangs prison- captain general of Cuba has inform- ed him that Spain refused to ex- ers, yet it is a universal practice in civilized warfare. The regulations of the War De- partment lay down specifically how the ex- change Lieutenant Hobson and his j changes of prisoners ar> to take place, and fellow prisoners. Great indignation is felt in Con- gress at the refusal of Spain to ex- regulation 109 of general orders for the government of armies in the field says: “The exchange of prisoners of war is an act of convenience to both belligerents. If no general cartel has been concluded, it change Lieut. Hobson and his asso-| cannot be d2manded by either of them. A ciates. and pained at this decision of the Spanish government. The reiusal of the Spanish officials to exchange Hobson causes a dis- agreeable feeling here. While there is no positive obligation upon a bel- ligerent to exchange prisoners, yet it is a universal practice in civilized warfare. No doubt is entertained at the War or -Navy Departments that General Shaiter’s military expedition has ar- rived off Santiago de Cuba. No doubt is entertained at either the War or Navy Department that Gen. Shafter’s military expedition has arrived safely off Santiago by this time. As a matter of fact, it is belleved that the first of the transports arrived near the blockading fleet Saturday night. According to the plans arranged for the deb tion, the fleet of transports was to lie in a safe place until Sampson had clear- ed the way for a landing. The selection of the landing place was left entirely to the judgment of Admiral Sampson and Gen. Shafter, the military commander. The very first business in order, upon the arrival of the transport fleet off Santiago would be a war council between Admiral Sampson and some of his naval captains on the one hand and Maj. Gen. Shafter and his staff on the other, the purpose being to settle ail the details of the debarkation. Meanwhile, the fleet of transports would lie out at sea at least ten miles beyond the blockading squadron, in order to be entirely safe from attack by Spanish torpedo boats. The: craft are dangerous enough to full-fledge warships, but a transport would be abso- lutely helple: inst their attack, so that the strictest possible watch must be kept by the convoys until the troops are landed, the present being the médst critical point in the whole operation. The work of debarking the troops is not to be one of hours, but rather days, accord- ing to the opinion of army officers. A great deal depends on the point selected for the landing. It is supposed that Aguadores, to the east of Morro Castle about six or eight miles, would be a likely landing, in view of the fact that it has a wharf, the property of an iron ore company, which wo! extremely useful for landing the heav plies and ordnance of the stege train. It is reported now, however, that this particular wharf has been commanded by Spanish batteries, which have been so placed as to give an enfilading fire upon it. If this be so, then the batteries must be first silenced by the fleet, else there would be not only loss of life among the troops, but the wharf i might be destroyed by the Spanish sh If the landing is made at this wharf at least two days, it is esti- mated, will be consumed in getting the ex- pedition ashore, as only one ship can lie at the wharf time, and there fs an enormous quantity of ammunition and taken ashore. If the landing is made on the beach, it will be a tedious and tim ming operation, although it will ssible in that to proceed sly from all the ships. als feel c« nt that Gen. nediate effort to on as he nd they are expecting any moment announc- ded. Some stores to h he ease mas a ce ing the fact that d, as the icholas st week, with all of the 1 and men for re able tne mid- necessary ring the breaks station. No Official News. No official news respecting the war had been received at either the War or Navy Departments up to 3 o'clock this after- ». Secretary Alger, Genera! Miles and utant General Corbin are authority for ment that no word has yet been d from General Shafter, who led the tary expedition to Santiago, nor from eral Anderson, in command of the first expedition to the Philippines. Secretary Long and Assistant Secretary Allen of the Navy Department each said at 3 o'clock this afternoon that nothing had been re- of | dle mater’ and opening up th ceived today from Admiral Sampson, in © pand of the naval forces off Santiago, or from Admiral Dewey, in command of the fleet In the y of Manila. Notwithstanding this general absen Girect official ormation, the offic! named are d that Shafter’s arm: has arrived at San- t Of transports which eed, o the ation, is expected from ms before tomor- of Santiago it will be send a dispatch boat to Kingston, and in the ease of Manila it will larly necessary to send dispatches by water to Hong Kong. Therefore, there i obably be a delay of from twenty- four te y-eight hours after the arrival of the fleets before that fact can be official- ly communfeated to the authorities in Washington. It Is said at the War Depart- ment thet it will take at least a day or two for the treops to recover from their sea voyage before they will be in condition to begin active operations against the enemy, both at Santiago and at Manila. > commun! expediti The President is surprised | b=ligerent is not obliged to exchange pris- eners of war. A cartel is voidable as soon as either party bas violated It.” In the present case there has been no general cartel, that being the military term by which the exchange of prisoners is reg- ularly and specifically carried out. P2>nd- ing such a general arangement, the bellig erents alm invariably ¢: out the ex- change in anticipation of a cartel. It is probable that a cartel will follow at no dis- tant day and the exchange th2reafter pro- 1 number for number, rank for rank, ounded for wounded, these being the gen- 1 conditions under the American regula- tions, Spain Taking Advantage. As to Hobson, the authoritles here are convinced that the Spanish officials are tak- ing advantage of the distinction accorded to him in the United States. Under the rules of war, a prisoner is valued solely by his rank, and it is considered dishonorable either to underestimate a prisoner's rank in order to cause a more advantageous ex- change or to take a higher rank for the purpose of obtaining better treatment. In the case of Hobson, his rank as assistant constructor, which is equivalent to lieu- ant, junior grade, should be the sole for his exchange, yet it is obvious to authorities here that the Spaniards the hold him, not as a lieutenant, but as a popular idol of the United States. In this respect his detention ceases to be that of a prisoner of war and becomes one of host: age. The holding of hostages, usually for ransom or other benefit, is a mediaeval cus- tom seldom, if ever, resorted to in modern warfare. But even as a hostage, Hobson would be entitled to an exchange for pris- oners of greater rank or greater number. It is being recalled that Admiral Cervera won praise the world over by his gallantry in making the first offer to exchange Hob- son and his associates, so that the present refusal to exchange him is the more und countable. It is also recalled that when Col. Cortejo, confined at Fort McPherson, s exchanged it was strictly on the of his rank, without consideration of the incidental fact, most important to Gen. Blanco, that Cortjo was a close relative of Gen. Weyler. Half-Masting the Flags. The naval officials attach no significance in the half-masting of the flags over Morro tle after the recent bombardment, as indicating that Hobson and his associates had pr ed. Morro being spared to protect Hobson, and, moreover, it is hardly supposed that the Spamsh flag would be lowered out of consideration of an Ameri- can less. If the usual practices of war- fare were followed, Hobson and the Ameri- cans would be moved to a place of safe ty, instead of danger, for a prisoner of war is entitled, under civilized usage, to pro- tection against undue exposure or ha: treatment. The putting forward of pris- oners as a shield is a relic of barbari: As a rule the places where prisoners confined, where hospftals exist and where works of art, libraries, church and charit- able institutions are located, are designated by a yellow flag, and commanders direct their fire so as to protect these points sacred. If Hobson is kept at Morro, eithe: to insure protection for that place or to expose him to danger, it is a breech of-the rules of civil warfare. aS FLAGS OF re NO MORE TRUCE. Blanco Will Fire on Any Vessel Fly- ing One. KEY WEST, Fla., June 20.—It is learned from naval officers here that Captain Gen- al Blanco has notified the American blockading fleet that he will hereafter rec ognize no flag of truce, adding that every vessel within six miles range will be fired upon, whether flying the stars and stripes THE SUBS TENCE DEPARTMENT. Measures in Congress Relating to Food of the Soldiers. Chairman Hull of the House military af- irs committee has introduced tie bill recomthended by the administration last week for the efficiency of the subsistence department cf the army. Senator Hawley, from the committee on military a’ y reported the bill providing for the enlistment of cooks for the army. The bill avihorizes a cook for h company, troop or battery, with the rank of corporal. Its pavsage is recom- mended by the Secretary of War. — 2+ BONE TO SAV Orders Given by British Admiralty to Pass Maneuvers. LONDON, June 20.—Replying to a ques- tion in the house of commons today, the first lord of the admiralty, Mr. Goschen, said the annual navai maneuvers had been abandoned in ‘consequence of the serious character of the strike of coal miners in Wales. Although the British admiralty never possessed a larger stock of coal than at present, Mr. Goschen said, it was thought prudent to husband it, —_ Spain Buying Silver Heavily. Speciat Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, June 20.—A special from 2 COAL. London today says: Spain is again buying silver heavily. .- Democratic Caucus Called. Representative Richardson, chairman of the democratic caucus,-hag called a caucus for 8 o'clock this evening in the hall of the House. It ts understood the purpose of the meeting is to take the opinion of demo- grate as to whether a caucus shall be bind- e ; What is Expected by Senators and Representatives, AMERICAN FLAG T0 FLYOVER MANILA Important Military Operations An- ticipated on Cuban Soil. THE CASK OF LIEUT. HOBSON In all quarters this is expected to be an eventful week in the progress of the war. Senators and members of the House who have been following the developments of the war with particular care and’ interest say that this week the American flag will probably fly over Maniia; that important military operations wiil be in progress on Cuban soil, and the preparation for the in- vasion of Porto Rico will be well advanced. It is expected now that telling blows will be struck’ in rapid succession, and from this me forward the war will be pressed toward a conclusion, vigorously and with- out interruption. If the Spanish really con- template sending relief to Manila, Admiral Dewey, it is said, will be fully able to de- fend himself by the time a Spanish fleet could arrive there, and if, on the other hand, the Camara fleet is designed for ag- gressive operations in this quarter it will only hasten the time when the fleet will be destroyed. Perfect confidence is felt that the Spanish fleet can turn in no di- rection for aggressive operation without a certainty of ultimate failure and defeat. The most that Admiral Camara is capable of doing is to remain in the vicinity of the Spanis insula to protect the coast and the Canaries. It can do nothing for the relief of Cuba. If it should sail to Porto Rico it would inevitably meet with the fate that overtook the fleet at Manila, and it‘could accomplish nothing in the expedi- tion against our coast. The Case of Lieut. Hobson. The refusal of the. Spanish authorities to exchange Lieut. Hobscn and his men ex- cites the utmost indignation among men in Congress. This action on the part of the Spanish government is spoken of by men who are authorities on international law as absolutely unjustifiable and unworthy of a civilized nation. No doubt is felt that Hobson and his men are being kept at Morro Castle for the purpose of giving thai fortification immunity from attack, and that they are being retained as pris- oners for the purpose of using them as a shield for the safety of the Spaniards. Iv is not only that Hobson and his men are being used thus hostage, but they must necessarily, while retained as prisoners, be subjected to the danger of disease and of privation nine. Not only would evé jot fired against Morro Castle endanger their liy blockade of the harbor and the cutting off cf the base of supplies must inflict upon them all the suffering which is legitimately brought upon the beleaguered Spanish forces. If food is scarce at Santlago, Hob- son ard his gallant crew are probably the first to go hungry, The wants of the Span- ish army will be the first cared for, and while the Spanish soldiers are on short ra- tions it is not likely that these prisoners are getting much food. It is recognized as legitimate in warfare that the feeding of soldiers should be first looked after, but it is not legitimate to retain prisoners when an exchange 1s possible, so that they shall suffer famine. It is known that food is very scarce in Santiago, and it is the duty of the Spanish government, since we hold Spanish prisoners who are exchangeable, to make the change at once. To compet our sailors and soldiers to shoot at and to starve their own brave comrades is a bar- barity that no civilized nation can sanction but the and none would be guilty of. No people except such as were capable of treacher- ously blowing up the Maine and of mur- dering women and children and defenseless old men could be guilty of such cruelty. Spain will probably pay dearly for this a- tion, but the hearts of brave men are in agony at the thought of the gallant Ho! son and his brave companions. It may asily be conceived that the course of the Spanish government in refusing their ex- change inflicts upon them the horrors of disease and hunger, which may make it seem to them better that they should have perished with the sinking of the Merrimac. If Sampson Shells rro. If Admiral Sampson shells Morro Castle and makes an immediate assault upon San- tiago these prisoners are subjected to all the danger from our fire which is incurred by the rro € app selon enemy. Yet if he fails to reduce tle and attacks Santiago by slow ches he wil! be tortured withthe con- mn that every day's delay adds to the suffering of the brave fellows. A more cruel torture could not be devised by sav- ages than this of compelling our people to participate in inflicting suffering upon men whom the whole nation proclaims as he- roes and is eager to reward. The nations of the world will condemn Spain for fore- ing this matter, and she cannot maintain her claim to be regarded as one among civilized nations. What can be done about it is difficult to’| determine. There is probably nothing left but to go ahead without further reserve and reduce Santiago, with a prayer behind each shot that it may not find the heart of the hero. POWDER WORKS BLOWN UP. Thought to Be the Work of Spanish Agents. CINCINNATI, Ohio, June 20.—The finish- ing department of the King Powder Com- pany, located at Kings Mills, in Warren county, was destroyed last night in a man- ner leading to the belief that it was the work of enemies of the government. The building in which was stored a quan- tity of smokeless powder had evidently been fired by two men near midnight, one of whom was badly burned and had been ap- parently dragged away from the burning building by his companion, who then ran away in the direction of South Lebanon. Smokeless powder in the condition it was in this department does not explode like or- dinary powder, with a flash, but breaks into a bright light and burns for some time. The great light attracted citizens, and some of these met e stranger going towatd | South Lebanon. The injured man was taken into custody. He is apparently a for- eigner, but is so badly injured that he can scarcely talk. The powder burred wks not for the government, and the money loss is incapeasraite: one $2,000. ee com- iy a contract to @ govern- Sent. wet thie ta Sed a & the reason its destruction was attempted. " Cubans in Costa Rica Wish to Become U. 8. Volunteers, Much Bitterness in San Jose Between the Spanish and American Sympa. thizers, Who Have Formed Clubs. Advices received at the Cuban legation in this city state that 250 exiled Cubans in Costa Rica, who are anxious to fight for the deliverance of their native country, have petitioned William L. Merry, the en- voy extraordinary and minister plenipoten- tiary of the United States to that country, asking to be allowed to enlist as United States voluntecrs in the army to fight against Spain. A political and social organization known as the Cuban-American Club has been formed at San Jose, Costa Rica, to further the project and in opposition to the Spanish Club. which is making strenu- ous efforts to raise funds and secure re- cruits among the Spanish residents of Cen- tral America to go to Cuba and fight against the United States. Meetings have been held by the Spaniards and a consider- able sum subscribed to be forwarded to Madrid for the aid of Spain. There is a considerable contingent of Americans in Central America and many in Costa Rica, and several hundred Cubans who have been exiled from their native is- land for political reasons prior to the out- break of the revolution, and now that the United States has taken up the cause of Cuban independence and declared war against Spain, they are anxious to join the United States volunteers and return to Cuba. Warned Against Disorder. There is much bitterness between the Spanish and the Cuban-American organiza- tions, and trouble has been narrowly avert- ed upon several occasions between ind: vidual members and parties of the rival clubs. The authorities have in one or two instances been called upon to subdue out- breaks and disturbances, and trouble is looked for at almost any time. Conditions have reached such a state that the minister of interior of Costa Ricahas notified both organizations that arrests will immediately follow any hostile demonstrations, and warning them to avoid disorderly manifes- tations. The Cuban-American Club, The Cuban-American Club, which has amcng its members al the wealthy citi- zens of the United States and Cubans resi- dent in San Jose, has leased a fine house, where it holds its meetings and discusses the war with Spainyand Cuban independ- ence. William L. Mérry, the Uniled States minister, has been elected honorary presi- dent of the organization, and Dr. E. Bor- rero honorary vice pfesident. The latter is a wealthy Cuban, who, was exiled from Cuba for an alleged conspiracy against the governor general of »Cuba a number of years ago. The activé offiéers ate: Presi- dent, J. W. Fields vice president, 8. Cham- berlin, these (wo being the most prominent Americans in Costa Riea; recording secre- tary, F. Milenés; corresponding secretary. Senor D, Chavez; treasurer, Dr. Emilio Arteaga. Will Publish a Paper. Owing to the attitude of the newspapers of Costa Rica, which.are chiefly owned by Spaniards and Spanish sympathizers, the Americans and Cubans have: arranged to publish a paper to uphold their cause and the United States ard Cuba. The city of San Jose is greatly excited. The United States minister has forward- ed the petition of the Cubans to the gov- ernment at Washington. A recruiting of- fice has been opened and three companies are already organized among them, and are ready to secure transportation and join the United States:army at Tampa as soon as permission is given them to do so. AT THE WHITE HOUSE The President Surprised and Pained at Spain’s Decision, The President had many visitors today, but there was nothing new in their talk with him. Up to noon the President had received nothing official of the arrival of the Shaft- cr expedition at Santiago and gave no formation to his many anxious cailers He did not express any cpinion of the sit- uation. It is said that the President did not look for anything during the morning cf the arrival of General Shafter's fleet. ‘Lhe opinion of the War Department was that the expedition did not arrive yester- cay, but that it would probably arrive th's morning. It is even anticipated that there will be nothing exciting for the next few ceys. General Miles told some of his catl- ers this mcrning that he did not think the expedition arrived yesterday. It is said today that there has been no change in the administration's plans abcut at once invading Porto Rico. It is pro- pesed to get a large expedition on the isl- and before the stormy season begins in July. Representative Evans of Kentucky saw the President to‘recommend the appoint- ment of Henry C. Bonnycastle of Louisville as a second lieutenant. It is thought the appointment will be_made. The Refusal to. Exchange Hobson. Th2 President is;understood to Be sur- prised and pained at the refusal of the Spanish authorities. to, exchange Lieut. Hobson and his fellow-heroes. The Presi- t dent was confident from.the first that an exchange would be‘agr2ed to by the Span- jards. One day;last.week a young brother of the Santiago hero came te Washington and went to see the President. The latter told the anxious brother that everything would come out allright. It is believed that thig act of the Span- jards will do more to:turn sympathy from them in Europe thag anything else. The American captives are to be used to shicld Spanish fortifications, and men from Am2ri- can bullets. If the presence of the Aimeri- cans in Morro C: will Keep that place from Domberdmet ithe Spaniards will be gentented to <to. this cowardly plan. is a species a ee tars which will surprise t . * ~The Presid ally felt a it Lieut. Hobson.. mor, unicss it is‘to have Trepregentatives abroad call attention to Spain’s refusal. It is now hoped that Uncle Sam's sdidiers will speed- ily rescue the j2roes. Secretary Long was at ghe White House today h the Pyésident about the case of He le. cannot believe that the will usa the prisoners insurgent Leader Now President of Province of Old Cavite. SPANISH = AUTHORITY RENOUNCED Cruiser Baltimore Sails to Meet Transports With Reinforcements. EXPECTEDTO ARRIVEJUNE 20 CHICAGO, June 20.—A special cable to- day to the Record from John T. Mc- Cutcheon, a staff correspondent, with Dewey's fleet, reads as follows: HONG KONG, June 20.—General Filipino officially proclaimed a provisional govern- ment in old Cavite June 12. There were great ceremonies, and a declaration of in- dependence was read renouncing Spanish authority. Gen. Aguinaldo was elected president, and Daniel Perindo vice presi- dent. The insurgents’ government will not oppose an American protectorate or occu- pation. The rebels have captured the Spanish governor and the garrison of 300 men at Buiucan. The governor and garrispn at Pampanga are surrounded, and the gov- ernor and garrison of 450 men have been captured at Batangas. Augusti'’s Family Flees. June 9 the family of Governor General Augusti fled to the interior for safety. The Speniards in Manila are reported as having shot thirty carbineros for attempt- ing to desert to the rebels. Aguinaldo sent en ultimatum to the governor that 1f more were executed he would retaliate on Span- ish prisoners. The Baltimore sailed today to meet the Charleston and troopship: The French warship Pascal arrived June 15. The warship Kaiser is expected daily. Transports Have Not Been Sighted. (Copyright, 1828, by the Assoclated Press.) MANILA, June 17, via Hong Kong, June 20.—The situation here is unchanged. Tue insurgents are unable to take Manila, o ing to their lack of field guns. They could not take it even if Admiral Dewey permiz ted, which he will not The report that the United States trans- ports from San Francisco had been sighted is not correct. They are expected on June 20. All the foreigners are leaving in neutral slips. Capture of Holle. VICTORIA, B. C., June ccording to ved from Manila by steamer eraida, which, after considerable trou- anc Spaniards to sail to the United States, the steamers Boston and Concord left on May 12 to attack lioilo. According to news received from them they captured that pent without resistance and took po: sion of it in the name of the United States. The American coal-laden ship Saranac, which was seized by the Spanish gunboat 3! Cano, was recaptured. She was anchor- ed in the stream without a person on beard, the prize crew left aboard by the Spaniards having deserted her when the American warships hove in sight. > PEACE FEELING DISCUSSED. Sperish Cabinet Still Talks of an Hon- orable Settlement. MADRID, June 20.—The newspapers say the cabinet at its meeting yesterday dis- cussed the “peace tendencies observable in the United States and in certain person- ages in Spain,” but add that Spain will “unanimously repudiate unworthy condi- ticns,” holding that peace is only possible “if the conditions are honorable and in- clude the retention of the colonies.” The ministers deny the renewed rumors of cabinet dissensions and the reperted resignation of the minister of fin: . Senor Puigcerver. It is understood that in any case there will be no changes in the min- istry until the cortes suspénds its sittings, which will depend upon the voting of the budget, probably by the end of this week. In the meanwhile the cabinet will refuse to enier iniv any discussion of the war or the international situation, as being likely to impair the government's Iberty of action. Government circles affect satisfaction at the situation in Cuba, but in regard to Manila, the belief fs expressed that Captain General Augusti will ask th2 foreign war- ships to land detachments to occupy Manila, on the ground that he is no longer able to resist the insurgents. Se See NEW GUNNERS AT MORRO. Their Fire at Blockading Squadron is Becoming Accurate. KEY WEST, Fla., June 20.—Another government vessel which arrived here this morning reports that Morro tle keeps firing heavy shells at the blockading scuadron and it is not believed such curate shots can be fired by Spanish gun- ners. On Friday a 12-inch shell exploded dangerously close to one of the American warships, raising a column of water and smoke over one hundred feet high. > TO CREATE A TERRITORY. Rep. Clark Proposes to Change the Local Form of Governme: Representative Clark of Missouri has in- troduced a bill creating a territory of the District of Columbia and providing a terri- torial governmeat for it. It fixes the change to take effect January 1, 1899, —— FOR THE NICARAGUA CANAL, The Senate Committee Agrees o: Favorable Report. The Senate committee on the Nicaragua canal today. agreed to report a bill pro- viding for the construction of the Nicara- gua canal, but on lines very different from these of bills previously reported. The bill authorized today practically provides for the construction of the canal by the United States. The Maritime Canal Com- pany is to be continued in existence, but all the stock is to be held by the govern- ments of the United States, Nicaragua an Costa Rica. The bill provides for the pay- ment of $5,000,000 to the present -stock- holders for the work already performed. - +2». —__ Insurgents Kill a Traitor. Special Dispatch to ‘Ihe Evening Star. af PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica, June 18 (de- layed in transmission). — Rear Admiral Sampson has been informed that the Cuban general, Perez, commanding in the Guan- tanamo district, has executed a traitor, who sent to the Spaniards descriptions of the defenses of Camp McCalla. é List of Vessels Which Will Probably Be ‘in It. Gen. Merritt Expected to Sail on the Philadelphia—Naval Reserves Called Oat. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., June 20.—Tae fourth fleet of transports to convey tro ps to Manila wil probably consist of the City of Puebla, due here June 21, from Puget Sound; the Peru, due here June 24, from Hong Kong; the Alameda, due here from Australla, and the Acapulco, now on the way from Panama, and due here June 20. They will be pressed into the service if necessary. To thete may be edded the Northern Pacific Company's steamers Vic- toria end Olyn:pia, now at eaitle. rh these vessels have becn granted en Am: icen registry and are available as troop ships. Combined, this fleet will accom- modate all the trocps that will de left at the camp, so the ships will only then be required for further drafts of soldiers, Merritt May Go on Philadelphia. Maj. Gen. Merritt may sail for Mantla on the cruiser Philadelphia, which has Just received orders to be ready for sea by July 1. The prcspective governor gen- eral of the Philippines 1s anxious to reach the Islands as soon as possible, and it has been #ssumed that he would go cn the In- diana, of the third fleet of transports. However, he would be somewhat hampered by the slow progress of this vessel, while if he goes on the Philadelphia he will prob- ably reach Manila fully as soon as the troops under Gen. McArtbur. Maj. Gen. Otis will go with the fourth squadron. ‘The auxiliary cruisers at this port will be «ken possession of by the naval resery> to- The Iroquois’ armament has arrived from the east, 2nd as svon as it Is placed in position the vessel will go into commis- sion. She may be sent to Manila to reliev> the McCulloch as a dispatch boat. All Naval Reserves Called Out. The other vessels of the auxiliary fleet will have their full complement of men in a few days, as orders have been tesued for ali the naval militia to report for their du- ties. . The revenue cutter Corwin, which has been in the dock of the Union Iron Works for several days, has gone to Mare Island, ard will be at onc2 placed in commiasion. She is destined for San Diego for harbor efense. Her armament is to be greatly od. British ships Belford and Lucipara have arrived from Newcastl> with nearly 6,00) tons of coal. Their cargoes are con- signed to local firms, but are understood to have been purchased by the government, and will probably be discharged into the bunkers at the Mare Island navy yard. — er ‘ORCES AT SANTIAGO. The SHAFTER'S They Were Sighted Of Cape Maysi Yesterday. Special Dispatek to The Evening Star, PORT ANTONIO, June 20.— The tran ports carrying the invading expedition, un- der Gen. Shafter, were sighted off Cape Maysi yesterday. It Is certain therefore that they arrived off Santiago de Cuba to- day. eee OPENING BOND BIDs. Big Force of Clerks at Work in the New City Post Office. Over a hundred clerks from the Treasury Department are at work in the new city pest office opening the n.ail containing sur scriptions to the war loan bonds and prop- erly tabulating them upon schedules fur- nished by the register of the treasury. The force occupi+s the rooms at the north and scuth ends of the west wing of the build- ing, and is working with much energy. There will be constant additions as the werk Increases, and it is expected that 40: clerks will be ergaged upon it before Sut- urday. The work is carried on with all the care and precision of that in a bankgand everything must be balanced before the clerks leave. The more the letiers are opened the more evident becomes the grat- ifying fact that the great common people are eager to subscribe to the loan, the ember of small subscriptions exceeding even the first estimates. Although the amount of the subscriptions to the new 3 per cent loan is not made pub- lic, it 1s officially stated that it exceeds al! expectations. This is particularly true of the larger amounts. The number of sub- scriptions received for sums of $500 and less is large, but the department wishes it theroughiy understood by the public that even should the whole loan be subscribed for several times over in large amounts, every subscription for $500 or less will be accepted at once, as all small amounts will take precedence in the allotments over large ones. A subscription for twenty mil- lions has been received from a prominent life insurance company of New York, in- closing a certified check for $400,000, as re- quired by the regulations governing the placing of the loan. +e WENT BACK TO CONFERENCE. The House Agrees to the Massachn- setts Avenue Bridge. When the House assembled today the pending order of business was a roll call upon the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the District appropriation bil, appropriating $25,000 for the founda- tion of a bridge across Rock creek at Mas- sechusetts avenue. By a vote of 100 to 52 the Senate amend- ment was adopted. The House then in- sisted upon its disagreement to the re- ining Senate amendments, and the Di trict appropriation bill was sent back to ccnterence. ——, THE CIVIL SERVICE. Preference to Be Given to Honora’ Discharged Soldiers, The Hcuse committee on reform tn the civil service has favorably reported Senate bill 3258, which provides: “That in every executive department of the United States government, and in each and every branch thereof, whether reached by competitive or Lon-competitive cxaiminations under the civil service laws (in which case the rules and regulations affecting the same shall co provide), honorably discharged soldiers, sail- ors cr mcrines, who served as such between April 12, 1861, and Avgust 26, 1865, shall be certified and preferred for appointment to and retention in employment in the public service, and fer promotion therein; age, loss of limb or other physical impairment which. does not in fact incapacitate shall them, provided t! 7 THE STAR NY MATL. Persons leaving the city for any Beriod can have The Star matied to them to any address in the United States or Canada, by ordering it at this office, in person or by letter. Terms: %6 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 1 cents per month. Invariably in advance. Sub- ecribers changing their address from one Post-cffice to another should give the last address as well as the new one, SHORT OF SUPPLIES —s Situation in Havana as Described by Insurgent Agents. PAMINE THREATENS Latter City is Effectively Besieged by the Cubans. CARDENAS = 7S = DOG MEAT A DELICACY —- + eek KEY WEST, Fla., June 2).—A vessel ar- rived here from the blockade this morning” and reported all quict along the line. She nght an officer of the Cuban army and . who are carrying Important dis- patches to Senor Extrada Palma of the Cuban junta from General Alexandro Rod- guez, the insurgent commander of Ha- vana province The Cubans were taken on board on Sat- urday iast from an euxittary gunboat which had picked them up. The messengers of General Ro@riguez give a very Interesting account of their experiences, After leaving the insurgent camp they made thelr way into the clty of Havana, spent several days there, proceeded to one of the small inlets in the neighborhood, stole a small boat and Towed out to nea in the hope of coming across an Ame vessel, They were three days in the boat before they were pleked up. hort of Supplies. The Cubans report that there ere no sup- piles of rice. maize, potatoes or eggs in Ha- Vana. Flour, they say, costs %) cents per pound, and the army hes been placed on half rations. The messengers class es false that ves- sels have succeeded tn en « Havana with supplies. They arsert that since the blockade began only stha!l fishing vessels have enter no food whatever is rec gos. The Cubans confirm reports that work on the defenses of Havana is proceed- ing steadll Two Mnes of torpedoes ex- tend across the mouth of the harbor, which is eaid to be further protected by two au- tomobile torpedoes, one at each side, dis- chargeable by pressing a button. The only war vesses in the harbor of Havana are small gunbcats and the Al- forse XII. Famine at Cardenas. An auxiliary gunboat of been visited arbor and that ved from Clenfue- the Cardenas has by a Cuban officer from the shore, who reported that place to be ef- fectively besieged by the ineurgents on land and by the warships fn front. He made the statement that in two weeks’ time the whole population cf Cardenas will be starving. The Cuban officer has his father and wife in Cardenas, and he was concern- ed for them. He described the people a8 living on palm buds and dog meat, which, he claimed, fs considered a delicacy. The vesse! which arrived here today has been patro!ling a regular beat off the Cu- ban coast, “just like a policcman,” going back and forth during the day and night. Sometimes she saw Spanish troops moving about, but cn the whole the blockade waa uneventful. > OHIO REPUBLICAN CONVENTION, McKisson Delegates From Clevel Likely to Be Refused Admtasi Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, COLUMBUS, Ohio, to the rep ablican Junc I ate convention s which opens here tomorrow, began to arrive this morning. The prospect fer a contest in the convention since the factional fight in Cleveland, Saturday, now promises a much larger convention than was expected last week The friends of Senator Hanna have com- Pete control of the situation and will not only nominate the ticket but decide the contests. The most important of these is that in Cuyahoga county, where cach fac- tion has chosen sixty-five delegates. Since the McKisson faction took summary action against the Hanna faction in Cle land, Scturday, it is quite certain seats will be refused to th gation. There are SiS de venti The Hann the opposing facti and*that M3, including the ein doubt, making in ail 1 the Kurtz men may control. Major C. W. Dick will Washington today to look Hanna's interests, and w to the convention the sen Congr man Grosvenor will, be chairman cf the convention. H. M. Daugherty is to have the campaign and will be chairman of the state t by Cyrus Huling of this city. THIEVES CA arriy no doubt, charge eded of A Derperate Encounter at Mt. Gilead, Ohio, Yesterday. Special Dispatch to Th ing SI CLE WAND, GHIO, June was a desperate encoun and the authorities day. Sheriff Purinton and I were captured by a desper horse thieves and taken thieves ilead yester- eputy Bowen gang of the woods at Mt into east of the town. A posse of citizens crganized and a pitch- ed battle ensued before the th: were overcome. A dozen shots were exchanged and the thieves were only overpowere when their ammunition was gone. are now in custody The > -—_ SWEPT BY A WIND STORM. Mech Damage Done in Co: MIDDLEPORT, N. ¥., June 20.—A ter- rifle wind storm struck Niagra and Or- leans counties early yesterday. The storm traveled in a belt three miles wide and seventy miles long. In Orleans county hun- dreds of orchards were entirely destroyed. The damage will reach many thousands of dollars. A woman Mving near Gaines is said to have received fatal injuries from’A falling building. Many large barns were destroy- ed end the wreckage carried from sixty to one hundred feet. The wind started in the western part of Niagara county and trav- eled east. —_— s+ Spain Gets War Material. LONDON, June 20.—A special dispatch from Paris says an Austrian agent has re-- turned from Madrid, where be delivered to the Spanish authorities, via the Pyrenees,