Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, June 4, 1898, Page 2

The Hevald--Review. By E. Kiley. MINNESOTA. GRAND RAPIDS - “Where the vanguard rests today, The rear shall rest tomorrow.’ They made fun of Senator Mason, but we are all Senator Masons now. The Cuban blockade is not nearly so pacific as it was a week or two ago. Uneasy rests the head that wears a crown when Chicago’s wheat king gets down to business, Those who say war retards business will kindly note the boom in the Span- ish cabinet making trade. The man who can acknowledge a mistake without blaming it on some one else has true moral courage. There is one place no American will object to have the scorcher scorch to his heart’s content this summer—down in Cuba. If Admiral Sampson will leave the cables alone and cut the ink ribbon on Gen. Blanco’s typewriter Spain's last hope will be gone. Uncertainty hurts business. A short and the freedom of Cuba will settle things so that capital will know how to provide work and go to work itself. Speaker Reed declares the unwisest discourse made in Washington, even when congress was in session, was made by a really great scientist. There is another evidence of the powerful in- fluence of environment. Premier Meline in an interview gives it as his own personal judgment hat the sympathies of his country- ment “cannot be opposed to a nation which sends her army and navy to con- vert an oppressed land into an inde- pendent republic.” This is the attitude that might reasonably be expected of France and probably is the true one, outside of investors in Spanish bonds and the venal part of the Parisian press. Spain does not fight to win. Her statesmen are not fools, whatever may be said of her ordinary citizens. She fights to prevent revolution and save the government at Madrid. Without a fight the government would be kncck- ed higher than a kite. When she is whipped in Cuba there will be peace in Spain. When the people of Spain get some knowledge of the power and resources of the United States they will shout for peace as ardently as they now shout for war. The government of Nicaragua has granted a concession to Herbert Em- ery of Boston, giving him a monopoly for fifteen years, dating from Jan. 1, 1900, of exporting mahogany, cedar and other valuable timber from that coun- try. Other people may cut timber, but no one else can export, and therefore it is a valuable concession. The tim- ber is abundant, particularly on the Atlantic coast, and Mr. Emery has the right to cut as much as he pleases on public lands. He pays the government $20,000 gold as a bonus and agrees to pay $10,000 annually during thé term of his contract. At the expiration of the contract he is required to surren- der to the government his sawmills, fifty miles of railroad which he has constructed from steamship navigation on the Rio Grande de Metagalpa into the forests and other parts of his plant. The government of Nicaragua needs money so badly that it grants conces- sions right and left for any purpose to anybody who will pay cash. g misunderstanding has arisen regarding the exact titles and positions of the officers now holding high rank in the American navy. Loosely sp2ak- ing, Dewey and Sampson are “admir- als,” and they have a right to that ti- tle, as every navy officer in charge of a squadron is “admiral cf the fleet,” but the rank of admiral in the United States navy is at the present moment obsolete, as is that of. vice admiral. ‘The last admiral was the late David ‘Porter, and the last. vice admiral was S. C. Rowan, who retired in 1889. Sine? that time the highest of naval ranks has been that of rear admiral. Until! Dewey received his commission by a special act of congress there were on- ly six officers of this grade. The szv- en rear admirals rank by seniority of jservice—in the etiquette of the navy ‘if not in the opinion of their count men. There is one other “flag ran that of the commodore—and an officer holding this distinction may be in command cf a fleet. Below him stand the “command ranks,” the captain leading and the commander and the ‘lieutenant commander coming next. The lieutenant stands next, with the ensign just below, and the naval cadet, who is generally a healthy and manly bey just out of Annapolis, is at the bot- tom of the ladder. Ss The alacrity with which Wocdford was Handed his passports and the-in-|. sults offered General Lee when he left Havana show a state of hysterics on the part of our friends the enemy which badly damages their courtesy and ordinary politeness—or rather it would if they happened to have any. ‘They might have done worse, however it would have been quite easy to as- sassinate the gentlemen, and they kindly refrained. They might say, after the manner of one of Gilber?’s characters, “We are not boors, but we feel uneasy.” MAKE SURE —- OF CERVERA THEN AN AGGRESSIVE FORWARD MOVEMENT WILL BEGIN. The Gover: ment Determined Not to Hurry Forward the Invasion of Cuba Until Absolutely Certain of the Location of the Spanish Squedron—Official Circles Share the Public Belief That Cervera Is Trapped in Santiago, but the Absence of Cfficinl Confirmation From the Fleets Causes Impa- tience—Dispatch Boats Will Be Sent in Quest of Information. hington, May 29. — The military situation as at present determined upon by those in authority is to make no forward movement of troops either upon Puerto Rico or Cuba until full and definite information is received as to the location of the Spanish squad- ron and its possibilities as a factor in the aggressive movements of Spain. That being the positive determination no present purpose to hurry rd the troops now at the several of concentration, but the inter- yal prior to an aggressive forward movement will be employed in season- ing the men. Steps have been taken to secure early information as to whether Admiral Cervera’s squadron ‘an squadron has such ad- of position outside the harbor a e the escape of the Spaniards practically impossible. For the last few days army circles have shared public belief that the Spanish ships were ed in Santiago harbor, and that has given impetus to arrange- ments by which large bodies of troops at Chickamauga and elsewhere might be Moved Ferward Rapidly to Tampa for embarkation. The pres- ence of thirty or more transports in Florida waters added to the conviction that a movement on a large scale was about to occur. All this has been go- ing on with the understanding that Admiral Cervera’s career as a possi- ble menace in the rear of our troops had been cut off by his being secure within Santiago harbor, but in the ab- sence of positive information on this point, together with the certainty -that he can be held inside the harbor, there is no purpose whatever on the part of the v department to make an ag- gressive forward movement on Cuba or Puerto Rie This was stated in the most positive manner and from an authoritative source. Unless the navy department succeeds in securing some direct and official information respect- ing the Spanish and American fleets within the next twenty-four hours igh the aid of the West Indian ca- s it will resort to the use of dis- patch boats. It can be again affirmed ighest authority, and notwith- g all rumors to the contrary, t at the close of the day the de- nent had nothing more than a be- lief, founded on unofficial advices, that 1 squadron Was Lying in Santiazo and no news as to Commodore whereabouts, However, the great majority of the officials of the y department entertain no doubt that Cervera is within Santiago har- bor and they have succeeded in im- pressing this belief, upon the president and the members of, the cabinet. The reports from the newspaper dispatch boats as to the movements of Samp- son's and Schley’s squadron's during the past week are very mystifying to the naval officers here, and one of them called attention to a statement coming from the West Indies to the effect that twelve warships were seen a short way off from Cienfuegos on ay. This he thought was squadron, and in that case he could scarcely have covered the dis- tance between Cienfuegos and Santia- go with a slow moving fleet of iron- clads in less than two days, in which Schley would not be due off San- iago until vesterday. Of course all this is speculative, but it shows that there il an element of doubt in the department's calculations as to the, whereabouts of the fleets. VIGILANT SAMPSON. Cuarding Against the Possibility of the Spanish Ficet Getting Into Ha- vana, Key West, Fla., May 29.—The great- est vigilance is being exercised to rd aganist the possibility of the ish fleet getting into Havana. It t he remembered that our ships ing in waters far apart have lit- chance of communicating, and Ad- miral Sampson is operating just as though ‘there was no likelihood of the Spanish fleet being bottled up at San- tiago de Cuba. It is necessary that he should do that until he knows to a cer- tainty that the Spanish fleet is there— nay, until he knows it is there and can- not get out. He is bound to proceed on the assumption that it is free on the sca. He can take no chances. The stake is too great. On that may de- pend the continuance of the blockading in Havana. It is believed that the principal mis- sion of the Spanish fleet was to get theough our blockade and gain Havana barber. The first effect of this would be to raise the blockade. We would have to abandon it. A blockade to be effective must be binding. Fell Between Cars. Appleton, Minn., May 29. — William Peterson, a laborer, while attempting to board the east-bound passenger train on his way to Bird Island, fell between the cars, which ran over him, severing his right arm and right leg. He died in a few hours. Lightning Strikes Him Dead. Fairfield, Minn., May 29. — Henry Evenson, residing three miles south, was struck by lightning and killed. He was standing in the barn door when struck. TAKES COAL AT CIENFUEGOS. Commodore Schicy Fills the Bunk- ers of His Warships, Key West, May 28. — Five ships of Commodore Schley’s squadron entered the harbor of Cienfuegos on Tuesday and steamed all around it without drawing the fire of the Spanish bat- tery. Then the warships filled their bunkers with coal. This news was brought here by a torpedo boat which came to Key West from Cienfuegos at full speed, bring- ing dispatches from the commodore. It was understood when the torpedo boat left that Commodore Schley would start for Santiago de Cuba on Wednesday night. On the day before entering Cienfue- gos harbor the fleet established com- munication with the insurgents, for whose use 30,000 rounds of ammuni- tion were landed. The insurgents were found in need of shoes, and thir- ty pairs were contributed to them by the American sailors. MASTERS OF HAVANA. Americans Will Be in That Position in a Week, Says a Prominent Cu- ban. London, May 28. — The Paris corre- spondent of the Daily Telegraph re- ports an interview he has had with Dr. Betances, representative of the Cuban republican government in Paris. Dr. Betnees expresses the firm convic- tion that the war will be over sooner than is thought in Europe. “The Americans,” he says, “will experience no difficulty in landing troops who will at once be joined by insurgents, who are much stronger than is generally supposed. Nor is there any doubt that Rear Admiral Sampson will strike a heavy blow shortly. The insurgents would rather accept annexation by the United States than the autonomy which Spain would grant. Before an- other weck the Americans will be masters of Havana and be firmly es- tablished in Cuba.” SWAP THEM FOR MEN. Details for the Exchange of Prison- ers Have Keen Arranged. Key West, May 28. — Col. Vinciente de Cortijo, former commander at Ca- bannas fortress, and understood to be a brother-in-law of Gen. Weyler, Maj. Sincon Garcia Julian and two private soldiers who were captured on the Spanish steamer Argonauta, and who have been confined at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, arrived here on the steamer City of Key West. They were immedi- atly taken in a small boat to the Unit- ed States ‘revenue cutter Hamilton, where they will remain until ex- changed for Hayden Jones and Chas. Thrall, American newspaper corre- spondents, who landed in Cuba recent- ly and were captured. The details of the transfer have already been ar- ranged. An American vessel will con- vey the Spaniards to Havana harbor and the exchange will be effected by boats carrying flags of truce. EAGER FOR ACTION. The Oregon, Officers ond Crew Are in Excellent Condition. Key West, May 28. — The Oregon’s twenty-five officers and her crew of 425 seamen were well and happy when the battleship cast anchor of Sank key lighthouse at 6:30 yesterday morning. The Oregon is in first-class shape and ready for another cruise as long as the one just ended. The excellent condi- tion of the men after their sixty-six day’s voyage “s perhaps even more re- markable. Throughout the entire trip there were no cases of serious ill ness on board, and the men are as eager for immediate activity as if they had just come from a vacation in the mountains. CHASED BY SPANIARDS. British Stetmer Loaded With Con- traband Has a Lively Experience Portland, Me., May 28.—Capt. Mar- tyn, of the British steamer Europia, who has just arrived here from Licata, Sicily, reports that as he was leaving the Mediterranean he was chased by a Spanish torpedo boat, but as there was heavy sea on, in which the Spaniard labored hard, the Europa es- caped. She brought 2,500 tons of sul- BUY which is contraband. On the day after she eluded the first vessel she was chased again by another Span- ish torpedo boat, with the same result. No shots were fired during either chase. WILD SPANISH TALE. Naval Battle Anrcunced in Which the Spaniards Wiped Sampson Out. City of Mexico, May 28.—Telegrams have been received here by Spaniards announcing a naval battle in which the Spanish fleet won and the Americans lost every ship and Admiral Sampson was killed. Theft Is the Accusation. Rush City. Minn., May 28. — James Campbell, formerly of Wold Creek, Ww was brought here from New Du- luth to answer to a charge of stealing a watch chain and clothing from C. Dickenson of Sunrise. The case was adjourned until June 2 owing to wit- nesses not appearing. Larger Representation. Yokohama, May 28. — Marauis Ito, the premier, has introduced in the im- perial diet a bill lowering the standard of franchise and increasing the vum- ber of voters five-fold. The effect of the measure would be to increase the members of the house from 300 to 572. Bought by Spain. London, May 28.—A dispatch to the Daily Telegraph from Hamburg says: The North German Lloyd steamer Havel has been sold to the Spanish trans-Atlantic company and has goue to Barcelona. Hurry Them Up. San Francisco, May 28.—Orders have been received to place the Yorktown and Philadelphia in commission as soon as possible, also to transfer the boys from the training ship Mohican and to fill up that vessel with seamen and ordinary seamen. Attempted Suicide. West Superior, Wis., May 28.—John Anderson, in the city lock-up on a charge of drunkenness, attempted sui- cide by hanging, using his suspenders as a rope. WARM WELCOME AT HONOLULU OUR TROOPS WILL BE ENTHUSI- ASTICALLY RECEIVED. Committee of One Hundred Promi- net Men Has Been Appointed to Make Arrangements for the En- tertainment of Uncle Sam’s Brave Soldier Boys —A Sumptuous Spread Will Be Provided for the Guests—Everything Will Be Done to Make Their Short Stay a Mem- orable One—If They Are Not Al- lowed to Land, They Will Re- ceive the Luxuries Just the Same. San Francisco, May 29. — Advices from Honolulu, dated May 20, have the following: The citizens of this city held a mass meeting on the even- ing of the 18th inst. and made arrange- ments to entertain the United States troops when they pass through this ch The meeting was a most en- thusiastic one. Stirring speeches were made by United States Minister Sew- all, United States Consul General Hay- wood, William O. Smith, attorney gen- eral for Hawaii, William Kinney and others. A committee of 100 prominent men were appointed to handle the af- fair. Meetings have been held from day to day, and all preliminary ar- rangements have been made. The government has tendered the use of the large drill shed and the grounds surrounding the executive buildings. A sumptuous spread will be prepared for Uncle Sam's defenders under the direction of the ladies of Honolulu. Fruits and flowers in profusion will be provided for the guests and every- thing will be done to make the short stay of the soldiers at Honolulu A Memorable One. Over $5,000 will be subscribed for the entertainment. There is much specu- lation in regard to the visit of the sol- diers. Many believe that the men will not be allowed to land. If the men do not come ashore this affair will be marred to a considerable extent, but the boys will be provided for neverthe- less. :Well cooked food, fruits and other luxuries will be sent on board the steamer to be eaten on the trip over to the Orient. A squad of ten men was sent ashore from the Ben- nington yesterday to assist in decorat- ing the drill shed, where the soldiers are to be feasted. The Bennington may convoy the City of Peging to Manila. The fact that the Alert is to come here seems to warrant the im- pression that the Bennington is for other service than to lie at anchor in a peaceful port while batties are be- ing fought elsewhere. The Peking is expected to bring orders for the Ben- nington. Tendcred to the President. The Hawaiian Star publishes the fol- lowing: There is no doubt whatever that the Hawaiian government has mnade a distinct tender of the island to the executive of the United States. ‘the news has been published in many of the coast and Eastern papers and has been denied. The Star is in a po- on to state that such a letter has been written and that a reply to it is being awaited here. This reply will probably reach Honolulu by the next mail. It is impossible to get the exact text of the letter, and the island execu- tive dees not feel that it is diplomatic courtesy that the letter should be giv- en to the public here before the Unit- ed States government can reply. The’ mere fact that the transports are com- ing here and the island used as a basis fer supplies for the Manila squadron, makes a large number of people think the offer will undoubtedly be accepted. SPANISH SCOUT. Such the Nature of the Cruiser the Bancroft Chased. Key West, May 29. — The gunboat Wilmington brings news this morning of a mysterious Spanish scout ship ott Key West. Last night when twenty miles off she sighted a ship with three masts 2nd cne funnel that, on seeing her, edged off. The Wilmington was unable to give chase, not having coal, but scon fell in with the Bancroft, which was looking for a four-masted Spanish cruiser with one funnel. The Wilmington pointed out the suspicious ship to the southeast and the Bancroft at once gaye chase. The mysterious stranger instantly “scooted” for the southeast and when last seen at twilight the Bancroft was gaining on the Spaniard. Commander Todd expressed the opinion that the Bancroft would lose her quarry in the dark. There can be no doubt that this was a Spanish scout seeking informa- tion as to the number of fighting ships at this, our base of naval operations. One of these ships has been seen night- Jy since Monday. Similar Spanish pick- ets have also been sighted off Tampa. Practically Ended. Buenos Ayres, Argentina, May 29.— Rio Janeiro sends word that the nego- tiations for an extradition treaty be- tween the United States and Brazil are practically ended. The prospects for early signatures are excellent. \ Skul! Fractured. Ames, Iowa, May 29.—While playing in the yard the six-year-old daughter of A. L. Lee of this city was kicked in the face by a horse. Her skull was fractured and she is in a very critical condition. Senlded to Death. Kenyon, Minn., May 29.—A child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Walkenhauser was scalded to death by falling into a tub of boiling water that the mother was about to use for mopping the floor. Prison and Fine. New York, May 28—Robert W. Field- ing, formerly deputy commissioner of public works of Brooklyn, has been sentenced to two years and six months in Sing Sing and to pay a fine of $2,- 171. BIG FLEET OF WARSHIPS Sighted Going “North Throush the Windward Passuge. St. Paul, May 29.—The Pioneer Press prints the following dispatches from the New York Herald: Port au Prince, Haiti, May 28.—It is reported here that a Spanish flect of fourteen vessels passed Mole St. Nich- olas, going northward through the Windward passage. eg Panama, via Galveston, Tex. 29. — Passengers arriving here day on an Italian steamer from Carta- gena report that they saw three wa: ships supposed to belong to the Span- ish fleet. One passenger, who had a powerful marine glass, said at he discerned four others. The ships were apparently heading for Port Limon, Costa’ Rica. The Herald’s correspondent at Port Limon cables that at 5 o'clock yester- day eight ships were sighted about ten miles from the port. Owing to a heavy fog it was impossible to distinguish the flags of the fleet, but from the size and form of the vessels it is believed that they were warships. The eight vessels were going in a northerly direction, and about 6:30 disappeared from view. BPEL IS HE BOTTLED Some Doubt About Cervera Being at Santiago. Washington, May 29.—“To the best of our knowledge and belief Admiral Cervera’s fleet is still locked up in the harbor of ntiago de Cuba.” This statement was made by a high official after he had read many dispatches, in- cruding those from Port Limon, re- porting the presence in Costa Pican waters of eight war vessels, and one, it is understood, from Commodore Schley, the contents of which was not known. Rear Admiral Montgomery Sicard, chairman of the war board, also expressed his confident belief that Admiral Cervera, with the Spanish fleet, is still safely bottled up in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. Secre- tary Long is likewi of the opinion that Admiral Cervera’s position is un- changed. Among the subordinate of- ficers of the deportment, however, doubt is beginning to creep in as to the authenticity of the department information concerning the enemy’s men-of-war. It is admitted by the de- partment and by the officers with whom the department has been in tel- egraphic communication that not an American eye has rested upon the Spanish men-of-war, the information received being given to the scouts by insurgents operating in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba. THE MARKETS. Latest Quotations From Grain and Live Steck Centers. St. Paul, May 29. — Wheat — No. 1 Northern, $149@1.50; No. 2 Northern, $1.34@1.88. Corn — No. 3 yellow, 34 @ 35e; No. 3, 33 @34c. Oats — No. 3 white, 82@32 1-2c; No. 3, 31@ 811-2c. Barley and Rye—Sample bar- ley, 34@40c; No. 2 rye, 68@64c; No. 3 tye, GO@62c. Seeds—No. 1 flax, $1.382@ 1.33: timothy, $1.10@1.35: red clover, $8@3.60. Ground Feed and Millstuffs —No. 1 feed, $14.75@15; coarse corn meal, $13.50@13.75; bran, in bulk, $11. 25@11.75; shorts, in bulk, ae 25@ 11.75. Duluth, Minn., Ma Cash, No. 1 hard, $1. No. 1 North- $1. No. 2 Northern, $1.20; No. spring, $1.10; to arrive, May, No. 1 hard, $1, . 1 Northern, $1.35; to arrive, re red, $1.85; May, No 1 hard, $1.45 . 1 Northern, $1.45; July, No. 1 hard, $1.47; No. 1 Northern, $1.47; September, No. 1 hard, 87 1-2c; No. 1 Norther 6 1-2c; oats, 28@29¢; barley, to a flax, cash, $1.26. Minneapolis, May 29.—Wheat — May opened at $1.55 and closed at $1.48; July opened at $1.554 and closed at $147 September opened at 87 1-2c and closed at 85c. On track—No 1 hard, $1.4714; No. 1 Northern, $1.45; No. 2 Northern, $1.25 1-4. Chicago, May 29. — Wheat — Cash, No. 2 red, $1.68; No. 3 red, $1.18@1.20; 29. — Wheat — ee No, 2 hard, § NO. hard, $1.10@ 1.18; No 2 spring, $1.20; No. 3 spri $1.10@1.80; No. 1 Northern $1.68; No. 2 corn, 38¢; No. 3,.323-4¢; No. 2 cats, 27¢; No. 3, 27¢. Milwaukee, Wis., May 29. — Flour is dull. Wheat lowe No. 1 Northern, $1.37; No. 2 Northern, $1.26; July, $1.06. Oats steady: sample, 31e. Rye lower; No. 1, 591-2@61c Barley low- er; No. 2, 49e; sample, 89@49¢. Chicago, May 29. — Hogs — Light, $8.75@4.15; mixed, $4.05@4.40; heavy, $4.05@4.45; rough. $4.05@4.15. Cattle— Beeves, $3.90@5.15; cows and heifers, $2.50@4.60; Te steers, $3.S0@4.35; stockers and feeders, $3.90@4.85. Sheep Natives, $3.25 ; Westerns, 4@ ; lambs, $4@5.90. Brighton, Minn., May New - Hogs, $3.50@4.20. Cattle—Calves, $5; cows, $2.80G4. South St. Paul, May 29. — Hogs — $8.25@4.15. Cattle—Cows, $3.30@5.70; stockers, $2.25@4.85; heifers 8.90; bulls, $3.50@3.77 1-2 Sioux City, low $4.05@4.35, Cattle— $3.75; heifers, $3.50@ stockers, $4.10@4.60; yearlings, $4.10@ 4.80; calves, $4.50@5. Sheep, $3.50@ 4.30. Make a Good Shewing. Chickamauga, Ga., May 29. — The most noteworthy event of the day was the inspection of the Second division of the First corps by Gen Breckinridge and staff. ‘The general was satisfied with the result of his inspection, and states that the men acquitted them- selves remarkably well fer the length of time they have had for preparation, Saved from a Lynx. Stephen, Minn., May 29. — A large lynx was killed within half a mile of this village by James Gillespie. The lynx was following two small girls and would have undoubtedly killed them had it not been for the hunter. Yhe Normans Free. Stephen, Minn., May 20.—The three Norman brothers, who were indicted, charged with the murder of the old man Neystrom, in Roseau county, and who have been on trial at Reseau the past week, have been acquitted, JOIN HANDS: WITH. CUBANS: GEN. MILES AND SECRETARY AL-- GER CONFER WITH CUBANS. They Come From Gen. Garcia’s Camp: and Are Armed With ee Al to Affect a Plan of Co-operation: ‘With the American Forees—Cuban Army Is Well Equipped, Well: Fed and Eager for Action—Roth Gen. Gomez and Gen. Garcia Send Assurences of ‘Their Desire to Give Every Possible Co-operation to American Movements. Washington, May 28.—Secretary Al- ger and Gen. Miles conferred with two officers from the staff of Gen. Garcia, Gen. Enrique Collazo and Lieut. Col. Charles Hernandez, who came direct from Garcia’s headquarters, bearing credentials from him to effect a plan of co-operation with the American forces. They accompanied Lieut. towan, of the United States army, on his return from Garcia’s camp. Gen. Collazo and Col. Hernandez gave an sting account of Gen. Garcia's Ss and surroundings and the gen- eral equipment of the Cuban army. Col. Hernandez says Garcia has his headquarters at Bayamo, one of the large towns in the central part of the island. It was surrounded by the Spanish forces a few weeks ago after Garcia and his troops had maintained a long siege. Gen. Garcia and his staff, with a body guard of several hundred men, are quartered inside the city. The infantry and cavalry are quar- tered in the suburbs. In all about 3,000° men are thus quartered. They are well armed with Remingtons and machetes captured from the Spaniards. Most of them have machetes, but only the officers carry other small arms. The Cuban generals say the arrival of Lieut. Rowan aroused The Greatest Enthusiasm at the Cuban camps. Col. Hernandez says a communication is maintained: with Gen. Gomez and with points along the coast. From these he has a general idea of the Cuban forces out- side of these with Gen. Garcia at Bayamo. He estimates that there are 12,000 men, all of them well armed, east of La Trocha, and constituting the forces in the eastern division of the- island under Gen. Garcia. These in- clude the 3,000 at Bayamo, the others being scattered at various points. He- estimates Gen. Gomez’s immediate command at about 3,000 men, with: 6,000 men scattered at various points. In all there are, according tu the esti- mates of Gen. Collazo and Col. Her- nandez, about 20,000 to 25,000 troops. actually in the field. It is understood that the purpose of the present'visit of Garcia's officers is to, give that gener- al’s assurance to the authorities here of his desire to give every possible co- operation to American moveraents. Similar assurances have come from Gen. Gomez and have been presented by Secretary Quesada. The Cuban of- fiers have made a good impression here, and the authorities were agree- ably surprised to find them men of y and soldierly bearing, speaking English well. They will remain some d longer and then return to Gen. cia’s camp. AT MARE ISLAND. United tSates Warships Ave Rapidly Being Put in Condition. Mare Island Navy Yard, Cal, May 28.—The United States cruiser Ph delphia, after being thoroughly re- fitted was undocked and the Monterey has taken her place on the dock. The bottom of the Monterey will be scraped and painted, after which she will be ready for her trip to Manila. The collier Peter Jebson (renamed Brutus), purchased by the government with her cargo of 4,800 tens of coal for $370,000, is also being prepared for sea. Her boilers and engines were in- spected and pronounced in excellent condition. Rapid-fire guns were put om board at once. She will make the trip- to the Philippines in company with the Monterey. A crew of naval mili- tia from San Francisco, numbering fifty-six, has been ordered to the Mo- hican, which will depart soon with ammunition and stores for the Ha- waiian naval station. There are :ow at the navy yard fifteen United States ships. as follows: Philadelphia, Monte- rey, Yorktown, Alert, Mohican, Pensa- cola, Independence, Unadilla, Monitor, Comanche, Hartford, Thetis, Ranger, Ning Chow and Brutus. GAINING EVERY DAY. Insurgezts Forces Are Being Great- Iy Strengthened. New York, May 28.—The Norwegian steamer Bragger, which left Sagua la Grande, Cuba, on May 20, has arrived here with a cargo of sugar and ninety- two passengers. These passengers are principally from Sagua, although sev- eral are from Caibarien and Matanzas. Many of them were women ahd chil- dren. They report a dreadful state of things in Cuba, starvation and Geath staring all the poorer classes in the face. At Sagua there were only a few improvised small gunboats and only % few troops left to guard the city. In Matanzas there was from 12,090 to 14,-- 000 troops. The insurgents, were re- ported to be gaining in numbers daily. Many of the inhabitants had an- doned the towns and villages a! ed! to the interior. Closed by a Strie. Dog Causes a Sersation, Deadwood, 8. D., May 28.—All éhe- miners and laborers in the Boley mines: in the BIBacktail mining district struck for union wages to be paid by June 1. The urvance was refused by the mine operators, who proceeded to turn out all the men. Four Men Killed. Cripple Creek, Colo., May 28. — Pas- senger train on the Midland Terminal railroad ran into a handcar near Gil- lette and four men were killed, te at + * ®\ ® 4 meee 5