Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 May 1898 — Page 1

INDIANAPOLIS NEWS

VOL. XXmSESKVo.JSn—fourth edition

MID-OCEAH BATTLE.

spai.v’® nMVt TO me mbt and STOPPED.

lamp *'* Fleet, It 1» Melteved, will be Joined by Sebley’e Sqnndron.

THE WWIFT OEIJlWmS XOW DOISG SCOUT DUTY.

Will Report to S«n»P»on Soon M the SpnnUh Fleet In Dlncwrered «n«I Prep«r»tle*n wlU be Made for Bnttle—Mnvol Men’s Opinion*.

New York. May 5.-A special to the Spain's Atlantic fleet U npt to be allowed to reach Porto Rico or to approach vbe coant of the United States. Rear-Admiral Sampson has perfected plans for meeting the enemy on the high sens and giving bnttle at a time and place of his own choosing. The successful issue of this battle may depend in large measure upon the Spanish admiral being kept in profound ignorance of the intention of the American commander and having the least possible time in which to escape or to prepare for battle. Consequently, the Secretary of the Navy and Rear-Admiral Sampson have kept the details of the plan of operations a profoud secret, and, as the time for the movement against the Spanish ships draws near, a censorship of telegrams from Key West has been established. This makes It impossible to obtain direct from Key West news of the movements of the armored Ships under the Immediate command of Rear-Admiral Sampson. Vr >;,'/• All that la definitely known here Is that the four roost powerful ships In Rear-Admiral Sampson’s command—the New York, the Indiana, the Iowa and the Puritan—were ready for a protracted sea voyage yesterday. Their coal bunkers were filled to their capacity, and additional supplies of coal were carried in bags on deck. Two colliers,' carrying 8,000 tons of coal, were ready to accompany them to sea. Reports that these vessels have sailed east to meet the Spanish ships have not be eh confirmed. Schley’a Squadron Ready. At the same time Commodore Schley's squadron, at Hampton Roads, comprising the Brooklyn, the Massachusetts and the Texas, with two coWers, carrying (.000 tons of coal, is ready to sail at a moment's notice. Swift auxiliary cruisers are scouring the ocean In search of the Spanish fleet. These facts all point to the theory that there is to be a union of the armored ships under Rear-Admiral Sampson with thoee under Commodore Schley at a point In the ocean previously agreed upon, and that the scouts are to report to them the location and direction of the Spanish ships. It is not believed to be possible that the Spanish ships will be able to avoid ail of tihe scouting vessels. As soon as Rear Admiral Samnson learns the whereabouts of the Spanish fleet and the direction In which It Is sailing, he can get under way to Intercept It, throwing his scouts out in front so an to cover a wide exoanae of sea and following with his armored vessels in line of battle and ready to give flgfit as soon as they come in contact with the enemyi Opinions differ somewhat In naval circles as to the destination of the Spanish fleet. Many naval officer# can scarcely conceive It to be possible that the Spanish admiral would be so rash as to bring his vessels within reach of such an overwhelming force as that which Rear-Admiral Sampson could bring against him. They believe that as he has held a weaterly course he counts on being able to reach Porto Rico and get his vessels snfelv Into the harbor of San Juan before he can be attacked by an overwhelming American force. When he left Ft. Vincent the American force was divided. Rear Admiral Sampson apparently was fully occupied with the blockade of Cuban porta and the only vessels available to be sent against him were those under Commodore Schley. SAMPSON’S MOVEMENTS.

They Are Kept Secret by the Official*—Lhaage ia the Squadron. Washington, D. C„ May 6.—No confirmation Is obtainable of the various reports concerning movements of Admiral Sampson's fleet. Persons who, from their official position, might be supposed to share the confidence of the administration, are credited with Che statement that the admiral has gone to seise Porto Rico, and thte statement is made after conference with the executive. On the other hand. It Is asserted, with ’almost equal positiveness, that the fleet has gone to meet the Oregon, and bring her In safety to the north. Still another report Is to the effect that the admiral ha# gone to-aeixe Matansas, to be used as a base of operations. The officials refuse absolutely to make public the plan of the strategy board, and thus give aid to the enemy. Therefore, these conflicting theories as to the plana of the fleet can only be fudged In the light of their probability, when viewed in connection with the usual methocs of warfare. Thus to bombard Matansas without, at the same time, being able to land a sufficient force to seise and hold the place, would seem to be very bad strategy, mid the fact that Sampson s fleet waa accompanied by no troop transports, would seem to be the negative Idea that he had gone either to attack Mat an ass or eelae Porto Rico. TV attempt the latter would require a strong landing force. In view of the numbec of Spanish troops on the Island, and in addition, it may be suggested, that Admiral Sampson would be very loath to run the risk of having one or more of his best ships completely disabled by attacking Porta needlessly, and thus leave his fleet Inferior to the Spanish force. Significant Movement. A significant movement ia the addition of the warship New Orleans to Commodore Schley's squadron at Hampton Roads, In place of the Columbia. This seems to Indicate a complete change In the character of the squadron, .which, instead of being a flying squadron, in the ordinary sence, has* now assumed the character of & battle fleet. Without being as speedy aa at first organised. Commodore Schley's squadron I# new probably able to me«. on even terms, at least, the formidable Spanish armored cruisers whicir sailed from Cape Verde for an unknown destination. In view of this action of the department, and particularly if Schley should be reinforced by some torpedo vessels. It may be assumed that he is about to start in quest of the Spanish squadron. Chief Engineer Harry Webster, a member of the naval recruting board, which bag bean gathering material for the per*

sonnel of the West and South, arrived at the Navy Depa.'tment this morning. He is Just from Norfolk, whore he landed a large number of men who have been enlisted by the board. Commander Hawley and Dr. Pearsons, the other members of tho board, with boatswain Larkin, isle of the Maine, an attendant. h*ve arrived in Detroit, where they will tomorrow open recruiting headquarters. ALFONSO A POSSIBLE PRIZE.

The Prediction that She will be Taken by Sampson. Chicago, 111., May 5.-A special to the Times-Herald from Washington, D. C., •ays: Spain's transport ship, the Alfonso X1U, conveying to Havana 1.100 soldiers, a large quantity of supplies and nearly half a million dollars, will soon be a prize of United States men-of-war. This is the confident prediction of officials of the Navy Department, and is based on Instructions to Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander-in-chief of the North Atlantic squadron, informing him of the arrival of the enemy's transport at the Barbadoes, and directing him to take Immediate steps to effect her capture. In pursuance of these Instructions, It is believed that Rear-Admiral Sampson has dispatched several boats to the Barbadoes to lie outside Che three-mile limit and wait the departure of the steamer. The British government, whose flag flies over the Barbadoes, will limit the «ay of the Alfonso XIII in the harbor to forty-eight hours, It is expected, by which time the men-of-war will be cruising in the vicinity of these islands. When the blockade of Cuba first begun Rear-Admiral Sampson formed what he called a special service division for the express purpose of capturing the Alfonso XIII, and such other supply ships as might be sent by Spain to Havana. This division consisted of the battleship Indiana, cruisers Marblehead and Detroit and the auxiliary cruisers Algonquin and Mangrove. To MaIntatn Close Blockade. Under the instructions given to Capt. Henry Taylor, the senior officer of the division, who commands the Indiana, he was directed to maintain a close blockade of Havana. Unfortunately the Alfonso XIII did not appear and It was subsequently reported that she had succeeded In running into a port close to Cienfuegoa. This report was subsequently proved to be without founda-

tion.

Besides communicating with Rear-Ad-miral Sampson In regard to the capture of the Alfonso XIII. Instructions were given to the American consul In the Barbadoes to report to the department the time of the departure of the ship, and It is expected he will endeavor to obtain Information as to the point to which It is destined. In naval circles It is maintained that the Alfonso XIII has gone Into port for coal. Great Britain will permit the vessel to take on board a supply sufficient to enable her to reach the nearest home port, which in this case is San Juan, Porto

Rico.

The Alfonso XIII Is an auxiliary cruiser, and Is armed with five live-inch Hontoria guns. Naval officials say, however, that they have no doubt that when under the guns of an American protected cruiser, she undoubtedly could be made to surrender without much difficulty. The Alfonso XIII left Spain several weeks ago for Cuba. Upon arriving at Porto Rico she learned that Havana was blockaded by the United States ships; and realizing that she could not possibly enter the harbor, or if she tried, would be capturedjby our fleet, she departed from Porto Rico and returned to Spain. IN A DAY OR TWO.

Senator Barrow* Thinks Porto Rico will be Next. Washington. D. C., May 5.—There were many conferences between the President and Senators and Representatives to-day. The first comer was Senator Burrows, ot Michigan;" who earoe to present some friends to the President. As he left he said; "Everything Is moving along smoothly and well. What we want now is Porto Rico. We ought to have that to-mor-row." “Will it be as soon as that, Senator?" "Yes," was the reply. "Probably In a d&y or two**** Whrie refraining from saying what transpired during his brief Interview with the President, his statement that the seizure of Porto Rico is expected to be effected in a day or two, was thought by his hearers to be algnjucant, having been made immediately after the Senator left the President, though he would not say the President had given him any information. Senators Frye and Hale, of Maine, respectively, members of the foreign affairs committee and chairman of the naval affairs committee; Senators Allison and Gear, of Iowa, the former chairman of the Senate committee on appropria..ons; Senator Platt, of New Yqrk, and Representatives Curtis, of Kansas, and Wadsworth, of New York, were among the early callers at the White House. The two Maine Senators stated, on leaving the White House, that their mission had no connection with the general situation. SJGSBEE’S OVATION.

He Goes to League Island with the St. Paul. Philadelphia, May 5.—The big auxiliary oguiser St. Paul, with Captain Slgsbee on the bridge, left Cramp’s ship-yard at 8:20 o’clock this morning and steamed down the Delaware river to League Island navy-yard, where she dropped anchor. The passage of the St. Paul down the river was the signal for a great outburst of enthusiastic patriotism, and the reception that the new cruiser and Captain Slgsbee received' was & truly magnificent one. Along the shore crowds of people were congregated, wildly cheering as the St. Paul majestically sailed down. The St. Paul's stay at League Island will .be only long enough to allow her to take aboard her ammunition. As to the St. Paul's destination, nothing Is known here, but it is believed that she is to do scout duty along the middle Atlantic. THE PRIZE COURT. The Catalanta aad Panama Likely to- be Condemned. New York, May 5.—A special to the Post from Key West says: The prize court to-day is sluing on the case of the Panama. Testimony has been concluded on the Buena Ventura and Cat&lanla. The district attorney says that there Is no doubt about the Catalanla and Panama being condemned. ERICSSON OVERDUE. Fears that She Has Been Lost in the Storm. New York. May 5,-A special copyrighted cablegram to the World from Miami, Fla., says: The torpedo boat Ericsson Is now five days overdue. It Is feared that she may have been lost in the gale of Saturday. She was last seen on Friday by the cruiser New York. TO INTERCEPT THE OREGON. Foar Spanish Ships Snld to be j * Lying in Walt. New York. May 5.—A special to the I Post from Key West says: Four Spanish ships are reported to be off Barbadoes prepared to intercept the battleship Oregon. A naval battle Is expected. Vojlnnteers tor Company F. Madison. Ind., May 5.—Fifty Madison volunteers left this morning for Indianapolis to Join Company F. First Regiment. A large crowd gathered at the train to wish them godspeed, and Dr. Barnard presented them with a flag on behalf of tho Christian Endeavor Society of the Second church. Captain Garber accepted.

READY FOR THE MOB

TROOP® IN BARRACKS READY FOR INSTANT MARCH AT MADRID.

Street* Patrolled by Cavalry and Infantry and Public Buildings

Guarded by Police.

CAMPOS MAY SUCCEED SAG AST A

AS PREMIER.

If National Feeling Rnns High Enough the Present Cabinet will Have to Go—A Populkr Revolution the Chief Fear of

the Authorities.

New York. May 5.-A special to tho World from Madrid says: The troops are held in the barracks, ready to march at any Instant against the mob or the revolutionists. The cavalry and infantry patrol the streets from nightfall to sunrise. All the public buildings are crowded inside with foot and mounted police. In the rest of the kingdom, the precautions, though less visible, are equally strict, because the court and the government apprehend graver movements still If a fresh reverse occurs In Cuba or to the fleet. High-handed measures are considered necessary to keep the adversaries of the monarchy and the masses down until the moment comes when the rulers of Spain can declare that honor Is satisfied andsthat the time has come to appeal to European governments to step in and secure terms of peace honorable to Spain. The last twenty-four hours have been anxious ones for the ministers and authorities at Madrid. Premier Sagasta went twice to see the Queen, and of-, fered to resign if she believed a Con-, servative or military Cabinet could better defend the dynasty and the monarchy than the government whose members stick to their posts now only from a sense of loyalty to the crown and selfrespect, as they do not wish to be accused of abandoning the reins of state! In the midst of war. Ropular Revolution Feared. The chief fear is of a popular revolution, which everybody can see Is brewing. The civil authorities In Madrid became so alarmed at the attitude of the Republicans and Carllsts that they frankly told Senor Sagnsta they could not answer for order much longer. The Barcelona authorities report a very serious condition of affairs there, the Republicans working upon the messes, who are discontented because of the rise In the price of all provisions and the closing of many factories in consequence of the loss of Cuban and Philippine mar-

kets.

The Queen asked Senor Sagasta to remain in office. He consented to do so on condition that she would give permission to proclaim a state of tiego In Madrid. New martial law rules. Any one circulating news about the war can be sent to a military prison. Courts-martial are held. One Carlist, one Socialist, one military, one independent and one Republican newspaper have. been , seized and prosecuted by order of the military Judges. If national feeling runs too high against Senors Sagasta and Moret, who are really in the most danger, the Queen will probably ask Marshal Campos to form a sort of government defense of the monarchy. The old marshal has told her that he will be ready to do so directly she sends for him. So the days of the Sagasta Cabinet are numbered.

SPANISH DISTURBANCES.

They Continue Throughout SpainRun on a Bank. Madrid, May 5.—The disturbances caused by the high price and scarcity of food continue In the Spanish provinces. There have been frequent conflicts between the rioters and the civil guards, and looting and shooting are reported from various points. 'At Barcelona there has been a renewed run on the bank, the hplders of notes demanding silver. TROOPS AND MINERS.

Conflict at Murcia—Martial Law at Carthairena. Madrid. May 5—Riots are occurring at many places. Martial law has been proclaimed at Carthagena. At Murcia, thirty miles from Carthagena, 8,000 miners are rioting, and a conflict/with the troops has occurred. At-Oviedo and Leon. Madrid. May B.—Riots have occurred at Oviedo and Leon and at a number of other towns where factory hands have struck work. The strikers are parading the streets, demanding cheap board and stoning houses. The steps taken by the authorities have resulted in the restoration of peace at Malaga, where the British steam yacht was recently stoned and driven out of the harbor: It appears that the Malaga mob thought she was an American vessel.

“THE DYNASTY DOOMED. ”

Letter Nays Weyler and Robledo will Come to the Front. London, May 5.—A letter, dated May 2, just received from Madrid, says Gen. Weler and Senor Romero y Robledo, the former Minister of Justice, are bound to come to the front row, as "a miltary furor has taken possession of the nation, and ihe Spanish dynasty, as well as the government, is doomed."

TO CHECK SPECULATION.

Bill Introduced In the Cortes— Camara and the Cadis Fleet. Madrid, May 5.—The bill introduced in the Cortes to prohibit the exportation of corn, flour, rye. maize, potatoes and fruits, and suppressing the duty on the iir.poratlon of those articles, is intended to checkmate the speculators, who, owing to the enormous premium on exchange, now 111 per cent., commenced immense exportations of produce, against which they negotiated bills in foreign marketk. These exports have created the scarcity oi food, which is largely responsible for the rioting throughout Spain. Admiral Camara will take command of the Cadiz fleet on Friday. The government is greatly disappointed with the length of the debate in the Cortes.

AUSTRIA HAMPERED.

It Can Not Take Action Alone to Aid Spain’s Queen. London, May 5.—A dispatch to the Daily Telegraph, from Vienna, says: Although the position of the Queen Regent of Spain grows daily more difficult, no step can be taken by the Austrian Cabiret in the matter, notwithstanding the deep and wide sympathies felt in high quarters here. lx is slated at the Foreign Office that

THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 5, 1898.

TEN PAGES CENT&

ANTI-AMERICAN CIRCULARS.

Remarkable and Mysterious Attempt in London - Influence Public Sentiment.

to

NO NEWS OF DEWEY

NAVY DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS INDIGNANT AT FAKE REPORTS.

ter to make a new splice and cut out any injuries that may have been made to the cable. Whether there has been a coble steamer at Hong-Kong. prepared for such work, has not been definitely ascertained. If not. It may be necessary to bring a steamer from some distant point, delaying for some time the repair of the cable.

M’CULLOCH NOT IN.

SKIRMISH IN CUBA.

SPANIARDS FAIL TO REPULSE A LANDING PARTY.

London, May 5.—A remarkable and mysterious attempt to influence public opinion in London, through circulars distributed in the streets during the busiest hours, began last evening. While the theaters were emptying, many men were employed In handing dodgers of yellow paper, with large headlines reading: WHY THE UNITED STATES IS MAKING WAR UPON SPAIN. / Under this heading were extracts from the remarks recently made by Edward J. Phelps, former United States minister to Great Britain, and wtio, from a legal standpoint, expressed the opinion that the United States was not Justified in going to war with Spain. These extracts were accompanied by quotations from alleged pro-Spanish newspapers printed in America and pro-Spanish papers published in Great Britain. Up to the present, it has been Impossible to ascertain who is financiering this street propoganda.

separate and isolated action cn the part of Austria must be carefully avoided. This is only in strict accordance with the principles already laid down. Moreover, such an attempt at rendering assistance to the Queen Regent might be easily misinterpreted, and besides meeting with the strongest opposition, those who side with the Americans could not fail to give rise to misunderstandings in many quarters. Accordingly, there is a firm determination hero that if Austria takes any part at all with regard to the conflict, it will be only to take part In united action by European Cabinets, and then only if Spain herself seeks the intervention of the powers.

LEADER OF WEYLERITES

Declared, in Cortes, that America Fostered the Rebellion In Cuba. Madriu, May 5.—In the Cortes, yesterday, Senor Reverter, Minister of Finance In the Canovas ministry, and the hero of the excommunication incident last autumn. defended the memory and policy of Senor Canovas. Senor Canalejas, editor of El Heraldo, replying, dwelt on "the weakness and vacillation of the government of Canovas, which fostered the Yankee boldness." The principal speech was delivered by Senor Romero y Robledo, former Minister of Justice and leader of the Weylerite party, who maintained that America fostered the Cuban rebellion, and “meant war from the commencement." Senor Morel's policy of autonomy he characterized as a farce and as absolutely erroneous. As for the Cubans, he declared that they did not desire autonomy, and as for the rebels, that they never intended to accept it. "The present conflict.” he continued, “proves the real Intentions of the Yankees. Spain must now face her International enemy, and she should not waste a single peseta to give the Cubans autonomy, which would be one step toward independence. The war requires the energy of all classes to defend the King and the fatherland.”

GREAT BRITAIN’S SUPPORT.

United States to Recalve It If Others Favor Spain. Paris, May 5.—The Eclair says negotiations are pending between the United States and Great Britain, Which will result. in the latter supporting the former if other powers favor Spain by attempting to stop the war before the United States has received satisfaction. The United States, it -Is added, has promised in return to capture the Canary islands and cede them to Great Britain. PORTO RICO UPRISING.

Report that a Revolution Is Under Way. New York, May 5.—A special dispatch from Kingston, Jamaica, says that official dispatches passing through that city report that there has been an antiSpanish uprising In Porto Rico, and that a revolutionary movement is well under way. The dispatch has not been confirmed. Spanish Crttldsni of Salisbury. Madrid. May 5.—11 a m.—The Imparcial to-day, commenting on the speech which the Marquis of Salisbury delivered yesterday at the annual meeting of the Primrose League London, says: "His bitter words will arouse the Indignation of all lovers of justice. Lord Salisbury voiced the theory that ‘Might is right.’ One may extend a parallel of powerful and weak nations in the followPng manner. “There are conscienceless nations, which employ ironclads as the bandit uses the knife.' There are nations which sacrifice their aspirations to justice and pride of race. The strong powers must beware of the despair of those they desire to despoil. These powers are preparing a terrible close of the nineteenth century. At both Washington and London the fact Is solemnly proclaimed that robbery is legal."

Polo to Leave Toronto. Toronto. Ont., May 5.—Senor Polo y Bernabe and the others of the Spanish legation expect to leave for Madrid Friday next. They will remain In Montreal for a few days before taking ship for the Spanish capital by way of London, England. Juan du Bose will remain in the English metropolis.

To Enforce Neutrality. Ponta del Gada, Azore Islands, May 5.— A Portuguese gunboat has arrived here to enforce the neutrality decree of Portugal.

A FOOD FAMINE.

One is Threatened at the Island of / Navassu. Washington, D v €., May 5.—Owing to the war demonstrations in near-by waters, the island of Navassa, one of the small Islands of the Cariboean sea, off the west coast of Haiti, is threatened with a food famine. Reports of the distressing condition of affairs on the islands have reached here, and Senator Gorman, of Maryland, to-day called the attention of the President to the state of affairs and the necessity for relief of some sort.- In view of Its proximity to Cuba, Porto Rico and the islands in those waters, and the fact that Spanish vessels at any time may intercept and attack vessels going there, commerce with the islands has been suspended. There are represented to be about seventy Americans on the island, mostly ficm Maryland. Senator Gorman urged immediate action, and the President premised to take the matter up immediately and determine what could be done. It was suggested that a merchantman with supplies might be sent under escort of a warship, to carry supplies to the endangered inhabitants and carry off those who wish to leave.

Care of Spanish Prisoners. Washington, D. C., May 5.---Secretary Alger has decided that the ten Spanish officers and the ten privates and noncommissioned officers taken from the Spanish steamer Argonaut a, and now at Key West, be taken to Ft. McPherson, just outside of Atlanta, Ga., for confinement until they are either exchanged for any American officers and - ssiilors who may be takeii by the Spaniards, or until some other method for their disposition is reached.

Cuban Deputies Assemble. Havana, May 5.—10 a. m.—The recentlyelected Uuban Deputies assembled yesterday for the first time to effect organisation.

PHILIPPINES RIGHT.

F. R. Cornier* Discusses What May be Doue with the Islands. New York, May 5.—Frederick R. Coudert, the eminent lawyer and jurist, who represented the United States in the Bering sea commission, in an interview gave his views of the disposition of the Philippines as follows: "The United States has the right either to hold the Philippines for Indemnity or to keep them altogether as part of her territory, just as Germany took AlsaceLoraine In the Franco-Pfussian war. We may keep possession of them until hostilities are ended, and then their oisposition will be one of the factors in the making of peace. "We should, of course, have to respect the vested rights of other nations in the islands, if they have any. These rights would include coaling stations, liens or

MARQUIS OF PALAVEIJA, CAPTAINGENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES. [Chicago Tribune.]

mortgages on customs houses and claims of that nature. Spain can not give us any more than she owns. "If we can find sufficient indemnity nearer home, for Instance, in Cuba, we would possibly content ourselves with holding the Philippines during hostilities for use as a military or naval base, but If adequate indemnity could not b# procured in this hemisphere, then we would hold Manila until Spain paid up. Some arrangement would be made whereby we would keep possession for a certain number of years, while Spain was paying the installments of the Indemnity. This Is all a matter of contract and agreement between nations. "In regard to the selling or transfer of the islands to another power by the United States, that could not be done until we had a valid title to the islands, which can be obtained only by a treaty of peace with Spain, in which she cedes the islands to us. Otherwise we should be selling a disputed title, and the country that purchased it would have to reckon with Spain. “The law is the same among nations in this respect as among private persons. This law was observed between France and Austria in 1859, when Piedmont was turned over by Austria to France, and by France handed over to King Victor Emanuel. ‘ "The theory of modern times is that a principality or province should not be turned over to another nation without the consent of its people, and a plebiscite is usually held, as in the case of Nice and Savoy. “Once having secured title from Spain, however, by a treaty of peace, there could be no legal International objection to our disposing of the islands, either by ceding or selling them to any nation we chose or by offering them to the highest bidder, but such a proceeding would cause jealousy and bad feeling among the nations. "But this is not a war of conquesw and I do not think the United States would resort to any such practice. But we have a legitimate claim against Spain for the expenses of the war, and Spain must pay the costs. When that is done the United States. I believe, will relinquish all claims to the Philippine Islands and return them to Spain."

MAJOR-GENERALS CONFIRMED

The Entire List Promptly Acted on by the Senate. Washington. D. C., May 5.—The Senate, In executive session, confirmed all the nominations of major-generals. In the case of Senator Sewell the confirmation was immediate, the Senate following its usual custom of acting upon the nomination of a fellow-member without any reference to committee. The other names were referred to the committee on military affairs and were almost immediately afterward favorably reported, the committee vote being taken in Ihe Senate chamber. Confirmation followed in all cases without comment exeunt in that of General Wilson. Senators Bacon and Lindsay took occasion to speak ot him in complimentary terms. Senator Bacon relating that during the war of the rebellion he had been captured by General Wilson, who was at that time an officer in the Federal army, while Mr. Bacon was a Confederate. He said he was therefore able to speak from experience when he testified to Gen. Wilson's capacity as a soldier and his character as a man.

Chlckamauga Court-Martials. Ohiekamauga National Park. May 5.— The court-martial body has taken up the case of private John Henson, Troop H. Tenth Cavalry, charged an assn lit with a pistol on Sergeant Shropshire, of the same command, and for applying insulting epithets to the same officer while en route trom Montana to Chickamauga. The jirotif seemed to be conclusive. Court-martial trials of a number of privates have been held during the last few days. The most important of these is the ease of private Engleman. of the Third Cavalry, for desertion and ocher offenses. The punishment in this case may be capital. o Russell Harrison’s Appointment. [Special to The Indianapolis News.] Washington. D. C., May 5.—It is apparently settled at the War Department that Russell B. Harrison, of Terre Haute, will be appointed a paymaster in the army.

Little Prospect of Hearing from the Victorious Commodore Before To-Morrow,

WHEN THE DISPATCH BOAT IS EXPECTED AT HONG-KONG.

Any News that Is Received of the Manila Battle will be Given to the Public by the Authorities at Washington.

Washington. D. C.. May 5.—The officials of the Navy Department from the Secretary down, are thoroughly indignant at the character of the stories coming from San Francisco as authentic accounts of the engagement of Commodore Dewey at Manila. One in particular exciting indignation Is that ascribing to Admiral Kirkland at Mare Island the receipt of a telegram from Commodore Dewey describing the terrible mortality on his own fleet resulting from the battle of Manila. Captain Crownlnshleld, chief of the navigation bureau, declared that it was utterly Impossible for news from the fleet to come in any such fashion, and added that as the department’s facilities for the receipt of information from Commodore Dewey's squadron were superior to those of any individual, It was utterly Improbable that they could receive news before the department Itself. Such dispatches as that complained of, he said, were cruel and senseless and inflicted great misery upon the wives, mothers, daughters and other relatives of the brave sailors of this fleet, who are anxiously waiting to hear from them. • The officials have about concluded that there is little prospect of receiving news from Commodore Dewey directly during the course of the day, though there is a possibility that a merchant vessel may reach Hong-Kong from the Philippines .bringing some news of the battle and subsequent events at Manila. It is practically settled that the cable can not be relied on as a means of communication, as it is believed to be cut In shore somewhere near its landing place in the island of Luzon—Point Boiinao—Manila and beyond the reach of Commodore Dewey at this time. The Official Calculation. The official calculation is about as follows: The latest authentic and direct news from Manila showed that Dewey subdued the Spanish fleet and made his demands for the surrender of Manila through the British consul some time Sunday afternoon. He at the same time gave notice of bombardment at the expiration of twenty-four hours, which would make the bombardment Itself begin Monday afternoon. Presuming that a dispatch boat sailed at the earliest possible moment after bombardment (Monday evening), and allowing three days for passage, the ship is not due at Hong-Kong of Mirs bay until to-night. It is already "to-night” in either place, and possibly the McCulloch or some dispatch boat is just entering the harbor. Other delays then would occur before the receipt of a cable here through the many relay stations, so that it is thought that there is little chance of official news coming in during the daylight hours. There need be no apprehension on the part of the public that any news that is received from Commodore Dewey will be withheld from it. Secretary Long has stated in the most positive manner that he regards It as his duty to make the people acquainted with the facts as soon as he knows them himself. He believes this is only Just to the relatives and friends of the sailors of Dewey’s fleet. Therefore, ths many statements and rumors that are constantly circulating to the effect that the Navy Department has received mysterious cablegrams from Hong-Kong, which it has sedulously concealed, may be set down as pure moonshine. Kirkland Knows Nothing About It. Valejo, Cal., May 5.—Admiral Kirkland stated to the Associated Press correspondent to-day that the report that he had received a message from the Navy Department at Washington, saying that two hundred were killed on the cruiser Baltimore, was untrue. The admiral said he had received no word from Washington and knew nothing about the fight at Manila, except reports already published. NO WORD iFROM MANILA.

Neither the President Nor Any One Else Has Received Information. London, May 5.—The officials of the Eastern Telegraph Company, when questioned to-day regarding the report that a dispatch from Commodore Dewey hod riache-t Washington, said: "Neither President McKinley nor anyone else has received a metaage from Commodore Dewey." Such a message, it is explained, must necessarily be transmitted over the Eastern Telegraph Company, either from Manila or Hong-Kong. The company knows of no communication emanating from Manila since the cable was cut. The company hao been watching all points for Manila intelliger.ee, being anxious regarding the safety of its staff and property. THE HONG KONG CABLE.

Expert’s Opinion ns to the Cause of Delay. Chicago, May 5.—Charles H. Summers, electrician of the Western Union Telegraph Companv, was interviewed to-day concerning the interruption to the cable between Hong-Kong and Manila. Mr. Summers said that tne Hong-Kong-Manila cable, in direct line, would be 628 miles long, but there is undoubtedly some slack, and it is doubtless seven hundred miles long. With delicate instruments such as cable companies have, the break in the cable could be located within half a m 4 le. The test would undoubtedly be made from Hong-Kong, where the English government is supposed to have all the facilities for building and repairing cables. To illustrate how close these tests can be made by delicate instruments, Mr.. Summers referred to a test made on the Western Union cable at the straits of Mackinaw. The Mackinaw cable is about five miles long. From the southern shore a te-rt was made some time ago. and a break was located within three feet. It Is Mr. Summers's opinion that testa have been made correctly, locating within fl.’ty miles of Manila the break in the HongKong cable. The delay may be caused by not having the necessary machinery for pulling up the cable, which may be laid at a very great depth at that particular point. Once the fault is brought to the surface, it is comparatively an easy mat-

News of Her Arrival at Hong-Kon* Not Received at Waskingtoa. Washington. D. C., May 5.—No word has been received from Hong Kong of the arrival of the McCulloch at Mirs hay *from Manila. Some Of the naval officers contend that Commodore Dewey would not have sent away hts dispatdh boat until he had completed his dispatch and received the surrender of Manila.

PRESIDENT WAS RADIANT

Sixty of the Enemy Reported to Have Been Wounded and Sixteen Killed.

AMERICAN AND CUBAN COLORS FLOAT OVER CUBAN SOIL.

When He Heard of Dewey’s Victory at Manila. [Special to The Indianapolis News.] Washington. D. C-. May 5.—Representative Bouteile. chairman of the committee on naval affairs, and Representative D. 8. Alexander, of the Buffalo (N. Y.) district, arrived at the White House Monday morning, just after the President had received full confirmatory information relative to the naval victory at Manila. "I never expect to see the President in a happier frame of mind than he was that morning.” said Mr. Alexander. "He was fairly radiant. Four days before he had ordered Commodore Dewey to proceed to the Philippine Islands and destroy the Spanish squadron. Those four days were the most anxious days the President has spent since he was Inaugurated. After exchanging congratulations over the splendid victory. Representative Bouteile asked the President if he remembered the day he come to present Commodor Dewey’s qualifications. The President recited: ‘I remember it very well, indeed. I had been impressed with Capt. Dewey, and made inquiries of many people concerning hts qualifications for this position, and the answer to all inquiries was the same:' ‘Did Commodore Dewey have any idea as to what might be expected of him as commander of this squadron, at the time he was desirous of receiving this appointment?’ asked Mr. Bouteile. T do not know,’ replied the President. T do know, however, that I exercised unusual caution In making the appointment, because I knew what might be expected of the commander, and wanted the right man for ths work. I am satisfied that I made no mistake.’ "Commodore Dewey, being a Vermonter, had many friends among the members of the New England delegation; among them was Mr. Bouteile. It was well known among them that Commodore Dewey has been despondent and misanthropic ever since the death of hts wife, some twenty years ago. The time for his retirement was approaching, and he stated to his friends that he would like to be, appointed to command the Asiatic squadron before being retired. Thus it was that Mr. Boutell^ made the recommendation to the President, and the single word ‘Manila’ telle the rest.”

ORDERS FOR DEWEY.

Secretary Long Sends a Long Cablegram to Hong Kong. New York, May 5.—A special to the Herald from Washington says: Anticipating early communication with Commodore Dewey, commander-in-chief of tho Astatic squadron, Secretary Long sent to Hong-Kong to-day a long cablegram, containing instructions for -the future guidance of the American naval officer. This message, it is believed, related to the plans made by this Government for immediate dispatching of troops to his assistance should he deem such action necessary. Appreciating that a considerable amount of the ammunition of .the American vessels has been expended. Secretary Long has directed that a largo quantity of shot and powder be sent to Manila in a steamer which will at once be chartered by the Government. Considerable apprehension is felt in naval circles at the probability of a massacre of Spaniards In Manila by the Insurgents, who, it Is believed, aided Commodore Dewey In the capture of the city. Oppressed as they have been by the Spaniards, the officers with whom your correspondent conversed, said they had no doubt that as soon as they had the ehanoe they would attempt retaliation. "Commodore Dewey,” said one of these gentlemen, “will undoubtedly request the, commanding officers of the British, German and French men-of-war to land marines to portect property of their respective citizens. So far as Manila is concerned. I have not the slightest doubt that it is in the possessKm of ths American force. Manila proper was protected by a wall erected three hundred years ago, and this wall waa fortified by some antiquated guns. Having placed Cavite under His guns, the rest of the work—I mean by this the capture of the city—was a comparatively easy task, and without doubt it was successfully performed by the courageous American flag officer."

TROOPS AT SAN FRANCISCO.

Mx Thousand to to be Assembled on the Presldeo Reservation. San Francisco, Cal.; May 5.—It is obvious now In the light of Commodore Dewey’s triumnh at Manila that San Francisco will at once become the ba»e of important military and naval operations. Before many days 6,000 men will be encamped on the PresrWeo reservation. It transpire* that order* have been issued directing the Fourteenth Infantry, now stationed in the Department of the Columbia, to take station Immediately at San Francisco. It is believed that further orders will be promulgated to assemble all the organizations of the Fourth United States Cavalry at the Preoideo. Orders have been received from Maj.Gen. H. C. Merrlam, commanding the Department of California, and the Columbia. instructing Col. Lewis T. Morris, commanding the poet at the Presrtdeo. to select locations for the encampment of 6,000 volunteer troops from the States of Oregon. Washington and California. About 600 men. It is said, can be cared for on Angel Island. It is the opinion of Colonel Morris that some of the men manning the batteries of heavy artillery here will be sent to Manila to man light batteries, and that their places will be filled from among the California volunteers, recently enlisted and about to be mustered into the service of the United States.

THE ROUGH RIDERS.

Representative Landis Applies la Behalf of Constituents. [Special to The Indianapolis News.] Washington, D. C., May 5.—Representative Landis had an interview with Assistant Secretary Roosevelt to-day In behalf of two cavalry companies organized in his district, which desired to enter Mr. Roosevelt’s regiment of rough riders. He stated that he bad received many similar applications, and regretted that the over-enlistment rendered the acceptance of additional companies out of the question. It was understood when the President gave Mr. Rloosevelt permission to organize his re-giment that enlistment should be confined to New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma and Indian Territory- — o— — o Alemedu Arrives with a Load. Key West, Fla., May 5.—1:22 p. m.—The steamer Alameda, from New York, arrived here at noon to-day, having on board a detachment of 500 engineers from West Point. They belong to Company E, of the Battalion of Engineers.

- - 'OWilmington Firs* on the Spanish Cavalry to Cover the LnndlagAcosta’s Party Then Mag* a Charge aad Boated the Dobs.

■o-

New York, May 5.—A Key West special says that the tug Leyden has returned there after having landed two parties on .Cuban soil, one of them having had subaequently a sharp engagement with Spanish forces. One of the ’ parties consisted, according to report, of a commissioner from Washington to Gen. Gomez, which was debarked on the north shore of Santa Clara province, whence an immediate start for the interior was made. The other party, which landed near Mariet, north of Havana, was under the command of the Cuban leader, Gen. Baldomero Acosta. Before this company went ashore ths cruiser Wilmington shelled some Spanish cavalry assembled In the vicinity, and when the landing was effected Acosta a detachment charged and routed the Spaniards, who in their retreat took

with them about sixty wounded comrades, but left sixteen dead on the field. The American and Cuban colora were hoisted side by side on Cuban soil. Another special dispatch says the party that landed In Santa Clara province was fired upon by Spanish cavalry in ambush, and a Cuban land force, under General biaz, attacked the Spanish, who were 200 strong. The Wilmington shelled the enemy and they were routed. The landing party. It is addqd, comprised a score or more of agents of* the Cuban junta, a United States commistdoner and General Acosta, together with cavalry horses, arms and ammunition, destined for General Acosta, former

commander of cavalry troops in the western part of Havana province. Another Report. A Key West special to the Evening Post, dated to-day, says: "The Government tug Leyden, which returned here this 'morning, successfully landed scouts and ammunition for the insurgents under the guns of the gunboat Wilmington. The Spanish cavalry and Infantry were repulsed three times. Three rifle bullets went through the smoke-stack of the boat. The Spanish logs ia not considered to have been large." The announeemesit'was made to-day at the headquarters of the Cuban junta. In this city, that two small parties, bearing important messages to General Gomez from the United States and the Junta, had effected a landing In Cuba. It was said that the number In each party did not exceed twelve. • Particulars with regard to the landing of the news-bearing paJties were refused, nor was It stated at whui ooint tho landings were made. Latsr—ff is officially reported that nans of the Americans or Cubans of ths aacpedition were killed.

THE OLIVETTE SAILS.

Departure of Colonel Lawton Mgnlflcant—Plan of Co-opegatloa. Tampa, Fla., May 6.-The steamer Olivette, which has been lying at the docks at Port Tampa, with banked fires,' for several days, sailed suddenly to-day for Kev West. On board were Usut.-Coi. W H. Lawton, of General Shafter’a stiff, inspeoior-general of the Southwestern district, and Commodore Watson. On account of the near approach of ths time when the United States troops will be called upon to effecit a landing in Cuba, and the fact that Coflonei I^awton is on General Bhafter's staff, a good deal of significance is attached to the departure. It la supposed that Colonel Lawton's trip is for the purpose of gathering all the Information poeeible aa to the movements of the Spanish flert and ths disposition of the Spanish forces in Cuba. A conference probably w*ll be held at Key West with the commanders of tbs American fleet, at which a plan of co- , operation wtth the United States war vessels wili be arranged, and ail the details as to convoys and protection agreed upon. #

BY THE MARBLEHEAD.

nego* Said to Have Been Bon* barded April Kb. r York, May 5.—A special to ths i from Key West says: Clenfuogo# »een bombarded. Not only did the lehead silence the batteries of the on the afternoon of April 29, but ■d the town Rsetf. playing hav/c the buildings and driving thousands e Inhabitants to the Interior. The tng at the forts was 4.000 yards. As as the forts were disabled, Capt. 11a ordered that the five-inch guna ven an elevation to reach the 1000 Firinir began with the starboa-d

A BOND PROVISION.

A Majority of the Senate Flange#

Committee Against It.

Washington, D. C. May 5.-The Senate committee on finances ,as a body, was not in session to-day, having adjourned over until to-morrow in order to permit the Democratic members to prepare a substitute for the bond provision of the

There Is now no doubt that there will, be a majority of the committee agatnat the bond feature, as Senator Jones, of Nevada, has taken a position against it and Senator Wolcott has indicated that he would oppose it if an acceptable substitute can be secured. The Republican members of the committee. with the exception of Senator Wolcott, were in conference over the situation for several hours. j 0 '■ THE PROPRIETARY TAX.

An Indiana Man Wants It R«* dndbd. . ; V/'J

[Special to The Indianapolis N*w*.] Washington. D. C., May 5.—H. h. Kramer, of Att*oa, proprietor of the Indiana Mineral Springs, is in the city, in the Interest of a reduction of the tax on proprietary patent medicines. He states that If the. proposed bill becomes a law. half of the proprietary medl< it . concerns in the will be broken up. Representative Royce states that the Mils* Medical* Company, of Elkhart, the largest turn of its kind fn the State, its postage expenditure being over is satisfied wtth proposed meaaura.