Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1898 — Page 2

WAR

American Men-of-War Advance on Havana. IHffi IS DEMM White Squadron to Silence Guns of Morro Castle. CALLS THE NATION TO ARMS ftrarifeat McKinley Asks the Country for 125,000 Volunteers., TO SHOT IS FIRED AT SEA. (rater Nashville Captures the Spanish Ship Buena Ventura. Wltiaiatnm of the United State* Was Considered a Declaration of War by the Government at Madrid—Handing •f Passports to Minister Woodford Definitely Put a Stop to All Peaceful Diplomatic Negotiations—McKinley Signa the Bill Asking for 125,000 Men— Those Willing to Serve Are to Take Up Arm* at Once eud Aid in Fighting the Spaniard*. Washington correspondence: Event* are transpiring rapidly these day*. History is being made in great Imp*, and many pages are completed in a week. Beginning with the heated senatorial discussion us to how the President should be authorized to intervene in Cuba, a seven days closed with the call tor 1’25,000 volunteers and legislation to increase the regular army to about <IO,OOO men. 'Events have lately moved fast eßough for the most warlike men at the national capital. First the long and bitter fight over the Cuban resolution in Congress, which culminated in an agreement at 2 o'clock Tuesday morning. Tuesday afternoon the sesolniions were laid before the President for his signature, but that was delayed until the next day, because Congress was not in session. Wednesday the resolutions were signed and the ultimatum sent to Madrid aud also to the Spanish minister in Washington, who promptly asked for and received his passports, leaving the capital for Canada the same evening. Thursday came the news from Madrid that the American minister, Gen. Woodford, was dismisses! and all diplomatic relations between the two governments severed before the ultimatum could be ipresented there. The same day the President ordered the North Atlantic squadron to proceed to Havana and blockade that ety and the north coast of Cuba. Friday the squadron appeared before Havana sod began the blockade. The Nashville fired the first gun in the war and captured the first prize. The President issued -his proclamation declaring the blockade to all the world and Congress passed the volunteer army bill. Saturday came the culminating event of the week, the call for 125,000 volunteers, the last Vesort of the Government in going 'to war. It was a week filled with excitement. The War aud Navy Departments were crowded with officials in making active preparations for the prosecution of the war; the White House was besieged with Senators and Representatives urging friends for appointment as major generals and brigadiers; the National Guard of the District was under arms, awaiting the order to be mustered into the service,

CAPTAIN SAMPSON.

and move; the armories were crowded with fathers and mothers, sisters and wives and sweethearts, waiting for the summons that would start the boys to the front to the music of "The Girl I Left Behind Me," and the streets were crowded with men and women anxiously discussing the war news, while fakirs were reaping a rich harvest selling flags, buttons and mottoes, “Remember the Maine!" The national capital has not seen such excitement since the days of the civil war. But, in ail the excitement •nd all the anxiety there was the feeling es security and confidence in the cause •ad the outcome. President McKinley called his cabinet •bout him Saturday morning and after carefully going over the volunteer army Mil and its changes from the bill as originally drawn, signed it and a little later , fasurd his proclamation calling for 125,000 .▼•lunteers. The War Department began at anee-tomake up the quotas under this aew call, tat it was decided not to send •at theses w the Governors of States the thaw day because it would make Sunday • day of rallying to arms instead of a day

of rest. The situation was not regarded so critical as to call for sneb haste in placing the volunteer army in the field, as Admiral Sampsota had Us North Atlantic squadron in front of Havana with a complete blockade of. all Cuban ports controlled by the Spanish army, and which have railroad communication with Havana; and Captain Bob Evans, the fighting captain, had the big battle ship lowa in front of Morro Castle with her guns trained on that center of Spanish authority. Cuba was in pa—easion of the insurgents and Cuban water* were controlled by the United State* navy. The Spanish fleet was still far away, and while Blanco threatened and the Spanish army under him excitedly gathered about the fortification* the squadron of big American warships with frowning gun* ready to send sheila into the city screaming out freedom and independence, made the whole Havana acene as reassnring and no more threatening than the raving of a maniac behind the bars. The President issued his proclamation for volunteers Saturday because the country expected it. He realized that the people wanted to know whether he intended to call upon the volunteer force* to fight Spain. So he signed the proclamation and let it go to the world. On Monday he sent a special message to Congress recommending a declaration of war. He recited the events that have brought about a state of war and asked Congress to declare that war exist* between the United States and the kingdom of Spain and her colonies, and Congress did in very short order.

The war is on formally and in reality. The President’s call to arm* was anticipated by every State, and it found the volunteers ready to go. In a few dny* the regiments will be in the service of the Government, and they are not made up of raw troops.

These 125,000 volunteers are largely confined to the National Guard. They have been mobilised in their respective States and will be drilled for a short time. They will then be moved to the coast, and if it is decided to send a large army of occupation to Cuba the transports will be ready, and, guarded by. the navy, these transports will carry the boys in blue over to Cuba to fight for freedom and drive out Spain, while they remember the Maine. Most of the men are already well drilled, well trained, and used to camp life. They are eager for service; they are resolute for immediate action; they are ready (or whatever comes. Action is the order of the hour. On the sea the American fleets are moving in battle formation. On the land the troops are being massed for support. On the Pacific the Hawaiian Islands have been brought under the flag, and the Philippines are threatened. Washington is again the center of the world’s interest. The American people and the American Government are moving forward to accomplish a great purpose. They nre not talking, because this is the time for action. Disappointments may come; vessel* may be lost; armies may be repulsed, but still the purpose will remain, and its achievement will be sure.

THICK KO BY SPAIN. McKinley’s Ultimatum to Woodford e Held Until Discussion Is Hud. In forestalling Gen. Woodford by breaking off diplomatic relations with the United States in advance of the presentation of the American ultimatum by the minister of the United States Spain resorted to one of her old devices. President McKinley’s telegram to Gen. Woodford conveying the ultimatum was held by the Madrid telegraph authorities while a Copy of it was sent to Premier Sagasta. Such la the patriotism of American women that the War Departaaent is fairly burdened with offers from women in all walks of lite to go to the front as nurses. ■ : ' ■■ • • i .

ON TO HAVANA!

CALLS UPON EVERY STATE. President** Proclamation Asks Volunteer* from All Sides. The bill for the creation of a new regular and volunteer army passed both house* of Congress Friday afternoon. The measure wa* immediately signed by VicePresident Hobart and Speaker Reed and was then sent to the President. An official proclamation was prepared at the War Department calling for 125,000 men to serve in the war against Spain. This was approved by Secretary Alger and sent to the President for his signature.

NOW THEY ARE OFF!

The number of men required from each State is to be in the proportion that its population bears to that of the whole country. According to this ratio the several States are called on to furnish men as follows: Alabama 2.500 N. Hampshire.. 752 Arkansas 2.025 New Jersey .... 2.962 California 3,327 New Y0rk12,512 Colorado 1,324 N. Carolina .... 2,564 Connecticut ... 1,607 N. Dakota 461 Delaware 351 Ohio 7,248 Florida .. 750 Oregon 829 Georgia 3,174 Pennsylvania ..10,760 Idaho 232 Rhode Island .. 710 Illinois 8,048 8. Dakota .....«• 1,850 Indiana 4.302 8. Carolina .... 747 lowa 3,772 Tennessee3,o6o Kansas 2,782 Texas 4,229 Kentucky 3,407 Utah 425 Louisiana 1,940 Vermont 633 Maine 1,236 A'lrginla2.7B7 Maryland 1.942 Washington ... 1,178 Massachusetts. 4,721 W. Virginia ... 1,389 Michigan 4,369 Wisconsin 3,274 Minnesota .... 2.873 Wyoming 231 Mississippi.... 2,157 Arizona 181 Missouri 5.411 N. Mexico 330 Montana 532 D. of Columbia. 449 Nebraska 2,411 Oklahoma 140 Nevada 237 Oath of Volunteers. Whether these volunteers consist of National Guardsmen or of simple enlisted men, they will be. required to take the following oath: I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Onited States of America, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all enemies whomsoever, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me according to the articles of war. This puts the men in the same category as the regular army so far as any foreign service is considered. FIRST SEIZURE OF THE WAR. Cruiser Nashville Captures a Spanish Merchant Steamer, The first shot of the war was fired early Friday morning. About daylight the United States cruiser Nashville captured the Spanish ship Buena Ventura, 1,000 tons, having on board a cargo of lumber. She was taken seventeen miles south of Key West. The cruiser fired a six-pound-er and the Spaniard surrendered. The Buena Vehtura was bound from Pascagoula, Miss., for Rotterdam with lumber. The Nashville fired a blank shot, which the Spaniard Ignored. This was followed by a shot from a six-pounder. The Buena Ventura then surrendered, with bar arew of twenty men. The Nashville

towed her prize into Key West harbor at 11 o‘clock, and put a prize crew on board. The news of the capture of the Spaniard set the people of Key West frantic with enthusiasm. All work was suspended and the people crowded the docks in great cumbers. Second • hip Taken. The Spanish freighter Pedro, from Antwerp for Pensacola, Fla., was captured by the U. S. cruiser New York Saturday morning. The steamer was sighted about ten miles off Havana by the flagship of Captain Sampson’s (fleet. The New York sent a shot across the Spaniard’s bow. ThiA did not stop her. Then Captain Sampson ordered all steam on, and a stern chase of four miles followed. When the flagship got in better range she sent three more shots after the Spaniard. Then the steamer hove to.

SHERMAN OUT OF THE CABINET. Venerable Secretary of Mate Resigns Hi* Portfolio-Succeeded by Day. Secretary of State Sherman handed in his resignation at the special cabinet meeting Monday morning. The resignation went into effect at noon the same day. Secretary Sherman says he does not want his retirement from the cabinet misunderstood. It is, he says, entirely voluntary. While his health is good, he recognizes his extreme age, and that the very exciting times which at present prevail make it necessary that a younger and more active man should be placed at the head of the State Department. Mr. Sherman retires from public life after a service of more than forty years, embracing the House of Representatives, the United States Senate, the secretaryship of the treasury aud the secretaryship of State. William R. Day, first assistant Secretary of State, succeeds to the office vacated by Mr. Sherman. He has had entire charge of Cuban affairs almost since the beginning of the present administration. Resignation of Gary. Postmaster General Gary resigned Thursday, and Charles Emory Smith was immediately nominated to succeed him. A Washington correspondent states that it is generally understood that Gary resigned because he Opposed war and does not care to be connected with an administration that conducts it. RUSHED TO THE FRONT. Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery Are Hurried Toward* Cuba. On to Chickamauga! On to Mobile! On to New Orleans! On to Tampa! and —On to Havana! For a week 18,000 men in Uncle Sam’s army blue have been moving towards points of concentration from which they could be quickly hurled into action. Not since the close of the civil war has there been such unanimous action among the troops. The startling events of the previous few days prepared the soldiers for the order issued aud found every man ready for the march. The President hesitated till the last possible moment before sanctioning the order, for the expense of sending the army to the South has been enormous. The four points to which the army has been moving are Chickamauga battlefield, Tampa, New Orleans and Mobile. As soon as reaching those places the troops go into camp. Advance agents of the department preceded the troops and made all necessary arrangements for their comfort and convenience. The soldiers carry thirty days’ rations and a number of rounds of ammunition. There is no diminution in offers of volunteers. They are falling upon the War Department like leaves from trees before the first strong wind of autumn. So great is the eagerness of patriots for the honor of defending the flag that during the past few days not a few letters have been received at the department from young men who state that, rather than not have a chance of going to the front when the war begins, they are willing to enlist in the regular army. Among men of all creeds, nationalities and politics there is an expressed intention nnd desire to uphold the honor and the integrity of the flag of the republic.

REFUSE WOMEN NURSES. Und*r No Circumstances Will the Gen*, tier tex fake Part in War. The Secretary of War and the surgeon general of the army issued an ultimatum which is calculated to create a sensation throughout the country. This is the unalterable decision not only not to employ trained or volunteer women nurses for

THE NASHVILLE, WHICH FIRED THE FIRST SHOT.

the cere of the sick and wounded in the war with Spain, but not to recognize them in any way whatever. No proffer of their services, however strongly backed by offlcial or other kind of Influence, will avail in the slightest degree to alter thia decision.

THE CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Following is a copy of the proclamation issued by the President calling for 125,000 volunteers to serve in the war with Spain: “By the President of the United States, « proclamation: “Whereas, By a joint resolution of Congress, approved on the 20th of April, 1888. entitled ‘Joint resolution for the recognition of the Independence of the people of Cuba,'demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish Its authority aud government In the island of Cuba, to withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to. use the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these resolutions Into effect; nnd. “Whereas, By an act -of Congress, entitled ‘An act to provide for the Increasing of the military establishment of the United States In time of war, and for other purpose*,’ approved April 22, 1898, the President was authorized, in order to raise a volunteer army, to issue his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the Army of the United States. “Now. therefore. I, William McKinley. President of the United States, by virtue of the power vested In me by the Constitution and laws, and deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought 6t to call for, and hereby do call for volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000, in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the same to be apportioned as far as practicable among the several States and Territories and the District of Columbia, according to population and to serve for two years, unless sooner discharged. The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities through the War Department. “In witness whereof I have hereunto set my band and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. “Done at Washington, this twentythird day of April, 18M and of the Independence of the United States the 122 d. WJI. M’KINLEY. “By the President: “JOHN SHEIIMAN, Sec’y of State."

SPAIN AT WAR. Existence of Conflict with the United State* Formally Declared. Spain has declared war against the United States, with the simple announcement that a “state of war exists." Further to show that the arbitrament of the sword is on, the Sagasta Government decrees that all treaties with the United States are annulled, and vessels of the United States are given thirty days to leave Spanish ports. Another important declaration of Spain is that she will not refrain from privateering, but that for the present only auxiliary cruisers will be fitted out. She adds, however, that foreign privateers will be regarded as pirates. In avoiding a direct declaration of war, the Spanish cabinet is following a recent precedent—the procedure that was adopted by Turkey last spring before it began

A LAST GOOD-BY.

the hostilities that humiliated the Greeks. The sultan declared that “a state of war’’ existed in Thessaly and in Macedonia, and within twenty-four hours fighting was in progress along the whole frontier.

FROM THE FRONT.

“D-r-r-rum! D-r-r-rum! D-r-r-rum, d-r-r-rum. d-r-r-rum!” The United States Government has purchased a number of British steam colliers. The United States military attaches at St. Petersburg and Vienna have been called home. Gov. Holcomb of Nebraska has received offers from 15,789 individuals, who desire to enlist. A Havana newspaper calls our handsome battleships Texas and lowa “damaged barges.” Rev, T. DeWitt Talmage has announced his intention of going to the front as an army chaplain. Spaniards are arriving in New York from abroad in order to evade service in the Spanish army. Intense patriotism prevails over Kentucky, and twice the number of men allotted could be raised. The Vizcaya and Oquendo must belong to the Spanish flying squadron, judging from the way they»tied from Havana. The United States Government has established censorship of telegrams at Key West, forbidding the transmission of code messages to or from Havana. Senor Bruzon. civil governor of Havana. has sent his family to Mexico, in anticipation of a bombardment and capture of the city by United States forces. Several Chicago firms have notified their clerks that if any of their employes

go to the front their salaries will be paid during their absence, their situations will be preserved for them, and if they are killed or disabled they will be pensioned. •* How Spain grasps at straws may be illustrated by the fact that she pretends to expect aid from Mexico.

CONGRESS QUICK TO ACT

Formal Declaration of War Is Made in a Hurry. RECOMMENDED BY A MESSAGE It Declares Spain's Action Was Begin* ning of Hostilities. President McKinley Asked Congress to Make a Formal Declaration of War, and a Bill in Accordance with Hi* Message Passed the House in One Minute and Forty-one Seconds— Senate Acts Almost as Quickly. On Monday, in response to a message from the President recommending that such action be taken, Congress by unanimous vote passed a formal declaration of war. The declaration was prepared by the attorney general and the date named April 21, 1898, as the day upon which Spain is held to have begun the war by breaking off diplomatic relations with the United States. The choosing of this date validates the captures made by the United State's ships of war and the legality of which might have been questioned. The declaration made is also necessary to abrogate our treaties With Spain and to give formal notice to all the world that war actually exists.

It took the House just one minute and forty-one seconds to [miss the bill, and the Senate acted almost as quickly. The measure is brief and follows: “A bill declaring that war exists between the United States of America and the kingdom of Spain. “Be it enacted, etc.: “1. That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist and that war has existed since the 21st day of April, A. D. 1898, including said day, between the United States of America and the kingdom of Spain. "2. That the President of the United States be and he hereby is directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of the several States to such extent as may be necessary to carry this act into effect.” McKinley’s Message. The text of the message calling forth the above declaration is here given: To tin* Senate and House of Representatives of tlie United States of America: I transmit to Congress for its consideration and appropriate action copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of Spain In the United States with the United States minister at Madrid, and through the *atter with the Government of Spain, showing the action taken under the joint resolution approved April 21), 1898, “for the recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the 2 land of Cuba and to withdraw its land and navnl forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect.” Upon communicating with the Spanish minister in Washington the demand which It became the duty of the Executive to address to the Government of Spain, in obedience to said resolution, the said minister asked for ills passports and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn notified by the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs tlnit the withdrawal of the Spanish representative from the United States had terminated diplomatic relations l>etween the two countries, and that all official communications between their respective representatives ceased therewith. I recommend to your especial attention the note addressed to the United States minister at Madrid by the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs on the 21st Inst., whereby the foregoing notification was conveyed. If will be perceived therefrom that the Government of Spain, having cognizance of the joint resolution of the United States Congress, and in view of things which the President is thereby required and authorized to do, responds by treating the representative demands of this Government as measures of hostility, following with that Instant nud complete severance of relations by Its action whereby the ustfge of nations accompanies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. The position of Spain being thus made known, and the demands of the United States being denied, with a complete rupture of intercourse by the act of Spain. I have been constrained, in exercise of the power and authority conferred upon me by tlie Joint resolution aforesaid, to proclaim, under date of April 22, 1898, a blockade of certain ports on the north coast of Cuba lying between Cardonas and JJahal Honda, and of the port of Cienfugos bn the south coast of Cuba: and further. In exercise of my constitutional powers, and using the authority conferred upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22. 1898, to Issue my proclamation dated April 23. 1898, calling for volunteers In order to carry into effect the said resolutions of April 20, 1898. Copies of these proclamations are hereto appended. In view of tlie measures so taken, and with a’view to the adoption of such other measures as may be necessary to enable me to carry out the expressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, 1 now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution declaring tkat a state of war exists between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain, and I urge the speedy action thereon, to the end that the definition of the International status of the United States as a belligerent power may be made known, and the assertion of ail its rights and the maintenance of all Its duties In the conduct of a public war may be assured. WILLIAM M KINLEY.

News of Minor Note.

The Madrid cabinet has decided to arm more of the steamers of the Spanish Trans-Atlantic Company. tjt The municipality of Malaga has apologized to the American consul there for the attack by u mob on the consulate. Mexicans and Spaniards on the Texas border have been growing arrogant since talk of war with Spain started, and it is feared serious trouble will occur. The wildest scenes of approval seen in the Massachusetts Legislature in years greeted the war appropriation bill. In just twenty minutes from the time the bill was first introduced by the clerk to the final reading for engrossment. Goy. Wolcott had At his disposal $500,000. At Mississippi City, Miss., where the sheriff is also tax collector, thieves pried open the window of the sheriff’s bedroom on the night of the day he made his tax collections, and with a fishnet caught his trousers, and, pulling them to the window, rifled the pockets. The sheriff slept with a light in his room. • >