The herald. [microfilm reel], March 16, 1898, Page 2, Image 2

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2
nter pattern submitted ts that of the tor
pedo-boat destroyer Fame, built for the
English government. This craft, the type
of those so strongly desired by the navy
department Just now, is of more than 30
knots' speed and 300 tons' burden, large
enough to be thoroughly seaworthy and
carrying sufficient coal at economical
speed to run 4000 knots. This advantage is
not possessed by any of our boats, and Its
Importance is fully illustrated by the dif
ficulties confronting the efforts of the
Spaniards to get their torpedo flotilla
across the Atlantic to Cuba. Based upon
the statements of shipbuilders who have
been approached upon the subject, the
department has satisfied itself that a num
ber of these bouts can be built ln from six
to eight months. We have now under con
struction In the I'nited States four boats
rated as thlrty-knotters, but, with the ex
ception of the one built at the Union Iron
Works, which Is 00 per cent advanced to
ward completion, very little progress has
been made In their construction.
One of the boats is building at Hodlan &
Holllngsworth's, one nt the Gas Engine and
Power company, and one at W'olff &
Sweicker's, Portland, Ore.
FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
Not much concern Is expressed by offi
cers of the administration over the re-
ported intention of European governments,
at the instigation of Austria, to intervene
between the I'nited States and Spain in
the settlement of the questions pending
between them. So far, it has been stated
that this has taken no official shape, or, at
least, no Indication of such design has
reached tile state department. What the
attitude of our government would be If
representations In thut line were addressed
to It by European powers is a question that
the officials naturally do not care to an
swer in anticipation. The suggestion that
the Spanish government has protested
against the sale by Brazil of the two cruis
ers to the United States fails to cause any
feeling of concern, the naval officers hold
ing that there can be no question of the
right of the United States to increase its
navy.
Senator Proctor called at the state de
partment about noon today and spent some
time in conference with Assistant Secre
tary Day.
The navigation bureau of the navy de
partment Is receiving reports of the results
of the efforts being made at the various
recruiting stations to obtain men for the
navy. So far, the Columbia is about 200
men short of her full quota of 402. but it Is
hoped that the necessary men, mostly fire
men and coul passers, can be secured in
the course of a very few days.
HARBOR DEFENSES
Lieut. Very, the representative of the
Howell Torpedo company, has submitted
to the war department a proposition to
supplement the defenses of the larger coast
ports, such as New York and Boston, by
equipping a number of light-draft steam
launches with torpedo outfits. He urges
that by the full use of this means of de
fense the harbors may be kept open for
commerce up to tbe last moment, which
would not be the case wore reliance placed
on the ordinary fixed-mine torpedoes.
These torpedoes have a range of about two
miles, and start off at a speed of 30 knots.
If the boats from which they are dis
charged are properly sheltered, as pro
posed by Lieut. Very, it Is believed they
would be valuable adjuncts to the steam
er's defense. The government, however, has
heretofore regarded automobile torpedoes
as proper instruments for naval use. and is
scarcely disposed to change Its policy at
this date.
A good deal of encouragement waa cre
ated at the navy department today by a
report from the Capitol that a majority of
the naval affairs committee is disposed to
substitute six battleships for the three
provided for in the pending naval appro*
priation bill. This number is supposed to .
represent about the normal working ca
pacity of the three shipbuilding concerns
in this country that are abb- at present to
undertake the construction of battleships.
The fortifications board began Its ses
sions today in the war department. The •
proceedings are guarded zealously against
publication.
MOVEMENTS OF WARSHIPS
The gunboat Annapolis has started home
from the West Indies, leaving Curacoa yes
terday directly for Key West. She has a
number of apprentices aboard, being a
training ship, and it is not yet determined
whether she will be attached to the squad
ion. The torpedo bout Winslow arrived at
Key West yesterday. The steel tug Samo
set arrivi'd at Beaufort yesterday morning
and proceeded immediately on her was to
Key West in the afternoon. The torpedo
boat Footc also coaled from Charleston for
Jacksonville yesterday.
The tug Leydon urrived ut League island
today. She will pick up v coai lighter and
tow It to Key West for use ln coaling the
squadron. The Fern arrived at Key West
last evening.
ARMS FOR SOLDIEP.S
A representative of the Winchester Arms
company was in conference with General
Miles und General Flagler at the office of
the bureau of ordnance of the army with a
view to exomlning various patterns of ri
fles mude by this concern and of ascer
taining iiow speedily these could be fur
nished in large quantities in case of emer
gency. Samples of two of the latest pat- !
terns o fthirty caliber rifles, one of a Win- j
Chester and the other v Lee straight-pull j
gun, were exumlned. No contracts were
mude, but the conference led to a full un
derstanding. The representatives of the
Winchester compuny stated thut the pres
ent commercial demand, particularly thut
connected with the Klondike excitement,
kept the compuny ut ils full capacity, but
thut government orders would bo filled
without reference to these private obliga
tions. The company hus v force ef |i&00 men
und by working ton hours v duy with sev
eral shifts it is believed that the govern
ment could be supplied with rifles ut v very
rapid rate. A large number of AYinohesters
could be supplied at once.
Bids were opened in the quartermaster
general's office today for transporting
some of Ihe artillery butteries that un- to
man the fortifications works recently com
pleted.
MONEY FOR MILITIA
Inspired by the war sentiment prevailing
In many parts of the country, officers of
state military organisations have been In
quiring of the department as to allotments
of arms, ammunition, elc. There is un an
nual appropriation aggregating about $400,
--000 allotted among the militia of the several
elates according to their numerical
strength, and the money granted may be
expended for any branch of the service de
sired. That feuture which has received
some attention relates to the artillery Held
pieces, only a few states having been sup
plied with this necessary adjunct to suc
cessful military service. The military or
ganisations, us a rule, have been satisfied
witii the ordinary Napoleon 12-pounder
brnss cannon which fires v solid bull, but
their use hus been almost entirely dis
carded in the regular army. Of late years
New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ver
mont, Utah and a few other states have
been furnished with the new field artillery
pieces. The officials ure prompt to accede
to the requests of the military organiza
tions of their allotment of the annual ap
proprtatlons made by congress Is not ex
hausted, but In the absence of any money
hand to the credit) of the states no
equipment of any character can be given
them. The artillery strength of the state
military organizations In time of peace Is
four field pieces and in time of war six field
pieces.
• THE COURT REPORT •
• WASHINGTON, March 15.—"The •
• general expectation of the members •
• of the cabinet," eaid one of them after •
• the meeting today, "is that some re- •
• port will be received during the pres- •
• ent week from the court of inquiry ex- •
• umliiing into the cause of the Maine •
• explosion, yet," he added, "It would •
• not be surprising to us if the report •
• should be delayed for a longer time. •
• We have nothing on which to base •
• this hope that I know of, only the feel- •
• ing seems general thut what I have •
• said will be the case. There is nothing •
• at hand to Indicate what will be the •
• nature of the findings of the court. •
• "Today our time was occupied in a •
• discussion of the measures underway •
• for the national defense and the ac- •
• quisition of new war vessels. We are •
• keeping an eye on the two ships under •
• construction for Chile and Argentina, •
• but it is not probable we can get them. •
• If we cannot obtain the ships it Is a •
• source of satisfaction to know that •
• Spain will not bo able to purchase •
• them either." •
• •
THE MAINE COURT
Sails From Havana to Convene at
Key West
HAVANA, March 15.—Tho Mangrove.
With the court of inquiry on board, salleil
tonight for Key West. Captain Sampson,
president of the board, assured the Asso
ciated Pre.ss correspondent that the de
cision to leave Havana was not reached
until this afternoon, after a consultation
of the members. It was decided that while
further testimony might be obtained here,
this was not sufficiently likely to justify
a longer stay. The court can return If the
divers or wreckers make discoveries that
add to the knowledge now gathered. The
plans of the submerged wreck, in the prep
aration of which Ensign Powelson has had
a large share, are very elaborate, and Cap
tain Sampson says the testimony and rec
ords of the divers are very full.
Captain Sampson hopes the court will be
allowed to resume Its sittings on the bat
tleship lowa, now near Key West, with
the New York. All the officers of tho court
except Judge Advocate Marix are sta
tioned on the lowa or the New York, and
on the former the court could bo abso
lutely free from interruption. The greater
part of the Investigation that remains will
consist, unless the court returns here, of
a careful study of the plans. It Is not
thought that It will be necessary again
to summon the survivors of the Maine,
officers or men, now at Key West or scat
tered throughout the fleet. Captain Samp
son said, however, that any such would
be summoned if the revision of the testi
mony showed missing links in the chain
that they could supply.
The court has no prophecy to make as
to the further duration of its sittings or
as to when or where the findings will be
promulgated. Captain Sigsbee will prob
ably remain here with Lieut. Commander
Wainwright to superintend the wrecking
on behalf of the government. Chaplain
Chidwick is expected to remain to care
for any bodies that maybe recovered.
The court called upon Consul-General
Lee this afternoon to bid him farewell and
j subsequently Captain Sigsbee said adieu
to the court.
A PLAINTIVE PLEA
Why Spain Wants Warships to Leave
Havana
WASHINGTON, March 16.—A statement
which is believed shows correctly the sen
timent of the Spanish cabinet in Ihe pres
ent emergency, was made today by a gen
tleman intimately associated with Pre
mier Sagasta and Senor Morel, secretary of
the colonies. It Is not desired to give it
the form of an official utterance, but rather
an exposition from one whose opportun
ities for information are complete in tin?
views animating the ruling authorities of
Spain. The statement is as follows:
"The elections in Cuba are about to oc
cur, and the government desires them to
be as frie as possible. Naturally, how
ever, the Insurrection will prevent many
from voting, and it Is felt also that re
newed Insurgent activity coming at such
j a moment might jeopardize the success
-1 ful working out of the autonomist plan.
; Moreover, the attitude of the I'nited States
. lv having a squadron so near Cuba and the
active war preparations in the United
States are of a nature that may exert an
. Influence against fair expression of public
| will against the autonomists. It is thought
I that if the United States were sincere in
Its expressions of friendship to Spain,
I even if it thought that autonomy could not
! meet every expectation, it should be
by friendly acts, and not words, show
sympathy with the Liberal regime in
augurated in Cuba. If the Washington
government made known indirectly to the
. insurgents that it meant to have peace in
, Cuba, and that peace in Cuba might be had
with autonomic government under Spain,
I the insurrection would certainly die. If
the Weyler party wanted to interfere it
would be time for the United Stales to
take action. The Intervention would be
CAPITALISTS HAVE COMBINED
To Render Spain Incapable of Fighting Even Against the Insurgents*
All Attempts to Negotiate Another War Loan
Will Be Carefully Blocked
<£> WASHINGTON, March 15.—(Special to The Herald.) It was learned this afternoon, on the au* c X,
. U thority of a member of congress whose facilities for obtaining accurate information in the matter are aj«
.1* beyond question that the financial negotiations now going on are intended to influence Spain, and
Mt not this country, at all. It is said the Rockefellers, Belmouts, Havemeyers and similar great financial <> ,
interests in New York, including, of course, the Standard Oil company and the sugar trust, have set on J*
. U foot a combination to prevent war, not by any action on the part of the country, but by withdrawing J «
J„ from Spain all hope of financial assistance, and thus rendering it impossible for it to carry on war with t ;■
.)„ the United States, or even actively against the insurgents. It is even said that the interests men- J p
U tioned have imposing connections in Europe, by means of which pressure is being brought to bear J ■
JL upon the Rothschilds and similar great continental banking houses, to induce them to notify Spain at J •
,|a once that if w*i- with the United States is provoked the Spanish people themselves will have to pro- J a
e&i vide the money to carry it on. It is stated on excellent authority that these plans have been sub-
ajh mitted to President McKinley, and that he has fully entered into them. J a
. The negotiations reached an acute state nearly a week ago, and they have been continued with J L
unabated vigor ever since. The result is, it is said, the president has now become convinced that cj *
\ r every day's delay will add to the embarrassment of Spain, while, at the same time, it will strength- J (
i, en the military force of the United States. It is believed that positive assurances have been received J „
. U at the White House tending to show that Spain is at last recognizing the impossibility of nego- J *
tiating another war loan, no matter how usurious the rates of interest. L
LOS ANGELES HERALD: WEDNESDAY MORNING, MARCH 16, 1898
then justifiable. Now to make war on
Spain would be a orlme, and for that crime
to civllizaion and humanity the United
States would be responsible.
NEEDED FACILITIES
Battleships Will Be Provided With
Dry Docks
WASHINGTON, March 16.—Tho con
struction of live modern drydocks was
agreed on today by the house committee
on naval affairs. They are to be located at
Portsmouth, N. H., Boston. Mass.. League
island, near Philadelphia, Algiers, La.,
and Mare island, Cal. These docks are to
be of wood except those at Algiers and
Portsmouth.
It was agreed that the docks erected
should be made capable to accommodate
the largest class of warships. The prin
cipal reason for the conclusion to build of
wood was economy, but It was stated that
docks so constructed might remain in good
condition long enough for all practical pur
poses, and thut by the time tbeir useful
ness ceased developments in the structural
Held or a change ln the character of pres
ent docks might arise. A motion to vote
on the docks separately was voted down,
6 to 5, and then they were voted on as a
whole and authorized.
There is a strong disposition In the com
mittee to increase the navy in addition to
the three battleships recently authorized
by tbe construction of some of the smaller
vessels of war. It was stated tonight that
tho committee may authorize the building
of ten torpedo boat destroyers, costing ln
the neighborhood of $1,500,000 for all. A
movement for this increase will be made
tomorrow and Representative Bull of
Hhode Island will submit a motion call
ing for the construction of a number of
both of these classes of boats, probably
six. Others of the committee arc favorable
to the Increase and some important action
is looked for. The increase in the person
nel asked for by Secretary Long also will
be taken up tomorrow.
CUBAN CONDITIONS
Colonel Parker Fails to Find Words
Strong Enough
WASHINGTON, March 15.—C01. Myron
M. Barker, who was senator Proctor's
companion on his trip to Cuba, in an inter
view with a Star reporter today, said:
• You might believe, but you could not
realize the condition of the reconcen
trados in Cuba. It surpasses the com
prehension of men accustomed to usual
phases of life. Their emaciation is ter
rible; their suffering Indescribable. We
saw warehouses full of starving women
and children. These people have been
forced into the villages and towns by the
Spaniards, and the whole country where
they lived has been devastated.
"The best people in Havana told me that
the young men of the best Cuban families
in the islands were In the ranks of the in
surgents.
"My informant also told me that the in
surgent army was never as firm and as
strong as it is today."
"Did your investigation lead you to form
any opinion on the subject of autonomy?"'
inquired the reporter.
"No one wants autonomy ln Cuba," re
plied Colonel Parker.
"Even the autonomist governors do not
favor it. I know of several mayors of
towns outside Havana, appointed as au
tonomists, who are wholly in sympathy
with the insurgents."
STIRRING UP STRIFE
The Madrid Impareial Grows Exceed
ingly Bellicose
MADRID, March 15.—The Impareial
says: "Yesterday we received two tele
grams from New York which have not
been published. They deal with war prep
arations and concern not only street
jingoism but high officials of Ihe American
government, who in view of their position
ought to observe a discreet attitude."
The Impareial follows with a truculent
denunciation of Americans, who, It says,
are "Trying to frighten Spaniards by in
voking ttie phantom of war. of which they
are more afraid than the Spaniards."
"The United States is a country," says
the Impareial, "of bellicose self-adver
tisement. By moving vessels to and fro
she is trying to make believe that her
forces are greater than they really are.
We sincerely advise these bogey men not
to waste their time and money."
It Is asse.rted In well Informed circles
that the negotiations in New York as to
the commercial treaty are paving the way
for an understanding between the Cuban
government and the insurgents on groundu
to be submitted for approval to the home
government. The aspect of affairs has un
dergone a complete change and there is
a strong feeling in favor of peace between
the United States and Spain. It is alleged
that knowledge of the fact led Mr. Curzon,
parliamentary secretary for the British
foreign office, to decline yesterday to reply
to the questions put by Michael Davltt,
Sntl-Ptvrnellite member for South Mayo,
as to whether Great Britain had offered to
mediate.
A THOUSAND VESSELS
NEW YORK, March 15.—The special
board of auxiliary cruisers continued to
day the work of ascertaining tho facts in
regard to vessels which may be available
for use by the navy department.
The list of vessels available, including
steamships, y r achts, tugs anel other craft,
Includes nearly 1000. The great majority
of the vessels are at New York, Boston,
Philadelphia and Baltimore, where they
will be Inspected and the lists sifted down
to those worth considering.
These then will be classed as to their de
sirability under the emergencies which
pay arise. The decisions of the auxiliary
cruisers board will be forwarded to Wash
ington, probably by the close of the week,
and as fast as the facts In regard to the
vessels are filed consideration will be given
to the work of arming them In the best
and most speedy manner for effective use.
The board decided not to detain the St.
Louis, and she will sail tomorrow.
WILL KEEP CUBA
ROME, March IB.—The Trlbuna publishes
an Interview on the Cuban situation and
the relations between Spain and the United
States with Senor Clprlano del Mazo, the
Spanish ambassador to Italy. He says:
"Relations between Spain and the United
States continue cordial. The Maine explo
sion was accidental. If her captain had
been on board the disaster would probably
have been averted. Most of the alarmist
rumors circulated are stock exchange
maneuvers. Wall street speculators hav
ing embarked their capital In the Cuban
revolution are at a loss how to precipitate
war.
"But it is a vain dream. Spain possesses
Cuba and will keep it by love or by force.
That henceforth Is on engagement of
honor. Besides, the revolution will be sup
pressed before the Ist of May.
"1 do not believe that there will be war
between Spain and tho United States be
cause nobody desires it. If, however. It
should unfortunately break out Spain
would have recourse to privateering und
America's commerce would be ruined."
ENGLISH SYMPATHY
LONDON, March 10.—The Honorable Ar
tillery company of London gave a banquet
last night to Messrs. Hedges, Ferris and
Lewis of the Boston Honorable Artillery
company, the Earl of Denbigh presiding.
Among the guests were Consul General Os
borne, Vice and Deputy Consul General
Westeott and Lieutenant Colwell. naval at
tache of the United States embassy. Lord
Denbigh, in toasting "The president of the
United States, equally honored in England
und America," said:
"We all deeply sympathize with America
ln the sad national disaster that befell the
Maine. President McKinley, cool nnl level
headed. Is not likely to run his country Into
any unnecessary danger, while, as an hon
orable ruler, he must be jealous of the
honor of his country."
Consul General Osborne, who received
an ovation on rising to reply to the toast,
referred to the talk of the Anglo-American
alllunce and testitied to tbe friendship ex
isting between the two countries. He said
he did not believe that either needed pro
tection, unless against a combination of
powers, but should that combination ever
occur, he was confident that the protec
tion would be generously given.
Mr. Osborne expressed the opinion that
the strained relations between the United
States and Spain would soon be removed.
ONE MORE BODY
HAVANA, March 15—A body was dis
covered in the mud below the wreckage
this evening and Will be raised tomorrow.
This will make three bodies recovered
within thirty hours, none of which can be
Identified. There is no direct news today
from Sagua, but it Is known that the Fern
and the Bergen, with supplies, have ar
rived there. Beginning with Monday next
a kitchen capable of serving 2000 will be
opened at Ancha del Norte, Havana, in
charge of Mrs. Soldberg. A central sta
tion will be located opposite the Campo
Marte. This will feed 12.000 daily. Three
other stations will be opened Sunday, but
these will feed only 5000. The completed
arrangements provide for feeling more
than 17.000 people here daily.
HOPES FOR PEACE, BUT
WASH INGTON, March 15.-General Nel
son A. Miles spoke at the annual banquet
of the Second army corps here tonight. He
said in part:
"No nation has ever hail so much to say
against war, against the maintenance of a
large army, or against anything that might
lead up into open conflict. And no nation
had so much to say in favor of peace and
arbitration. No people are so anxious to
maintain peace at home and abroad as Ihe
American people. We would not enter
into any conflict without Just provocation
or a righteous cause. We are slow to take
up our arms, but when the time comes I
trust we will not be found slumbering. I
hope there will he no war. I, a soldier,
trust that if there is war, there will be no
Bull Run to begin with, but an Appomat
tox. We will be prepared, so that the con
flict will be short, sharp and decisive."
TIME TO KEEP STILL
LONDON, March 15.—The Madrid cor
respondent of the Dally Mall reports an
Interview with Admiral Bermejo, minis
ter ot marine, in the course of which the
minister said:
"The exigencies of the times demand
that the government pursue a policy of
silence, and we should not be doing our
duty if we imitated tbe Americans in pub
lishing Information as fast as received,
only to deny It the following day."
DEFENSE
HURRY-UP ORDERS
PORTLAND, Ore., March 15.—The Wold
& Zwicker Iron works today received or
ders from Ihe navy department to rush
work on torpedo boats Nos. 12and 13. which
are under construction at their ship yards
in this city. The boats are now almost
ready to be launched, and it Is probable
they can be completed wthln two months.
The plans and model for the third torpedo
boat, No. 20, to be constructed by Wolf &
Zwicker, are ready, but the plates for the
hull have not yet been completed.
NO OFFER MADE
WASHINGTON, March 15,-In answer
to an Inquiry made In regard to the pur
chase of the Agardabar, Secretary Long
said tonight that the government had no
Idea of buying the ship.
EUROPEAN INTEREST
NEW YORK, March M.—A copyrighted
London cablegram to the Evening Post
says:
The general English comment upon the
Vienna news that Emperor Francli Jo
seph is leading a crusade among the con
tinental powers ln Spain's behalf, is that
this was only to be expected from family
ties, the queen regent being an Austrian
arch-duchess, while religious ties ail en
courage Austrian sympathy with Spain.
Moreover, there is the emperor's well
known dread of the possible future conse
quence of American Intervention in Eu
ropean affairs. All that Is known in well
Informed quarters here suggests that both
the Austrian and the German emperors
would go great lengths to prevent an out
break of war between America and Spain.
BRYAN'S REMARKS
ATLANTA, Ga., March 15.—Ten thou
sand people who greeted W. J. Bryan at
the Tabernacle last night were thrown Into
n frenzy of enthusiasm when, in one of the
speaker's climaxes, he referred to the
readiness of Americans to meet a foreign
foe who should attempt to land upon our
shores. He said:
"Within the last two weeks we have had
an Illustration of *he unity of the Americnn
people In front of the danger which was
possible and probable. This danger they
have met as one man, declaring their
readiness to die in the defense of their
country. It so happened that the repre
sentative of the United States at Havana
wore the Confederate uniform, and yet
Fitzhugh Lee has discharged his duty with
such courage, such prudence, such patriot
ism, that you cannot find in all the north
land one man who would suggest his re
moval."
Great cheering followed this period.
MOVING BATTERIES
CHICAGO. March 15.—Bids for the mov
ing of three batteries of artillery from Fort
Riley, Kas.. to Fort Monroe, Va.; Savan
nah. Ga., and New Orleans were opened at
General Broos' headquarters today.
Twelve different railroads sent in bids, the
figures not varying more than $100. Each
battery consists of five officers. 05 men,
55 horses, four guns and caissons and camp
equipments, and will require one Pullman
and two tourist sleeping cars, three palae?
stock cars, three flat cars and about six
freight cars. The batteries will tie ready
to leave Fort Riley tomorrow. Colonel
Lee said today that he knew of no orders
being issued to move any troops from Fort
Sheridan, anil did not believe any such
movement was contemplated.
BIDS FOR PROJECTILES
WASHINGTON, March 15.—Abstracts
for bids for furnishing the war department
with projectiles to the amount of about
$600,0110 were completed this afternoon. The
awards will be made tomorrow.
SPANISH DESERTERS
MADRID, March 15.—A dispatch to the
Impareial from Lisbon says a score of
sailors deserted from the United States
warships while they were there. The dis
patch adds that the deserters are nearly
all Spaniards.
EXPECTANT SOLDIERS
LEAVENWORTH, Kas., March 15.—A1l
is expectancy in military circles at Fort
Leavenworth, but the news is given out
officially from the post that no orders have
been received about the movement of
troops. An order came yesterday to pic
pare traveling rations, and this is being
done. The infantry and cavalry today
are undergoing field maneuvers in heavy
marching order. The soldiers have been
drilled a great deal for the last two weeks.
At present there Is a regular artillery here,
and an order has been issued for Lieuten
ant Howland to take charge of the fleid
pieces, constistlng ot a Howitzer, a gat
ling gun, a Hotchkiss and six 12-pound,
smooth bore cannon, and make up a bat
tery. He has a detail of 28 soldiers for
this purpose.
SIGNIFICANT ORDERS
CHICAGO, March 15.—A special to the
News from Washington says:
Much significance is attached to the fact
that the first orders to soldiers in the wesl,
excepting to light artillerymen, went to
commanders of troops of cavalry. Even
now the orders and contemplated orders
refer to cavalrymen as much as to infan
trymen.
Heavy coast puns cannot be manager! by
horses—ln fact, for coast protection,
mounted troops would scurcely be consid
ered necessary. Tt Is considered that the
wholesale movement of mounted troops
Is part of the contemplated plan of quicky
Invading Cuba If hostilities begin.
It is Intimated that the visit of Senator
Proctor to Alger and Miles was partly
given up to the subsistence of troops of
cavalry in Cuba. Whether It would be
necessary. In case of deporting cavalry to
the island, to forward forage from the
United States would be a more serious
question.
MORE VIGOR WANTED
NEW YORK, March l(i. —A dispatch to
the World from Madrid says: The govern
ment has been advised by Spanish con
suls that filibustering expeditions are or
ganising in New Yoijkand Florida destined
for Cuba. The plan is to land in Porto
Rico. The Spanish minister at Washing
ton has been Instructed to make earnest
representations against such violations of
International law.
The captain general of Porto Rico hits
been warned by telegraph to be prepared
to repress with the utmost severity all at
tempts to cause a rising. Spanish was ves
sels on the coasts of both Islands will
henceforth display more vigor ln dealing
with filibusters.
Much stress Is now being laid upon the
expediency of acting with more vigor, both
on sea and land, especially ln the east
ern provinces of Cuba, so as to crush the
rebellion promptly. Spanish generals have
been much praised for their recent sys
tematic occupation of the rebol lines und
the destruction of all resources ln the prov
ince of Santiago.
The Impareial publishes a telegram an
nouncing thut definite arrangements have
been mude for the purchase of the Chilean
cruiser Almiranto O'Higgins, now at tho
Newcastle yards. Today the majority of
the Madrid press suddenly changed their
tone, recommending the people to keep
cool and to have no fear of American na
val or military preparations, credits or
jingo menaces.
They are merely Intended, this organ de
clares, to elbow Spain Into concessions in
all pending questions, virtually amounting
to a recognition of American pretensions
to mediate or Interfere in Cuban affaire.
READY TO MOVE
FORT RUSSELL, Wyo., March 16—In an
ticipation of being called Into active ser
vice, all of the baggage, tentage, camp
equipage and other impedimenta of the
troops is being overhauled at this post and
placed ln condition for immediate use. The
regiment could now take the ficldl fully
equipped in a few hours' time.
CLEVELAND'S COMMENT '
PRINCETON, N. J., March 15,-Ex-
Presldent Cleveland was interviewed to
day by an Associated Press representative
upon the subject of the Maine affair and
the existing relations between this coun
try and Spain. Mr. Cleveland at first de
clined to express any opinion upon the
matter.
"I should only be misunderstood," he
sold. "I huve been resting here quietly
since leaving Washington, and I do not
wish to say or do anything which may be
construed ln any way as a comment upon
public affairs."
Finally Mr. Cleveland, In a firm and em
phatic fashion, volunteered this statement:
"Though I have no wish to be inter
viewed, you may state for me that, ln com
mon with others, I think every patriotic
citixen ought to loyally support the gov
ernment during a period of trial like the
present, no matter what exigencies may
arise.
"I will also say that I hope that the
present difficulty will be settled without
bloodshed. It Is possible than an honor
able way out will be found eventually, and
that there will be no war."
Mr. Cleveland said he preferred to re
serve all comment upon the possible and
probablo outcome of the Maine affair until
after the official publication of the report
of the board of Inquiry.
TONS OF POWDER
NEW TORK, March 15.—At the nary
yard today there was the same activity
that has been apparent for the last fort
night. A shipment of 400,000 pounds of pow
der was dispatched early ln the day for
Key West. This is the ttrst shipment of
the 400 tons of powder which the navy de
partment directed to be forwarded from
this yard. A six-Inch broech-loadlng rifle,
intended for the cruiser Philadelphia, was
shipped to San Francisco by an arrange
ment that will get it to Mare Island almost
as soon as if It had been sent by an ex
press train.
Fourteen mounts fnr five-Inch guns were
hoisted on bourd the cruiser Chicago, and a
large force of machinists was set at work
tlxlng them in place.
COMMANDERS CHANGED
WASHINGTON. March 15.—Commander
Rush has been ordered to the commnnd of
the training ship Essex March 15, relieving
Commander Strong, who is ordered home
! and grnnted two months' leave. Command
er Belden was placed on the retired list
by operation of law. Chnpluin F. B. Rose
has been detached from the Navnl home,
Philadelphia, to await retirement April 5.
VERY UNUSUAL
PITTSBURG. Pa., March 15.—Prof. John
Brnshear of Allegheny today received nn
order from the United States government
for 150 range tinders for use In the navy
and on the land fortifications along the
coast. This order is the most unusual one
of the kind ever heard of.
Prof. Brnshear will double his force of
skilled mechanics at once, and will be com
pelled to run his shop night and day to
complete the order within the short time
allowed by the government. The equip
ment will cost $14,000. Fifty telescopes of
I'i-inch diameter, for use on the sea
coast defenses, for sighting the enemy at
long distances, were also ordered. These
must be completed within 1)0 days, mounted
and ready for use.
The Chinese Question
LONDON, March 15.—Sir William Rob
inson, who has iust arrived ln London
from Hour Kong, of which colony he has
been governor since lSfil, In an Interview
today warmly advocated an understanding
with the United States on the Chinese
question, sayTng the alms of the United
States In regard to China were Identical
with those of Great Britain. He added;
"There is a feeling at Hong Kong and
Shanghai that the Chinese provinces can
not hold long together. They arc already
Cures Talk
Letter from f. N. Burt
LOS ANGELES, Cal., March 12 I*l*.
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| DINING TABLES
Immense Reductions this week
If you can use one it will pay
\ to buy it now.
: Southern California
; Furniture Co.,
312-314 S. Broadway
partly Independent, not only of each other,
but also of the imperial government."
An Orchard Carnival
SAN JOSE, March 15.—An orchard carni
val will be held ln this city and county
on Saturday, March 29th. The prune or
chards will be in full blossom then and an
open invitation has been extended to the
people of the state to visit Santa Clara
county. Special rates will bo secured on
the railroads for thut day. Owing to the
lack of time for preparations, the bud and
blossom carnival has been postponed until
next spring.
Relief for Whalers
SAN FRANCISCO, March 15.—The
steam whaler Karluk sailed today for the
fur north. Roth, Blum & Co., her owners,
instructed Capt. McGregor to break
through the ice with all possible haste and
reach the frozen-in whalers. The Karluk
Is carrying supplies for the Icebound whal
ers, and Blum believes she will reach them
long before the Bear gets anywhere near
where they are.
Mrs Thurston's Body
KEY WEST. Fla.. March 15.-The Amer
ican yacht Anita, having on board the body
of Mrs. Thurston, wife of Senator Thurs
ton, and the members of the congressional
party who have been visiting Cuba, ar
rived here this afternoon from Matanzas.
An Ohio Man
WASHINGTON. Morch 15.—Tho senate
today confirmed the nomination of Daniel
Sweeney of Ohio to be consul at Cork, Ire
land.
Undelivered Telegram.
There la an undelivered telegram at the
office of the Western Union Telegraph
company for Kugne France.
To Cure a Cold in One Day
Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets.
All druggists refund money if It falls to
cure. 25c. Tbe genuine has L. B. Q. on each
tablet. • •
Sir Henry Bessemer Dead
LONDON, March 16. Blr ' t B«|SS
mer, the celebrated Invent ■ • iner
steel, died last evening.