The sun. [volume], March 16, 1898, Image 1

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PIPIIIIIIII
I LPl II P, PBHHBI ' !) JL1L Probably showers; warmer; 9
I VOlTiAV.-NO. 197. NEW YORK, "WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 18Q8.-C0F.TiIGim 1898, BY THE SUN PRINTING AND PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION. PRICETVO CENTS, ;fl
H . . . i ilH
I O'HIGGINS IS NOT SPAIN'S.
I fllT. HW CHILI AS AHMOHCLAD
W HAS NOT HEEN bold.
H Our tcrnCi) otlfy the Saw Department That
H Torre la ' Possibility That We May
j i;rl Ui Mil eeotlnllens for Other War
j r.f,Torn(Mln Iloala and a Ul llattto-
.till. In slew I'oMllila Ambalnnce Ship,
I ajiiinotos. March 15. Negotiations for
E the nuri huso of furolgn warships for the United
Elates ay have not ended with the acquire
H mem or tlio iirnzlllnh crulson) Aa
A ionas nl Admlinl llreu. An absolute
H conttoilli tloti of tho report cabled from
H London mill olsowlmro that tho Spanish
H Goi eminent had bought the Chilian armorclad
H 0 Int.. nlH rccolvod at tho Nary Depart
H rncnt lo day from ono of it agents In Europe.
rrobablT Lieut. Colwell. the United States
I total attachd In London. Earlier In tho
H it; a tolegram had been gent to this
I agent by Secretary Long directing him toasoer
H tain whether Spain had secured tho O'Higgtns,
H and Ms answor in contradiction of that report
H eame this afternoon. Kotonlr has Spain not suo
H ctoded In getting tho Chilian ship, but It was
H ittrncd to-night that negotiations are In prog
B rets 'or her purchase by this country, and that,
H altbouth the Chilian authorities are not making
H anr promises and are bellorod to be unwilling
H to help the United States In the current emer
H freer, they nijr be Induced to part with the
W O'Hhrflnslf sufficient inducements are offered.
Be It will require action by the Chilian Congress.
J koirsver, to add the O'lllgglns to the Amorl
J ran Nary, and this may InroWa a delay
B which the Nary Department does not
H tIiw with patience. Tub Sen reporter was
H informed to-night br an officer In a posi
H tlon to know that "the United. States stood
H s rtry rood chsnoe of setting her." Chill's
H sjfrlendllness toward this country since Pros!
H fiat Harrison mads hor pay an Indemnity of
H I7S.00O and apologize for the attacs on the
H Baltimore's sailors during the Balmaoeda revo
lt ration is supposed to be at the bottom of the
Bj hesitation of the Santiago authorities to dispose
H efttelrformldablearmorclad. It Is bettered that
H CMU would soil the ship It a sufficient bonus
H sxtrthe contract price were given, bat there
H Is a feeling In narol circles, based in
H oil probability on offlclal information,
that oren if the United States offered to pay the
H maximum amount asked, the South American
H rtpuhllo would still hesitate to release the
H tyHIgglns on account of the hostile feeling
H toward this country and its citizens.
I It is pretty certain, howerer, that the O'Hig-
I Ies will not be transferred to Spain. This Gov
trnment, it was said to-day, would riewsuch
an act as unfriendly on account of the paternal
Interest which the United States exercise oyer
the other American republics through the appli
cation of the Monroe doctrine, and was prepared
to male representations to Chill of that charac
ter. Considerable feeling Is manifested in
offlclal clroles orer the reported attitude
of the Chilian authorities, and there Is
a disposition shown which mar derelop Into a
determination on the part of the Oorersment to
call Chill sharply to acoonnt If tho O'Hlg-s-lni
puses into Spanish hands. For the
present, howerer, the Washington Ad
ministration Is satisfied that the armor
clad is safe from Spanish Importunities, and the
hope is growing stronger that she may ultl
., noWy bccome.-tbe..jjroperty;of the United
6ttes.Just why this sudden change of opinion
til cornels sot explained. Kara! officers' are
keeping close mouths In regard to the purchase
ef foreign ships.
Although the naral officials knew early to-day
that the cruiser Son Franolscohad left Lisbon
for Newcastle on-Tyne to take charge of the
aewly purchased Amazonos, the fact was not
admitted officially until late in the afternoon.
This Is one of the results of jbcretary Long's or
der of yestorday forbidding subordinates to glre
information to the preos without his permission.
The Ban .Francisco will sond a crew aboard the
Amazosos and both ressols will leare for
the United States as soon as possible there
after. Lieutenant-Commander Kazro, the ex
trotlTO officer of the Son Francisco, will
Command the Amazonos on the trans
tilontlo TOjaae, which will probably end at
Vw York, where some refitting of the new
ijaotoaos will take place before she is sent to
(all Admiral Slcard's fleet.
A detachment of American blue jackets
tinder an officer will also be placed on
eird the Admiral Breu, the Stars and
Itrlpes will be hoisted at the peak, and the
Jolted States Gorernment will assume formal
totseuion of the Brazilian. This will be done
is a precautionary measure In the erent
hat war should occur beforo the finish
ing touches to the cruiser, which will con
lame sereral months, can be mode. A
declaration of war between Spain and the
United States before the formal transfer of the
Jl Brazilian chip to this Government would prob-
K ably cause tbe British Admiralty to decline to
H allow the Admiral Breu to leare Newcastle for
B an American port to engage in operations
Nj oratnst tho Spanish forces.
I Whether the Argentine armored cruisor San
h Mortlno, now under construction at Leg-
horn, Italy, Is In the market has not
j, been ascertained by the United States
stents in Europe, Argentina has not offered
!? to sell her and probably will not unless Chill dis-
J Voses of the O'Ulgglns. Chili and Argentina are
(Sjj watching each other closely, and neltbor
Its willing to part with tho adrantage
held by the possession of a modern
armorclad. Both the O'lligglns and tbe San
Martlno are far superior to the two Brazilian
cruisers, and tho Nary Department Is willing to
Py a big Drlco to cet them.
There Is reason to bellero tbat some tor
pedo boat destroyors will be secured for
tlie American Navy in Europe, but the naval
oBlcUls will not tell hore thoso are foilch
they have In Wow. The naval attaches abroad
are after some bljr ship believed to bo for sale.
Nothing further than this about tho attempt to
buy her enn be obtained.
Mr. Ilerrcshotr. tlio blind torpedo boat builder,
has been hero for the last two days in an effort
to Impress on tbe authorities tbe neces
sity of constructing at onco e large
it fltet of this type of boats, and after an
m Interview with the President end 8ec-
relary Long this morning lie is eat-
IsficU tho (internment intends awarding
contracts for tho delivery of a number of
thci-o boats out or the emergency fund. Mr,
llirrrehofr discussed tho torpedoboatphasoof the
buvs'j woaknnts at eome length with tbe Presl-
dent, who. nccording to tbe famous builder, was
deeply interested In tlio subject, ana although
W sot committing himself to anv plan of torpedo
boat bulldlug It is belloted he will agree to the
R ".'eestlon of Secretary Ijne that a number of
H ho.its be contracted for to be furnished in tbe
short! st pratt! nble time.
l Mr, Ilerrosliotfotrereto dupllcato boats of the
Owjnn nnd Talbot class, whlcn he has re
W rtiitly built. In ninety clays, and Is willing
i, '' uiidrrtuLo the building of fast torpedo
1 br.ai ilestroers to be doltvercd in four months
oi luss. The plans for tbo former typo are now
I t Ms works and the uinterlal for tho work
1 coul I I o secured speedily. Other firms hnvo
H lately mado offers to furnish any number of
I tori.o lo boats wltbln from tiro to throe months.
I Ihrllollnnd Company, which completed tbe
I 'murine bont now practicing in New York
J wt is, says It con complete fifty of tbo
f ' llcr typo in two months. As these aro
tin only boats of nny type tbat tbo navy could
oa milt In this louotry wltbln a short time
It Is probable that the cuiewency fund will b
, 'r mii on to provide n small flotilla,
M-Ji 'nvcpn-Otinoral Van Itcj pen of the nary L as
vJ 0'ctotl lj0 1'lBt Hoo steautor Grand Dachcss
for conversion Intoan ambulance ship nnd Isnow
at Newport News, where tbe vessel is being ro
palrtd examining her and making an ostlmate of
tho time and money required to fit hor out. Tbe
vessel was built at Newport News two y oars ago,
and is n powerful leagolngstoamer of groat speed
and with accommodations for a large number
of passengoro. She would, if converted,
make n commodious vessel for a hospi
tal ship. Dr. Van Reypcn said before leav
ing that in erent of trouble it would bo
absolutely necessary for tho nary to have
attached to each squadron a ship of this typo,
when tho sick and Injured could be cared for
and removed to hospitals on shore.
Ambulance ships are generally of great speed.
Tho fact that they fly tho lied Cross flag Im
mune them from attack under tho Geneva
awnrd.
These vessels also carry no powder, projectile,
or sholl, and are In no sense war vessels. The
medical men do not antlclpato that tho ship will
be purchased until the situation Is still moro
acnte, but they wish to be roady when tho tlmo
comes for Immediately equipping the rosseland
getting her In readiness for service
Tbe Morgan line steamer El Sol, or the
American liner Ohio, will bo the repair
ship to accompany the fleets in tbe
event of war. The formor was launched
at Newport News tour years ago, and
has been in serrico between New York and
Southern ports. She is quite fast, large, 410
feet long, and capable of n high steaming radius.
Tho Ohio is a much older vessel, and sails out
of Philadelphia to foreign ports. The Ohio was
Impressed by Secretary Tracy and fitted out as
a repair ship during the threatening period fol
lowing the Chilian attack on the Baltimore's
men. ,
Should either vessel be converted the Boston
Navy Yard will beselectedforthework. There
tools are la abundance, and everything necessa
ry for the resssl.
THE O'MOQirfB BT1M. TO It BAZB.
Areata Bath r the Vnttea state aa Ostm
Base te Oeenre zterw
Cpttal Oasts DMyoteare rnftn.
Ixnrsoir, March IB. Despite the announce
ment that Spain had bought the Chilian cruiser
O'BIggins, the representatives of the United
States have net abandoned hope of securing
that vessel. The matter has reached a point
where both Spain and the United States have
a serious grievanoo against tho Chilian officials
on acoonnt of their sharp practice. The ship
cost nearly 99,000,000. and to secure her an
enormous advance on that sum will have to be
paid. There Is no reason to conceal the (act that
not all ormuohof the premium will go to the
Chilian Treasury.
The offers of ships at the American Embassy
are so numerous that it Is Impossible to keep
count of them. The price demanded is always
vastly In sxoess of the ralue. The same ship In
many eases Is offered by a dozen brokers in suc
cession, each at an adrance on the last figure.
One amusing ease can be cited. A small, fast
merchant steamer was first offered for 80,000.
Ten more brokers earns in succession within
forty-elf nt hours, each Ignorant of the others'
rislto, and the last agent demanded 90,000 for
the same ship.
JsTJC OSBOBlfB'B BBSTABBO.
Oor CesMttfweeneral la zVaa en Oew sselaw
ttaaa with Ssats.
ffPMtol Oatu natpoioa (a Tnn Om
Lowtxur, Maroh It. The Honourable ArttHery,
Company gave UTelr" annual' banquet to-nlht.
Among the nutate were Messrs. Hedges, Ferris,
and Lewis of tho Ancient and Honorable Artil
lery Company of Boston, and William M. Os
borne, the American Oonsul-GeneroL A num
ber of cordial kinship speeches were made.
Mr. Osborne, responding to the toast, "Tho
President of tbe United States," said he did not
think that either country needed protection
from the other, except In combination against
evil. He believed that tbe strain In the relations
between the United States aad Spain would
soon be removed. President MoKlnley might
be relied neon to deal with tbe emergency. He
was never taken by surprise and was never
thrown off his balance.
rHOJTECTXZTSa ron bvaik.
Thar Are H rat Ulch aaa Are Sapsteeea te
D for a New tinn.
3.pMt! Cof Dtipatch to Tna So.
IxnvDOX, March IB. The workshops of the
Eynochs of Birmingham are busy with the
manufacture of special nrojectiles for the Span
ish Government.
These projectiles are of a different type and
much larger than the company has heretofore
made. They area's feet high and It is supposed
that they are Intended for a new and especially
deadly gun. A portion of the order for these
projectiles has already been despatched to Spain.
Tioxcrixo or tub rnizirriXEs.
Saau Haaet Ballevea the Tewa f Beliaaae
Attar rive liiatsmsiU.
Sptetal CabU DttjiatcK to Tna Bra.
Hoiro Komq. March IB. The latest advices
from the -Philippine Islands are to the effect
that Qen. Monet has relieved the town of Boli
anoo after five engagements with the Insur
gents. The Insurgent garrisons and priests in the
neighboring villages had been previously dis
persed or killed, and the garrison at Bollanao
vras taken by surprise, forty men being mas
sacred. The European telegraph operators in
the town are safe.
sxonrr o.v xnn bitujltiox.
The swatsh Hlaliter Sara Spain Does Mot Wish
ta rroreUe War.
Sptoial CabU Vttpatch to Tna Son.
Madrid, Mareh 15. Soflor Moret, Minister of
tbe Colonies, to-day Informed a representative of
Tub BrjN tbat tho proposal that the Cuban
Government treat with the insurgents had
been received with displeasure in Hovana. He
added that bo was convinced of President Mc
Klnley's good faith and pacific intentions, and
declared that Spain In nowise desired to pro
voLo war.
Tbe Lisbon correspondent of the Impartial
says tbat twenty sailors', most of whom were
Spaniards, desorted from tbe American squad
ron tbat was recently at that port.
ovn pjiEPAHATntMi ron XT AJi.
Tbe Impartial or Madrid Think, xtn Are
ltealljr Serlaua In the Matter.
Sveclal Cat U Dupatth to Tur Bus.
Madrid, Mnrth 15. The Impartial says:
"Wo received jesterday two telegrams from
Now York which no one has seen, nor will they
bo published in our columns. We have sent
them to tho Government, which has taken note
of them.
"Both cablegrams refer to talk of prepara
tions for war with Spain and tbe invasion of
Culm, not by gutter Jingoes, but by function
arlss and persons connected with the Govern
ment whoso posltlou seems to warrant tbe
genuineness of the reports."
Centrartare lletleae Our Kmbaear,
Srtctal Cailt Detpateh to Til a fius,
Lovdon, March 15. The authorities of the
United States Embassy aro being postorod by
contractors and agents offorlng to sell provis
ions nnd other commodities in expectation of
war between the United States and Spain.
Tbe American Consulate here bos received
soino offers of enlistment In tbe United States
A'var and Navy.
Worth aeeiag.
Bhnneon'e new joan Office aad staff Deposit Vaults,
i ltd West Zdit, noar luoadway.-de.
FOR FIVE NEW DRY DOCKS.
rnoriaiotf made zx xhk .vr.r,
APPIIOPItXATloy DILI.
Fartemeiith. Bestan, tasraa Island, Atalara,
.. aaa stare I.tanrt la Clsl Thc-Ta
Cost a Mllllaa Apltoo and Deck Any Ship
Farmaaal nil! Nat Cantldermt ar.terdar.
WaBniKnTOft, March IB. Tho House Com
mltteo on Naval Affairs voted to-day 7 to 3
to recommend In the Naval Appropriation bill
tho construction of flvo dry dooks. They will
lie located nt Portsmouth, N. II.; Boston,
League Island, Philadelphia: Maro Island,
California, and Algiers, La. This bears
out the exclusive forooast in Tint Sex of
tho issue of the contost in tho commit
teo made last Saturday. With the sub
stitution of League Island for tho Brook
lyn Navy Ynrd, tho action of the committee
Is an approval of tho recommendations of tho
Bunco board which Investigated tho dry dock
question last year, and whose Undines formed
the basts of tbe suggestions in the annual report
of the Secretary of the Navy.
Three of tho docks, thoso at Boston, League
Island, and Mare Island, will bo constructed of
wood, of tho most Improved pattern and of am
ple dimensions toaccommodate tho largest ships
that will be conM'ucted within the next quarter
of a century. In Ml human probability. Tho na
ture of the other two will be determined finally
at a mooting of the comnilttoo to-morrow.
The dock at Portsmouth will probably be ex
cavated out of tho rock, and that at Algiers wilt
doubtless be a floating concern. Tbe docks are
estimated to cost in round numbers a million
dollars apiece, and to require two years for tholr
construction. Half the sum will be appropri
ated In tbe bill and the other half will bo pro
vided in the next annual appropriation bill.
Although Chairman Boutelle was not present
when this action of the committee was token, it
Is understood that he will support it on tho
floor ofi the House and aid tho advo
cates of this liberal policy In securing
favorable consideration of the proposition.
It is recalled that two years ago, when Gen.
Bingham moved to amend the Naval bill by In
serting an appropriation for a dry dock at
League Island, Mr. Hopkins of Illinois, as
Chairman of the committee of the wholo, ruled
the proposed amendment out on a point of
order. At that time It won not the policy
of Congress or of tho Administration to
enter upon the construction of a dry dock sys
tem. It is not anticipated nbw, under existing
conditions, that any one will invoke a technical
construction of tbe rules to prevent the House
from acting on the proposed improvements.
Should the point be mado, however, no doubt is
felt that some means will be found of overcom
ing 1L
There was some discussion of tbe Roosevelt
bill to reorganize tbe personnel of the nary, but
the committee decided, without tho formality of
a vote, not to include Its provisions in tbe
Appropriation bill as recommended by Secretary
Long In behalf of the President. Yesterday
it was thought that the entire Personnel bill
would be put through the Houso to-day, but
Instead it was agreed. In lieu of author
izing the addition of 109 Junior engi
neers asked for yesterday by Chief En
gineer Melville, to provide for the
enlistment of 100 machinists, who shall be war
rant officers at 151,200 and tJl.tOOa year. This
is.cne.ct tbe provisions of the Personnel bill,
and Secretary Long agreed with the member) of
the committee that if tbe employment of these
machinists would be a good thing at any time,
It would be a particularly good thing just now.
Other Inoreases of the force of tbe navy urged
by the bureau ohiefs yesterday will be incorpo
rated in the bill. Provision will also
be made for the assignment of the
members of the two older classes of the
Naval Academy to positions aboard ship,
as was done In 1803, In the war of the rebellion.
The Personnel bill, as an independent propo
sition, will bs considered by the committee
after the Appropriation bill is out of tbe way,
and a determination concerning It reached as
speedily as possible.
Nothing but an approximate calculation has
yet been made of the total sum that will be
oarrlod in the bill. It will be in the
neighborhood of 010,000,000. Members of
the committee to-night expressed the opin
ion that It would be ready for present
ation to the House on Thursday or Friday. If it
reocn.es tbe calendar by that time its considera
tion will be pressed early next woek.
President McKlnley's desire that tho Nava
Reorganization bill or lie salient features
should be passed by Congress at once
was made known to the committee In
a communication from Secretary Long.
The Secretary suggested that tbe committee re
port a bill amalgamating tbe engineer corps
with tbe line, providing that Ensigns' com
missions be granted immediately to naral
cadets who are on their graduation cruise,
and that tbo term at tho Naval Acndomy be
reduced from six to four years In order to clvo
more officers to the navy without delay. These
recommendations will be considered by the
committee to-morrow and probably presented to
the House before adjournment, with a request
for Immodlate consideration.
At to-morrow's meeting the committee will
consider propositions to provide for six torpedo
boats and six torpedo-boat catchers, and that
the appropriation carried by the regular annual
bill Bhall be avallablo on its passage.
XKTINQ THE SUItMAEIXE BOAT.
be Takes Three Trips or Tna Miles Kaeh
Mrarlr Babmarsad.
The submarine torpedo beat Holland advanced
herself yesterday a long stop in tho good opin
ions of thoso Interested in bor success. Sub
merged until her deck was awash and only her
conning tower visible above the waves she made
tbreo trips from Perth Auiboy of two miles each
at good speed.
John P. Holland, the inventor of tbe boat, and
three of bis men went aboard at 3 o'clock,
and, after running her out some distance
from sboro, clamped down the top of the
turrot, Tbey thon sank her slowly until the
tiniest wavo could splash across her deck. The
three spurts of two milos each were made at n
speed of betwren eight anil ten inllos an hour.
When sho was a few hundred yards from
shore it was almost Impossible to follow her
progress with tho nakod eye.
Mr. Holland said, after he csnio ashore, that
ho was perfectly satisfied with the trial. The
boat had obeyed her rudder perfectly. He said
he Intended to chnngo tho nrrangement of her
bnllast and glvo bor an under water trial at
once.
SVAXIHU HALT. AT HAVANA.
American llaval Olllcera Bseuse Thantaelvas
from Altrndlna.
fstcinl CabU Dttvalch to Tus Suit,
Madrid, Marob 15. A despatch from Havana
to the Iteraldo, dated March 14, says: "Last
evening a ball was glvcrTSttljo Spanish Casino
In honor of tbo officers of the Spanish warships
Vlzcayannd Almlrnnte Oquendo. thooffloers
of the United States warship Montgomery wire
Invited, but excused themsolvcs on the ground
that tliey were In mourning for the victims of
theMulno.
"To-day tbe supplies brought bytboAmori.
can Mi .patch boat Fern have been distributed
at Matauxas."
t.ttn. tVaodfard'a ranllr Meals Ibe 4j-ii,
tptcial CabU Dupateh to luz Bint
Madrid, March 15. Gen. Woolford, the
American Minister, to-day presented tbe mem
bers of his family to tbs Queen Regent, Her
Majesty received her guests in tbo mort v9Tdlal
manner,
r
giaajit.-feL.VKJkte.ia tit) laViinewaMsyi imtt a.sttaln'
Toiti'KDitKS ron TITO onvisEiis.
Twenty vrhlishead Placed an fSaard the C
InmblR and Mlnaeapalla.
Pntt.iDKt.rniA, Pa,, Moroh 15. The Govern
ment tug Leydea, with twenty Whitehead tor
podocs from Newport, arrived at league Isl
and to-day. Ten of them were put nbonnl the
Columbia in midstream and the other tcn'wero
stored In tho hold of tho Minneapolis. The Ley
den brought 3,000 pounds of gttneotton. After
discharging bsr cargo she will tow barges to
Key West with coal and nnvnl stores. Cruis
ers of tho also of the Minneapolis nnd Columbia
usually carry only six torpedoes rath. The
extra ones being taken on board to-day are re
garded as significant.
Among the arrivals nt League Island to-day
were 200 sailors and marines for tho cruisers.
The men came from Brooklyn, Washington,
Norfolk, and Boston, They will go on board
of their respective! ships to-morrow. A large
forco of men was to-day put to work nt Fort
Mlfllln charglnc torpedoes nnd preparing other
exiJoslvcs for tho navy. Tho ram Kntahdln
and tho monitor Mlnntonomoh will proceed to
Fort illfllln for ammunition beforo sailing.
There aro said to bo about forty tons of powder
and a lot of projectiles In the fort.
From orders rccolvedat League Island to
day from Washington it is evident Hint tho
naral authorities there do not consider that on
Ilstmont for tho warships at tho Philadelphia
Nary Yard aro being mado fast enough. The
orders now are to onllst all landsmen who can
pars tho physical and mental examinations
nnd put them to work at onco on bourd the re
ceiving ship Richmond. In consequence of
those orders, tho number of applicants for on
Hstmcnts iberensed -considerably tcAlay and
more of them wero token than was the caso
when only machinists and able-bodied teamen
were wanted.
amuuxitjox ron kbt xtkst.
The Mnrhlehead Loavea Tampa with a Half
Doscn Carlaada on Board.
Tami-a, Fla., Maroh 15. The cruiser Marble
head left Port Tampa this aftornoon with a half
dozon carloads of ammunition bound for Eey
West nnd Tortugas, where tho supplies will be
distributed among tho other ships of tho fleet
now waiting for thorn. It was the intention for
the Marblohead to tako as much of the muni
tions of war as it was possible for hor to carry,
but imperative orders reached the commander
of tbe cruiser to-day, and as a result the sailed
as soon as sho could be gotten In readiness. Two
sets of orders aro said toharo arrived on tho
same mall, one of which was sealed and to be
openod only when the cruiser was at sea.
Thirty more carloads of ammunition are now
on the railroad tracks of the Plant system
within twenty miles of Tampa waiting to be
transported.
The steamer Mascotte of the Plaut steamship
line arrired here to-night from Jamaica, and a
prominent offlclal of that system is authority
for the statement that she has been chartered
by the United States Government to transport
the remaining munitions to Dry Tortugas.
At 7 o'clock to-night a number of the cars
sealed with the Government seal havo been
movod down on tbo dock In a convenient place
for loading on the steamer, and the Mascotte Is
expected to sail before morning.
HtO SHIPMENT OP POWDEtt.
Throe Bnndrod Theataafl BTaunda lent rram
jfto XavrvTnr. lojt.j West.
The heaviest consignment of powder that hns
been shipped from a United States naval station
in years was sent from tho Brooklyn Navy Yard
to Key West yestorday by a special trnln over
the Pennsylvania Railroad. The powder was
conveyed to Jersey City early In the morning by
tbe navy yard tugs Nina anaNarkceta. It was
for tbo use of Admiral Slcard's fleer.
In all there wero 300,000 pounds of tbo pow
der, contained In cases, each holding an amount
of powder equal to tbo amount carried by a gun
of tbe size It was Intondod for. Tho caaes were
of polished copper, with brass handles, and each
case was so marked as to show the size of gun
for which the powder was intended. The coses
were put aboard the train by gunners from the
navy yard, who also went South with It.
After the powder was removed from her the
Narkoeta steamed back to the navy yard and
took on board thirty-three men dratted for the
crew of tho Columbia, now at tbe League Island
Yard. Tho men were mostly coal passers. Tbe
recent requisitions for crews for the different
war vessels have left only about seventy-five
men on tbe receiving ship Vermont.
Af AMMUNITION INTACT.
aspartame latormatlan Itranrdlna the Maine
Camea lo ITnshlucton.
WAsniNOTON, March 15. Information which
eft Havana on lasc Saturday, and which comes
directly from a person thoroughly conversant
wllb the prosent condition of the submerged
hull of the battleship Maine, says that the
divers, after three weeks' work, have discovered
that tbe coal powder and shell carried by the
ill-fated vessel have been nocounted for In full
nnd found intact. The shells were being taken out
of tbe hull and opened. All the armor-piercing
shells have been found empty. With tills In
formation came positive Indications tbat the
Court of Inquiry has nearly finished its in
vestigation. Tbey appeared to have confined
themselves then to an examination of wood
work near the explosion and of ths powder
tanks and shells.
Little more remained to be done beyond taking
the final testimony of the divers. Tho evidence
cited is considered as furnishing further proof
that tbe Maine was wrecked by an outside ex
plosion. Especially significant is the fact that the coal
was without any evidences of Ignition, thus
apparently establishing tho Impossibility of
spontaneous combustion. It Is impossible to
make publlo tho source whence tills information
comes.
TOOLS TO MAKE EAPID-VIHE aVN.1.
garlans Situation In tbn VITart ta Turn Out
Ordnance Ilapldly,
lfAliTTonn, Conn., March 15. At Pratt &
Whitney's shop In this city tbo machinery with
which the rapid fire guns are made Is manu
factured. No othor company In this country
makes this particular machinery, and none
can boflttoil out to do It without tho expendi
ture of a great deal of time Mnohlno guns for
tbo auxiliary vessels are being turned out in
Bridgeport as fast as possible, and tbo Pratt &
Wbltnor Company Is being urged to run day
and night to furnish additional machinery with
which to enlarge the Bridgeport plant.
To meat tho demand for guns for tbo contin
gent flcol tho making of gun machinery should
have begun two j ears ago. It is dcllcat o work,
and the best Unit can bo duue Is to produce the
machines In sixty days. To thlsdoluy tbe Gov
ernment oblecla, as It would be three months
brfmo tbe machinery could be mado and tho
guns dnlshed.
Cnpt, C. It. Clark ta Command the Oregon.
Washinotox, March 15. An unexpected
change in tbo command of the battleship Oregon
was made necessary today by tbe condemna
tion by a board of medical survey at Ban Fran
cisco ot Capt, Alexander II. McCornilck,
Tho Oregon Is coaling and taking on ammuni
tion nt San Francisco, In preparation for her
long trip nround Cape Horn to join Admiral
Sloard'a squadron at Key West.
When tho Navy Department was Informed
this morning of the result of Capt, McCormlok's
examination. It Immediately ordorod Cnpt,
Charles K. Clark to commaud tho Oregon. Capt.
CI irk Is In command of tbe monitor Monterey
Ths Hrooklju Coallas Up,
NBwrortT News, Vo., March IB. The cruiser
Brooklyn arrived here today to fl her coal
bunkers after the long voyage from tbe southern
seas. It Is understood that tbe Brooklyn will
lakeopbJOOtousofcoal, f ' i
"HBaL-. '"- SnfetnW
TO MENACE SPAIN'S COAST.
ovn citvisniis will uo ir ltr.n
TOUVKVO JIOAT3 COME.
Theilalllaa or Her latnll Dealroynra rrom the
Canaries tor Havana trill Uo rtrcardrd n
1'nrrleadlr to Us, nnd the Seodlnc or Our
S-n.l rml.rra la Iter Const Will lie the sleptr.
Washington, March 15. Ono of tbe most
Interesting propositions now under serious con
sideration by tbo naval authorities relates to
tho Immediate formation ot a flying squadron
of fast cruisers nnd perhaps some auxiliary
ships to threaten tbe coast of Spain ns
an offset to the despatch ot a Spanish
torpedo boat flotilla to Havana. This
scheme has been brought to tho attention of the
President, nnd it is understood that he is not
unfavorable to Its execution under certain cir
cumstances. There are grave possibilities In
olvcdintlieproject,nndthe Administration In
tends to go slon; but Tub Sum reporter has un-questlon-ible
authority for the statement that the
flying squadron undoubtedly will be formed and
sent out on Its Important mission It the Spanish
flotilla which left Cadis on Sunday for the Ca
naries continues Its voyage from tho latter point
with Havana or Porto Rico ns its destination.
However warlike this plan may seem, tbero Is
no doubt that the naral authorities are making
preparations for putting It Into execution.
Tbey think, however, tbat It will be a week, and
pcrnnps two weeks, before tbe Intentions ot the
Spanish Gorernment In regard to tbe flotilla will
bo known. This delny Is fortunate, fortho great
est difficulty ls being encountered In securing
full crews for the commerce destroyers Colum
bia and Minneapolis, which will form part of
the flying squadron. Both these ocean grey
hounds wore placed in commission at the Leaguo
Island Navy Yard to-day. They are ready for
active service, but require more men than the
Navy Department is nble to obtain at this time
without drawing on other ships.
The Columbia and hor sister ship require 403
men cacti. Only 320 men hare been secured for
both ships, leaving 481 vacancies In tbs crews.
A number ot apprentices from the training ship
Essex will assist in filling uo tho gap. and men
from the rccelring ship Vermont will also help
lessen tho difficulty, but there will still be short
complements. Enlistments for the naral ser
vice are not being mado rapidly, and the Span
ish flotilla may haro started on its way from
the Canaries to Havana before the Columbia
and tbe Minneapolis aro ready to join tho flying
squadron.
The departure of tho flotilla from Cadiz with
tbe announcement that it is going to Havana
has excited much Interest In naval circles.
Tbe naval authorities contend that there
Is only ono explanation of this movement.
It moans, they assert, tbat tbe little
destroyers aro intended for an offonsivo move
ment against vessels of the Unltod States, w hlch
is to be construed as an unfriendly act on tho
part of Spain. Torpodo boats and torpedo boat
destroyers cannot be used In suppressing
the Insurrection in Cuba. They are not
available for righting tbo Insurgents. It
has been concluded, therofore, that they are to
bo devoted to offensive manceuvrlngagainst tbe
United States naval force, a belief which Is borne
out by the fact that torpodo craft cro Intended
for operations against big warships. Their
movement to wators near the coast of the
United 8tatcs is viowed with concern, to
use a diploma Uo term, and the naval authori
ties are making preparations that will cor
respondingly "concern" tho Government of
Spain. Theso statements are thoroughly reli
able and nro based on information gl en In re
sponse to careful inquiry. Anybody can seo
what tho result may be.
Tbe proposition menlionod has been under
conidderatiou during tho last twenty-four hours,
but enough progress has been made to justify
the assertion tbat apian for the formation of a
flying squadron, and Its assignment to the Span
ish coast, has been practically arranged. Presi
dent McKinley will decide whether It shall bo
carried out
The Spanish flotilla sailed from Cadiz at 0
o'clock on Sunday evening. It consists of tbe
Arute, Rayor, Pluton, Azor, Terror, and Furor,
and is being escorted by tbe Transatlantic
company's steamer Cludad de Cadiz, a vessel
that would be used for auxiliary purposes by
Spain In tbe event of war. Tlio Cludad de Cadiz
is said to havo been protected and armed. No
tice of the departure of tbe flotilla was sent to
tbo Navy Departmont, with the additional in
formation that tho boats are bound for
tbe Canaries, where tbey are due on
Wednesday. Every movement of Spanish
warships is reported promptly to the
State and Navy Departments by American
representatives abroad and the office of naval
intelligence keeps account of wherdthese vessels
aro. Pre'ss despatches say that tbe flotilla will
go to Porto Itlco or Havana, but tbe Navy De
partment wants confirmation of this statement
before taking the radical measures involved in
the flying squadron scheme.
Just as soon as it is known that the flotilla has
started for the West Indlos tbe flying squadron
will be fcont to tbo Spanish roast, provided
President McKinley consents, probably taking
tbe route that will bo travelled by tbe tor
pedo craft In the hope of letting tbe
Spantah officers and men soe that the
United States mean business. Its purpose
will be to harass Spanish commerce It hostili
ties are to be declared, but Its prosonoe will
also sorvo as a warning to Spain that this coun
try has left nothing undone lo make the strug
gle short. Information was received ut the Navy
Department to-day that more torpedo boats
would leave Cadiz for tbe Canaries to-morrow
to accompany the first division to West Indian
waters. This has made suror the probability
that tho fljlng squadron will bo sent to Spain
If tbe flotilla should proceed to Cuban or Porto
Rlcan ports.
Tbo present intentions of the naval authori
ties for a quick formation of the flying squad
ron contemplate that itahall becomposedof the
armored cruisers Brooklyn and Now York and the
commerce destroyers Columbia and Minne
apolis, and perhaps tbe St, Louis and the St, Paul
ot tbe International Navigation Company's
but whether tho two American liners will be
Impressed before hostilities occur has not besn
determined. It was not until somo tlmo to-day
that it was determined to let tbe St. Louis start
on her regular transatlantic trip to-morrow.
Tbero was much communication by telegraph
and long-dlstanco telephone between tbo
Navy Department nnd the oflloers of the Ameri
can line and Capt, Rodgars of tbo auxiliary
-floct board in New York. Tho company's ofll
cors represented that the fat. lxmls had on board
a great quantity of porislmblo froleht which
might be ruined If the ship did not start and its
trausfer wero mado to unother steamship.
An indication of bow critical is the present
situation 'was given by tbe hesitation of the
Navy Department to let tbo St. Louis leave. To
hold tbe St. Louis would have been equivalent
to a determination to Impress her Into tht ser
vice ot the Gorsrnmont, a matter to which
much serious consideration was given
for several hours boforo the final do
clslon was made. President McKinley at
Isst determined not to Impress tbe vossel, and
Information to tbat effect was sent to tbe Inter
national Natlaatlon Company, Ho thought
that it would not bo necessary to attach tbo
81, Louis to tbe navy until warwaa In sight,
and wus apparently sutlsfled thut tbere would
bo no hostilities boforo tlio return of tho St,
IMul from Southampton.
'1 bo Brooklyn Is now at Hampton Roads await
ing tbo arrival ot tbe other ships to compose
tho flying squadron. Tbe New York is at Key
West and the Columbia and Minneapolis are at
League Island. Just as soon as the two com-
lrco destroyers have sufficient ciswf
VatMiMii'kte rfW i it iiMIri nstll
BoBPi'-r .,f -1 SPL-
tbey will be ordered (o Hampton Roads.
Tlio detachment of the New York as the
flagship nt tbo North Atlantlo squadron will
depend on tho future movements ot tbe Bpanlsh
flotilla and the decision of the President, No
officer has been selected to command the flying
squadron, Tho name ot Commodore Howell,
commanding the depleted European station, hns
been suggested, but he will probablr not be as
signed to the duty. Commodore bchley con
linues as the most likely candidate.
Sptctmt CabU Deipal tktto Tns Set.
Madmd, March 15. It la said that the tor
pedo flotilla which sailed from Cadi, on Sunday
evening will only stay at tho Canary Islands
and Porto Rico long enough to embark provis
ions, and will proceed with all despatch for
Cuba. The other torpedo floVllln, which will start
shortly, will prohibly remain at Porto Rico.
no Ann op snQViitr bails.
It Left llavann far Key VTpil I.aat terrains-,
bnt May ftMurn In a row Oaia.
Havana, March 15.- The Board of Inquiry
will lea o Hex ana for Key West at 5:30 o'clock
this aftornoon.
According to what has been beard from some
members ot tlio board and Ibe belief ot the
Spanish authorities, tbo board will return to
Havana In a few days to take the testimony of
tho dhers who cauio her on tlie tugboats l'n
dcrwrlter and Chief, tbe llrst belonging to the
Boston Tugboat Company and the second to
theMcrrltt-Chapmau Wrecking Company.
Theso divers will make a new and thorough
examination of tho hull of the Malno, and if
their roport confirms the previous testimony of
the other divers, it is boliood that will end
the board's inquiries Into this branch ot tho
Investigation.
Capt. Sampson and tbs other members of the
board at 4 o'clock went to say good-by to Con
sul General Lee.
Kbt West, March 15. It was learned this
evening that tho Maine Board of Inquiry wlU
return here to-morrow morning. Tho officials
refuse to affirm or deny tho report, but your
correspondent has entire confidence n his au
thority. Tho steamer Detroit Is to sail at onco for
Tampa to load ammunition for tho fleet.
ItEAI)Y Ton HE A DUTT.
All tnvnl onieers on tbo Active 1.1. t .tow on
Shore Will Prepare for tbn Boa.
Kcr West. March 15. It is said among naval
officers hero tbat all the officers on the actlvo
list who are now on shore duty have been or
dorod to hold themselves ready for sea duty
and that their plnces ashore will be filled by re
tired ofUcora. Even those on duty at the Naval
Academy aro said to bo undor this order.
Tho vigilance and activity in tho work of
keeping the fleet here ready for any emergency
are unabated.
Work tbat will give room at the Government
piers sufficient to enable eight of the smaller
ships and torpedo boats to coal at once was be
gun to-day. No ship is allowed to remain with
her bunkers depleted of coal to an amount
greater than 100 tons. Coaling Is done almost
dolly, and another schooner came here with a
further supply.
Tho Marbleboad Is at Tampa to-day loading
war material. Sho is expected down to-morrow.
OETTINO DOOTOHB HEADY.
A Committor to Select anrsreono for tbo War
snipe. Who Will Go nt Call.
The possibility of war has made It necessary
tbat tbe Navy Departmont should know at once
wherolt may bo able at a moment's notice to
get a sufficient number of surgeons for service
on our warships whenever tbey may bo called
upon to meet an enemy.
For this purpose Rear Admiral Buncc, com
mandant at thenny yard In Brooklyn, has ap
pointed a local committee of physicians to pick
out suitable men for this service from among
the younger physicians nnd surgeons who may
Indicate a desire to join the naval service. This
committee was organized yesterday morning.
Dr. David D. Toal ot 151 Avenue A. was made
Chairman.
BTItANOB LIOHT IN THE SKY.
It Appearn Orer Habylen and lotereata Many
Prraona nnd Alarms aomo.
Babylon', L. I.. March 15. A strange light
appeared in the sky hero about 8:45 o'clock this
evening. It was entirely unlike northern lights.
Those who studied It could only conjecture tbat
it might be tho reflection on the clouds of a pow
erful search light, but it did not move raoldly
or by starts.
It was plainest when It first appeared. It was
then In tbe East. It moved slowly toward the
south, fading out and appearing again at inter
vals. It then travelled In a southwesterly
course. At times It was almost directly ovr
bead. It vanished entirely in leas than three
quarters of an hour. The supemltlous con
nected the light with the threatened war.
WHO IS TIIIB MANt
A New York financier Telegraphs an Caps
Irlolle Moasace to the President.
Washinotox. March 15. In the universal
support which the President has had In his
determination to make every preparation for
war, there has been one discordant note. It
Is contained in a telegram substantially as
follows:
"War must be prevented at any cost. What
Is the loss of 250 men compared to a general
Impairment of values I"
This telegram came from New York, and 11
waa signed with the nameot a well-known man
of finance. Who ho Is the reporter could not
ascertain. Ever) body in official circles wbo
knows of tbo message Is Indignant over the
matter.
CO A Br SIGNAL STATIONS.
Capt. Uocdrlrh la Charge or tbe Work erCCs.
tabll.hlBB Tkam.
WAsnisaTOH, March 15. Capt. Goodrich, the
President ot tbe Naval War College at Newport,
R, I., has been placed In charge of the work of
establishing oovst line signal stations lo be used
In thoerontof war.
He received his Instructions at the Navy De
partment to day and will begin at once a tour
of inspection along tbe Atlautlo coast select
ing stations and making estimates of tbe cost
of equipping them. Navy militiamen will bo
assigned to tbeee stutlons if hostilities occur.
rutting tluna on tbe Cruiser Chicago.
Home ot the ft re-inch nnd six-Inch guns re
cently recolvod nt tho Brooklyn Navy Yard from
the Washington yard wero placed on the cruiser
Chicago yesterday. Work has been rushed on
this cruiser, and guns wore put in place much
bonner than was expected.
The Atlanta will hnvo her guns emplaced
wltbln the next week. Tho six-inch breach
loading rlflo taken on Monday from the re
nulving ship Vermont was shipped to Mare
Island Yard nt San rranolaco yesterday.
When tho gun reaches Us destination It will
bo mounted on tbe Philadelphia. The gun was
painted white to keep It from rusting in transit.
Ilea. Urn hum atipr-rird To-Ilar In Atlanta.
Atlanta, Ob,, Mnr h 15. Tho commander of
the recently created Department of the South,
Brlg.-Gcu. William M. Graham, will arrive here
early to-morrow morning and at once assume
control of the territory allotted him. Ills first
work will be tho selection nt suitable headquar
ters, a ttio crowded condition of Fort Mcpher
son, live miles distant, renders it impossible to
accommoliite tbe General and his ataff there
It Is probable I hat n suite of rooms will bo leased
in one of tho new otllco buildings here.
Nuuud Simmers ror Transporla.
Nbw Haven, Conn., March 15. A representa
tive of thu Government has arrangodwith the
Consolidated ftallroad for tbe use of several ot
the steaniors belonging to the road, novr sta
tioned at Htonlnglon.ln case they are needed for
transports. TheOoneollrtatedfwnslhreo large
otoiiuiers, t-e Maine, tbe Nor Hampshire and
the Conoectwut, )
Kfisfr r "' i.i. ,-aosiaiiii'nV i --. i. - T
- -,V .a-xggllggfgjii
PUSHING PREPA RATIONS. W
nl
DELAY IN THE MAINE- HEPOItT , 'JBB
VBED TO ADVANTAGE. BB
The President :ratlnd at the Progress Mad ?
-lie Will (sod Ihe Malno rte-xtrt to Coo. ' H
ra Tntk or nn Kartr Adjenrnmett VI
Senator Prt otora Visit to Cuba not omelet. 3
Washimitoj., March 13. Prosldont McKinley ly
and Secretary Long aro still uninformed as to dfl
tho tlmo when tho ronnrtot tho Naval Board ot jH
Inquiry In the Maine, raso will bo rooolved. Wm
Thoro Is reaton to bclloc, however, .hat they ' f
expect the work of Investigation to be com- ,
I pletod within n few days and tho roport sent tjH
immediately to Washington, Karh day's delay 1
adds to the nnxloty of the Administration and "SP
increases tho cngerncsii ot tho United States 'jSK
generally to know w hut tho ordlct Is to bo. Smtm
Tlio waiting hns 8crcd ono good purpose, 'J9
however, in glrlng tho Prosldont additional iffiS
tlmo tor bringing the army and tho navy one K
step nearer tho stage of complete preparation To
for war. The closing of tho bargain jostordajr ftjH
for tbo purchase of Ibe two Brazilian
cruisers nnd tho action ot tho Xavat mU
Committee to-day in embodying In tbe Naval 'JyB
Appropriation bill certain features of the Per- ' i
sonnel bill Hint will giro tho navy the much- ? jj
needed Increaso In the onglncer forco hnve tt uH
dono much toward bringing the navy up to m
tho perfect stato ot efficiency that will be j l
necessary It a war takes place, and tb i
President nnl all of the officials ot the Jb
Administration feel highly gratified nt the -W
harmony of feeling existing betwren Congress '
and tho executive departments that baa mado It
possible to accomplish so much In a short f pace -f$
of time. Tho work of completing tho preparsv- tiS
lions for a possible conflict is carried on nctively Hug
In all departments ot Ibu Government service, W
and each day adds to tho myriad of important WK,
details to be atlendod to. let
The President has decldod to moke public at 'Jr
onco upon Its receipt tbe report of tbo naral $1
court, and to do this by sending It to Congress '&
with a messago explaining Its Importance and ct- ''3''
feet, as vlowcd oy tbe Administration, and stat- gB
lng as briefly as possible his clan for demand- pS
ing reparation from the Spanish Government. 'SflB
Some of tho President's frlonds nnd adrls-
era think that to do this would be to in W
Tito Congress to take some action on tho sub- m
Ject, but tho President, on tho contrary, bcllovcs 'M
thnt by taking Congress into his confidence and jfc
informing them ot what ho proposos to do W.
ho will forestall nny action that the two houses
might bo disposed to take, nnd, without antag- JS
onlzlng aaylwdy. retain control of tho nogotlo- 3j
tlons nnd keep tbe Bettlemont ot the Cuban
question out of Congross altogother, at least tor JS'
the present. 'jk
The knowledge ot the President's decision to '
communlcato tho report of the naval Board ot -Jf
Inquiry to Congress in this manner has aroused w
a discussion as to tho advisability ot having tbo J
session adjourn as soon as the nucossary lcglsla- 3jj
tlon can be disposed of, and without waiting .M
for a settlement of thogoneral Cuban Question. j9jf
This discussion has grown to such proportions Igjj
tbat It is now Bald to be the Intention 'M
of tho especial friends of tho President in JR
the Senate and House, liko Senator Hanna M'
and Representative Grosvenorof Ohio, to rush !fl
all measures to a rote and end the session even ffc
before tbo report ot tbe Board ot Inquiry is re Jp
celved at Waaningtnn. It la not a faotrhnwevtrt, . ... .i-ffi
that any such movement is on foot, although) Jfj
some of the moro ardent friends of Cuba art j8;
prepared to believe it. Speaker Reed ' H
is ono of the men whose assistance!
would be necessary to carry out any such plan ap
and he knows nothing of it. It has all alone k
been the desire of the Speaker to keep tho House J$
at work persistently, so that when the calendar jpl
of Important measures shall be disposed JfJ
of the House would be ready to pro- J
pose an early adjournment. He now -f
thinks that so far as the House is concerned, m
so well has It done the work mapped out by the)
Commltteo on Rules, of which he is the Chair- ' S
man, that adjournment could take placo within fjgf
a month. He is not sanguine, however, that S
the Senate will dispose of the bills sent there by f
the House by that date, but thinks that about m
May 1 tbe two houses should be ready for final S
adjournment. xl
Nobody has broached to the Speaker the ad j9
vlsablllty of rushing the session to a close be. 'jHj
fore the report of ths Board of Inquiry la v JRI
received, and tbere are very few men In '
either the Senate or House who think such W
a plan has been considered seriously. The pro- Imk
gramme of the friends of the Administration .jj.
and other Republican leadors in the Senate and , !i
Hovss Is undoubtedly to adjourn as soon as the gj'i
necessary legislation can be disposed of, and, 91
In this purpose they are controlled some - -j
what by tbe desires of the President, Mi
wbo thinks it would bo better to allow tho 'Sji
Exccuttre branch of tbe Gorernment te haro -W
full control of the negotiations with regard to Jl
the Spanish controversy, and to aUow tho f
President to settle the Cuban question la hid '' JJ;
own way. 3R
There Is a general disposition In both houses &
and among aU parties so to leare the question 'M
In the hands ot ths President, and there) la 'Sj-
rcason to bellere that whaterer plan of action ho Ml
outlines to follow ths publication of the report of jg.
the Board of Inquiry will be acquiesoed In by -Mj
Congross. Tbat report undoubtedly will hart) sh
been mode publlo long before the Senate or tht M
House Is ready to adjourn. ;
Every recommendation so far made br Uuff fl
President for legislation to assist him In pre J$s'
paring to demand prompt reparation fromSpalfl 'i.
for the lots of the Maine has met with hearty M
non-partisan indorsement, and it Is thought that W
if be recommends to Congress that the settle J
men t of the Cuban question bo left entirely to 'Wl
blm, the consent will be equally prompt and ffl'
unanimous. W..
Senator Prootor of Vermont, whose visit to
Cuba has attractod such wide attention, and to jK
which such great Importance is attached, had -ffi
another talk with Secretary Alger to-day, bnt , S
did not see tbe President. In riew ot the fast jT
that his trip has received an official significance Sj
which does not belong to it, and la ,,
view ot the further fact that such ohaer W,
rations as be has made since his ra &.
turn hare been distorted and amplified,
the Senator contemplates making publlo e -':
statement setting forth some of 'the things ha ft
aw and beard and what ho regards as the duty Jf1
of tbe United States toward ending the Cuban Wh
war. 3S
Senator Proctor did not go to Cuba as the rep. m.
resentattve of President McKinley, and, in. jfe,
deed, the President regrets that he went at M
all. These are the facts about the tripi tK
Somo weeks .before he left Washington Sen. Wt
ator Proctor told tho President that bethought m
of going to Florida with his friend Mr. Parker j
for their annual visit, and if there was no objec- , if
tlon or If his Journey would not be misunderstood jj
by tbo publlo and causo the Administration ,
etabarrassuicnt be would like to go orer to vfc.
Havana and tbe adjacent provinces and study W
for himself tbo situation there. The President Wf
told Mr. Prootor that he saw no reason why ha i'
should not do so. M.
This conversation, however, took place be. jjtf
fore tbe destruction of the Maine. Attar m
that event the President had very serl flh
ous doubts as to the wisdom or propriety m
of the visit to Havana of a Senator who 'W
was on terms of personal and polltioal friend ai
ship with the President. He probably fslt that Sj
the object of tbe Senator's rlslt would be mist !th
construed, and bis acts and ssylngs would re"
celre an official significance to which they jffl
were not entitled. .This has prorejj to be
tbo case, and, it will be quite dlffloult If
not Impossible for the Presldsnt to remove tha ffl
belief apparently so firmly Axed In thevablb 4
mind that Senator Prootor did mak. hU visit to 21
Cuba at the President's augf Mtloa. hlhe fad U ij
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