Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 August 1898 — Page 1

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THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS

VOL XXIXiSS&Hftg; «.mo!—fourth edition

WEDNESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 10, 1898L

■

TWELVE PAGES

! rlT AT»Iia M iTWO CENTS, x

AGREE ON PROTOCOL

IT EMBODIES THE TERMS OF PEACE NEGOTIATIONS.

These Terms Are Precisely the Ones Laid Down by the President in His Original Note About a Week Ago—Believed That Only Formalities Remain.

Waatifnfton, D. C., Augnwt 10.—Secretary Day, at 1 o’clock to-day, made the following statement to the Associated Press: / _ "We have agreed upon a protocol, embodying the proposed terms for the negotiation of a treaty of peace, including the evacuation of Cuba and Porto Rico, and It. la expected this protocol will be executed." It can be stated that the terns are precisely those laid down by the President In his original note, about a week ago. la believed that nothing but a few formalities remain to be disposed of to the signature of the protocol. The plainest evidence that peace has rot yet come is the admission, practically official, through several authoritative channels, that negotiations are still In progress, added te the fact that the utmost secrecy was Imposed by the President That these negotiations will not continue long is practically settled, and an early and satisfactory termination of hoetlllties Is looked for. Members of the Cabinet believe that by Friday momilng. at the latest, and probably before then, the definite peace outcome wtll.be assured beyond doubt. At the White House U was understood that Ambassador Gambon would transmit to Spain to-day a cablegram stating that a complete and immediate acceptance of the terms imposed, without reservation, would be essential te effecting peace under the present terms offered by the United States. In this connection. It has developed that Just before the Spanish answer was delivered, late yesterday, President McKinley announced that an extra session of the Senate would be held, [ doubtless, in November. With the peace situation at a stage where a complete agreement Is regarded as likely at any moment, discussion has again started as to the convoking of an extra session of Congress, but President McKinley, within the past twenty-four hours, has said positively that he has no intention of calling the House together, • • ■ - , - -■ - - ' . ’ ■ ' though, of course, tbs Senate Will have to meet In extra session to ratify the treaty of peace, unlew unforeseen and most improbable delays should occur. The President added that preliminary details Incident to a treaty of peace would take so much time that the Senate would not havi to meet until some time In November. The statement'of Secretary Day showed that events had led up to logical steps to the agreement reached some thne after noon to-day, on the terms of the protocol. The conference, between the President and the French ambassador at the White Houw '...« evening, It wae practically admitted to-day, was not conclusive In all respects, but there was a manifestation of steadfast confidence) in administration circles that seemed to presage an early agreement upon tho basis of a peace. Foundation for this belief was afforded when Ambassador Cambon called at the State Department during the forenoon, and it became known that the ambassador was prepared to give a response to further Inquiries that had been necessarily put last night in relation to the Spanish position. Although no definite statement could be obtained froen any one acquainted with the details of the situation, It was surmised that the ambassador, having presented certain Spanish requests yesterday, In connection with the acceptance of the four besee of peace kid down by the President, fcad been authorised to modify or withdraw such of these additional representat’ons as should prove unacceptable to the United States. At any rate, when the ambassador appeared at the State Department, at 11 o’clock, and with his secretary, M. Thlebsut, was ushered into the diplomatic room, there was a general belief among the officials of tbs State Department that the prospect bad brightened materially over night, and that a cessation of hoetUttdes at least was in sight The ambassador was in close conference with Secretary Day for fifteen min utes, and then the Secret^T- leaving the ambassador behind the closed doors of the diplomatic room, repaired *o the White House for consultation with the President. This gave rise to the conjecture that the arribassador had submitted additional points to those presented last night, upon which the President’s decision was essential. On the other hand, with the knowledge that a further conference between the President and the ambassador was unnecessary, the Indications pointed more dearly to the simple adjustment of minor details, as the occasion for the Secretary’s visit to the White House. For Instance, It may have been necessary for him to secure credentials from the President. In order to secure the authority to sign for the United States any ps^coi or memorandum that serve as a basis for the cessation of hoetlllties and the beginning of the wort of the peace commission. > As far as can be gathered, our Government hi not particularly concerned at the Insistence of the Spanish government upon the deference of the peace agreement in Its preeent stage to the Cortes. Our Government. In dealing with another, recognises only the executive branch, and holds that wholly responsible for all of Its acts or promises, and It Is probable that our Government would not concern Itself as to what further Internal steps would be necessary to satisfy the sticklers for constitutional observances In Spain. If it should appear later that the Oortee should undertake to undo the work so far accomplished between the two governments, of course the government of Spain would be held responsible for that result, but as It Is presumable that the United States military forces by that time would be In possession of Cuba, Porto Rico and Manila, It is not perceivable that Internal commotion in 8pal n need give us any further concern.

THE CONFERENCE. M. Cambon Spent an Hour and m Half with the President. Washington, D. C., August 10.—Spain’s reply to the American peace conditions was presented at the White House yesterday afternoon by M. Cambon, the French ambassador, and after a conference of an hour and twenty-five minutes the Secretary of State formally announced that nothing on the subject could then be made public. The Inference Is drawn that Spain was found to have attached certain conditions to her acceptance of the President’s terms, but that the latter was not disposed to regard the Injection of the new matter as sufficient in itself to warrant an Immediate termination of the peace negotiations. According to this view, the President has taken exception to some of the Spanish conditions, but has allowed a last opportunity for them to be withdrawn or modified. There were just four parties to the conference. President McKinley and Secretary of State Day, on one side, and M. Cambon, the French ambassador, and his first secretary of legation. M. Thlehaut, presenting the case of Spain. Secretary Day returned to the White House about 9:30. Meantime Secretaries Alger, Bliss, Postmaster-General Smith and Attorney-General Griggs had arrived at the executive mansion. The five members of the Cabinet remained in conference until 10:80 o'clock. Assurance was given that the conference did not amount to a formal meeting of the Cabinet, although the reply submitted by the Madrid government was discussed. The Official Document. The reply of the Spanish government Is understood to be a document embracing about 1,200 words. It bears the signature of the Spanish minister of foreign affairs, and the form of statement throughout is that of her Majesty’s government. In this respect it is similar to the American terms, whldh are In the name of the President. The copy delivered to the President was In English, the translation from Spanish to French having been made at Paris, and that from French to English having been made here prior to the presentation of the answer at the White House. The Spanish reply is said to be divided into five heads, namely,- Cuba, Porto Rico, Ladrone Islands, occupation of Manila and appointment of a commission. So far as could be learned no mention hi made of the Cuban debt The retention of arms and atnmurritkm by the Spanish troops comes in for Indirect reference under the heed of Cuba. WFrom the best Information obtainable, in\treating each subject an acceptance in some cases, is the details Involved In the arrangement of a lasting peace.

The Policy of Delwy. London, August 10.—The Madrid correspondent of the Standard says: “It is an open secret that the government desires to postpone tho assembling of the Cortes as long as possible, so as to delay a settlement of the questions with the United States, and to give the country breathing time to prepare for peace conditions which are not yet fully grasped. The people are still indulging In illusion as to the success of Spanish diplomacy regarding both the Philippines and the Cuban debt. AU the extreme parties are anxious for an early meeting of the Cortes, with & view of embarrassing the government and fanning the smoldering discontent." AMERICANS AS FIGHTERS.

Am Englishman Is Impressed by Their Fearlessness. Lom*>n, August 10.—The correspondent of the Times at Cavite, under date of August 1. says: •'Yesterday 1 visited Camp Dewey and the American intrenchments before Mala<te. Captain Grant and Ca.pt. Young, of the Utah Artillery, were busily throwing up advanced earthworks for gune, under protection of the Nebraska volunteers. From the upper floor of a European house forming an alignment with the earthworks I was observing the Si*anif»h positions, when a Nebraska sharpshooter beside me fired the first shot discharge!! by the Americans at the Spaniards, who were crouching into the forward trench. This was contrary to General Merritt’s orders. He had forbidden an aggressive attitude unless the Spaniards advanced. The insurgents now In force inland on the right of the American lines also opened fire, the Spaniards replying briskly with quick-firing guns and rifles, but their shooting was high, and their shots fell half a mile beyond the Intrerccnments, wnere a Colorado volunteer picket was hit by a Mauser bullet, "Personally, I was impressed by the nonchalant demeanor of the Americana in the fighting line. They were like higbIcnic. While ne were playSpaniards, who were unaccountably non-aggressive during the American landing and advance, dropped shrapnel from Malate fort, they would have wrought terrible havoc, one house, forming a conspicuous mark, being within easy gun range. "The return to camp was exciting, but effected without mishap. The natives follow the American advance, occupying the houses within the fighting line. General Agutn&ldo's guerrillas caused the Americans considerable trouble. While I was in camp information was received that a party of California volunteers engaged In felling timber had been arrested by the Insurgents. Colonel Smith, under General Green’s Instructions, ordered out an armed detachment, which released the prisoners and brought the insurgents into Camp Dewey. General Greene sent a message to General Agutnaldo saying that if the Americano were further molested. he would disarm the whole Philippines.”

TO CONVEY TROOPS

AMERICANS DISGUSTED.

THE ST. LOTTS AND ST. PAUL SAIL FOR SANTIAGO.

Troops Foreed to Embark Outside the Harbor—Captain Clark Coming Home.

FLEET PREFERS PEACE TO STATE OF INACTION.

The Health of the Naval Forces Is Good, Only 170 Out of 5,800 Men Being 111—Chief Engineer MacC’onnell on Sick Leave.

the and the The

Guantanamo Bay, August 9.—12 a. m.— Via Playa del Esrte (delayed In transmission).—The St. Paul has arrived here from Porto Rico and proceeds to Santiago de Old)®. In order to embark troops. The St. Louis sailed for Santiago this momdng. Both the St. Paul and the 9t. Louis will embark the troops outside the harbor entrance, being too long to enter the harbor proper. Captain Clark, formerly of the battleship Oregon, is going North on the St. Paul, owing to bad health. Gapt. A. S. Barker, formerly of Newark, commands the Oregon, Capt. C. F. Goodirieh, formerly of St. Louis, commands the Newark, lartfter, with the Dedroit, Suwanee and Scorpion, accompany the Resolute to the Isle of Blbes. Captain Goodrich is in charge of the expedition which sails today or to-morrow. The Niagara, sailing for Key West, via Porto RSco, has been delayed until to-

day.

A speedy conclusion of the peace negotiations, one way or the other, is earnestly hoped for throughout the fleet, as the state of Inaction and suspense is trying to officers and men, though the health and discipline of the naval forces are good. There are only 170 men on the sick list, out of 5,900 men on the ships. In this hatbor, and none of the cases is serious. Chief Engineer C. J. MacOonnell. the 'fleet engineer, of the flagship New York, goes North 4n a day or so on sick leave. He has been suffering from rheumatism almost singe the war began, but has stuck to his dirty. The doctors, however, now positively order him home. The splendid work done by the New York’s engines, not a single break-down being recorded, Is greatly due to Chief Engineer MacCoimell.

STERNBERG’S REPLY.

Aval a aide Sold to he Ready to Escape If Necessary. Cavite, Manila Bay. August 3, via Hong Kong. August 9 (delayed in transmission).—The Americans are disgusted with the conduct of Agutnaldo, the Insurgent leader,whose power is weakening, owing the the fact that the Philippinos are rea fixing the unsubstantiality of his promises. Two insurgent steamers are now in Manila bay, provisioning, in order to inxure Aguinaldo’s escape. If necessary. The American field hospital worked splendidly under & galling battle at MaVate. and the courage and steadiness of all ranks, regulars and volunteers, caused General Greene to officially thank the troops. The Spaniards used Mauser and Remington rifles with brass-coated bullets. . o— A Meeting of Pioneers. There will be a meeting Friday, at 2 o'clock, at the Criminal Court room, of pioneers and. others Interested in the • Washington-street bridge celebration.

Surgeon-General Defends Medical Department of the Army. Washington. D. C., August 10.—The following reply was Issued by Surgeon-Gen-eral* Sternberg in defense of the medical department of the army to Major-Gen-eral Shafter: "When the regular troops were ordered Into the held, commanding officers of regiments were directed to take with them a complete field outfit and medical supplies for three months. I Inclose herewith a memorandum showing the medical supplies which have been sent to the Fifth Army Corps at Tampa and at Santiago. The only requisition for medical supplies received from the chief urgeon of the Fifth Army Corps at Santiago Is one dated July 23, 1898, by cable, as follows: “ 'Santiago de Cuba, July 23, 1898, ** ‘Surgeon-General United States Army, Washington: " ‘July 23—Wanted urgently quinine tablets, 1,000 bottles, strychnine tablets IOC bottles, calomel and soda tablets 100 bottles, calomel 200 grammes, hitric acid In two-ounce vials, 100, test tubes 1,000, Fowler’s solution 1,000. *‘ *V. HAVARD, Major-Surgeon, U. S. A., Acting Chief Surgeon.’ ‘‘The supplies asked for were sent by the Olivette, In addition to a large quantity of medical supplies of various kinds which I had ordered to be put on board that ship and delivered at Santiago—see memorandum attached. “I beg leave to remark that recent advices Indicate that a majority of the cases of fever now occurring among the troops at Santiago are malarial In character, and that there has been an ample supply of quinine, which is the principal remedy required In this form of fever. I have made every effort to anticipate the wants of our sick and wounded soldiers in Cuba without waiting for requisitions; but, as we have had communications by cable, the fault does not rest with me if. owing to the failure on the part of the chief surgeon with General Shafter’s army to ask for necessary supplies, there has been a tailure to meet the requirements of the sick. ••The hospital ship Relief, which arrived at Siboney July 8, had on board medicines for twenty regiments for six months, calculated upon the basis of the field supply table and large supplies in addition to the more important medicines, hospital stores, dressings, etc. If these supplies were Inadequate there was ample time to inform me of the fact before the sailing of the Olivette. July 26. ‘T Inclose a copy of a tetter, just received. from Capt. Edward L. Munson, assistant srurreou, U. S. A., which fully accounts for any deficiency of medical supplies at Santiago." FEVER PRECAUTIONS

ize old clothing of troop® at the beginning of period of observation. , "4. When not possible to detain troops In camps under observation, bathe them end freshly clothe or sterilize old clothing before embarkation, excluding, after searching Inspection, suspected cases. “6. Yellow' fever convalescent* or suopects should not accompany healthy troops. “6. No equipage nor personal effects capable of conveying infection should accompany troops, unless disinfected by steam or otherwise. ‘7. Arrange to embark by daylight, under a careful supervision of surgeon*, who will control sanitary conditions ot troop ships en route.” SAILED WITH MARINES.

Gen. Shafter Instructed to Guard Aganist Yellow Fever Suspects. Washington, D. C„ August 10.—The War Department has sent the following order to General Shafter for his Instruction regarding the embarkation of troops from Santiago to Mont auk Point: “Recommend'ation of surgeons-general of army and Marine Hospital service as follows should be accomplished as far as practicable: •7. Hold troops assigned to a transport under observation three to five days, in separate camp, not infected by fever. “2. Surgeons to Inspect same twice daily, Isolating promptly suspected cases. “3. Bathe and freshly clothe or eteril-

Tlie Badger and Merritt Now at Guantanamo. Guantanamo Bay, August 9, 10 p. m., via Playa del Este, Province of Santiago de Cuba (Delayed In transmission).—The Newark, Scorpion, Suwanee and Resolute, with the marines, sailed this afternoon. The Badger and I. J. Merritt have arrived. The latter, after coaling, will proceed to the wreck of the Cristobal Colon. The Merritt and Chapman wreckers now think the Infanta Maria Teresa is held in position by a rock through her bottom forward, but they expect to haul her off soon. General Shaffer’s Bulletin. Washington, D. C., August 10.—In his dally bulletin to the War Department concerning the health of the troops at Santiago on August 8, General Shafter reports that private Theodore Hartman, Company H, Eighth Infantry, committed suicide. The bulletin follows: Total number sick 3,017 Total number of fever cases 2,086 Total number of new cases 254 Total number of fever coses returned to duty 390 Death on August 7: Private William J. Galvin, Company A, Eighth Infantry, Intermittent malarial fever. Deaths on August 8: Private James Conley, Troop C, First Cavalry, malarial fever. Private John Pepper, Company E, Sixth Infantry, acute dysentery. Private E. W. Whiting, Company A, First Illinois, typihold fever. Corporal John Kyte, Company Tj, Eighth Massachusetts, malarial fever. Capt. John A. Linlnger, Company A, Eighth Ohio, malarial fever. Private Gustav A. Bjork, Company A. Twelfth Infantry, acute diarrhea. Private W. Kellock, Company G, Twenty-second Infantry, malarial fever, remittent and diarrhea. Private Theodore Hartman, Company H, Eighth Infantry, gunshot wound of head (suicide). ’ Private Herbert Daw, Company F, Thirty-third Michigan, yellow fever and pneumonia. Private Walter Reeves, Company G, Twenty-fourth Infantry, yellow fever, and private Charles Hoadley, Company L, First Illinois, stenosis of common bile duct. HOPE ABANDONED.

Not See

Troops Think They will Active Service. ‘ Chickamauga, Chattanooga. National Military Park, August 10.—The disappointment among the seven regiments here, which were to have gone with Gen. Wade to Porto Rico, is keen, and the complaints are numerous. Many of the officers and men have now abandoned all hope of seeing active service, and the air of expectancy which has prevailed In all the camps at the parks is now missing. Notwithstanding the prospects of peace and lack of service, work Is going on as usual in all regiments. The men are worked as hard and the training is as thorough as It was at first, and everything Is conducted as though the men were to go Into vigorous warfare in the near future. Practice marches will probably begin next week. The men will be marched out by brigades, each brigade remaining out several weeks. These marches are expected to prove highly beneficial, as well as a great diversion to the men. The paymasters are prosecuting their work vigorously to-day. On account of the general review only few regiments could be paid yesterday, and the lost time is being made up to-

day.

Brigadier-General McKee Is still in charge of the Second Division, First Army Corps. He is the senior brigade commander in that division, but it Is said that a brigade general will be transferred from another division to take command of this organization. There are several brigadier-generals at the camp who outrank McKee. General Breckenridge has appointed as a commission to report on the general health of Camp Thomas Generals Sanger, Roe and Mattock and Captain Peabody, of the Eighth Massachusetts. In speaking of the review of the army yesterday, General Breckinridge

said:

“Not since General Sherman reviewed the grand army at the close of the civil war has there been such an Imposing and magnificent military pageant as that witnessed on the historic fields of Chickamauga Park.” TO PREVENT SICKNESS. Order leaned for Improving Sanitary Condition of Camps. Washington, D. C.. August 10.—Secretary Alger has caused u> be issued the following order: "In order to prevent as far as possible the disease incident to encampments of large bodies of men, namely, typhoid and malarial fevers, diarrhea and dysentery, and the further spread thereof where these diseases have already gained more or less headway, all officers, from the commanding general to company commanders, will exercise the utmost vigilarrse to enforce proper sanitary conditions in camp and strict cleanliness of the person. The speedy destruction or removal with safety of all decaying substances, present and future, and the rendering inocuous the feculent matter of the camp, must be accomplished. The quartermaster’s department will furnish lumber for floors to all tents. The general commanding camp will at once provide ample hospital facilities by erecting barracks where there is a shortage of hospital tents. "No effort will be spared to carry this order Into effect to the fullest extent, and to this end those concerned will not rest content with the issuance of orders upon the subject, but they or their repreBentatives. duly Impressed with this grave responsibility, will immediately see to the commencement, continuance, superintendence and practical accomplishment,

day by day, of the Instructions imposed upon the command. "The attention erf all concerned Is Balled to army regulations concerning Interior economy, police and discipline of com panic*, circular No. 1, surgeon-general’s office, April 25. 1898, to marches and camping In the authorized drill regulations, to soldiers' hand-book and the remarks therein contained, from which easily accessible data, supplemented by his own and the practical experience of others, the commanding general of each camp will at once prepare and put into immediate execution a simple code of rules, of the daily practical accomplishment of which he will assure himself, rendering dally reports to the adjutant-general of the army. Copies of the rule® promulgated will be sent at the earliest moment to the adjutant-general of the army.’ WILSON TAKES COAMO.

Another Porto Rican Town la the Hands of the Americans. (Copyrighted, 1898, by the Associated Press.] Coamo, Porto Rico. August 9. 12 tn., via St. Thomas. D. W. I., August 10.— General Wilson took the town of Coamo this morning with a loss of only seven men wounded, all members of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Regiment. Corporal Barney, of Company E, was mortally wounded. Sergeant Wishart waa slightly wounded and private Frank Whitlock was struck tn the groin. Clyde Frank was struck tn the leg. Jolly and Herbert Lubold, both of whom were shot in the arm, were the others Injured. The Spanish are known to have loot their commander, Major YeHeeoas,Captain Ecante, Captain Lopez and nine privates, all killed, and to have had thirty-five wounded. The Americans captured 180 prisoners, practi|ally the wTvole force of understood to relate to conditions somewhat different to those laid down by the American Government. As to Cuba, the American terms demanded the evacuation of the island without specifying the future form of government. The Spanish reply is said to accept the principle that Spanish sovereignty over Cuba will terminate, but It Is understood to take up the future government of the Island, and because of the extent of Spanish Interests there Is said to take the view, either expressed or implied, that the United States should admtajster the affairs of the island. As to tffe time of evacuating Cuba, this is a detail which the Spanish reply is said to regard as among many which can be left to the com mission for final determination. The American conditions as to Porto Rico, the Ladrones, Manila, .etc., are believed to be accepted, but Che topics axe treated at some length, and k will require the full text to show bow far the language used may be construed as an acceptance. The provision a* to the commission is assented to. The commission is to consist of five commissioners on each side, with Paris as the probable meeting place. The Spanish reply is said to develop somewhat the scope of the commission, leaving to it not only the determination of the Philippines, but also Spaniards, except the cavalry. The capture of the • town and garrison was neatly planned and splendidly executed. The Sixteenth Pensylvanta, Volunteers moved to a point off the north of the town last night and by foroed marches of eight miles across the mountains, arrived at the rear of the town about 7 o’clock this morning^ just in time to out off the enemy’s retreat. At daylight the Third Wisconsin and Troop C (New York) moved by the right flank; and the artillery, supported by the Second Wisconsin, advanced In the center. The Fourth Cavalry took up a position from which it could gallop to the field and sweep the valley Into the town. At 7 o’clock fire was opened upon the block-houses, which were hammered with shell and shrapnel. The Spaniards replied with a few shot* from their Mausers and then fled. The block-house was soon ablaze, and the artillery fire In from ceased ait 7:45 a. hi. Almost Immediately volley firing was heard in the rear of the town. The Spaniards, in seeking to escape, ran straight into the arms of Col. Hullngs's regiment, posted on the hills commanding the road. The enemy sought protection In trenches, but they could not withstand the deadly fire. With their commander and two captains killed they were compelled to surrender, a troop of fifty Spanish cavalry escaped through the mountains, our cavalry being unable to pursue them. The Spaniards had destroyed the stone bridge across the river. Coamo, leading into the town, but tt was evident that they were not prepared to make a strong resistance. The natives received the Americans with delight. General Wilson, after taking the town, pushed the Wisconsin troops a mite out beyond, where they will camp for the night.”

Grant and His Men. Newport News, August 10.—Gen. Fred D. Grant, his staff and the remaining six companies of the First Kentucky Regiment, Colonel Castleman, commanding, embarked last night for Porto Rico on the transport Alamo, and the steamer is expected to sail after midnight. The transport Obdam will leave some time today with the Fifth Illinois Regiment on board, in command of Colonel Culver. It Is not known when the other troops will embark, probably not at all. General Grant is in command of the Third Brigade of the First Division of the First Army Corps, but only two regiments of his command will be landed In Porto Rico—the First Kentucky and the Fifth Illinois. Col. James Hamilton Lewis did not accompany General Grant, having received orders to-day to remain here to Inspect provisions for the troops and look after the camping grounds. It was learned to-day that a quantity of meat and canned goods was condemned by the inspectors. Brave and Incompetent. London, August 10.—The afternoon newspapers comment upon the battle of Manila as being a repetition of the now familiar story: “The Spaniards, brave and incompetent, firing wildly, and attacking, too late, and the Americans brave, cool and skillful, notwithstanding that their operations were conducted in the midst of a tropical monsoon." The papers also refer to the "ominous neutrality of the Philippinos” as being evidence of trouble In store for the Americans.

Rodrigues Taken to New York. New York, August 10.—The Spanish steam tug Humberto Rodriguez, with a prize crew on board from the United States cruiser Badger, and commanded by Lieutenant Peters, arrived yesterday from the blockading squadron off Havana. The Humberto Rodrigues is a powerful iron steam tug and has frwo masts. On the foremost floats the American ensign and on the main gaff the Spanish colors, the first Spanish colors to be seen in this port since the declaration of war. She was captured by the Badger July 26 off Nuevitas. — o Postmaster at Lapel. [Special to The Indianapolis News.] Washington, D. C., August 10.—T. M. Busby was to-day appointed postmaster at Lapel, Madison county, Indiana, vice | N. W. Kleffer, removed.

FIRST RACING DAY

L. A. W. NATIONAL MEET VISITORS INCREASING IN NUMBERS.

Runs Over the Cycle Paths and Country Roads—Trial Heats at Newby Oval This Morning—Semi-Finals and Finals This AfternoonSmoker To-Night.

A much larger number of wheelmen and wheel wo men arrived to-day to attend the nineteenth annual meet of the League of American Wheelmen. The escort committee at the Union station was kept busy this morning receiving the guests, and they were at once taken to the headquarters at Tomlinson Hall. The attendance Is still below expectations, but the members of the executive committee look for a large addition to-morrow. The visitors are enjoying tbetnseive* thoroughly. A party of over one hundred rode over the Broad Ripple path this morning, end there was general expression of delight with the path and the surroundings. Another large bunch of riders made the trip to Newcastle, and made a century over Indiana roads. Several hundred also went to Newby Oval and enjoyed the trial heats this morning. It was a busy morning for all concerned In the meet, and from now on until Saturday night there will be lively times The men visitors are anticipating & jolly time at the "all-night smoker” at the Park Theater JOnlght, and other hundreds are preparing to take women visit ora to English's Opera House for the vaudeville entertainment which takes place there.

MEET RACES HERE BEGUN. Bald Loomed Large la the Morning Trial Heats. Bright weather came with the first day of racing of the L. A. W. national meet. The trial heats for this afternoon’s races were run at the Newby oval this morning. The attendance was not large, but this is always the rule at morning trials at the national meets. The visitors dislike to lose any opportunity to see every point of interest, and, as a rule, they devote their mornings to sight-seeing and their afternoon* to the track sport. The heats this morning were to qualify for. the professional one-mile handicap, professional one-mile championship, amateur halfmite championship and professional twomile national championship. The _ semifinals and finals of these races, together with the interstate pursuit race (amateur), the professional two-mile multlplet handicap and the amateur five-mile championship, were on the program for Newby oval this afternoon, beginning at 3 o’clock. Edward C. Bald, of Buffalo, is the prime favorite for professional chatapionship honors at the national meet. This morning In the trial beats he won as»he pleased tn both starts. He so easily proved hkmtelf heed and Shoulders over the competitors in hie heats, while Taylor, Cooper and Gardiner had hard though successful work of it in their quahrying. races, thalt it wm prove a severe disappointment to Bald’s inmimerabte friends and to the puMlc, which places Us confidence in the mo*t consistent performer, should he fall to win the money and the glony that he covets. There Is no questioning the fact that Bald te in superb form. In addition to that, the carelessness thalt marked his riding at previous national meets seems to have disappeared entirely. He rides with brains, as well as with muscle, and It was confidently predicted that unless Cooper, Taylor or Gardmer showed improved form over that of this morning ft was a certainty that Bald would finish the day wDCh flying odors. But in bicycle racing nothing Is certain. Too many little, trifling incidents occur In a race to make victory certain for any contestant, and It was by no means sure the favorite would win. However, with ordinary good fortune and no spills, Edward C. Bald will win the championship honors of the week. “Major" Taylor's Work. “Major” Taylor, the little colored chap •who has proved hftnseftf .a master of the science of cycle rooirig, was htetlly cheered when he took his hext in the mile handicap- In the two-mile championship It was Taylor who was compelled to go after Becker In order to prevent a runaway, and when Taylor went up Owen S. Kimble followed on his rear wheel and by clever sprinting crossed the tap,? an Inch or two ahead of the ebony Adonis. Tom Cooper rode in only one race, the championship, and although he qualified •he failed to cross the tape ahead of hi* field. “Ztmmy” McFarland, tl»e elongated Californian, who te over to be considered a dangerous competitor, followed Cooper throughout the race, and at the finish went around Mm and into the lead. McFarland won by perhaps a foot. Cooper did not ride In the handicap, and the reason is said to be that he objected to the mark given him by the official handkapper. Cooper was placed In that heat in which “Major” Taylor was the scratch man and bad a start of ten yards. It injured his dignity. It la said by the track officials, to bs thus pieced, and he requested the referee to excuse him from starting. Arthur Gardiner started In both races, but qualified in only one—the ehampfcmehip. In the handicap he was on scratch, with Freeman at ten yards, Cabanne at twenty and Kimble at forty, and, although the curly-haired Chicagoan rode a clever race, he was unable to move up when Kimble and Freeman went at their work in a business-like manner. In Gardiner's heat, Walsh and Murbarger, limit men, enjoyed a picnic, running away from the field and qualifying without trouble. Bald won both his qualifying heats, and both victories were gained without his being driven to extreme speed. Championship and Amateur Events. In the championship race. Cabanne, the St. Louisian, Tom Butler, who Is known as “the phenomenon of ’96,” and Johnny Johnson, the great little record-breaker.

shut out, and consequently were not contestants In the final. Johnson lost by being “pockqted,” Johnny Fisher, of Chicago, and A. C. Merten*, of St. Paul, holding Mm where he would not be dangerous. Fisher looms up as a promising dark horse. He qualified tn both races, winning hit heat in the championship. In the amateur events there was a number of surprises, although at no time was the work phenomenal. Charles R. Pease, the Indianapolis boy, rode splendidly, as did also Frank 8. Robbins, the Ohio champion; F. L. Kramer, of Newark, N. J.; Haueman and Cottett, the Connecticut champions, and Lee Heller, of Ft. Wayne, in the half-mile chantptondhlp, Heller and Stockhoff, of St. Louis, kbut out Charlie Ertz, the New Yorker, who test year won the national one-mile championship. Peabody and Llewellyn, the Chicagoan*, whom everybody expected to clean up the elate, made iztimsg final. Kramer, the New Jeraeyman, appears to be a promising candidate for 1 amateur champtenehti) honors, and hie competitors are going to watch him. Mile Handicap Professional. The mile handicap professional wae run as follows: First heat — Twelve starter*. All bunched at the first quarter. Bald, the only scratch man, went up at the half. Willey went up at the three-quarters and closed Bald In, but the "king” come around and won oat splendidly. Result: E. C. Bald, scratch, 1; J. 8. Johnson. 10 yards, 2; O. L. Stevens, 20 yards, 8; C. R. McCarthy, 40 yards, 4. Time, 2:06 4-5. Second heat—Fifteen starters. Waleh and Murbarger, the limit men, bad an easy time, running away from the field, winning with thirty yard* to spare. Kimble, leading the back markers, sprinted beautifully and gained third place. Result: J. E. Walsh, 110 yards, I; 8am Murbarger, 150 yards, 2; O. 8. Kimble, 10 yards, 3; H. B. Freeman, 10 yards, 4. Time, 2:02 2-5. Third heat (seventeen starters)— Bunched at the half, with Major Taylor from the scratch, behind. Mertens went up at flve-elgths. when Bowler went to the lead, Taylor following. In the sprint the colored boy, riding on the outside, won without trouble. Result—Major Tay. lor. scratch, 1; John Fisher, 60 yards, 2; Tom Butler, 30 yards 8; J.. B. Bowler. « yards, 4. Time, 2:001-6—within one-fifth second of world’s handicap record. Two Mile Amateur. The two-mile champloi.shlp, followed. First heat (seven starters)—Collett led slowly, with Porter in second i Porter went up at the half. At the Porter ran up the bank. Wagner, of Dayton, O.. took the position. At one and one-half miles a general shaking up In positions took place, the riders bunching three abreast. The men rode at a snail’s pace until the bell, when Gordon went away in a rush. Collett and Porte? ran by him in the stretch, without half trying. Reault—G. H. Collett, New Haven, Conn., 1; Chartes 8. Porter, Detroit, 2. Time, 5:51. Second heat—Three atarter*. Erta, Heitor and Kolb took turns la pacing, each man leading at a good, even pace. Heller challenged Ertz at the test turn, but the New Yorker rej that won out easily. I, Ertz, New York first; Wayne, second. Time. §:17. Third beat-Slx startem. Rogers, ler, Robbins and Shlrtey paced to bell, when Doiwiaan flew out from Rogers went after him, with chasing, and both men passed anxious man with the peculiar i~~.. suit: John P. P hla ’ F. S. Robbins, Middletown, G., m Time. 5:C9. _ Fourth heat—Eight starters. This was a pretty race all through, the changing position* rapidly. The was for full quarter, and resulted driving finish. Result: E. C. Hansmag, New Haven, Conn., first.F. C. Kraemel. Newark, N. J., second. Time. 4:48 2-5. Fifth heat, seven startera—Peabody t Harry Gibson attracted attention in t heat. The CMcefoan did most of pacing, while Gibson held back at end of the line. On the back sh the last lap. C. R. Pease, of a went up. Aritb Gibson on his they scored cne and two. in t

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