Evening Star Newspaper, July 7, 1898, Page 1

SS THE EVENING STAR. Bache PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 110) Feansyiveria Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by The Evening Star Newspapor Com SH. KAUFFMANN Prose oe New York Oe, 49 Pottor Building ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers In the eity by cirriers, on thetc own account, at 10 cents Per week. or 44 cents per month. Copies at the ectnter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the Unitea per moath Saturday Quintaple Bey ee $1 per year, with foreign postage added, . e SRce at Washington, D. C.. fer.) must be pafd In advance. pllestior. ates «r Canada—postage prepald—50 cents ee snil-c mal mat €7 Ail mail sunscription Rates of advertising made known on eee ny Star. WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, JULY 7 1898—TWELVE PAGES TWO CENTS. THE STAR BY MAIL. Persons leaving the city for any Period can have The Star mailed to them to any address in the United States or Canada, by ordcring it at { this office, in person or by letto; al Terms: 13 cents per week; 25 cen for two weeks, or SO cents per month. Invariably in advance. Sub- ecribers changing their addriss from one Post-office to another should give the last address as well us the new one. HERO HOBSON FREE ————_+——_. He and His Seven Brave Seamen Exchanged, BOTH ARMIES WITN | ESSED IT ich were re-echoed by the crews of a dozen transports lying nearby. Hobson had little to say in regard to his experiences, except that h2 and nis com- panions had been well treated by the Span- jards and that they were all in excellent health. The Place of Exchange. The Spanish authorities consented this morning to exchange Hobson and his men, and a truce was established for that pur- pose. The place selected for the exchange was under a tree between the American and Spanish lines, two-thirds of a mile beyond the entrenchments occupied by Colonel Wood's Rough Riders, near General Wheeler’s headquarters, and on the-center of the American line. The American prisoners left the Reina Mercedes hospital en the outskirts of San- tiago, where they had been confined, at 2:45 ; this afternoon, in charge of Major Irles, a Thrilling Welcome by Soldiers | and Sailors. TAKEN ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP Spanish Lieutenant and Fourteen Men Given for Them. HIS FAMILY NOTIFIED a held at the White zen the President representatives At a conference House today betw and army and na the situation at S cussed. The probable surrender 1s a factor in the problem. Gen. Miles will leave for Santiago tonight. The War Department has received Admiral Cervera’s report to Gen. Bk He says 600 of his men were killed and many wounded. Secretary Long condemns the statements that ill feeling exists be- tween the army and the navy, and asserts that each is realy to co operate with the other at any time. General Shafter reports that Hob- son and his men were received yes- terday in exchange for Spanish offi- cer and men taken by the United States. General Shafter reports as false the reports of massacre of Spanish prisoners by Cubans. Admiral Sampson reports that the Spanish cruiser Reina Mercedes was sunk by fire of American ships Tues- day right, but the evident aim to block the channel failed. 2 Four heavy batteries are to be hurried to Tampa to be forwarded to the army before Santiago. ntiago was dis- 1cO. Copyright, 1888, by the Associated Press.] Off Juragua, July 6, evening, by the As- Sociated Press Dispatch Boat Wanda, to Port Antonio, Jamaica, July 7, 7 a.m, via Kingston, Jamaica, July 7.— Assistant Naval Constructor Richmond P. Hobson of the flagship New York and the seven sea- men who, with him, sailed the collier Mer ximac into the channel of the harbor of Santiago de Cuba on June 30 last and sunk her there, wre surrendered by the Spanish military authorities today in exchange for prisoners captured by the American forces. Hobson and his men were escorted through the American lines by Capt. Chad- Wick of the New York, who was awaiting them. Every step of their journey was marked by the wildest demonstrations on the part cf the American soldiers, who threw aside all semblance of order, seram- bled out of tha entrenchments, knocked ever tent guys and other camp parapher- nalia in their eagerness to see the return- ing heroes, and sent up cheer after chear for the men who had passed safely through the jaws of death to serve their country. Lieut. Hobson. ‘The same scenes of enthusiasm were re- ted upon the arrival of the men at the al station and at our base at Juragua. m, who reached there in advance of ais companions, was taken on board the New York immediately. The flagship’s @ecks were lined with officers and men, and as Hobson clambered up her sides and stepped on board his vessel the harbor rang with the shouts and cheers of his comrades, Spanish staff officer, who speaks English perfectly. The prisoners were conducted to the meeting place on foot, but were not blindfolded, Colonel John Jacob Astor and Lieutenant Miliy, accompanied by Inter- preter Maestro, were in charge of the Spanish prisoners. These consisted of Ame- lio Volez Aurelius, a German, belonging to the 20th Regular Infantry, who were cap- tured at El Caney on Friday last, and Lieutenant Adolfo Aries of the First Pro- visional Regiment of Barcelona, one of the most aristocratic military organizations of the Spanish army, and fourteen non-com- missioned officers end privates. Blindfolded the Spaniards. Lieutenant Arles and a number of the men were wounded in the fight at El Caney. The Spanish prisoners were taken through the American lines mounted and blindfolded. ‘The meeting between Col. Astor and Maj. extremely courteous, but very formal, and no attempt was made by either of them to discuss anything but the matter in hand. M Irles was given his choice of three Spanish lieutenants in exchange for Hob- son, and was also informed that he could Irles was have all of the fourteen men in exchange for the American sailors. The Spanish officers s and the conducted back to Juragua. it was then not later than 4 o'clock, and just as everything was finished and the Maj. Irles turned and said courteously enough, but in lect2>d Lieut. Aries other two nish officers were two parties were separating, Hobson as a Cadet. a tone which indicated considerable defi- ence and gave his hearers the impression that he desired hostilities to be renewed at once: “Our understanding is, gentlemen, that this truce comes to an end at 5 o'clock.” Co}. Astor looked at his watch, bowed to the Spanish officer, without making a reply and then started back slowly to the Ameri- ean lines with Hobson and his companions following. The meetirg of the two parties and the exchange of prisoners had taken place in full view of both the American and Span- ish armies, who were entrenched near the meeting place and the k2enest interest was taken in the episode. HOBSON'S FATHER KNOWS. Returns Warmext Thanks for the As- sociated Press’ Message to Him. CHICAGO, July 7.—The following has been received frora Lieut. Hobsop’s father in answer to a message telling of the hero's safe exchange: #REENSBORO’, Ala., July 7.—To the As- sociated Press: Accept warmest thanks for your kind message. It has lifted from our minds a heavy weight of anxiety. (Signed) JAMES M. HOBSON. GREENSBORO’, Ala., July 7.—It was nearly 10 o'clock this morning when the diminutive lad who carries messages for the telegraph company ran up the walk and into the house of James M. Hobson, bearing an Associated Press telegram. Mr. Hobson threw down his morning pa- per and, opening the envelope, hastily read its contents. His face flushed with pleasure, and he stepped quickly to another part of the house, calling Mrs. Hobson's mame as he went. She soon responded, and in a twinkling the family was in pos- session of the information that their brave son Richmond, who sailed the Merrimac into the harbor of Santiago, had been ex- changed and is now in the hands of his friends. The family were overjoyed, and for a moment tears came to the eyes of the aged mother. Mr. Hobson then inscribed this telegram to the Associated Press: “Accept warmest thanks for your kind message. It has lifted from our minds a heavy weight of anxiety.” The little town was soon informed of the good news, and business was suspended while the tidings were discussed and spec- ulation engaged in as to how soon Greens- boro’ would see the hero of the Merrimac. ¢ ILL FEELING DENIED|C4M4RA TO KEEP GOING) SUNK BY OUR SHELLS Secretary Long Condemns Reports About the United Service. SHAPTER REPORTS HOBSON'S RELEASE Cubans Have Not Killed Spanish Prisoners. IMITATING THE MERRIMAC Secretary Long does not hesitate to con- demn in the most positive manner the statements that have been published to the effect that ill feeling exists between the army and the navy. He said today: “There is not the slightest foundation for the suggestion of anything but the best feeling between the army and the navy. Each rejoices in the splendid hero- ism and success of the other. They are ready to co-operate for the honor of the flag at any time and anywhere. As to the two departments, the War Department is always ready to kelp the Navy Depart- ment if it should reed anything, and the Navy Department has been very glad to aid the War Department by the loan of its best scouting vessels for transports and in every other way.” The War Department this morning re- ceived the followirg from Gen. Shafter announcing the exchange of Lieut. Hob- son and his men: “PLAYA DEL ESTE, July 7. “Secretary of War, Washington: “Fifth Army Corps Headquarters, Cuba, July 6.—Liect. Hobson and all of his men have just been re ved safely in exchange for Spanish officer and prisoners taken by United States. All in good health, ex- cept two seamen, convalescing from remit- tent fever. (Signed) “SHAFTER, “Major General, Commanding.” No Massacre of Spanish, The War Department this morning post- ed the following dispatch from Gen. Shaf- ter, received in response to an inquiry as to the reported killing of Spanish prisoners by Cubans: PLAYA DEL ESTE, July 7. Hon. Secretary of War, Washington: Dispatch as to killing prisoners by Cubans absolutely false. No prisoners have been turned over to them, and they ve shown no disposition to treat badly any Spaniards who have fallen into their hands. SHAFTER, Major General, Commanding. Imitation of Hobson. Admiral Sampson has telegraphed the Navy Department as follows from his flag- ship New York, off Santiago, dated yestgr- da; bout midnight last night the Reina Mercedes was seen by the Massachusetts, which vessel had a searchlight on the channel, coming out of the harbor of San- tiago. The Massachusetts and Texas open- ed fire, and the Spanish vessel was sunk opposite Estrella Cove. I am inclined to think it was the intention to sink her in the channel and thus block the harbor en- trance. If so, this plan was defeated by the fire of the ships, as she lies on the edge of the shore. Spanish Officers Desert. Advices received here this morning from Gen. Shafter announced that a number of high Spanish officers are deserting across the lines at Santiago into the American camp. This act is regarded here as highly significant of an early surrender. More Artillery for Shafter. With a view of giving Gen. Shafter the benefit of more heavy artillery, orders were today issued for the immediate departure of four heavy batteries to Tampa for trans- portation to Santiago at once. These bat- teries are K of the 7th Artillery, at Willet’s Point; D of the 4th Artillery, at Fort Mc- Henry, Md.; and batteries H and K, of the 2d Artillery, at Fort Adams and elsewhere in Rhode Island. Rush orders were given to each of these batteries, and it is ex- pected that they will start for Tampa to- day. . ——_____ THE BOMBARDMENT. Rumor in Madrid That Firing Has Commenced. MADRID, July 7, 10 a.m.—A rumor is current here to the effect that the bom- bargment of Santiago de Cuba has com- menced. The Spanish batteries are said to be replying vigorously. Se ADMIRAL VILLAMIL DEAD. Madrid Government Advised of It and of Capt. Lazaga’s Suicide. MADRID, July 7, 10 a.m.—The govern- ment has received a telegram from Admiral Admiral Villamil. Cervera announcing the death of Admiral Villamil, who was in command of the Span- ish torpedo boat squadron at Santiago de Cuba, and the suicide of Captain Lazaga, the commander of th? Infanta Maria Te- resa, —_._—_ A FINANCIAL PANIC, Chile is Suffering One on Account of Gold Exportations. NEW YORK, July 7.—A dispatch received in this city today from Valparaiso, Chile, via Galveston, Texas, says: “A financial panic has been occasioned here by the withdrawal and exportation of gold, which has caus?d the Chilean govern- ment to officially close all the banks of Chile until the 12th instant. During this suspension the government will consider the advisability of issuing paper money.” Spanish Cabinet Believes He Should Reach the Philippines, Report in London That He Has Been Ordered to Return and Pro- tect Spain’s Coasts, MADRID, July 7, 10 a.m.—The cabinet is of the opinion that -the fleet of Admiral Camara should continue its voyage to the Philippine Islands. LONDON, July 7.—The Gibraitar cor- respondent of the Dally News says: “Admiral Camara has been ordered to re- turn to Spain immediately to protect the ccasts in view of the American threats. The Spanish attempts to place batteries in position to seal the straits of Gibraltar are an illusion, as Ceuta possesses only four modern guns. The British channel squadron is patrolling between Gibraltar and Lisbon.” A dispatch to Lloyds from Faro says that three Spanish torpedo boats entered there about 2 o'clock this afternoon. ee READY FOR BOMBARDMENT. Artillerymen Confident They Can Silence the Spanish Guns. , [Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press.} Headquarters in the Field, Before Santi- ago, Monday, July 4, p.m., via Kingston, Jamaica, Wednesday morning, July 6.—The artillery has remained in position through- out the day on the ridge above El Pozo, two miles east of Santiago, where it was placed yesterday morning with 1 view of taking part in the bombardment of the city. ‘The artillerymen have made preparations to resist a fierce return fire from the Span- ish slege guns, which are mounted on the outskiris of the town, and which have shown they pessess good gunners and ac- curate range finders. Pits have been dug for the men and the horses haye been re- moved to a place of safety, where it is thought the Spanish guns will not be able to reach them. Capt. Capron’s battery was withdrawn from the hill last night and sent behind Gen. Lawler’s position, from which place it will have cross fire with the batteries on El Pozo ridge, and at the same time b2 able to shell the north end of the town. The artillery officers are confident they will be able, when the bombardment begins, to silence the Spanish guns and to reduce the entire position of the enemy, so that the forward rush of our troops will meet with little or nothing b2yond rifle fire, and they are confident the city can be taken as soon as they are permitted ‘to open fire and to take a hand in the battle, The Killing of Ora. The incidents attending th: death of Lieut. Ord, son of the late Gen. B. O. C. Ord, were dramatic. He was an aid on the staff of Gen, Hawkins, and throughout the day of the battle was active and ener- getic in getting the troops up to the line. He was right in the front rank when the 6th, 18th, 24th and 16th regiments made their desperate charge on San Juan hill, and was one of the first officers to reach the summit. x Just as he passed the brow of the hill he saw a Spaniard lying on the ground, and pointing to him he said: ‘Take care of that man.” The Spaniard saw the motion, and evi- dently thinking Lieut. Ord was ordering him killed he raised his rifle and shot the lieutenant dead. The soldiers of the 6th Infantry, as Lieut. Ord was an officer of that regiment and very popular with the men, were wild with rage and Hterally tore the body of the Spaniard to pieces with bullets. Then they kicked it into a trench. ‘The trenches have been deepened and im- proved, masked batteries set and much- needed sand bags taken to the front, The army maintains the same position and for- mation as when the battle ceased. The arrival of Gen, Miles and reinforce- ments is beginning to be looked for anx- jously by officers and men. The losses have been so heavy and the slow advance against odds is so disheartening that all seem willing to settle down to a siege and abandon the attempt to take a fortified city without cavalry or adequate artillery. There is every indication that Gen. Shaf- ter intends to try to foree the enemy to come out and attack. All the preparations during the armistice have been toward strengthening and fortifying the present position of his army. ———— COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY. Gallant Conduct of Corporal Keene and Private Barr. [Copyright, 1808, by the Associated Pross.] Headquarters in the Field, Before San- tiago de Cuba, July 5, by the Associated Press Dispatch Boat Daunticss via Port Antonio and Kingston. — Corporal Keene and Private Barr of Battery A, 2d Light Artillery, have been highly commended for gallant conduct during the terrific fight- ing of Saturday. When the battery trie@ to advance be- yond El Poyo, Privates Helen, Smith and Underwood were blown to pieces by shells and Sergeant Hoivy and Privates Veito and Cornford were badly. hurt -and other men were wounded, including Barr and Keene. One of them was shot three times and another was shot twice, but in spite of their injuries they stuck to the crippled guns until the enemy wes forced to give up the assault. Lawton’s Report on El Caney. {Copyright, 1898, by ‘the Associated Press.] Before Santiago, Tyesday, July 5, via Port Antonio and Kingston, Jamaica.— Gen. Lawton, in his report after the as- sault upon and capture of El Caney by his division durirg the first day's fighting, says: i “It may not be out of place to call at- tention to the peculiar feature of the bat- tle. It was fought against an enemy for- tified and entrenched within a compact town of stone and concrete houses, some with walls several feet thick and port- ed by a number of ‘covered solid stone forts, and the enemy; continued to resist until nearly every man was killed or wounded with a secmingly desperate reso- lution.” Captain Carbaugh, adjutant general, sa; “The action of the; El Caney’ will always tory as an illustrati a. successtnl as- sault upon a fortifi wn by fect so! diers.”" ‘i Fire Devastates 4 ‘Texax Town. DALLAS, Tex., July A fire at Rogers, Bell county, has desirpyed about twenty places of business, partly Insured. J. N. Brookes, merchant and banker, is the heaviest loser. His loss @mounts to $14,000, erjcan troops at ve a place in bis- Ing 2 loss of $40,000,«' Spanish Cruiser Reina Mercedes Wiped Off the Water. LAST OF CERVERA’S {QUADRON Awful Hail of Shot Hammered Down Upon. Her. CUBANS GIVE TROUBLE (Copyright, 1898, by the Associcted Press. Headquarters of General Shafter, July 5, via Kingston, Jamaica, July 6—The de- struction of the Spanish cruiser Reina Mer- cedes last night (Morday) accounts for the last ship of Admiral Cervera’s once splen- did squadron. She lies today in plain view, her bow rest- ing on the base of the beach under El Morro. Part of the hull is above water, and her masts and two stacks are entirely out of water. It is not yet known whether she attempt- ed to escape from the harbor or whether Reina Mercedes. the Spaniards tried to sink her near the hull of the Merrimac, and thus to block the entrance, to prevent the Americans from getting in. Her sinking was most dramatic. Just after midnight she was seen drifting slowly out of the narrow entrance by one of the American scouts. In a moment the fleet was ablaze with signals, and almost in- stantly an awful hail of shells was ham- mering down upon her. Shell Hit the Indiana. It is not known whether she returned the fire, but the shore batteries opened and one six-inch shell fell on the Indiana’s for- ward deck, exploding below. The explosion occurred in the men’s sleeping rooms, but all were at quarters and no one was hurt. No other American ship was hit during the engagement—or incident—which lasted only a few minutes. Admiral Cervera, who was transferred from the Gloucester to the battleship Iowa, is being treated with every consider- ation. In brief interviews today he stated that he was ordered to leave the harbor, but refused to say from whom the orders came. Today’s estimate on the Spanish logs in the naval battle is placed at 1,200 killed and 1,500 captured, against which stands an American loss of one Killed and two wounded. General Young, who hes been yery ill with a fever for the past week, left for Key West on the transport Cherokee today. It is not believed that his illness will result fatally, but his physician said there could be no hope for his recovery if he remained in Cuba. Brigadier General Duffield suc- ceeds him. Dr. Guiteras has a large number of cases in his fever hospital, but there is not the slightest indication of yellow fever, most cases being malaria, typhoid and measles. General Young yesterday refused to issue further rations to the Cubans until advices are received from Washington in answer to his expose of the situation here. The Cubans refuse to assist in the hospital and commissary departments, claiming they are soldiers and not laborers. The same answer was given by them to General Baker when he asked the Cubans to help open the roads for the transportation of supplies to the front. This, together with General Garcia’s not preventing the en- trance of General Pando’s reinforcements into Santiago de Cuba, has caused discon- tent among the officers and troops. General Young has reported the situation to the United States government. In the meanwhile he has placed the Cub separate camp, under police reg and has turned them over to Clara Barton for rations. Hit Forty-Five Times. [Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press.] Guantanamo, July 4, via Port Antonio, Ja- maica, per the Associated Press Dispatch Boat Dandy, July 6, via Kingston, Jamaica, July 6, 7 p.m.—When the Spaneh fleet left Santiago de Cuba it was with the intention to make for Cienfuegos, the nearest port, to secure coal and provisions. All the ships were very short of coal, the Cristobal Colon having only two days’ supply, which she had secured at Santiago. The Spaniards concentrated their fire on the Brooklyn, hoping to disable that vessel, GEN. SHAYTER ON The abeve cut is from a photogrhph President. which they considered the fastest of the American warships, and thus give an op- portunity at least for one or two of the Spanish boats to escape. The Brot hit forty-five times. The Spaniards estimate the forces behind the fortifications of Santiago de Cuba at about eleven thousand, including the four thousand reinforcements brought by Gen, Pando, which are known to be in Santiago. The force, besides Gen. Pando’s regulars and 2,000 volunteers, are not to be depend- ed on. Eleven hundred marines and sailors were withdrawn from the city when the Spanish fleet made its ill-fated sortie. The body of G. H. Ellis, chtef yeoman of the United States cruiser Brooklyn, who was killed in the engagement with the Spanish fleet yesterday, was brought here today by the Brooklyn and was buried at dusk on the side of the hill on which the marines are entrenched, and near where the "bodies of the three marines killed at the battle of Cusco Mountain are lying. Ellis lived at Peoria, Wl. Prisoners of Colon. (Copyright, 1888, by the Associated Press.] Guantanamo, Monday, July 4, 6 p.m., per the Associated Press Dispatch Boat Dandy, via Kingsten, Jamaica, July 8, 6 p.m. (de- layed in transmission.—The steamer Reso- lute arrived here today with 508 prisoners, including eighteen of the officers and crew of the Spanish cruiser Cristobal Colon. The disposition of the prisoners has not yet been decided on. The number of killed and wounded on the Cristobal Colon was very small. Officers of the American vessels which were in pursuit of her say that as it was @ question of only a short time when the Cristobal Colon should be compelled to sur- render or run ashore they ceased firing on her, and only three of her crew were killed {all sailors), and thirteen were wounded. Before running their ship ashore and hoisting the white flag, the Spaniards open- ed the Kingston valves on board the Colon and threw overboard the breech blocks of every gun, including those of thelr Mauser rifles. Ordered From Madrid, The captured Spaniards were remarkably cheerful. The officers say they had poth- ing to eat for twenty-four hours before the destruction of the fleet, and in order to get the men to their posts large amounts of liquor were given out. Many of the cap- tured sailors still showed the effects of drink when put on board the Resolute. ‘The Spanish officers say the order to sail was given by the ministry of marine at Ma- drid, and they decided to make an attempt to escape on Saturday night, but it was postponed until Sunday morning, for the reason that “quarters inspection” would be held at that time, and the Americans would not be at their guns, None of the Spaniards expected to be alive at noon on Sunday, believing the de- struction of the fleet to be certain. Most of their valuables were put on the Cristo- bal Colon, the fastest boat of the Spanish fleet, and everything was done to give her the best opportunity to escape. The Spanish officers profess great -admi- ration for the American ships, especially the Brooklyn, New York and Oregon. The Spanish prisoners say that if the Americans had pressed the land forces much longer the Spaniards would have beea compelled to surrender, as the troops were completely worn out. —_>___. THE SOLDIERS’ CONDITION. Only Two Deaths Among Wounded Men at Siboney. {Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press.] Camp Stboney, Tu2zsday, July 5, per the Associated Press Dispatch Boat Dauntless, via Port Antonio.—The general health of the United States troops is excellent. Not | @ case of yellow fever is reported, despite the fact that Santiago de Cuba is recog- nized as a great fever focus as far as Rio Santos, Of over 1,000 wounded treated in this di- vision hospital only two have died—John Myers, Company C, 6th Infantry, whos: limb was amputated at the thigh, and Pri- vate James E. McCartney of the same com- pany and regiment, who succumbed to a brain operation. Both.were buried this morning after religious service. There have been no cases of blood poison- ing. The behavior of the patients and wound- ed is heroic. There is not a moan or a murmur among the whole 700. Last night many were lying on the hard ground out- side the tents. Surgeons and nurses work- ed uncsasingly for forty-eight hours with- out rest or meals, and there are 200 wound- ed yet to come from the field. The hos- pital corps is shorthanded and doctors from the vessels of the fleet are working day and night. The wounds show that the Spaniards are | not only using explosive bullets, but also brass-covered bullets with the ends filed. The latter mak? most ghastly ounds, as when they strike the brass lining spreads out, tearing the flesh like barbed wire. The Spanish sharpshooters are firing at the Red Cross Society peopl? and at the ambulances. They shot one driver who was returning with wounded. The raging surf makes the shipment of the wounded to the transports and hos- pital ships more difficult, as there is no pizr and the landing facilities are meager. 1,000 HIS MCLE I¥ OCUBA. taken at the front and sent te the fads WAR COURSE Defense of th2 Coasts is the Sole Object Now. PERSISTENT RUMORS ABOUT PEACE The Basis on Which the Spaniards Would Welcome It. THE MILITIA IN MADRID MADRID, July 7, 10 am -A Spanish cabinet minister is quoted in an interview as saying that the present government of Spain will devote itself s¢ to the de- fense of the Sp&nish co: and that if negotiations for peace must be opened they will have to be conducted by another gov- ernment. The ministers on issuing from the coun- cil after midnight were very reserved. They said the gcvernment had no further news from Santiago, but had only received a dispatch frcm General Blanco asking for money, Captain Atnon denied the report that Ad- miral Camara would be ordered to return to Spain, Regarding the statements that General Weyler was org: anti-con- stitutional demonstrations, Captain Aunon said: “If this be true, the captain general of Madria will attend to the matter.” General Linares has resumed command of the army at Sartiago. Duke Almodovar de Rio has received several dispatches of ‘condolence from foreien governments. Prepared for Pence. LONDON, July 7.—The Madrid corre- sponéent of the Daily Mail says “There are persistent rumors here that Duke Almodovar de Rio, foreign minister, and Senor Gamazo, the minister of public instruction ard public works, have received full powers to propcse a suspension of hos- tilities as a preliminary to peace negotia- tions. The ministers neither affirm nor deny the rumor. “Bpain, it is alleged, is prepared for peace on the basis of the independence of United Cuba and the Philippi the States occupying Porto Rico un’ indemnity fs paid. Lieutenant rea, minister of war, says everything de- pends upon the course of events at Santi- ago. The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says: “The royal family have decided to remain here. Marshal Campos has abandoned his Intended holiday at the seaside 2 streets are being occupied by the militia, but no riots have occurred so far. Gen. Weyler was publicly acclaimed yesterday with cries of "The politicians are the nation’s enemies.’ 5 “El Nacional declares that ‘the nation is governed by idiots.’ In the course of an interview a prominent politician has assert- ed that Spain has little to lose now, and the Americans have much to sacrifice. Un- less they purchase the economy involved in peace with suitable co: they will not, he says, obtain it.” The Ministers’ Fear. The Madrid correspondent of the Stand- ard says; “Both government and pe e seem to face the difficulties with calmness, Anx- lety is chiefly felt at the prospect of @ more severe blockade of Cuba and Porto Rico. Fresh attempts will be made to send provisions and war stores by fast steam~- ers.” The Madrid correspondent of the Daily News says: “The ministers fear the effect of the latest digaster upon the garrisons in Ha- vana and San Juan de Porto Rico. The whole story of Admiral Cervera’s squadron from first to last is one of ur iness, in- decision and bungling. Se igasta and Captain Aunon, minister of ne, throw the whole blame upon Adm mejo, former minister of marine. Senor Sagasta gave Bermejo a free hand, and used it to insist on Admiral Cervera leaving the Canari(s, to be wafted by a favorable wind across the Atlantic. “Admiral Cervera went reluctantly and under ; rotest. When Capt. Aunon entered office things had gone too far to be righted. Coal was scant and ammunition just suffi- cient for gun practice, while the gunners were wutrained. Admiral Bermejo sent the Squadron across the Atla eral Blango’s suggestion. Senor Sagasta seems to haye thought from an early date that , Bermejo made a great mistake, and the government got rid of the admiral.” at Ge Fear Charge of Cowardice, MADRID, July 7, 3 p.m.—A minister, after the cabinet meeting today, declared that if Admiral Cervera had succeeded in escaping the Spaniards would have sued for peace. But, he added, in view of the de- @truction of the Spanish fleet, the war must be continued, lest Spain be accused of cowardice or fear. Dispatches received here from official sources at Havana announce that there is an enthusiastic desire there to continue the war. Pa ae ay THE ALPHONSO XII. Madrid Version of the Sinking of the Warship Near Muriel. MADRIR, July 7, 11 am.—The Spanish version of the sinking of the warship Al- phonso XII is that she was chased by three American warships while attempting to en- ter tho port of Mariel, and that her com- mander purposely ran her ashore in order to avoid capture, The official report adds that the Ameri- cans fired six hundred shells at the Alphon- ®o XII, and that the ship is a complete loss. It is further stated that the crew of the cruiser and “part of the cargo” were saved. A dispatch from Santiago de Cuba says 140 of the sallors who belonged to Ad- miral Cervera’s squadron have reached San- tiago de Cuba. ‘The Alphonso XII was an fron gunboat