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J H. McCOY, Editor and Proprietor SISTERSVILLE, TYLER COUNTY, W. VA., WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15. 189S ? SAILING OF TROOPS For Cuba is a Source of Relief for War and Navy DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS. Sampson Has Cleared the Way for Landing And Dramatic I)?veti)pmenlN May be Expected Moon? Cable at Ciuatanamo U n?in&r Repaired Which Will End the Dearth of Officl il Information. Washington, June 13. ? The first army of invasion to Cuba is now well on its way, thirty-two trans ? port ships, bearing over 13,000 of ficers and men, convoyed by battle ships, crirsers, gunboats and auxiliary craft, sixteen in number, having actually sailed from Key West at daj break this morning. An authoritative statement to this effect was made at the war depart ment today, setting at rest all re ports that the expedition was on its way or had landed last week. The authorities make the anncuncement for the reason that the time for secrecy was now past, as the scout boats had made sure that the path was clear before it, and that no pos sible menace could come from the Spanish ships or troops, even should the enemy kuow that our forces were now advancing against them. With the expedition off, officials here feel that there will be a period cf comparative inaction for a fvrw days. By Thursday at latest, the transports will be off Santi * ago, and a large American army will make its landing 011 Cuban soil. Admiral Sampson has cleared the way for this undertaking, and little danger is apprehended in get ting ashore. It will be better alter that when the advance is made, that the actual dramatic developments may be expected. JBy that time it is likely the American commanders will be in direct cable communica tion with the authorities here. Admiral Sampson has taken the shore end of the cable landing at Guantanamo and a torcc of cable experts are rapidly restoring the line to working order. The progress of this work has been so satisfactory that one oi the leading officials of the state depart ment said tonight that it was hoped this direct cable communication would be established by Thursday. It will put an end to the dearth of official information concerning im portant movements and will enable the authorities here to keep in closer touch with those executing the strategic movements. THAT CADIZ FLEET. The Spanish Cadiz fleet is almost as much of a mystery to the naval officers here as was Admiral Cer vera's flying squadron during the two weeks immediately preceding its inglorious bottling up at Santi ago. Today a report came that it was unfit for sea. That would have been credited except that the de partment has had information as late as Saturday to the effect that the squadron was already at sea and was about to depart. About a week before that ii had been told that the Cadiz fleet had sailed. Having in mind these conflicting reports, the war board scarcely knows where to give credence, though it would seem to be an ex traordinary circumstance that the least doubt should exist as to the presence in, or absence from the harbor of a populous city such as Cadiz of a whole squadron of war ships. However, the weight of opinion seems to incline to the presence of the fleet at Cadiz, ow ing to the bad condition of the ships. It may be noted, however, that although acting upon this be lief, as shown by the beginning of the military invasion of Cuba, the war board is taking no unnecessary chances of a surprise, and by means of scouts has provided for securing timely warning of *he approach of any hostile approach to the seat of war. New news of the attack by the Spaniards upon the United States marines at Guantanamo bay Satur day night was not confirmed by of ficial advices up to the clo?e of the day here. However; there is no disposition to question the accuracy of the press report and the news has bad a rather sobering effect upon the element that has insisted upon ^rushing troops forward re gardless of their unpreparduess. NOT AGREEABLE NEWS. Saturdav night's actions shows that the Spanish are not afraid to charge bodly upon the United States troops and the prospects of a bushwhacking warfare disclosed by a Spanish movements are any thing but agreeable to the persons who have been hoping for a short campaign. A good deal of surprise is ex pressed at the failure ?f that report to mention anv substantial aid re ceived by the United States marine camped on Crest hill. Re enforce ments were sent from our own ships but it does not appear in the re ports that the marines had help from the men best calculated from their experience in jungle fighting to be of service in an encounter with Spanish guerrillas. Without any disparagement to the fighting ability of the marines who appear to have acquitted themselves with the greatest credit so far as concerns their bravery and steadiness under fire, the question has been raised in the minds ot the military experts whether, failing in any substantial assistance from the Cubans, who were reported to have been so nu merous in the vicinity, western sol diers trained in Indian fighting, would not be of more service in a Cuban jungle campaign. Nothing so seYerelytSXes the courtage and endurance of troops as to be shot at from cover by an unseen foe, and only troops trained in our latest skirmish drills can render effective service in such attacks. WHAT SPAIN THREATENS Will JInke Rcpri<*HlN on AmericaiN in Certain Conllnicencies. Madrid, June 10 ? The minister for foreign affairs, Duke Alm:dovar de Rio, says there is no truth in the statement that the cable communi cation with Santiago da Cuba had beeu cut, adding that he had re ceived dispatches from there this morning. Answering further questions, the foreign minister said he had le jceived no further news from the Philippines. A semi-official note issued to night, says letter continue to be i seized in the United States even j though addressed to foreigners. ! The note adds: "If this measure, unprecedented in war between civ ilized people, is persisted in, Spain will make reprisals upon the prop erty ol Americans in Spain." When your stomach begins to trouble you, it needs help. The help it needs, is to digest your food and, until it gets it, you won't have any peace. Stomach trouble is very distressing, very obstinate, ! very dangerous. Many of the ; most dangerous diseases begin with 'simple indigestion. The reason is that indigestion (not digestion, not i nourishmeu1) weakens the system I and allows disease germs to attack :it. The antidote is Shaker Diges ive Cordial, strengthening, nourish ing, curative. It cures indigestion land renews strength and health, jit does this by strengthening the stomach by helping it to digest! youi food. It nourishes you. i Shaker Digestive Cordial is made of pure herbs, plants and wine, is perfectly harmless and will certain ly cure all genuine stomach trouble. Sold by druggists, price 10 cents to $1.00 a bottle. Misses Maud and Ethel Lawrence are home during their vacation. They have been attending school during the winter and spring at Grove City, Pa. Mart Miller is up the river today. DEWEY'S REPORT Of His Annihilation of the Spanish Fleet at Manilla? He Given Unstlnte?t Praise to Officers and Hen Under Him. Washington, D. C., June 13. ? The navy department today made public the following letter received from Admiral Dewey this afternoon being its first Mail advices from him since he reached Man ilia. Flagship, Olympia, ) Cavits, May 4, 1898. j The squadran left Mirs Bay on April 27, and arrived off Bolinao on the morning of April 30, and finding no vessels there preceeded down the coast and arrived off the entrance to Manilla Bay on the same afternoon. The Boston and Concord were sent to reconnoitre Port Subic. A thorough search of the pan made by the Boston and the Con cord, but the Spanish fleet was not found. Entered the south channel at 11:35 p- sm., steaming in column at eight knots. After half the battery had passed, a battery on the south side of the channel opened fire, none of the shots taking effect. The Boston andMcCulloch returned 1 the fire. The squadron proceeded across the bay at slow Speed and arrived off Manila at daybreak and was fired upon at 5: 1 5 a. m. by three batteries at Man'la and two near! Cavite, and by the Spanish fleet anchored in an approximately cast and west line across the mouth of Baker bay, with their left in shoal water in Canacacbay. The squad ron then proceeded to the attack, the flagship Olympia, under my personal direction, leadingj.followed at a distance by the Baltimore, Ral eig^vPetreJ, Concord and Boston, in the 'order named, which forma tion was matntaiire(T^"TWoughout the action. The squadron opened fire at 4:4 1 a. m. While advancing to the attack two mines were ex ploded ahead of the flagship, too far to be effective. The squadron maintained a continuous and pre cise fire at ranges varying from 5,000 to 2.006 yards, countermarch ing in a line approximately parallel to that of the Spanish fleet. The enemy's fire was vigorous, but gen erally ineffective. Early in the en gagement two launches put out toward the Olympia, with the ap parent intention of using torpedoes. One was sunk and the other dis abled by our fire and beached be fore an opportunity occurred to fire torpedoes. At 7 a. ra. tbe Spanish flagship Reioa Christina made a desperate attempt to leave the line and come out to engage at a short range, but was received with galling fire, the entire battery of the Olympia being concerted upon her that she was barely able to return to the shelter of the point. The fires started in her by our shells at this time were not extinguished until she sank. The three batteries at Manila had kept up a continuous report from the beginning of the engagement, I which fire was not returned by this , squadron. At this point I sent a ? message to the governor general to ! the eftect that if the batteries did I not cease firing the city would be ! shelled. This had the effect of j s!lencingthem. At 7:35 a. m. I ceased firing and withdrew the squadron for break fist. At 11:15 a- m-? returned to the attack. By this time the Span ish flagship and almost the entire Spanish fleet were in flames. At 12:30 p. m. the squadron ceased firing, the batteries being silenced, and the ships sunk, burnt and deserted. At 12.40 p. m., the squadron returned and anchored off Manila, the Petrel being left behind to complete the destruction of the j smaller gunboats, which were be-! hind the point of Cavite. This duty was performed by Commander j E. P. Wood in the most expeditious and complete manner possible. The Spanish lost the following vessels: Sunk ? Reina Christina, Castella, Don Antonio de Ulluoa, Burnt ? Don Jaun de Austia, Isla de Luzon, Isla de Cuba, General Lezo, Marquis del Duero, El Cor reo, Velasco and Isla de Mindano, (transport) . Captured ? Rapido and Hercules (togs), and several small launches. I am unable to obtain compkte accounts of the enemy's killed and wounded, but believe their losses to be very heavy. The Reina. Christina alone had one hun dred and fifty killed, including the captain, and ninety wounded. I am happy to report that the damage done to the .cquadron under my command was inconsiderable. There were none killed and only seven men in the squadron very slightly wounded. Several of the vessels were stuck and even penetrated but the dam age was of the slightest, and the squadron is in as good condition now as before the battle. I beg to state to the department that I doubt if any commander-in chief was ever served by more loyal, efficient and gallant captains than those of the squadron now und^r my command. On May 2, the day following the engagement, the squadron again went to Cavite. where k remains. On the 3rd the military forces evaculated the Cavite arsenal, which was taken possession of by a lauding party. On the same day the Raleigh and Baltimore secured the surrender of the batteries on Correigdor island, paroling the gar rison and destroying the guns. On the morning of May 4, the trans port Manilla, which had been aground in Bakey bay, was towed off and made a prize. Free IN 1 1*. Send your address to H. E. Bttck lin & Co., Chicago, aud get a free sample box of Dr. King's New Life Pills. A trial will convince you of their merits. These pills are eafcy in action and are particularly effec tive in the cure of sick headache and constipation. For malaria and liver troubles they have been proved invaluable. They are guar anteed to be perfectly free from every deleterious substance and to be purely vegetable. They do not weaken by their action, but by giv ing tone to the stomach and bowels greatly invigorate the stomach. Regular size 25c per box. Sold by Hill & McCoach, druggists. A BIO Oil, FIRE. Point Drerze Itplncry Nnflpn n I<ok? of 8400,000. Philadelphia, Pa , June 13. ? The extensive plant of the Philadelphia Oil company at Point Breeze was visited by fire tonight which for a time threatened to prove_most dis astrous. By the almost herculean efforts of the cotnpa ay's workmen and nearly the entire department of the city the flames were held in check and the less held with within $300,000. Five separate alarms were sounded and twenty-two com panies responded in addition to the police and fiie boats Adjoining the dock were the tanks filled with crude and parafine oils. On these the two workmen and firemen la bored with long lines ot ho*e and kept the intense heat from igniting the contents. Two barges at the dock were burned and one ship was badly scorclieJ. The origin of the fire is un known. THE SOLDIER HOYS Cpln; Rr 111 ember* d by flie Enriirw of KiNlmvilk-A Box of Dcllcarim. The ladies of Sistersville are de termined to remember the soldier boys in a substantial way which will be most appreciated by them. They are making up a box of Iruit, jellies, etc., which will be forward ed from here Saturday morning to Chickamauga. They desire us to announce that any contributions which the public wish to make will be cheerfully received bv Captain Davis, corner Water and Diamond streets. Attempted Burglary. An attempt was made last night to burglarize the house of S. W. Lawrence. The parties were frightened away before thfcy had accomplished their purpose or gained access to the house. A ladder was out up to the rear window and it was in this man ner they had hoped to get into the house. % ' ' . v . '? . ' v ? . to,: ? . f. ll Kt ring town's Boom. Another bunch of fifty locations to be made here at once, while new buildings are going up all over the town. Messrs. Villinger and Sny der, drillers for the South Penn Oil company, make the banner time in drilling. A GORDON SAND WELL. The reports of Stringtown's boom have not been exaggerated and it is now reported that a bunch of! fifty new locations are to be made there at once. This will run the boom until late in the fall at least, and the probabilities are that other locations will follow those that have just been made. This makes about one hundred and fifty locations that j the South Penn people have made in the deep sand Gordon territory within the past six weeks, the great er number of which are in the n^ar vicinity of Stringtown. A new hall, billiard room, show store, aud several other buildings for dif ferent businesses, are being put up and it is safe to say that that place will witness one of the greatest booms that the oil field has seen for some time. On last Saturday afternoon the South Penn peo ple completed their No. 4 F. M. Lemasters and got a seventy- five barrel well. It was on this well that the banner time of the field, in fast drilling, was made "4 Messrs. Yillingerand Snyder, wl rigged up and took down the t0? in thirty-nine and a half days. TH is considered by oil men as beil very rennrkable, the average till consumed in drilling a three thol sand foot Gordon well beil something like fifrty days. Striil town has a base ball nfl and if reports count for anything is a hummer. Last Saturday tlfl hooked horns with the Braden Si tion boys and gave them a thl | ough trouncing. The team willl I uniformed and there will be moifl enough in the exchequer to gal antee all expenses that the cfl may be put to in meeting any al all comers. Mr. J. Y. McNaugl i a prominent contractor for I South Peun Oil company, and aa extensive landholder m I south, has assumed the mancfl ment of the nine, and this fact alfl is sufficient to guarantee itssuccfl as Joe never does anything I halves. (jM Proud Pnrfnli. r Harry Work was not at couB meeting last evening: InquirieB to the reason for his absence E closed the lact that he was I proud father of a fine baby B which was born late yesterday ? ternoon. Mother and child d<9 well and the father's reason isl turning. ? o Smith & Boeshar| Cash or Credit. ii m ?? 2 >-SMITH & B0ESHAR'S_> Special Rocker Tliis is a good picture of the Rocking Chair which we selling for It is strongly made of hard wood and is finished in eitl Antique or Mahogany. I