Evening star. [volume], June 20, 1898, Image 1

About Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972

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THE EVENTING .STAR.
^I'DLIMHRO DAILY GXIRIT Sl'SDAY.
AT THE STAR BUILDINGS,
JHJ Ftnc^lruii A%rcce, Cci. lUh 8t., hr
Ihe Evening 8tar Newspaper Company
S. H. EAUFFMANN, Pres't.
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No. 14,135.
WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, JUNE
1898?TWELVE PAGES.
TWO CENTS.
THE STAR DY
Persons leavlnjr the city for any
period can have The Star m*1le<1 to
them to any address in the United
States or Cannda, by crdrrlnjr it at
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Five the last address as well us the
new one.
NOW OFF SANTIAGO
Belief of Officials Regarding the
Troops.
PLAKS FOR THE DEBARKATION
Wharf at Aguadores Commanded
by Spanish.
NO REPORTS RECEIVED
Commodore Watson lias reported
to the Xavy Department that the
captain general of Cuba has inform
ed him that Spain refused to ex
change Lieutenant Hobson and his
fellow jrrisoners.
Great indignation is felt in Con
gress at the refusal of Spain to ex
change Lieut. Hobson and his asso
ciates. The President is surprised
and pained at this decision of the
Spanish government.
The refusal of the Spanish officials
to exchange Hobson causes a dis
agreeable feeling here. While there
is no positive obligation upon a bel
ligerent to exchange prisoners, vet
it is a universal practice in civilized
warfare.
Xo doubt is entertained at the War
or Xavy Departments that General
Shatter's military expedition has ar
rived off Santiago de Cuba.
No doubt is entertained at either the War
or Navy Department that Gen. Shafter's
military expedition has arrived safely off
Santiago by this time. As a matter of fact,
it is believed that the first of the transports
arrived near the blockading iieet Saturday
night.
According to the plans arranged for the
debarkation, the Meet of transports was to
lie in a safe place until Sampson had clear
ed the way for a landing. The selection of
the landing place was left entirely to the
judgment of Admiral Sampson and Gen.
Shafter. the military commander. The very
first business in order, upon the arrival of
the transport fleet off Santiago would be a
war council between Admiral Sampson and
some of his naval captains on the one hand
and Maj. Gen. Shafter and his staff on the
other, the purpose being to settle ail the
details of the debarkation. Meanwhile, the
fleet of transports would lie out at sea at
least ten miles beyond the blockading
squadron, in order to be entirely safe from
attack by Spanish torpedo boats. These
craft are dangerous enough to full-fledged
warships, but a transport would be abso
lutely helpless against their attack, so that
the strictest possible watch must be kept
by the convoys until the troops are landed,
the present being the.most critical point in
the whole operation.
The work of debarking the troops is not
to be one of hours, but rather days, accord
ing to the opinion of army officers. A great
deal depends on the point selected for the
landing. It is supposed that Aguadores, to
the east of Morro Castle about six or eight
miles, would be a likely landing, in view of
the fact that it has a wharf, the property
of an iron ore company, which would be
extremely useful for landing the heavy sup
plies and ordnance of the siege train.
It Is reported now, however, that this
particular wharf has been commanded by
Spanish batteries, which have been so
placed as to give an enfilading fire upon it.
If this be so, then the batteries must be
first silenced by the fleet, else there would
be not only loss of life among the troops,
but the wharf itself might be destroyed by
the Spanish shells. If the landing is made
at this wharf at least two days, it is esti
mated, will be consumed in getting the ex
pedition ashore, as only one ship can lie
at the wharf at a time, and there is an
enormous quantity of ammunition and
stores to be taken ashore. If the landing
Is made on the beach, it will be a tedious
and time-consuming operation, although it
will he possible in that case to proceed
simultaneously from all the ships.
The army officials feel confident that Gen.
Shafter will make an immediate effort to
open up cable communication as soon as he
has landed a force, and they are expecting
a cablegram almost any moment announc
ing the fact that he has succeeded. Some
surprise is expressed that this French cable
has not already been reopened, as the cable
"WW was at Mole St. Nicholas tne mid
dle of last week, with all of the necessary
material and men for repairing the breaks
and opening up the station.
Official \eiY?.
No official news respecting the war had
been received at either the War or Navy
I>epartm-nts up to 3 o'clock this after
noon. Secretary Alger, Genera! Miles and
Adjutant General Corbin are authority for
the statement that no word has yet been
received from General Shafter. who led the
military expedition to Santiago, nor from
General Anderson, In command of the lirst
expedition to the Philippines. Secretary
Long and Assistant Secretary Allen of the
Navy Department each said at 3 o'clock
this afternoon that nothing had been re
ceived today from Admiral Sampson, in
ccrcmand of the naval forces off Santiago,
or from Admiral Dewey, In command of
the fl. et in the Bay of Manila.
^ Notwithstanding this general absence of
direct official Information, the officials
nam.d are satisfied that Shafter's army,
with its naval convoy, has arrived at San
tiago. and that the fleet of transports which
lef San Francisco *>n the 23th ultimo Is not
very far from the Hay of Manila, ir, indeed
It did not reach there today. Owing to the
lack of direct telegraphic communication
no official information is expected from
either of these expeditions before tomor
rp''- !h" rase of Santiago It will be nec
e sarv to send a dispatch boat to Kingston
Jamulc-j. and In the case of Manila It will
be similarly nactuary to send dispatches
by water to Hong Kong. Therefore, there
vtlJl probably be a delay of from twenty
four to forty-eight hours after the arrival
of th? fleets before that fact can be official
ly communicated to the authorities In
Washington. It is said at the War Depart
ment thzt it will take at least a day or two
for the troops to recover from their sea
voyage before they will be in condition to
begin active operations against the enemy,
both at Santiago and a*. Manila.
SPAIN REFUSESTO EXCHANGE
Will Not Give Up Lieutenant Hobson and
His Associates.
Report of Commodore Walnon to the
>avy Drpiirlmrnt-Whnt 1* Said
in Official ClrclM.
The Navy Department received a tele
gram this morning from Commodore Wat
son, commanding th? Cuban blockade
squadron off Havana, saying that he had
b-:en informed by the captain general that
the Spanish government 1-ad refused to ex
change Hobson and his iellow-prlsoners.
The refusal of the Spanish officials to ex
change Hol)3on caused a disagreeable fe?l
ing here. While there is no positive obliga
tion upon a belligerent to ^xchang? prison
ers, yet it Is a universal practice in civilized
warfare. The regulations of the War De
partment lay down specifically how the ex
changes of prisoners er_> to take place, and
regulation 109 of general orders for the
government of armies in the field says:
"The exchange of prisoners of war is an
act of convenience to both belligerents. If
no general cartel has been concluded, it
cannot be demanded by either of them. A
belligerent is not obliged to exchange pris
oners of war. A cartel is voidable as soon
as either party 1 as violated it."
In the present case there has been no
general cartel, that being the military term
by which the exchange of prisoners is reg
ularly and specifically carried out. Per.d
ing such a general arangement, the bellig
erents almost invariably carry out the ex
change in anticipation of a cartel. It i3
probable that a cartel will follow at no dis
tant day and the exchange thereafter pro
ceed number for number, rank for rank,
wounded for wounded, these being the gen
eral conditions under the American regula
tions
Spain Tnkins \dvantajte.
As to Hobson, the authorities here are
convinced that the Spanish officials are tak
ing advantage of the distinction accorded
to him in the United States. Under the
rules of war, a prisoner is valued solely by
his rank, and it is considered dishonorable
either to underestimate a prisoner's rank in
order to cause a more advantageous ex
change or to take a higher rank for the
purpose of obtaining better treatment. In
the case of Hobson, his rank as assistant
constructor, which is equivalent to lieu
tenant, junior grade, should be the sole
basis for his exchange, yet it is obvious to
the authorities here that the Spaniards
hold him, not as a lieutenant, but as a
popular idol of the United States. In this
respect his detention ceases to be that of a
prisoner of war and becomes one of host ?
age. The holding of hostages, usually for
ransom or other benefit, is a mediaeval cus
tom seldom, if ever, resorted to in modern
warfare. But even as a hostage, Hobson
would be entitled to an exchange for pris
oners of greater rank or greater number.
It is being recalled that Admiral Cervera
won praise the world over by his gallantry
in making the first ofTer to exchange Hob
son and his associates, so that the present
refusal to exchange him is the more unac
countable. It is also recalled that when
Col. Cortejo, confined at Fort MePherson,
Ga., was exchanged it was strictly on the
basis of his rank, without consideration of
the incidental fact, most important to Gen.
Blanco, that Cortjo was a close relative of
Gen. Weyler.
Half-MamInt; Ihe Flint*.
The naval officials attach no significance
in the half-masting of the flags over Morro
Castle after the recent bombardment, as
indicating that Hobson and his associates
had perished. Morro is being spared to
protect Hobson, and, moreover, it is hardly
supposed that the Spanish flag would be
lowered out of consideration of an Ameri
can loss. If the usual practices of war
fare were followed, Hobson and the Ameri
cans would lie removed to a place of safe
ty. instead of danger, for a prisoner of war
Is entitled, under civilized usage, to pro
tection against undue exposure or hars."i
treatment. The putting forward of pris
oners as n shield is a relic of barbarism.
As a rule the places where prisoners are
confined, where hosilitals exist and where
works of art, libraries, church and charit
able institutions are located, are designated
by a yellow flag, and commanders direct
their fire so as to protect these points as
sacred, if Hobson is kept at Morro, either
to insure protection for that place or to
expose him to danger, it is a breech of?the
rules of civilized warfare.
SO MOKK FLAGS OF THICK.
lilanco \\ ill Fire on Any YcmmcI Fly
inft One.
KEY WEST. Fla., June 20?It is learned
from naval officers here that Captain Gen
eral Bianco has notified the American
blockading fleet that he will hereafter rec
ognize no flag of truce, adding that every
vessel within six miles range will be fired
upon, whether flying the stars and stripes
or a white flag.
the si iisistl:\< 'ii: oktartmem'.
Measures In (Viuicrru Relating; to
Food of the Soldlern,
Chairman Hull of the House military af
fairs committee has introduced the bill
recomihended by the administration last
week for the efficiency of the subsistence
department i f the army.
Senator Hnwley, from the committee on
military affairs todi y reported the bill
providing for the enlistment of cooks for
the army. The bill authorizes a cook for
each company, troop or battery, with the
rank of corporal. Its passage is recom
imndcd by the Secretary of War.
LONE TO SAVE COAL.
Oriirra tiiven by British Admiralty (o
I'axa Maneuvers.
LONDON, June 20.?Replying to a ques
tion in the house of commons today, the
first lord of the admiralty, Mr. Gosehen,
said the annual navai maneuvers had been
abandoned in consequence of the serious
character of the strike of coal miners in
Wales. Although the British admiralty
never possessed a larger stock of coal than
at present, Mr. Gosehen said. It was
thought prudent to husband It.
Spain lluylOK Silver Heavily.
Special Dinpatrh to T1h> Evcuiug Star.
NEW YORK. June 20.?A special from
London today says: Spain is again buying
rilver heavily.
Democratic Canons Called.
Representative Richardson, chairman of
the democratic caucus, has called a caucus
for 8 o'clock this eveatng in the hall of the
House. It Is understood the purpose of the
meeting Is to take the opinion of demo
crats as to whether a caucus shall be bind
ing.
AN EVENTFUL WEEK
j What is Expected by Senators and
Representatives.
AMERICAN FLAG TO FLY OVER MANILA
Important Military Operations An
ticipated on Cuban Soil.
THE CASK OF LIEUT. IIOBSON
In all quarters this is expected to be an
eventful week In the progress of the war.
Senators and members of the House who
have been following the developments of
the war with particular care and interest
say that this week the American flag will
ptobably fly over Manila; that important
military operations will be in progress on
Cuban soil, and the preparation for the in
vasion of Porto Rico will be well advanced.
It is expected now that telling blows will
be struck in rapid succession, and from
this time forward the war will be pressed
toward a conclusion, vigorously and with
out interruption. If the Spanish really eon
template sending relief to Manila^ Admiral
Dewey, it is said, will be fully able to de
fend himself by the time a Spanish fleet
could arrive there, and if, on the other
hand, the Camara fleet is designed for ag
gressive operations in this quarter it will
only hasten the time when the fleet will
be destroyed. Perfect confidence is felt
that the Spanish fleet can turn in no di
rection for aggressive operation without a
certainty of ultimate failure and defeat.
The most that Admiral Camara is capable
of doing is to remain in the vicinity of the
Spanish peninsula to protect the coast and
the Canaries. It can do nothing for the
relief of Cuba. If it should sail to Porto
Rico it would inevitably meet with the
f^e that overtook the fleet at Manila, and
it could accomplish nothing in the expedi
tion against our coast.
Till- Cane of Lieut. Ho burnt.
The refusal of the. Spanish authorities to
exchange Lieut. Hobson and his men ex
cites the utmost indignation among men in
Congress. This action on the part of the
Spanish government is spoken of by men
who are authorities on international law
as absolutely unjustifiable and unworthy
of a civilized nation. No doubt i3 felt that
Hobson and his men are being kept at
Morro Castle for the purpose of giving
that fortification immunity from attack,
and that they are being retained as pris
oners for the purpose of using them as a
shield for the safety of the Spaniards. It
is not only that Hobson and his men are
being used thus as a hostage, but they must
necessarily, while retained as prisoners, be
subjected to the danger of disease and of
privation and famine.
Not only would every shot fired against
Morro Castle endanger their lives, but the
blockade of the harbor and the cutting oft
cf the base of supplies must Inflict upon
them all the suffering which is legitimately
brought upon the beleaguered Spanish
forces. If food is scarce at Santiago, Hob
son aid his gallant crew are probably the
first to go hungry. The wants of the Span
ish army will be the first cared for, and
while the Spanish soldiers are on short ra
tions it is not likely that these prisoners
are getting much food. It is recognized as
legitimate in warfare that the feeding of
soldiers should be first looked after, but it
Is not legitimate to retain prisoners when
an exchange is possible, so that they shall
suffer famine. It is known that food is
very scarce In Santiago, and It is the duty
of the Spanish government, since we hold
Spanish prisoners who are exchangeable,
to make the change at once. To compel
our sailors and soldiers to shoot at and to
starve their own brave comrades is a bar
barity that no civilized nation can sanction
and none would be guilty of. No people
except such as were capable of treacher
ously blowing up the Maine and of mur
dering women and children and defenseless
old men could be guilty of such cruelty.
Spain will probably pay dearly for this ac
tion, but the hearts of brave men are in
agony at the thought of the gallant Hob
son and his brave companions. It may
easily be conceived that the couwe of the
Spanish government in refusing their ex
change inflicts upon them the horrors of
disease and hunger, which may make it
seem to them better that they should have
perished with the sinking of the Merrimac.
If Snmpnoii Shells Morro.
If Admiral Sampson shells Morro Castle
and makes an immediate assault upon San
tiago these prisoners are subjected to all
the danger from our lire which is incurred
by the enemy. Yet if he fails to reduce
Morro Castle and attacks Santiago by slow
approaches he will be tortured withthe con
sciousness that every day's delay adds to
the sutfering of the brave fellows. A more
cruel torture could not be devised by sav
ages than this of compelling our people to
participate In inflicting suffering upon men
whom the whole nation proclaims as he
roes and is eager to reward. The nations
of the world will condemn Spain for forc
ing this matter, and she cannot maintain
her claim to be regarded as one among
civilized nations.
What can be done about it is difficult tcT
dew rmine. There Is probably nothing left
but to go ahead without further reserve
and reduce Santiago, with a prayer behind
each shot that it may not find the heart of
the hero.
POWUKH WORKS Iil.OU W LP.
Thought to De the Work of Spanish
Agents.
CINCINNATI. Ohio, June 20.?The finish
ing department of the King Powder Com
pany, located at Kings Mills, in Warren
county, was destroyed last night In a man
ner lea ling to the belief that it was the
work of enemies of the government.
The building in which was stored a quan
tity of smokeless powder had evidently been
fired by two men near midnight, one of
whom was badly burned and had been ap
parently drugged away from the burning
building by his companion, who then ran
away In the direction of South Lebanon.
Smokeless powder in the condition it was
in this department does not explode like or
dinary powder, with a flash, but breaks
Into a bright light and burns for some time.
The great light attracted citizens, and
some of these met c stranger going toward
South Lebanon. The Injured man was
taken into custody. He is apparently a for
eigner, but Is so badly injured that he can
scarcely talk. The powder burred was not
for the government, and the money loss is
inconsiderable, perhaps 12,000. This com
pany has a contract to supply the govern
ment, and this is thctght to be the re?son
its destruction was attempted.
ANXIOUS TO,EN LIST
Cubans in Costa Bica Wish to Become U. S.
Volunteers.
Much IllUernr?? in San June Iletween
the Spanish and American Sympa
thiser*, Who H*tc Formed Cluba.
Advices received at the Cuban legation in
this city state that 250 exiled Cubans in
Costa Rica, who are anxious to fight for
the deliverance of their native country,
have petitioned William L. Merry, the en
voy extraordinary and minister plenipoten
tiary of the United States to that country,
asking to be allowed to enlist as United
States volunteers in the army to fight
against Spain.
A political and social organization
known as the Cuban-American Club has
been formed at San Jose, Costa Rica, to
further the project and in opposition to
the Spanish Club, which is making strenu
ous efforts to ra;se funds and aecure re
cruits among the Spanish residents of Cen
tral America to go to Cuba and fight
against the United States. Meetings have
been held by the Spaniards and a consider
able sum subscribed to be forwarded to
Madrid for the aid of Spain.
There is a considerable contingent of
Americans in Central America and many
in Costa Rica, and several hundred Cubans
who have been exiled from their native is
land for political reasons prior to the out
break of the revolution, and now that the
United States has taken up the cause of
Cuban Independence and declared war
against Spain, they are anxious to join the
United States volunteers and return to
Cuba.
Wumeil Aftoiiixt Disorder.
There is much bitterness between the
Spanish and the Cuban-American organiza
tions, and trouble has been narrowly avert
ed upon several occasions between indi
vidual members and parties of the rival
clubs. The authorities have in one or two
instances been called upon to subdue out
breaks and disturbances, and trouble is
looked for at almost any time. Conditions
have reached such a state that the minister
of interior of Costa Rica has notified both
organizations that arrests will immediately
follow any hostile demonstrations, and
warning them to avoid disorderly manifes
tations.
The Calm 11-Aiiirrienn Clnli.
The Cuban-American Club, which has
among its members all the wealthy citi
zens of the United States and Cubans resi
dent in San Jose, has leased a fine house,
where it holds its meetings and discusses
the war with Spaint and Cuban independ
ence. William L. Merry, the United States
minister, has been elected honorary presi
dent of the organization, and Dr. E. Bor
rero honorary vice president. The latter
lj a wealthy Cuban, who was exiled from
Cuba fur ail alleged conspiracy against the
governor general of , Cuba a number of
years ago. The activ4 officers a*e: Presi
dent, J. W. Field; Vice president, S. Cham
berlin. these two being the most prominent
Americans In CQSta Rica; recording secre
tary, F. Mllenes; corresponding secretary.
Senor D. Chavez; treasurer, Dr. Kmilio
Arteaga.
Will Publish n Paper.
Owing to the attitude of the nem'spapers
of Costa Rica, which are chiefly owned by
Spaniards and Spanish sympathizers, the
Americans and Cubans have arranged to
publish a paper to uphold their cause and
the United States and Cuba. The city of
San Jose is greatly excited.
The United States minister has forward
ed the petition of the Cubans to the gov
ernment at Washington. A recruiting of
fice has been opened and three companies
are already organized among them, and
are ready to secure transportation and join
the United States artny at Tampa as soon
as permission is given them to do so.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
The President Surprised and Pained at
Spain's Decision.
The President had many visitors today,
but there was nothing new In their talk
with him.
Up to noon the President had received
nothing official of the arrival of the Shaft
tr expedition at Santiago anil gave no in
formation to his many anxious callers.
He did not express any opinion of the sit
uation.
It Is said that the President did not
look for anything during the morning cf
the arrival of General Shafter's lleet.
The opinion of the War Department was
that the expedition did not arrive yester
day, but that it would probably arrive th's
morning. It is even anticipated that there
will be nothing exe'iting for the next few
e'rys. General Miles told some of hie call
ers this mcrnlng that he did not think the
expedition arrived yesterday.
It is said today that there has been no
change in the administration's plans abrut
at once Invading Porto Rico. It is pro
posed to get a la rue expedition on the isl
and before the stormy season begins In
July.
Representativs Evans of Kentucky saw
the President to recommend the appoint
ment of Henry C. llonnypastle of Louisville
as a second lieutenant. It is thought the
appointment will be made.
The Refusal to- Eie'|M>nK? Hobson.
Ths President Is understood to 1ft sur
prised ar,d pained at the refusal of the
Spanish authorities to exchange Lieut.
Hobson and his fellow heroes. The Presi
dent was cemfident from, the first that an
exchange would be'sgr>ed to by the Span
lards. One day last week a young brother
of the Santiago hero cajpe to Washington
and Went to see the President. The latter
told the anxious brother that everything
would come out all-right.
It is believed that this act of the Span
iards will do more to turn sympathy from
them in Europe than anything else. The
American captives are to be used to shield
Spanish fortifications, and men from Amjri
can bullets. If the presence of the Ameri
cans in Morro Castle will keep that place
from bombardment-^ he Spaniards will be
contented to resort to this cowardly plan.
It Is a species at Indian warfarj which will
surprise the iplllzcd world.
The Presld^Jpflias. personally felt a great
Interest in ttyfirexefiange ?f Lieut. Hobson.
He will not ?Meav%r to <Vo mor?, unless it
la to have Aimrlcan representatives abroad
call attention to Spain's refusal. It is now
hoped that Uncle Sam's BOtdiers will speed
ily rescue the imprisoned fk;roes.
Secretary Long was at the White House
today talking with the Pltsldent about the
case of Llewt. Hobson. He. cannot believe
that the Spaniards will us? the prisoners
for dastardly purposes.
AGUINALDO ELECTED
'Insurgent Leader Now President of
Province of Old Cavite.
SPANISH AUTHORITY RENOUNCED
Cruiser Baltimore Sails to Meet
Transports With Reinforcements.
EXPECTED TO ARRIVE J USE :>0
CHICAGO, June 20.-A special cable to
day to the Record from John T. Mc
Cutcheon. a staff correspondent, wl.h
Dewey's fleet, reads as follows:
HONG KONG, June 20.?General Filipino
officially proclaimed a provisional govern
ment In old Cavite June 12. There were
great ceremonies, and a declaration o. in
dependence was read renouncing Span sh
authority. Gen. Aguinaldo was elected
president, and Daniel Perlndo vice presi
dent. The Insurgents' government will not
oppose an American protectorate or occu
15 The rebels have captured the Spanish
go\ ernor and the garrison of 300 men at
Buiucan. The governor and garrispn at
Pampanga are surrounded, and the gov
ernor and garrison of 450 men have been
captured at Batangas.
Ansrnsti** Family
June 9 the family of Governor General
Vugusti tied to the interior for safety.
* The Spaniards in Manila are reported as
having shot thirty carbineros for attempt
ing to desert to the rebels. Aguinaldo sent
a.n ultimatum to the governor that If more
were executed he would retaliate on Span
ish prisoners.
The Baltimore sailed today to meet
Charleston and troopships.
The French warship Pascal arrived June
15. The warship Kaiser is expected daily.
Trnnaporta Have X?>? Been Slighted.
(Copyright. IS.*. Iir lha Assuoiiit ??<! Press.)
MANILA, June 1". via Hong Kong, June
20.?The situation here is unchanged. 1 no
insurgents are unable to take Manila. o?
ing to their lack of tiild guns. They could
nut take it even if Admiral Dewey pernm
ted, which he will not
The report that the United States trans
ports from San Francisco had been sighted
i; not correct. They are expected on Jun.;
All the foreigners are leaving in neutral
slop?- .....
Cniitnrc ?1 Hollo.
VICTORIA, B. C., June 20.?According to
news received from Manila by steamer
Esmeralda, which, after considerable trou
ble, was given permission by Americans
a no. Spaniards to sail to the United States,
the steamers Boston and Concord left on
May 12 to attack lloilo. According to news
received from them they captured thst:
po;nt without resistance and took posses
sion of it in the name of the United stales.
The American coal-laden ship Sarar.ac,
which was seized by the Spanish gunboat
E1 Cano, was lecapiured. She was anchoi
eu in the stream without a person on
beard, the prize crew left aboard by the
Spaniards having deserted her wnen the
American warships hove in sight.
PEACE FEEL1.VG DlSCl'SSED.
Spx.-i.-lah Cabinet Still Talk! of an Hon
orable Settlement.
MADRID, June 20.?The newspapers say
the cabinet at its meeting yesterday dis
cussed the "peace tendencies observable in
the United States and in certain person
ages in Spain," but add that Spain will
"unanimously repudiate unworthy condi
tions," holding that peace is only possible
"if the conditions are honorable and In
clude the retention of the colonies."
The ministers deny the renewed rumors
of cabinet dissensions and the reported
resignation of the minister of ilnance. Senor
l'uigcerver. It is understood that in any
case there will be no changes in the min
istry until the cortes susp^ds its sittings,
which will depend upon the voting of the
budget, probably by the end of this week.
In the meanwhile the cabinet will refuse
to enter into any discussion of the war
or the international situation, as being
likely to impair the government's liberty
of action.
Government circles affect satisfaction a.
the situation in Cuba, but in regard to
Manila, the belief Is expressed that Captain
General Augusti will ask th2 foreign war
ships to land detachments to occupy Manila,
on the ground that he is no longer able to
resist the insurgents.
NEW GINNERS AT MOKllO.
Their Fire at Blockading Squadron la
Becoming; Accurate.
KEY WEST, Fla., June 20.?Another
government vessel which arrived here this
morning reports that Morro Castle keeps
firing heavy shells at the blockading
squadron and it is not believed such ac
curate shots t an be fired by Spanish gun
ners.
On Friday a 12-inch shell exploded
dangerously close to one of the American
warships, raising a column of water and
smoke over one hundred feet high.
TO CREATE A TERRITORY.
Rep. Clark I'roposea to Chanice the
Local Form of Government.
Representative Clark of Missouri has In
troduced a bill creating a territory of the
District of Columbia and providing a terri
torial government for it. It fixes the change
to take effect January 1, 1S00.
FOR THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
The Senate Committee Agreea on n
Favorable Report.
The Senate committee on the Nicaragua
canal today agreed to report a bill pro
viding for the construction of the Nicara
gua caral, but on lines very different from
those of bills previously reported. The
bill authoriied today practically provides
for the construction of the canal by the
United States. The Maritime Canal Com
pany is to be continued in existence, but
all the ste>ck Is to be held by the govern
ments of the United States, Nicaragua and
Costa Rica. The bill provides for the pay
ment of $5,000,000 to the present -stock
holders for the work already performed.
Inanrsenti Kill a Traitor.
Special Ulfpatcta to Hie EtidIqc Star.
PORT ANTONIO. Jamaica, June 18 (de
layed in transmission). ? Rear Admiral
Bampsor. has been informed that the Cuban
general, Perez, commanding in the Guan
tanamo district, has executed a traitor,
who cent to the Spaniards descriptions of
tha defense* of Camp McCalla.
FOURTH FLEET FOR MANILA
List of Vessels Which Will Probably Be
in It
Gfa. Merrltt F.tprrlrd to Sail on the
Philadelphia?Xaval Rrirrvra
(ailed Oat.
SAN FRANCISCO. Cal.. Jure 20.-The
fourth fleet of transports to convey tro p*
to Manila will probably constat of the City
of Puebla. due bore June 21, from Puget
Sound; the Peru, due here June *1. from
Hong Kotis; the Alameda, due here from
Australia, and the Acapulco, now on the
way from Panama and due here June 20.
They will be pressed Into the strvlce If
necesEary. To tlwte may be added The
Northern Pacific Company's steamers Vic
toria end Olyn.p.'a. now at eeultle. lJo'h
these \essels have l-ecn granted tn Amer
Icen registry and are available as troop
ships. Combined, this fleet will accom
modate all the trocpa that will be left ??
the carnp, so the ships will only then be
required for further drafts of uoldler*.
""???'?I May fin on Philadelphia.
Maj. Gen. Merrltt may sail for Manila
on the cruiser Philadelphia, which has
Just received orders to be ready for sea
by July 1. The prospective governor p< n
eral of the Philippines is anxious to reach
the islands as soon as possible, and it has
been assumed that he would go cn the In
diana. of the third fleet of transports.
However, he would be somewhat hampered
by the slow progress of this vessel, while
if he goes on the Philadelphia he will prob
ably reach Manila fully as soon as the
troops under Gen. McArtfcur.
Maj. Gen. Otis will go with the fourth
squadron.
The auxiliary c ruisers at this port will be
t:;ken possession of by the naval reserv; to
day. The Iroquois' armament has arrived
from the east, and as soon as it Is placed
in position the vessel will go Into commis
sion. She may be sent to Manila, to relievi
the McCulloch as a dispatch boat.
All \avnl Reserves Called Oat,
The other vessels of the auxiliary fleet
vill have their full complement of men in
a few days, as orders have been issued for
all the naval militia to report for their du
ties.
The revenue cutter Corwln, which has
been in the dock of the Union Iron Works
for several days, has gone to Mare Island,
ar.d will be at one} placed in commission.
She is destined for San Diego for harbor
defense. Her armament is to be greatly
increased.
The British ships Belford and Laiclpara
have arrived from Newcastle with nearly
0,003 tons of coal. Their cargoes are con
signed to local firms, but are understood to
have been purchased by the government,
and will probably be diieliargcd into the
bunkjrs tit the Mare Island navy yard.
fllAPTEK S FORCES AT SAHUdO.
They Were Sighted Off Cape Mays!
Yesterday.
Social riispatrfc to Tbe Evening Star.
PORT ANTONIO, June 20. ? The trans
ports carrying the invading expedition, un
der Gen. Shafter, were sighted o!T Cape
Maysl yesterday. It is certain therefore
that they arrived oft Santiago de Cuba to
day.
OPK.M.V'U IIOM> BIDS.
Bis Force of Clerks al Work In the
Xew City I'ost Office.
Over a hundred clerks from the Treasury
Department are at work in the new clty
pest <>fli:e opening the n.ail containing sub
scriptions to the war loan bonds and prop
erly tabulating them upon schedules fur
nished by the register of the treasury. Tno
force occupies the rooms at the north and
scuth ends of the west wing of the build
ing, and is wording with much energy.
Tl.ere will be constant additions as the
wcrk Increases, and it is expected that 4c?i
clirks will be ei gaged upon it before Sat
urday. The work is carried on with all the
care and precision of that In a bank^and
e-. erything must be balanced before the
clerks leave. The more the letters are
opened the more evident becomes the grat
ifying fact that the great common people
are eager to subscribe to the loan, tbe
nvmber of small subscriptions exceeding
even the first estimates.
Although the amount of the subscriptions
to the new .1 i?er cent loan Is not made pub
lic, it is officially stated that it exceeds al!
expectations. This is particularly true of
the larger amounts. The number of sub
scriptions received for sums of $500 and
less is larpe, but the department wishes it
thoroughly understood by the public that
even should the whole loan be subscribed
for several times over in large amounts,
every subscription for $500 or less will be
accepted at once, as all small amounts will
take precedence i-i the allotments over
large ones. A subscription for twenty mil
lions lias been received from a prominent
life insurance company of Xew York, In
closing a certified check for $4<iii,0ho, as re
quired by the regulations governing the
placing of the loan.
WKXT BACK TO COXFEREXCE.
The House Agrees to the Massachu
setts Avenue Brldite.
When the House assembled today the
pending order of business was a roll call
upon the motion to concur in the Senate
amendment to the District appropriation
bill, appropriating $25,000 for the founda
tion of a bridge across Rock creek at Mas
sachusetts avenue.
By a vote of 100 to 52 the Senate amend
ment was adopted. The House then in
sisted upon its disagreement to the re
maining Senate amendments, and the Dis
trict appropriation bill was sent back to
conference.
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
Preference to Re Given to Honorably
Dlscharfted Soldiers.
The House commutes on reform in the
civil service has favorably reported Senate
| bill 3250, which provides: "That, In every
executive department of the Cnited Slates
go\emr.ient, and In each and every branch
thereof, whether reached by competitive or
i.or.-competitive examinations under the
civil service laws (In which case the rules
and regulations affecting the same shall ,-o
provide), honorably discharged soldiers, sail
ors or marines, w ho served as such between
April 12. 1801, and August 20, shall be
cei lifted and preferred for appointment to
and retention in employment In ihe public
service, and for promotion iherein; age,
loss of limb or other physical Impairment
which, does not In fact incapacitate shall
no>xlisquaUfy them, provided they possess
the business capacity necessary to dis
charge the duties of the position involved.
And persons thus preferred shall not be
removed from their positions except for
good cause, upon charges and after a hear
ing. All laws or parts of lows inconsistent
with the provisions of this act era re
pealed."
SHORT OF SUPPLIES
Situation in Havana as Described by
Insurgent Agents.
?
FAMINETHREATENSCABDENAS
Latter City is Effectively Besieged
by the Cubans.
DOG MEAT A DELICACY
KEY WF.RT, Flu., Junr- IS'. A vessel ar
rived born from th' blockade this mornlr?r
and reported ail qui I along the line. Hhe
brc.'ight an officer of thf Cuban army anil
a pilot, who are carrjlr.g Important dis
patch's to f?'-nor Estrada I'alma of the
Cuban junta from General Alexandra Rod
riguez, the Insurant commander of Ha
vana province.
The Cubans were taken on hoard on Sat
urday last from an auxiliary guntfOHt will, h
had picked them up. The mrMviicerK of
General Rortrifruex give a very Interest in*
account of th<dr experience*. After leaving
the insurgent camp they nuulr their way
Into the city of ilavnrut. apent several daya
there, proceeded to one of the small in'ets
In the neighborhood. stole a email boat and
row~d out to In the hop* of coming
across an American vessel. Thejr were
three Java In the boat before they were
picked up.
fchort ?if Pepplles.
The Cubans rejMirt that there tre 110 sup
plies of rice. maize. potatoes or ?KK* In Ha
vana. Fltur. they Bay, costs r*? cents per
pound, and the army haa been placed on
half ration*.
The messengers c'ass as false that ves
sels have succeeded tit entering Havana
with supplies. They a*"s.*rt that since the
blockade began only three stha:l r.shlng
vessels have entered the harbor and that
no food whatever La received from Clenfui
gos.
The Cubans confirm the reports that
W'orlt on the d? fsmes of Ha\ana ;s proceed
?'K steadily. Two rnes of torjw-docs ex
tend acro.iB the mouth of the harbor, which
la said to be further protected by two au
tomobile torpedoea, cne at each slilc, dls
charge-ab'e by pressing a button.
The only war vtsjf.g in the harbor of
Ha..ana are amall gunboats and the Al
for.se XII.
Famine at (ardrnim.
An auxiliary gunboat ofT Cardenas has
been visited by a Culian off.cer from the
shore, who r.-ported that p'.ace to be ef
fectively besieged by the Insurgents on
land and by the warships In front. He
made the statement that In two we ka't me
the whole population cf Cardenas will be
starving. The Cufcan officer has his father
and wife In Cardenas, and he was concern
ed for them. He described the i>eople as
living on palm buds and dog meat, which,
he claimed, is considered a delicacy.
The vessel which arrived here today has
been patrolling a regular beat off the Cu
ban coast, "just like a polieiman." going
hack and forth during the day and night.
Sometimes s.ie saw Spanish troops moving
about, but cn the whole Che blockade was
uneventful.
OHIO Itt'l'I III.ICAV l ONVKVriO*.
WrKiU'ia Deleiratea Prom Cleveland
l.ikely t<> Ue ttefuurd Admission.
Special tilfciiatch to The Evening star.
COLl Mitl'S. Ohio, June 20. I>el'*ga*.ei5
to the republican state ?onvcntion which
o|H'ns here tomorrow, began to arrive this
morning. Tiie prospect for a cootwt In
the convention since the fac tional light
in Cleveland, Saturday, now promises a
much Iurgcr convention than was expected
last week
The friends of Senator Hanna have com
plete control of the situation and wUI not
only nominate the ticket but de. i.Ie the
contests. The most important of these is
that in Cuyahoga county, whe re each fac
tion has chosen sixty-live delegut< s. 8 nee
the Mclvisson faction look summary
act on against the iianna faction in Cleve
land, Saturday, It is quite certain that
scats will be refused to the McKisaon dele
gation. There are ST.* d< legates in tin con
vention. The Hanna leaders ccmcede that
the opposing faction has e>-v<nt\ two dele
pates sure and that KCi. in-ludlng the six
ly-tivc. are in doubt, making in all 17.". that
tiie Kurtz men ma) control.
H - I"- 1 Ick will arrive from
Washing! ,n today to look after Senator
Manna's Interests, and will probably read
to tiie convention the senator ? speech
Congressman Grosvenor will, no doubt
be < hairm.in of the convt ntion
H. M. Daugherty is to have charge ?f
the campaign and will be succeeded as
chairman of the state central emmitt.-e
by Cyruf: Huling cf this city.
????? ^
THIEVES f iPTI HB A SI I EH I EE.
A De; pernte Karnanlrr nt Ml. Gilead.
CIItio. Veaterdny.
Special Iiispatch to Tile Evening Star.
CLEVEI.AVD, OHIO, June I!**.?There
was a desperate encounter between tide vet
and the authorities at lit. Gilead yester
day. Sheriff i'urinton and lieputy Hi'Win
were captured by a desperate gang of
horse thieves and tak. n into the woods
east of the town.
A posse of citizens organised and a pitch
ed battle ertVued befor< the thieves' wore
overcome. A doxen shots were ex.Kvng-d
and the thieves were only overttowerec!
when their ammutdtion was gone. They
are now in custody.
SWEPT III' A WIMi STORM.
Much llnmnse ll'inr In Manara and
Orlonna Counties, X. 1'.
MIDDI.EPORT, N. Y.. June 20.-A ter
rific wind storm struck N'ir.gra and Or
leans countics early yesterday. The storm
t~n\eied In a belt three miles wide and
seventy miles long. In Orleans county hun
ditds of orchards were entirely destroyed.
The damage will reach many thousands of
dollars.
A woman living near Gaines is sild to
have received fatal Injuries from ft falling
building. Many large bams wet* destroy
ed end the wreckage earned from sixty to
ote hundred feel. The wind started in tho
western part of Niagara county and trav
eled ea6t.
Spain Gets War Material.
LONDON, June 20.?A special diap&tch
from Paris says in Austrian agent baa re
turned from Madrid, where be delivered to
the Spanish authorities, via the Pyrenees,
3.000,000 empty cartridges and 120 tons of
explosives, derived from French, Austrian
and Belgian sources.
Steamship Arrival.
At New York?Cevle, from UvirpooL