Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 70, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1898 — SILENCE OF DEWEY. [ARTICLE]

SILENCE OF DEWEY.

Secretary Long Not Worried Ovei Absence of News. , THINKS HIM MASTER OF SITUATION. Prcparutloai for FornarMlng Sap. plies Continue—Wo Information Hegnrdlns Movements of Samp- ' son’s Fleet Obtainable. Washington, May 6. —Secretary Long said at the close of office hours Thursday that up to that time he had received no word from Commodore Dewey. He added, however, that he. felt no apprehension over this lack of news, because, in the first place, reports were not expected with the cable from Manila cut, and, furthermore, no fears were entertained as to Commodore Dewey’s ability to maintain his position. There was no doubt, the secretary said, that Commodore Dewey’s fleet had annihilated the Spahish fleet, and, with this much accomplished, Dewey was master of the situation at Manila. It was suggested to Mr. Long that the shore batteries at Cavite and on the Corrigador island might be a serious menace to the American fleet, but the secretary did not 6hare this view, holding that the strength of the Olympia and other ships in Dewey’s command was ample to make him master of Manila bay and its surroundings. The department is taking steps to render effective aid to the commodore in the matter of supplies, and a constructor of high ability is to go out at once t 4 repair the damages sustained in the battle of Manila. Preparations for a suitable convoy for the supply ships was also indicated by the choice of a commander and officers for the cruiser Charleston, now at Mare island. It is recalled at the navy department in this

connection that, having received the surrender of Manila, the commodore would be able to secure any quantity of labor and of sueh material as a maritime city like Manila affords for the repair of his ships. He also would be able to place his wounded in comfort in some of the Manila hospitals or other public buildings. Aramultlon for Dewey. The navy department will ship 200,000 pounds of powder to Commodore Dewey to add to the stock he now has left. This will be made up of about j 00,000 pounds of the grade used for the big eight-inch guns, 60,000 pounds for the six-inch guns, 50,000 pounds for the five-inoh guns and lesser amtounts for other classes of guns. This, with the larger number of eight-inch armorpiercing projectiles, shells and six-inch and five-inch rifle balls, will make the shipment of ammunition a very large one. The powder and shot together will give 500 rounds for the big guns and several thousand rounds for the rapid-fire rifles. Won't Withhold New*. There need be no apprehension on the part of the public that any news that is received from Commodore Dewey will be withheld froih it. Secretary Long has stated in the most positive manner that he regards it as his jjuty to make the people acquainted with the facts as soon as lie knows them himself. He believes this is only just to the rela-' tives and friends of the sailors of Dewey’s fleet. Therefore the many statement* and rumors that are constantly circulated to the effect that the navy department has received mysterious cablegrams from Hong Kong which it has seduously concealed may be set down ns pure moonshine. Says Ruhls I* Friendly. A leading Russian diplomat said Thursday that the cable report from London stating that Emperor Nicholas of Russia was much disturbed ns to the ultimate destiny of the Philippines, and that some sort of Immediate intervention was probable, was entirely unwarranted and placed Russia in a misleading position before the people of this country. He says the sentiment throughout Russia, official and unofficial, is one of extreme cordiality towards the United States, and it shows there will be no change in the traditional friendship existing between the United States and Russia.