Evening Star Newspaper, July 21, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. a PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Fennsyivanie Avenue, Cor. 11th St., by The Evening Star Newspa Company 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. ew York Offce, 49 Potter Building ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers In the exty by crated on thete own account, at 10 cents Der week, or #4 cents + month. Copies at the ccunter 2 certs each. ty mail—anywhere in the United States +r Canada— postage prepald—S0 cents per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $2.08. (Entered et the Po (ice at Washington, D. C.. as second-class ma’l matter.) C7 All m: en iptt. must be pafd fn advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicatt or. CUBANS GO IT ALONE Report From Santiago That Our Allies Have Withdrawn. + ALLEGED ANGRY ACT OF GEN. GARCIA Gen. Leonard Wood Succeeds Mc- Kibbin as Military Governor. JEALOUSY MAY ARISE Cable advices state that Gen. Po- lavieja has been summoned to Ma- drid from Barcelona and that it in- dicates a change in the cabinet. A dispatch from Santiago states that Garcia has withdrawn his Cu- bans from co-operatiom with the American forces, but entire credence should not be given it in the absence of prompt official report upon a mat- ter of such vital public and depart- mental interest. Admiral Sampson was early this morning to furnis for n. Miles’ expedition to Porto Rico. If Gen. Miles leaves today he may reach the before the other sections of his expedition. Orders have been issued by the post office extending the operations of the service to Santiago and Porto Rico. A dispatch has been received from Admiral Dewey saying that the sec- ond expedition from San Francisco had arrived. An authoritative statement is made that the Island of Porto Rico will be held by the United States as a per- manent possession. directed h a con- voy rendezvous NEW YORK, July 21.—A Santiago special the Journal, dated July 20, says that Garcia has written a letter to Gen. Shafter declaring that he is disgusted at his treatment at the hands of the Amer- icans, and will therefore withdraw his forces to the hills. to Gen. Among the thirgs of which Gen. Garcia complains is the failure of the commander to offic! American ly notify him of the surrender of the Spanish force under Gen. Toral, and he ts also incensed leged fact that he was not at the al- invited to be present at the ceremony attending the for- ma itulation of Santiago. Another grievance {s the retention of the Spanish civil authorities in the administra- tion of their functions in Santiago. For these reasons, Garcia declares, he will no longer co-operate with the forces under Gen. Shafter’s command, but will act independently, as he did before the American troops landed in Cuba. ce There is considerable confusion concern- ing Garcia in the dispatches from Santiago. A special cable yesterday reported the ru- mor that Garcia had been shot, presuma- bly while attacking Manzanillo. On Tues- day it was stated at Santiago that Gen- eral Shafter had invited Garcia to witness the surrender, but the Cuban angrily re- fused. There is no wi here to straighten the tangl and the course of events and the more reliable later reports must be awaited. WOOD IS MILITARY GOVERNOR. Gen. McKibbin Has Resumed His Com- mand at Santiago. le 1 Special ate (Cop 2 to The Evening Star, right, 1898.) SANTIAGO, July 20.—Gen. Leonard Wood has succeeded Gen. McKibbin as military governor of Santiago. Gen. McKibbin re- sumes his command. Waile Gen. Wood is undoubtedly popular Gen. Leonard Wood. th> change may give rise to some trouble of jealousy h of the men in the camps con- tinues good, and there is an excellent feel- ing between the American and Spanish troops. Business is beginning to boom, and the principal clubs have been opened. LACK OF TRANSPORTS. Shafter’s Amxiety About Ships to Carry Troops From Cuba, SANTIAGO DE CUBA, July 20, via King- . July 21, 10:15 a.m.—Ger ral after has opened a cable office here tnd communication with Washington re- ig the disposition of the 5th Army which consists of those troops which Che £vening Star. No 14,163, WASHINGTON, D. ©, THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS, THE STAR BY MAIL. Persons leaving the city for any ° period 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: 18 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 50 cents per month. Invariably in advance. Sub- ecribers changing their address from one Post-office to another should give the last address as well as the new one. forcements from the four transports which have since been unloaded. Except the 33d and part of the 34th Mich- igan, none of the latter have been in action, but are all camped in the same place, and so far as health considerations go, General MeKibbin seems to have held the opinion that the 5th Corps could join the Porto Rico expedition under General Miles as soon as Santiago should fall. This was the evident Intention when the invasion army left the United States, but the condition of the men now, according to the physicians and commanding officers, is such that the entire corps should return north at once. General Miles has cabled that he does not want and will not need a singie man among them, and he believes that after their hard campaign they should be given a rest of at least two or three weeks. Anxious to Get Away Gen. Shafter’s messages to the same ef- fect have been most urgent, and the doc- tors say the men should be sent into camp in the mountains of North Carolina or western Maine for a month. Washington and will de everything pos- spatches teday say, to army away from here. But there is a lack of transports. In addition to the Perto Rico troops, which will require forty steamers for their conveyance, the authori- tles here are still counting upon having to ccnvoy the 22,000 Spanish prisoners to Ca- diz. The latter want to go as soon as pos- sible, and it appears from here that our government cannot get sufficient vessels, and this fact holds the 5th Corps here, do- ing nothing. The men are anxious to get away. The cavalry division has been sent into the mountains, at its own request, to sce if it cannot get into shape to join Gen. Miles, and if no fever develops the men may go to San Juan de Porto Rico. The 24th Infantry is acting as guards and“as nurses at the hospital at Juragua, and more cf them are needed. The colored troops all likely to remain here to at- tend the sick and hold Santiago. Gen. Shafter has cabled to Washington that it is imperatively necessary that he should have more immunes sent to him quickly, and the probability is that a corps will leave within the next ten days. All our men are now encamped on the fighting line, where they have been for two weeks, except Gen. Wheeler's men, who heave been sent into the hills. Gen. Wheeler is still il, but he resists the pleas of his friends to return to the United States. — WISHING FOR AN END OF WAR. One of Blanco's Officials Says That is What Havana is Doing. Special Cable Dispatch to The Fveping Star. (Copyright, 1898.) JAMAICA, July 21.—Senor Caseras, the privatesecretary of Dr. Congosta of Gov- ernor General Blancos government, assert- ed to your correspondent today that Hava- na is wishing for an end of the war, and that an arrangement of peace is near at hand. He belongs to the conservative party of Blanco’s supporters, who did not expect war, and protests that he always had and can’t get over his liking for the Americans. “If there shall be no further recrimina- tion between my people and yours,” he said, “it will be now easy to bring back those amicable relations which so long de- lighted us, but, if not, Spain undoubtedly wiil continue to fight till some time further on. Senor Caseras is suspected of being here to organize smuggling_expeditions to Cuba, but declares that he comes only to recu- perate. He was with the Spanish troops who frustrated the celebrated Gussie expedition in its attempt to land supplies in Cuba, and Was wounded in the forehead. —_+—. FOUGHT FIFTY-THREE HOURS. A Santiago Fighter's Experiences end Statement About the Cubans, Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio, July 21.— Charles W. Cole, a member of the 16th United States Infantry at Santiago, writes to his relatives here that he was in the Santiago battles and fought steadily for fifty-three hours. He says exhauston of ammunition put the soldiers back several times. He says he had plenty to eat and that the Spaniards are not as bad as re- ported. He says all the Cubans do is to eat off the government. They rob soldiers of blankets and everything left lying around. They carry rifies, but do not fight. He saw Cubans cut heads off Spaniards who were taken prisoners. — SPANISH SHIPS. RECOVERID A Gratifying Report Recelved From Admiral Sampson. Naval officials are very much grat!fied at a report received from Admiral Sampgon this morning indicating that the Sp: cruiser Maria Teresa, which was run ashore by Commodore Schiey’s vessels,can be raised and put in condition for service in the navy. There is also a strong prob- ability that the Spanish cruiser Reina Mer- ceGes, which was sunk in the channel of Santiago harbor while attempting to escape, will also be saved for future ser- vice in the American navy. No definite in- formation has been received concerning the other Spanish warships now lying along the coast near the harbor of San- tlago, but the hope {s expressed that one or more of them may possibly be preserved and added to the American navy. A dispatch on this subject was received from Acting Admiral Sampson this morn- irg, as follows: “U. 8. FLAGSHIP NEW YORK, “Playa del Este, July 20. “Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.: “* * * Progress in wrecking the Maria Teresa very satisfactory. The company thinks the ship will probably be raised by Sunday next. No information regarding the other ships. Board of officers examin- ing the Reina Mercedes today. She will probably also be raised. Lieut. Com. Pilis- bury, commanding the Vesuvius, has been supervising the wrecking of these vessels en the part of the navy. (Signed) “SAMPSON.” —_——_+-e.____ CAPT, CAPRON'’S REMAINS. Neither They Nor Those of Mr. Fish Have Arrived. The remains of Capt. Capron and Ham-- ilton Fish have not yet arrived in this country, as was erroneously stated by the New York Herald last Monday. Through the Herald's incorrect announcement friends from New York city and elsewhere came Mr. Nicholas Fish, who went to Santiago to personally superintend the removal, will in all probability properly inform the re- spective families and the press on his ar- came with him from Tampa and the rein- | rival at an American port. _—_—— GEN. PALMA TALKS|MUST FURNISH A coNvoY| DEWEY MAY ACT NOW| ‘8 "error asec | PORT RICO ISLAND Does Not Believe the Stories of Fric- tion With Cubans. GARCIA WILLING 10 AID AMERICANS His Soldiers Would Not Injure Santiago Inhabitants. —————— NOW IN THE FIELD NUMBER General Palma, president of the Cuban junta, is in the city stopping at the Raleigh. General Palma has just been to Tampa to assist in completing some arrangements for getting government supply steamers off to Cuba. It was necessary to have some Cubans on these steamers in connection with the work of distributing the supplies, and General Palma selected the men to g0 with them. He will leave for New York this afternoon. When seen at noon today he had been in the city but a short time and had had no conference with any high officials of the government here. General Palma does not credit the stories about the reported friction between Cuban soldiers and the Americans. “I think,” he said, ‘all Cubans recognize the nice work of the United States in help- ing the Cubans to attain their independ- ence. When asked if he believed the reports that Cuban soldiers had refused to do work of building roads, digging trenches, ete, he replied promptly: “In the first place I know nothing about that matter, and I do not like to express an opinion about things on which I have no information. But I cannot think any regular soldiers of the Cuban army have refused to do such work. I do not know what some few scattered soldiers may have dene, but it is not reasonable to suppose that any of the regulars under Garcia have declined to perform such service. General Garcia from the beginning said he was ready to do all that was necessary to aid the Ameri s, and his soldiers have for years been doing just such work as you refer to. They have grown accustomed to just such work.” Civil Government in Cuba. When asked If the junta would send any instructions to Gen. Garcia in regard to assisting the American troops he replied: “In Cuba there is a civil government, and it is not our business to send any instruc- tions to Gen. Garcia or Gen. Gomez. Our business is to attend to the foreign rela- tions of the Cubans; to send them assist- ance, ete. “Do you credit the reports that Cuban soldizrs have showed any tendency to in- flict injury on the people of Santiago or upon the property there after the surren- der of the place?’ Gen. Palma was asked. “Not the least,” he replied. ‘In the first place many of the Cuban soldiers with Gar- cia in front of Santiago were natives of that city. Their homes were there and their own people lived there. Cuban sol- diers have always shown a disposition to treat the Spanish soldiers kindly after they have surrendered, and we are all glad to see that th Americans do exactly the same thing. These reports of friction between the Americans and the Cubans and of im- proper acts on the parts of Cubans have not been substantiated. Ther: has been no official report from any sdurce I am aware of that credits such reports. Gen. Shafter, in an official report, denied that Cuban soldiers killed Spanish prisoners Cuban Soldiers Under Arms. “What do you estimat: as the number of Cuban soldiers under arms in Cuba at the present time?” the reporter asked, “I think we have about 55,00) Cuban sol- diers under arms in Cuba now,” said Gen. Palma. here ar2 probably about 4,000 or 5, soldiers with Garcia and the bal- ance of them are scattered all over Cuba. It must be remembered that we have pos- session of a good many towns, and there must be a guard maintained over them by eur Cuban army. All through the prov- inces there are needs for the protection which is afforded by these soldiers. Most of our cavalry is in Porto Principe Gen. Palm1 does not credit the reports regarding the death of Gen. Garcia. He said he had a letter from Gen. Garcia a few days ago and believes he is still alive. tee SAMPSON’S REPORT. ADMIRAL It is Being Brought by the St. Paul, Which Left Tuesday. The anxiously awaited report of Acting Admiral Sampson on the great sea fight with the Ceervera squadron is now on the way here by the cruiser St. Paul, Captain Sigsbee, which left Santiago day before yesterday. The trip up to New York is about three or four days, so that the report is likely to be in the hands of the depart- ment by next Saturday or Sunday. After going over it the officials will make pub.ic liberal extracts giving details of the en- gagement. This and the supplementary re- ports of the fleet officers are awaited with great interest, not only for the light they throw on this memorable fight, but for the technical lessons they will give on explo- sives, projectiles, etc. Thus far not a word has been received by the department to show what kind of projectiles did the most effective work, Captain O'Neil of the ordnance bureau is particularly interested in this branch, for the scfentific deductions which will be af- forded, and he has sent orders for detailed Teports on the effects of all kinds of naval ordnance, including the dynamite projec- tles thrown by the Vesuvius against Mor- ro, The press reports concerning the dyna- mite projectiles indicated that they had done fearful havoc, but the observations since then within the fortifications do not show any very serious damage. The tech- nical reports will disclose just how much effectiveness can be secured from the vari- ous appliances now in use by the navy, some of them being in their experimental stages. Trust May Be Declared Iegal. CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 21.—It is said the fact that the Bessemer pig fron trust has ordered an advance of fifty cents per ton, effective August 1, may be the cause of the disruption of that organization. The members of the trust in this city admit that the combine may be declared, illegal under the recent enactment of the législa- ture. a Till Tapper Fired to Kill. BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 21.—Lewis Allen, aged nineteen years, shot and prob- ably fatally wounded John H. Belscha, a butcher, » today. Belscha discovered robbing his money drawer, pact 4 4 Positive Instructions Sent to Admiral Sampson. Gen. Miles Expected to Leave Cuba Today for Porto Rico With a Battle Ship and Cruiser, President McKinley is thoroughly aroused over the delay which has occurred in the starting of General Miles and the expedi- tion under his command for Porto Rico. For several days General Miles and his troops have been aboard their transports at Playa del Este awaiting the naval convoy which is to be furnisned by Admiral Sainp- son. ‘The troops nave been sweltering in the crowded ships under the broiling heat of a tropical sun, while General Miles has been chating under what he believes to be inexcusable delay and is bombarding the War Department with dispatches, urging in the strongest terms that the navy be hurried in its preparations for the expedi- tion. Instructions of the most positive na- ture have been cabled to Admiral Sampson to supply the necessary convoys for Gen- eral Miles’ transports, but notwithstanding these instructions Admiral Sampson has proceeded with his preparations for the ex- pedition with a deliberation that is exas- perating the officials bere, The President, who has been giving the Porto Rican expedition his personal atten- tion—as he has given, indeed, all phases of the war—finally became concerned lest the part of the Porto Rican expedition that has already sailed from this country should arrive at the point of rendezvous in ad- vance of General Miles and the navy. It is feared that if General Wilson’s com- mand, which sailed yesterday from Charleston, should arrive in advance of General Miles and the naval convoys seri- ous danger and possibly disaster might re- sult, as General Wilson's ships are abso- lutely without protection. The distance from Charleston to Porto Rico is a trifle over 1,300 miles, while from Playa del Este to Porto Rico it is about 700 miles. The comparative distances whieh General Wil- son and General Miles have to travel to reach the point of rendezvous are rendered the more nearly equal, however, by reason of the fact that the former has more than a full day's start. Fully appreciating these facts and real- izing the necessity for prompt action in getting Gen. Miles and his Cuban expedi- tion started, President McKinley this morning issued personal orders through the Secretary of the Navy to Admiral Sampson that he should proceed immedi- ately to Porto Rico with Gen. Miles. The President's orders are susceptible of no misconstruction. They are imperative to a degree seldom employed except in cases of extreme emergeney. They are of the sort that will brook no delay in their ex- ecution. Admiral Sampson must start at once or the President himself will know the reason why. No exeuses of an ordi- nary nature will be accepted by the Presi- dent for further delay. The Gonvoy. Admiral Sampson having been instructed at a very early hour this morning to fur- nish a convoy for Gen. Miles’ expedition to Porto Rico, it is again assumed by the War Department officials that a start will be made from Cuba some time today. Sampson was told to send a battle ship and a cruiser as a convoy, but it was left to him to select these from among the vessels of his fleet. The navy was dispos- ed to regard it as unnecessary to send a special convoy, on the ground that the Columbia and the Yale were both armed sufliciently to serve as protection for the fleet of transports, while, according to the information in possession of the Navy De- partment, there are no Spanish warships anywhere in the neighborhood of the W Indies that might be expected to molest the expedition. However, acting on the Pr termination to run no unneci disaster to the expedition, the decision reached last night to send the convoy re- quested by the War Department. It id at the War Department that some of the pidiers, including Garretson’s brigade, been elghteen days aboard ship since they embarked at Newport News, most of the time lying off Santiago in sight of shore, but unable to land. They arrived just before the surrender of Santiago, and, it having been decided to use them in the Porto Rican expedition, the troops were kept aboard ship-to prevent exposure to yellow fever. If General Miles gets away today he may still reach the base selected for operations in Porto Rico before the other sections of his expedition. News came to the depart- ment @®is morning from Charleston that General Wilson's brigade was successfully embarked there yesterday and sailed last evening. That 1s, all but one of the trans- ports, and as told in the official report this was detained over night and until the next high tide owing to the obstinacy of the army mules necessary to be embarked on her. This was transport No. 21. Unless other unforeseen obstacles occur it is, therefore, regarded by the War Depart- ment officials as probable that by the early part of next week a landing will have been made on Porto Rican soil and the invasion of that island begun. It is not contemplat- ed that the navy shall initiate the attack on the island further than may be neces- sary to protect the landing of the’ United States troops, but its part will begin when the American forces draw near the town of San Juan from the rear, | ——— 2 THE MAYFLOWER'S ERIZE. Captured a Supply Steamer Heading Into Cientuegog Hagbor. KEY WEST, July 21, 9:60 o.m.—The Brit- igh steamer Newfoundland, loaded with food supplies, was captured by the May- flower on Tuesday off Cienfuegos, into which harbor she was heading, Two blank shots across her bows brought her to and the Mayflower put a prize crew. on board of her and sent her into Charleston, 8. C. The Newfoundland left Halifax, N. S., on July 9% The Mayflower has on board five Cubans, who were picked up at various times by the ships of the blockading fleet. They had fig& from Havana and other Cuban ports to escape starvation, as the condition of affairs ashore in Cuba graws worse daily. Sees Conscience Fund Subscription, A well-known St. Louis law firm has sent to the conscience fund‘ of the treasury a contribution of $200, The firm says that the money is from a ie priest who was asked by a member of his flock to send it to Washington. No explanation was given in the letter, Possibility That He May Not Wait for General Merritt. INSURGENTS CONTINUE THEIR ATTACKS Spaniards Want to Surrender, but Fear Madrid Censure. ARRIVAL OF TRANSPORTS —————— MANILA, Philippine Islands, duly 17, via Hong Kong, July 21.—Rear Admiral Dewey may decide to capture Manila before Gen- eral Merritt arrives here. In view of the possibility ef an early peace and the news from Cuba, the insur- gents are renewing their activity. There have been vigorous attacks and a slight bombardment on the outskirts of the city, to which the Spaniards replied with an ex- travagant shooting. The Spaniards now say they do not be- lieve the reinforcements promised them will ever reach here, and they despair of suc- cess. But they condemn the proposal to retire to the citadel, which is utterly de- fenseless, as such a step will merely invite slaughter. Therefore, they believe it would be better to surrender, though fearing public cen- sure. However, they will probably be com- peiled to surrender soon, as food is dan- gerously scarce. They may pretend to fight the Americans for the sake of appearances, but the result will not be long in doubt if Admiral Dewey resolves to capture Manila with the forces he has at his disposal. The Transports Arrive. HONG KONG, July 21.—-The German steamer Wuetan, at this port from Cavite, reports that the United States transport China, with American reinforcements for Admiral Dewey, arrived at Cavite on Sat- urday last, and that the other transports arrived on Sunday. The Wuetan also brought the news that no advance had been made by the Ameri- can forces. They ting the com- ing of General . who was expected to reach the place within ten days. The insurgents still invested the town. The news of the destruction of Admiral Cervera’s fleet at Santiago de Cuba was received at Manila on July 17, and created consternation among the Spaniards. Four Deaths Occurred. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., July 21.—A cable special to the Examiner dated Hong Kong, July 20, says that the second fleet of trans- ports from the United States has reached Manila. The China arrived on the after- neen of July 16 and the Zealandia, Colon and Senator on the morning of the 17th. Four deaths occurred during the voyage, Lieutenant Lazalle and Private Maddox of the 18th Infantry, Sergeant Geddes of the Ist Nebraska and Private Wiseband of the Ast Colorado. Otherwise all are very well. The Longest Tow on Record. SAN FRANCISCO, July 21.—The gunboat Iroquois, formerly the tug Fearless, about to make the longest tow ever under- taken. She is to haul the ship Tacoma from San Francisco to Mantla by the way of Honolulu, a distance of 6,40 miles. The Tacoma 1s to carry 120 mules and a coal supply. The Iroquois will steam to Honolulu, a distance of 2,100 miles, on her own coal. At Honolulu she will recoal and then pro- ceed to the Ladrones and there getting into smeoth waters, will take on sufficient coal from the Tacoma to carry her through to Manila. At Camp Merritt. SAN FRANCISCO, July 21.—After the troops going to Manila on the Rio de Janie- ro embark on that vessel on Friday there will remain at Camp Merritt 225 officers and #18 enlisted men, as follow: First Brigade—id Battalion of Engi- neers, 10 officers and 347 men; detachment of field hospital, one officer and 191 men; Ist Battalion of California Heavy Artillery, 18 officers and 452 men; battalion of the 18th Infantry, six officers and 460 men; battalion of the 23d Infantry, two officer and 397 men; total, 82 officers and 1,848 inen. Second Brigade—20th Kansas, 46 officers and 1, men; volunteer recruits, six offi- cers and 621 men; Ist Tennessee, 46 offi- cers and 1,257 men; 10th Pennsy}vania re- cruits, three officers and 351 men; total, 101 officers and 4,525 men. Third Brigade—7th California, 40 officers and 1,232 men; 5Sist Iowa, 5v officers and 1,336 men; total, 90 officers and 2,568 men. Piping the Water. With the exception of the troops to sail on the St. Paul and Scandia within a week also, all of these men will be transferrec to the new camping grounds at the Presi- dio, where a supply of water is now being piped. The division of the fleld hospital will at once be removed to the government reservation. The steamer Centennial has been inspect- ed for the third time and may yet be en- gaged as a transport. The Lakme and Al- liance will probably be employed to carry the New York regiment to Honolulu. Brigadier General Miller has ordered a medical board convened to examine into the physical condition of Lieutenant Col- onel E. C. Little, once acting commander of the 20th Kansas Volunteers, to discover if he is not physically disqualified for the duties of his post. Rifles have been issued to the recruits from Pennsylvania and their equipment is now practically complete. The 3d Battalion of the Tennessee regi- ment has been presented with a splendid silk flag by the women of McMinnville, Tenn. It is reported that Senator Perkins has received a telegram from Secretary of War Alger, stating that the 7th Regiment of California Volunteers will sail for Manila next week on the transport Scandia. —— Captain's Commission for Sousa, John Philip Sousa has been tendered a captain’s commission on the staff of Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, commanding the 6th Army Corps, forming part of the Porto Rico expedition. The understanding is that Mr. Sousa is to instruct all the bands im the corps, his military training as leader of the United States Marine Band amply fitting him for the work. Mr. Sousa has expressed his willingness to accept the commission provided his term of service Be Tigao ae at an end ee fall, when he must the commission will be forthcoming in a very few days. iminution of Optimistic sions Among Officials. Without any very tangible reason there has been a notable diminution of the opti- mistic expressions among officials to the effect that an early peace might be looked for. Possibly this temporary change of view is explainable by the fact that pri- vate advices, entirely unofficial in charac- ter, from sources of information in Europe indicate that the situation in Spain is such that there is no present hope of overtures from that quarter. The government of Spain is apparently in the most exasper- ating ignorance of the conditions in Amer- ica. It 1s apparent to the officials here that the peace party in Spain still feels itself too weak to insist upon demanding peace. It is probably working in a quiet way to educate the Spanish people up to the point where they can contemplate with resignation the acceptance of the mini- mum peace conditions that might be ex- pected to form the basis of the United States’ demands. If the dominant party in Spain is under the impression, ag it may be, that the United States proposes to de- prive Spain of all or nearly all of her colonial possessions, it might easily be con- Jectured that it would favor a protracted resistance, being convinced that it had lit- tle more at stake and relying upon the European powers to protect the peninsula itself. The warning notes frcm Europe conveyed through reputable newspapers that the United States is not to be left free to con- duct a campaign in Europe are interpreted 1a some quariers as really the only hopeful signs visible looking toward the beginning of peace negotiations. With the well-recog- nized reluctance of the European: nations to allow any intereference with the bal- ance of power in Europe kept in mind, it is assumed that the neutral nations may now be spurred on by knowledge of the approach of Watson's eastern squadron to make the strongest representations to Spain in the direction of pez But, re- gardless of the success of the venture from this point of view, it is still the steadfast purpose of the acministration to send this squadron to European waters. It feels jus- tified in undertaking this, because the no- tion still prevails that the war can be ter- minated only by striking a blow at Spain direct rather than at her colonies. The United States is not disposed to recognize the right of any country or combination of countries to prevent it from seeking the enemy where it is to be found—in this case in Spain itself. ————+ oe ___ TROUBLE WITH THE CUBANS. Expres- Senator Foraker Inclined to Dis- credit the Stories Published. Senator Foraker, speaking today of the alleged trouble with the Cubans at San- tiago, said that he had no means of know- ing what truth there was in the reports, but that there seemed to him to be very good reason to doubt their entire accuracy. “I do not suppose,” he said, “that any one expected the Cubans to be as good soldiers as our own men are. That is not a thing to be expected. Up to the time when it was satd that Gen. Shafter had telegraphed the department that Gen. Gar- cla had refused to cut off the advance of Pando and that the latter had entered Santiago with his army, it was under- stood that the Cubans were doing all that Was expected of them and were giving good service. The alleged statement of Gen. Shafter made a bad impression and was the beginning of the criticism of the Cu- bans. We know now that this statement Was not true; what ‘was discovered on the surrender proved its falsity. Other state- ments derogatory to the Cubans may be equally untrue. For instance, it is said that they are mad because they were not per- mitted to loot Santiago after the surren- der. This can hardly be credited, when we remember that Santiago is the home of many of them and of their friends. Only about 2,000 of the 50,000 people of Santi- ago are Spanish, and 1,400 of these were in the Spanish army. There is probably not a Cuban family in Santiago which has not some relative with Garcia. It does not seem probable that Garcia and his men are eager to pillage their own families. Of course, I do not know what relations exist between our troops and the Cubans, but it occurs to me that the attitude of the Cubans cannot be as represented.” en BUFFALO SAILS FOR NEW YORK. The Vessel to Be Tarned Into an Eflictent Cruiser. The Buffalo, late the Nictheroy, purchas- ed from the Brazilian government, sailed this morning from Newport News in com- pany with the Rainbow for New York. There the Buffalo is to be turned Into an efficient cruiser, while the Rainbow will be made a refrigerating ship. The two vessels are making the journey in charge of the New York naval militia. A few days ago, When it was finally determined to make the repairs to the Buffalo and to send her to New York, the Secretary of the Navy, being short,of regular seamen, ap- pealed to Captain Bartlett, commanding the auxiliary fleet, to take the two ships to New York. Captain Bartlett called upon the New York naval reserves, and Captain Stayton responded with the great- est promptness with a detail of men un- der his own command. These were sent by rail immediately to Newport News, where they had been waiting since Sunday even- ing, ready to undertake the voyage, which began this morning. The authorities have been somewhat per- plexed by an incident connected with the purchase of the Nictheroy. A communica- tion was recently received by the State Department from the Brazilian authorities saying that prompt payment for the cruiser was expected. This was turned over to the Navy Department, which now has respond- ed that payment has already been made through the parties from whom the pur- chase was negotiated. ———-o—______ TO SAIL ON THE MARIPOSA. American Members of the Hawaiian Commission. ‘The members of the Hawaiian commis- sicn, Senators Cullom and Morgan and Representative Hitt, will sail from San Francisco for Honolulu on the steamer Mariposa August 10. The commissioners will meet in Chicago August 4 and pro- ceed together, joining the Hawatian mem- bers of the commission at Honolulu. The duties of the commissioners will be to conduct a thorough examination of the jucicial and executive system of Hawail and -recommend to Congress what modi- fications of law are necessary for Con- gress to make. s The commissioners expect to devote the fall months to the task, so as to be ready to report to Congress when it reassem- bles next December. —__-+—_— | It Will Be Held as a Permanent Pos session. AN AUTHORITATIVE SECLARATION | 3 | Dewey Telegraphs the Arrival of! the Second Expedition. HOUSE MATTERS! WHITE ‘The authoritative declaration was rongeee | today that the Island of Porto Rico is to be held as a permanent possession of this country as the price of the war. The sub- joined practically official statement was| made today. “Porto Rico will be kept by the United States. That is settled and bas been th plan from the first. Once taken it will ney! er be released. It will pass forever into the hands of the United States, and there never has been any other thought. Its possession will go toward making up the heavy expense of the war to the United States. Our flag once run up there will] float over the island permanently.’ j The same authority says the future of the Philippines is a matter of development, and that so far there fs no certain policy! finally adopted regarding these islandg, | They are subject to developments in the war situation in the Pacific. [t was intl mated, however, though not definite sected, that the Ladrone Islands might fol-j low the fate of Porto Rico and become our! permanent possession, being valuable as @ coaling station and supply station for oup! ships when en route to eastern Asia. A Dispatch From Dewey. Secretary Long wa: with President Moe Kinley for -n hour this afternoon, talking over the naval situation in all directions. retary Long announced that u dis- Patch was recelved tcday from Admiral Dewey telling of the safe arrival of the second expedition of American troops. This was the largest of all the expeditions which sailed from San Francisco, and will erable the American commander to have s own way at Manila. It is said, how- ever, that Manila will not be attacked until Gen, Merritt arrives. This will probably be & week or more. By that time the Mon- terey will arrive, and will take part in the bombardment of the city, Commodore Watson's Fleet. Secretary Long was asked about the sail- ing of Commodore Watson's squadron. He said that the time for sailing would depend somewhat on the Porto Rican expedition. The Secretary also stated that there was no hurry about getting the squadron away, The Secretary deried that there is any friction between the War and Navy De- partments over the starting of the expedi- tion to Porto Rico. He ridiculed such a suggestion. Secretary Long does not believe that Europe will interfere in any form againat the operations of our squadron in Spanish or European waters. He has received nothing, direct or indirect, going to show eny trouble with Europe over the sailing of the squadron. At any rate the squadron will go and will fight wherever the enemy $s found. A story was afloat during the day that the sending of the squadron to Spain would be abandoned. Secretary Long’s statement to a representative of The Star did not in- dicate that there was truth In this story, but indirectly the impression was given that the sending of the squadron might be longer off than supposed. The Secretary, al stated, remarked that “there is no hurry,” and sald that the squadron's going “would depend on the Porto Rican expedition.” Hp next explained that this did not mean until the completion of the program in Porto Rico. Senator Money's Congratulatio: Senator Money of Mississippi was one of the President's callers today. The senator wll sail for Europe next Wednesday. He goes to secure expert treatment for hip 30s, which have been giving him trouble for some time. The senator congratulated the President on his successful manage- ment of the war to this time and hoped that all future operations would be equally as successful. retary John W. Foster was with : President a short while, talking over the coming session of the Canadian com- mission. stmaster Gener: Gage saw and talked with the Pr. about affairs in their respective de ments Mr. Smith said that the postal reg- ulations of the United States would be ex- terded to Hawaii so soon as announcement. is made that the islands have been for- mally annexed. Maj. Gen. Butler's Command. Major General Butler called to see the President today. He is anxious to get to the front, but it is probable that he and his troops will not be actively engaged until the seige of Havana. Gen. Butler comes Smith and Secretary into the city frequently from Camp Alger to consult with the President and Secretary of War. Louixianians Call. A large delegation of prominent Louisiana republicans, white and colored, were at the White House today to express their satia- faction with the appointment of Mr. Wim- berly as collector of customs at New Or- leans. Included in the delegation were a number of men who have heretofore op- pored the appointment. Senator Penrose and Representative New- lands were callers, seeing the President abcut minor appointments they have been ure'ng. Adjutant General Corbin was the only War Department official to visit the White Heuse up to 1 o’clock today. When ask about the departure of Gen. Miles for Porto Rico he said he thought the American com- mander was “about getting away ——_____-e. YELLOW FEVER IN THE ARMY, Assurances Received That the Cases Are of a Mild Type. No official reports were obtainable this morning at the War Department as to the yellow fever conditions among the troops at Santiago. The officials are resting easy, however, under the assurances conveyed by Surgeon Greenleaf that the disease is very mild in type. An instruction has been sent to General Shafter to have Brigadier Gen- eral Duffield sent north to the United States, the medical reports indicating that his convalescence will be much hastened by a cooler temperature. A private dispatch received here from the headquarters of General Shafter’s army says there are no cases of yellow fever in the 8th Ohio Regiment._