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WASHINGTON RUMORS WILD.
NAVY DEPARTMENT KEPT BUSY
MAKING DENIALS.
No Information of the Capture of the
Mangrove or the Detraction of
the Spanish Fleet Received at the
Department—Span isli Fleet Be-
lieved to Be nt Santiago, and Ru
mor* of Her Departure Considered
Ruses—The Charleston Coaling? at
Hawaii May Result in Annexation
of the Islands.
Washington, May 24.—There was a lapse
into sensational W rumors in Washing
ton to-day, after a week of comparative
quietude. The rumors ranged all the way
from the capture of the little Mangrove,
with a crew of thirteen men, to the re
ported destruction of the entire Spanish
fleet by Sampson’s and Schley’s combined
forces. They were circulated with per
sistence, notwithstanding their denial as
soon as they could be brought to the at
tention of any official capable of passing
judgment on their accuracy.
As the day, rolled along the officials
themeelves became apprehensive, as was
shown by the frequency with which they
called for the latest newspaper bulletins.
At the close of the day, however, It was
announced In the most positive manner
that the navy department had no informa
tion to warrant the report of any sort of
engagement in ihf Windward passage.
This did not specifically cover the waters
of the West Indies, but In view of the fact
that the department has almost pledged
itself to let the public know of anything
in the nature of a general engagement,
possibly the bulletin announcement was
sufficient to cover the case.
When Secretary Long started for home
nfur an exceptionally busy he stated
to a group of newspaper men that the de
partment had received no information of
importance. In response to.-an inquiry as
to where the Spanish fleet was located,
Mr. Long replied that his belief was that
• it was still at Santiago de Cuba. Con
cerning the reported capture of the Man
grove and the loss of other ships, the Sec
retary dismissed the stories as purely con
jectural, and not supported by facts. Word
has come from the commander of the
Mangrove since the time of the alleged
capture, showing that the ship could not
have been in the hands of the Spanish.
Mr. Long paid a handsome tribute to the
war board, and stated that there were no
purpose whatever of changing the present
rystem whereby this board co-operates
with him in giving every possible assist
ance and advice, mainly in the way of
Information, to the admirals in command.
The office of the war board, the secre
tary pointed out, was not to fight battles,
that was exclusively the province of the
squadron commanders. The board acted
merely in an advisory way, and at no time
had assumed executive functions.
The Spaniards appear to be making
ready for something more than a defen
sive campaign at home, or at least they
are trying to create that impression by
other means than news bulletins that is
sue almost daily from Madrid. The navy
department now has through its own re
liable sauixses reporie of the greatest ac
tivity in tne Spanish navy yards and of
the preparations for sea for a long voyage
of two of the torpedo boat destroyers. Il
is given out that they are to join Cervera
immediately when his squadron enters Ca
diz harbor. Possibly this statement is
made with a deliberate purpose of mis
leading American ahllors into the belief
that Cervera has taken his way home
ward.
Inquiries as to the whereabouts of the
Oregon brought a reply this afternoon to
the effect that the battleship was safe.
Nothing could be learned of her location.
It is probable that the telegrams said to
have emanated from the vessel really
were filed at Key West, but were brought
to that port on some dispatch boat from
the .Oregon, which is co-operating with
our fleets.
The Philippines expedition is now off In
dead earnest. The sending of these shirts
will affect the Hawaiian questions vitally.
Like the Charleston, the transports must
atop nt Hawaii to replenish their coal
bunkers from the great heaps of coal that
t'onsul General Hayward has
up for months past. If the Hawaiian* let
us take this coal without the pretext that
we are using it to make our way to our
nearest home port, as Is required by in
ternational law in such cases, they will
stand convicted of a breach of neutrality
that in the eyes of law of nations allies
them with the United States in hostility
to Bpaln.- The taking of coal by the Amer
can ship* at Hawaii to make an exten
sive campaign against the Spanish pos
sessions, it is believed here, will result in
compelling the United States either to as
sume a protectorate over the islands or
to annex them.
DEWEY CABLES THE DEPARTMENT.
The Rebel Cnmuinn«lrr-ln-<'hlef May
Render Valuable As*i*ttinee.
Washington. May 24.—The navy depart
ment to-day received a cablegram from
Admiral Dewey as follows:
"Manila, May SO, via Hong Kong, May
24. -Secretary Navy, Washington: Situa
tion unchanged. Strict blockade contin
ued. Great scarcity provision*) in Manila.
Foreign subjects (ear an outbreak of the
Spanish soldiers, and they will be trans
ferred to Cavite by the foreign men-of
war in the harbor. Agulmaldo. the rel»el
commander-ln-chlef, who was brought
here from Hong Kong, is organizing a
force of native cavalry and may render
assUtam'e that will be valuable.
"Dewey.’*
. NO UH FF IN DEWEY.
German ('•*«■! Not Permitted to
Laud Provision* nt Manila.
New York May 21.—A special dispatch
from Manila says that the German consul
there tried to land provisions from Ger
man ships, but that Admiral Dewey re
fused to permit it. The t'onsul then do.
clared. according to tho-dispatch. that he
would fotxe the landing under the protec
tion of two German cruisers.
Dewey threatened to fire upon toe cruisers,
ami the attempt to kuaHthe supplies was
abandoned.
COURT MARTIAL FOR COWARDICE.
A Claim That Admiral Mnntejn Will
lie Irrnlgnvil.
New York, May 24,—A Manila dispatch
Wtserts that Admiral Montejo, commander
of the Spanish squadron destroyed by Ad
rnlral is to be court martialed on
the charge of cowardice. The dispatch
also alleges that the captain of the Span
ish revenue cutter Callao, more recently
captured by a boat of the United States
Sect as she was entering Manila bay. la
to be shot foe not returning the fire of
(h« Amctkaua.
Faith in Hood’s 1
The Great Cures by Hood’s Sarsa
parilla Are Indeed Marvelous.
“My husband suffered with stomach
trouble so bad at times he could not work.
.He has taken Hood’s Sarsaparilla and it is
helping him wonderfully. He also had a
scrofulous humor but Hood’s Sarsaparilla
cured this and he has had no trouble
with it since. My little boy, too, has been
taking Hood’s Sarsaparilla and it has
given him a good appetite. We have great
faith in Hood’s Sarsaparilla.” Mrs. J. H.
Edwards, 50 Edinburg St., Rochester,
.New York. Be sure to get Hood’s because
Hood S S p a a?ma
Is the best in fact the One True Blood Purifier.
Sold by all druggists. SI; six for $5.
Di Ila are the best after-dinner
11OOU S rlllb rrills. aid digestion. 25c.
CUBA CABLE COMMUNICATION.
Blanco Can Still Wire Madrid of Hi*
Doing;*.
Washington, May 24.—Late this after
noon it was ascertained that the cable
from Santiago that was cut by the St.
Louis was not the line controlled by the
French company, running from Santiago
to Hayti through Guantanamo, but one of
the two English cables running from 'San
tiago south to Jamaica. This information
was communicated to the officials of the
government by Mr. Lurienne, the general
agent of the French Cable Company in
the United States.
Gen. Blanco therefore is not isolated
from the rest of the world, but can still
communicate with the home government
by either the French cable going to Hayti,
or the English one running to Jamaica.
NO MOVEMENT TILL JUNE.
Gov. Tyler Notified Virginia Troops
Are Not Wanted Till Then.
Richmond, May 2-I.—Gov. Tyler has re
ceived information from the Secretary of
War that no Virginia troops would leave
the state until June 1.
The Second Regiment expected to start
for Tampa to-morrow.
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee left for Tampa to
day.
SPAIN IN SUPREME SILENCE.
An Unexplained Feeling; of Despon
dency Noticeable.
Madrid, May 24, 11 p. m.v-The same mys
terious silence reigns In official circles to
night as last night. The government dis
closes nothing from the seat of war.
La Correspondence Espana observes:
“An unexplained feeling of despondency
is noticeable. As no bad news has been
received we can only suggest that this
feeling is caused by fears of a prolonga
tion of the war.”
PROGRAMME FOR PHILIPPINES.
Madrid Dinpatch Says a Change Ha*
Evidently Been Made.
London. May 24.—A special dispatch
from Madrid to-day says: “Evidently the
programme in regard to the Philippine Is
lands has been changed.
"It is believed here that there will be no
Immediate engagement in Cuban waters,
but that Admiral Cervera will draw off
the enemy while the .Cadiz fleet relieves
Havana.”
SPANISH TRICK AT MARTINIQUE.
Supposed Hospital Boat Ha* Cargo
of Coal Aboard.
Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press.
St. Pierre, May 24, 6 p. m.— The Span
ish torpedo boat destroyer Terror is be
ing coaled by the Spanish steamer Ali
cante.
The Alicante lies at the mouth of th©
Fort de France harbor.
It was all along supposed that she was
a hospital ship, but there is now no doubt
that she carries a cargo of coal for the
Spanish warships. Her pretensions to be
a hospital ship were obviously put for
ward as a blind.
\ The Ignited States consul has cautioned
the French officials of the port not to al
low the Terror to take coal in excess of
the quantity necessary to carry the Ter
ror to the nearest Spanish port.
It Is reported that the Terror will leave
Martinique to-morrow. She is understood
to be in good condition.
CARLES HAVE NOT BEEN CUT.
• 1 ~
Cape llaytlen Declares the Line to
Santiago All Right.
Copyright. 1898, by the Associated Press.
Cape Haytien, Hayti, May 24.—Inquiries
made here at the cable station in regard
to the reported cutting of the cables off
Santiago de Cuba ard Guantanamo by
United States cruisers, show the cables
have not been cut. The cable from this
place to Guantanamo and Santiago de Cu
ba is in working order.
COMMANDERS OF IMMUNES.
Senator Money Doubt* the Advisabil
ity of Their Being Northerners.
Washington. May 34.—1 n the executive
session of the Senate to-day there was
some discussion of the character of men
who should be chosen to command the
immune regiments. Senator Money was
the principal speaker, and he expressed
doubt as to whether it would be possible
to ralste regiments of men who had had
yellow fever in care officers for such or
ganizations were taken from the Northern
states and were men who had not been
subjected to this disease.
Madrid’s Report of Cervera.
Madrid. May 24.—1 t is officially announc-
I ed that the squadron of Admiral Cervera
I was still at Santiago de Cuba yesterday*.
v
Deficiency in Army Fund*.
Washington, May 24.—The Secretary of
j War sent to the House to-day an estimate
| of |s.tW.<M> deficiency in the current np
s propria t ion for subsistence of the army.
It will be included in the general defi
j ctency bill, making a total of SSljWAto for
\ the army so far received for this measure.
\rtny 11S.OOO Strang.
Washington. May 24.—Reports to Adjt.
Gen. Corbin from the state camps show
that 112.01X' men have been mustered into
the volunteer army.
—T K. Lamont. A_ R- W. 8., who has
just died in London from an attack of
pneumonia, was the originator of the
Lalnl in "Trilby.” He and Mr. Du Maurier
had been fellow students. Mr. turnout
was born nearly sixty-five years ago in
j Greencock, where his father was a bank
| manager. As an artbet he devoted ti.m»elf
auiKculij to waler color.
THE WEEKLY NEWS (TWO-TIMES-A-WEEK): THURSDAY, MAY 26. 1898.
SCHLEY AROUND SANTIAGO.
BEST INFORMATION PLACES HIM IN
WATERS SOUTH OF CUBA.
The lowa Guarding the Passage Be
tween the Isle of Pine and Cuba.
Torpedo Boat Dupont Overtakes
Her With Secret Instructions.
Spanish Steamer Purisma Concep
cion Bottled at Mdntago Bay—Ru
mor* of the Sighting of the Span
ish Fleet All Unsubstantiated.
Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press.
On Board the Associated Press Dispatch
Boat Dandy, Montago Bay, Jamaica,
May 24.—The waters south of Cuba have
suddenly become the scene of great naval
activity.
Commodore Schley, who left Key West
last Thursday with the United States bat
tleships Massachusetts and Texas, the
armored cruiser Brooklyn and the armed
yacht Scorpion, is believed to be cruising
off Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
When the Dandy left Key West last Fri
day morning; Admiral Sampson was still
there.
It was the opinion of naval officers that
he would sail for Cienfuegos soon by the
eastern route, the two fleets thus complet
ing the circle of Cuba.
The battleship lowa followed Commo
dore Schley on Friday, but was overtaken
off Cape San Antonio on Saturday by the
torpedo boat Dupont with secret instruct
ions. The battleship immediately in
creased her speed to the limit, and when
seen last was guarding the entrance to
the passage between the Isle of Pines
and Cuba.
The Dupont rushed on toward Cienfue
gos.
Five British warships are now in the
vicinity of Jamaica.
The Spanish 1,200-ton passenger steamer
Purisima Concepcion is here. She is
afraid to venture out.
The numerous rumors as to the sight
ing of the phantom Spanish fleet in this
vicinity are quite unsubstantiated.
SPANISH BOTTLED AT SANTIAGO.
Sampson Said to Have Cat the Cables
to Madrid.,
Washington, May 24.—Official informa
tion received at the navy department to
day places the Spanish fleet at Santiago.
Secretary Long has refrained from issu
ing a bulletin to that effect, but is never
theless authentic. The fleets of Sampson
and Schley are also hovering around the
entrance to the harbor of Santiago, co
that it is impossible for Admiral Cervera
to roam over the Carribbean Sea with
out being intercepted by the American
ships.
The news was sent to Washington by
the officers in command of Admiral Samp
son’s scouts, who saw the Spaniards enter
the harbor of Santiago, and not being
sufficiently armored to intercept them,
kept guard in that vicinity, keeping with
in distance to observe any attempt on the
part of Cervera to leave that port.
It is the well established belief that the
Americans have the Spanish fleet bottled
up in the harbpr of Santiago, that has oc
casioned the most intense-excitement here
and in Europe to-day. Rumors of every
description—from the total destruction of
the Spanish fleet down to the sinking of
one-half of Sampson's squadron—have
been circulated. At the navy department
it is sa.d that the cables leading out of
Santiago have been cut by Sampson’s
ships, so that the Spanish admiral is un
able to communicate with Madrid. This
is given as the reason why no information
of a definite nature has been sent out from
Spain as to the present location of Admi
ral Cervera and his fleet.
It is not generally known, but the Pres
ident has practically decided to issue a
second call for volunteers, with a view to
send an increased force to both Cuba and
the Philippines. This information came to
the Morning News’ correspondent direct
from an authentic source, and the devel
opments of the'next few days will prove
the correctness of the statement, although
there is a disposition in uninformed quar
ters to discredit it. The second call will
be for either 75,000 or 100,000 additional vol
unteers, and it will open the way for many
organizations which were anxious to enter
the service, but were barred out because
their state quota was filled in accordance
with the terms of the first call.
AMERICAN FLEET OFF SANTIAGO.
Gen. Blanco Cable* the Madrid Gov
ernment to This Effect.
London, May 25.—The following dis
patch has been received from Madrid,
dated 1 a. m. Wednesday: "Nothing posi
tive is revealed as to the situation. Lieut.
Gen. Correa, minister of war, has re
ceived a cablegram from Gen. Blanco say
ing that American warships are in front
of Santiago. Capt. Aunon, minister of
marine, has received a lengthy dispatch
from Admiral Cervera, replying tn full to
instructions. The minister of marine re
ceives nobody. He Is working day and
night.
“Yesterday he presented to the Queen
Regent every detail of the plans at San
tiago de Cuba, showing the defenses and
the security of Admiral Cervera’s squad
ron.
•'Admiral Camara has gone back to Ca
diz with sealed orders. It is said that on
his arrival there he will arrange for ma
neuvers of his ships at sea. for trials of
speed, gunnery and everything necessary
to satisfy himself that the squadron is
in efficient condition. He will depart for
a destination undivulged.
“Renor Capdepon. minister of the inter
ior. says a telegram received by the war
office from Manila reported that the na
tives are disposed to remain loyal to
Spain and will defend the territory against
foreign invasion.
"The latest rumor is that a Spanish war
ship has captured an American warship
in Cuban waters.”
secret orders to cervera.
Nineteen W«r»hip» on the Blockade
of Havana lUirhor.
Madrid. May dispatch received
here from Havana says: "Secret orders
have been given to Admiral Cervera as
to what course to pursue in the event or
the Americans attempting to cut commu
nication between Cuba and Spain.
•'Americans continue to occupy stations
outside of Havana, Cienfuegos. Cardenas
and Santiago de Cuba. There are now
nineteen American warships before Ha
vana."
"Il is reported that the Spanish govern
ment has purchased another vessel to be
used as an armored cruiser.”
For (hrr-lndnlzrnre
Take Horsford’s Acid Phosphate.
It preserves and renews the vitality,
strengthens the nerves, and stimulates the
stomach to healthy action.
WAR REVENUE MEASURE.
Senators Lindsay and Platt Attack*
the Corporation Tax.
Washington, May 24.—That feature of the
war revenue measure placing a tax of
one-quarter of 1 per centum upon the
gross receipts of corporations was under
discussion in the Senate throughout to
day's session. Incidentally, the proposed
tax on bank deposits was adverted to.
The principal speeches were delivered by
Mr. Platt, Rep., of Connecticut, and Mr.
Lindsay, Dem., of Kentucky,, both of
whom vigorously attacked the corporation
tax. The weight of the former’s argu
ment was thrown against the tax on the
ground that it was unconstitutional, be
cause the tax was not levied alike upon
all persons engaged in a particular line of
business. He maintained that an occupa
tion tax could be levied, provided that the
conditions were fair and equitable, but
that the business of a corporation could
not be taxed simply because it was con
ducted by a corporation. To be equitable
the tax must be laid upon the business,
whether it was conducted by a corpora
tion, a partnership, a firm or an indi
vidual.
Mr. Lindsay vigorously antagonized the
proposed issue of legal tender notes, de
claring that it accentuated the existing
menace to the gold reserve of the treasury
and was, besides, the dearest money ever
devised. He held that such an issue would
be a blow to the nation’s financial credit.
He, too, presented an argument against
the proposed corporation tax, maintaining
that if enacted into law it would breed a
batch of insults instead of providing what
the government needed—ready money with
which to conduct the war operations.
To-morrow the Senate will resume the
discussion of the pending measure an hour
earlier than usual, the session beginning at
11 o’clock.
At 4:33 p. m. the Senate went into ex
ecutive session, after which it adjourned.
SPANJARD HELD a¥a SPY.
SUPPOSED TO HAVE CHARTS AND
PLANS OF NEW YORK HARBOR.
Contradictory Statements Strength
en the Suspicions of the Authori
ties nt Key West—Was Captured
Aboard the Panama and Held a
Prisoner of War—A Civil Engineer
by Profession—Search for the
Charts Being Thoroughly* Made.
Key West, May 24, 8:30 p. m.— An im
portant arrest of a supposed Spanish spy
was made this evening by United States
Marshal Hoar.
The prisoner is Romigno Sapetro Jimi
nez, who was among those captured on
the steamer Panama, and has since been
held aboard ship Js a prisoner of war.
Jiminez is supposed to have obtained in
formation concerning New York harbor
and its defenses, with charts of the har
bor, which he is attempting to get to the
Spanish authorities. |
He is about 40 years of age, a Spaniard
and a civil engineer. Jiminez stoutly de
nied the accusation, but his story was of
such a contradictory nature that it con
firmed the suspicions of the federal au
thorities.
A thorough search of the Panama was
made in the attempt to locate the charts,
but no trace of them could be found. The
examination will, be resumed and Jiminez
will be held under arrest.
The Panama case was before the United
States District Court to-day. The argu
ment on both sides was largely on the
same lines as in the case of the other big
prizes, and Judge Locke reserved his de
cision. It has been decided that such
ships as are held to be legitimate prizes of
war shall be sent North for sale, so as to
bring better prices. This will probably not
be done, however, until all the cases have
been finally determined.
ENGAGEMENT EXPECTED DAILY,
Every Preparation Being Made for
Dentruction of Spaninlt Fleet.
Key West, Fla., May 24.—The move
ments of the United States fleet, which
, are known here, make it absolutely cer
tain that no battle has yet occurred, but
an engagement is expected to take place
thia week.
Every preparation has been made by the
United -States naval authorities for de
stroying the Spanish fleet, which is known
to be off the island of Cuba. The hospital
ship Solace and her surgeons were ordered
long ago to be ready for service at a mo
ment’s notice, but no fresh orders have
been issued.
OVATION TO LEE.
Crowds Cheer Him on His Journey
Southwn rd.
Richmond, Va„ May 24.—A special to the
Dispatch from South Boston and Danville,
Va., Reidsville and Greensboro. N. C., and
other points on the Southern Railway, tell
the story of an ovation to Gen. Lee on his
journey to Tampa. Crowds thronged the
depots, flags and flowers were greatly in
evidence, and the greatest enthusiasm was
manifested.
BANDMASTER BAUMGARTNER.
He Will Be at the Head of the First
Rrgliuent Band.
Brunswick, Ga., May 24.—Prof. John
Baumgartner, director of the marine
band, leaves to-morrow morning for Grif
fin to accept the position of chief musician
of the First Regiment. This pays $72 ter
month besides rations and clothing.
Prof. Baumgartner is the finest band
master in Georgia. For years, his band,
the Atiantics of Brunswick, held the in
terstate championship.
During his absence George McCullough
will be director of the marine band.
Baumgartner's appointment as chief
musician of Lawton’s regiment confirms
a dispatch of some days ago, regarding
hie being offered chief musician’s place.
The reliability of that dispatch was scout
ed at by Savannah musicians through
the Morning News columns. Being con
fident that Baumgartner's appointment
would soon come and substantiate the
statement, no attention was paid to the
question of veracity raised by Savannah
musicians.
TORPEDO BOATS IN SHAPE.
Destructor and Prosperia Ready to
Join Cervera’* Fleet.
Washington, May 24.—The navy depart
ment has advices from Cadis that the tor
pedo boat destroyers Destructor and Pros
per, a have been put in order and are
ready to start with Cervera's fleet as soon
as it reaches Cadiz, en route to the Philip
pines.
The Alpbonzo XII is expected to remain
sat Cadiz with the tome squairvn.
SOLDIERS WAIT IN SUSPENSE.
ARMY AT TAMPA LONGING FOR
NEWS FROM THE SEA.
A Condition of Ominous Quiet Pre
vailing; in Camp—A Campaign in
Cuba More Welcome Than the
Tiresome Wait—New* From Samp
son and Schley Thought to Be the
Signal for Embarkation—Ameri
cans Thought to Have the Spanish
Admiral Where He Can Not Escape.
Tampa. Fla., May 24.—A condition of al
most ominous quiet, the calm before the
storm, prevails around army headquarters
at Tampa, and at the docks at Port
Tampa.
Even what little information that has
been vouchsafed of late as to the general
work of preparing a big army for a hard,
bitter campaign in Cuba has been almost
wholly cut off, and the impression pre
vails that the end is now not far off;-that
the long, weary weeks of drilling in the
blazing sun and stifling dust of Southern
Florida will soon be but a memory in the
minds of those engaged in the more deadly,
but also more welcome campaigning in
Cuba.
Every soldier in Tampa from the high
est officer to the raw recruits is watching
with an interest almost painful in its in
tensity for news from the fleets. In tne
minds of all, is the settled conviction that
the hour when news of a battle between
Sampson and Schley and Cervera is re
ceived at Washington will mafic the time
for the issuance of orders to embark.
That this is a matter of but a few days
•is not doubted. Perhaps it will be but a
few hours. It is the belief that at least
the American commanders have the clever
Spanish admiral in a position where he
cannot escape. Where his only recourse
is to fight, and that can result in but cne
thing—the destruction of another Span
ish fleet. It may be that history will re
peat itself and that Dewey’s victory at
Manila will be overshadowed by a greater
victory on the southern coast of Cuba.
LIFE IN CAMP AT LAKELAND.
Rifle Range Being Erected by New
York Volunteers.
Lakeland, Fla., May 24.—The weather at
the camp continues good, and the health of
all the boys is as well as can be expected.
The extremely hot weather of the past
week had but little if afly effect upon the
Yankees, as the Northern boys are called
by the people here. The members of the
Tenth Cavalry, colored, in camp here, are
behaving very well since the killing of a
white man by them here last week and the
incarceration of two of their number in
the county jail at Tampa charged with
murder. They have an excellent camping
ground on the edge of a beautiful lake,
and are enjoying themselves immensely.
Some of the members of the First Cav
alry were overcome by heat yesterday and
are now in the care of the regimental sur
geon, where they are doing as well as can
be expected.
Col. Greene of the Seventy-first New
York Volunteers has ordered the erection
of a rifle range about a mile from camp,
and work 'was commenced on it by the
boys this, morning. This is a treat to the
volunteer’ boys, many of whom never ay
yet fired a rifle.
Many of the members of the two volun
teer regiments here are talented musicians,
and much enjoyment is had in their camps.
To-night a very impromptu minstrel per
formance was given by the boys, and last
night a complimentary to the officers was
enjoyed immensely.
Provost guards are still patrolling the
town, both day and night, and any soldier
found on the streets without a pass is
immediately placed under arrest. The pun
ishment for this is double guard duty.
All companies have their streets to suit
themselves, and some of them are as ap
propriate. as they are odd.
SPANIARDS ON A SPREE.
No Cnnnonndlug Heard at TallaliaH
»ce Last Night.
Jacksonville, Fla., May 24. —A special to
the Times-Union and Citizen from Talla
hassee says:
"No cannonading has been heard since
2 o’clock this afternoon. The Spaniards
at St. Marks are now supposed to be
spongers. They have plenty of liquor and
had a big carousal last night.”
‘ FANITA SAILS FOR CUBA.
She Leave* Mobile for a Secret Des
tination.
Mobile, Ala., May 24.—The Fanlta, the
400-ton Cuban expedition steamer, Capt.
Hall in command, finished loading here
last night and took orr her coal this fore
noon. At 3 o’clock she took on a pilot and
dropped down the ship channel, bound
probably for Tampa, but no one knows
precisely her destination. There were four
patriots on board, Brigt Gen. Rafael Rod
riguez and his aides, Cols. Torres, Trieste
and Nunez.
Four carload® of material were taken on
the vessel, consisting of ammunition,
guns and stores. Nearly two tons of ice.
were taken aboard. The remainder of
the war material was delivered to the
United States commissary here.
Brigadier General J. C. Bates arrived to
day from Chickamauga, and was assigned
to the command of the first division of the
Fourth corps. His staff appointments are
First Lieutenant William Wright, Second
Infantrypadjutant general, and First Lieu
tenant H. E. Wilkins, Second Infantry,
chief quartermaster.
John A. Logan, assistant adjutant gen
eral, and Maj. C. B. Edwards, adjutant
general, reported to-day. They have not
yet been assigned.
Capt. C. Augur, Troop C, Second Cav
alry, has asked to be retired,
NOMINATIONS CON FI R MED.
FitxhnKli Lee and Alxernon Sartoris
First Lieutenants.
Washington, May 24.—The following
nominations were confirmed by the Senate:
Military: To Be First Lieutenants—Al
gernon Sartoris of the District of Colum
bia; Fitzhugh Lee of Richmond, Va.
The Signal Corps: To Be Captain—Ben
jamin F. Montgomery of Virginia.
Civil Appointments: Collector of Cus
toms—Meyer Hahn, Pamlico, N. C.; Clar
ence G. Smithers, Cherrystone, Va.; Chris
topher D. Jones, for the district of Beau
fort. N. C.
Postmasters: South Carolina—Frank
Nichols, Greenville.
North Carolina—John H. Howard, Wel
don; Samuel H. Vick, Wilson.
Georgia—David B. Rigdon, Statesboro;
C. E. Head. Tallapoosa.
Florida—Charles W. Lewis, Fernandina.
JACK TAR AND HIS YARN.
Some Reminiscences of Life in the
Navy as He Found It.
From the Kansas City Star.
A broad-shouldered, wiry man of medi
um hight and about 35 years oldßteame to
Kansas City Thursday night from Little
Rock, Ark. His face was bronzed and t>
week’s growth of black beard covered
chin. He walked with a swinging gait
and his derby hat and pepper-and-salt
hand-me-down suit of clothes seemed mis
fits. They were a landsman’s togs and he
was a sailor. The force of habit was
strong with him. Although he wore sus
penders, he frequently placed the back of
his left hand over his right hip pocket, his
right hand on his left front pocket, and
gave his trousers a characteristic hitch.
His name was John T. Collins. 'He stop
ned long enough in the city to get his
bearings and mark his course for Rose
dale, where he found a former shipmate,
Ensign Holsinger, a young man with
whom he had served two years on the
United States war ship Baltimore, and
from whom he wished to get a letter to
aid him in re-enlisting in the service of
Uncle Sam. Armed with such a letter,
he is now speeding in the direction of the
Mare Island navy yard at San Francisco
as fast as the freight trains can carry
him. He said he would try to stow away
on a fast freight with perishable goods
aboard. *
Collins is a type of the United States
seaman. During his brief anchorage in
this port he exchanged reminiscences with
his late shipmate and told of things that
happened since they parted company in
Chinese waters. Many of these reminis
censes have become part of the recorded
history of the United States n'avy and
others will live among the olue jackets as
traditions. They are all a graphic por
trayal of life among the war dogs of the
sea. These are some of the yarns he spun,
just as he told them:
“Blast me, sir,” Collins said, while he
and Mr, Holsinger wefe “swapping lies,”
as he gave his pepper-and-salt trousers a
hitch that brought them above his shoe
tops, V: the hardest experience of me life
has been in the navy, but I want to get in
to it again, and on short order. It has a
charm, sir, that a landsman can’t appre
ciate.
“Ever since the Baltimore went out of
commission, I’ve seen a bloomin’ land
lubber knockin’ about the country, but at
heels and elbows and feelin’ like one as
isn’t anybody. But when ,1 git shed o’
these bloomin’ togs and take me place
with the mates in the fo’cstle with respec
table garments on me body an’ a substan
tian dish o’ beans in front o’ me, I’d feel
again as if I am somebody.
■ Speaking of the mates o’ you an’ me,
sir, there’s O’Connor and Shea, and the
others that shipped on the Maine. Lord
help ’em; I guess the sharks got O’Con
nor. He was the lad that made verses and
had ’em set to music in ’Frisco. I got a
letter to say that Shea was blowed to
pieces, but the doctors in the hospital at
Key West said he would live. Well, sir,
it used to be Shea’s great crack on the
Baltimore that you couldn’t kill a Shea,
an’ if I used to think so then I can’t gain
say it now. It always makes the boys feel
bad when any o’ them shipmates goes out.
You know, sir, how they felt when Capt. i
Bridgeman got his release.”
Capt. Bridgeman of the Baltimore was
the youngest captain in the navy. After
two years service on the China station he
was ordered for shore duty and died of
Asiatic fever on reaching San Francisco.
Collins continued, sadly:
• Many a hard-listed old beaneater stuck
a finger in the corner of his eye to dam
up a tear when the news came that Bridge
man was dead and that his last words was:
”Tis sunset; haul down the polors.’ ”
Another hitch of the trousers. The ojd
blackened cob shifted to the port
side and Collins went on:
“You missed the time of your life, sir,
when you went home after the Jap war. I
sometimes wished I, too, had gone on a
mail steamer. February on the Pacific
ain’t a mild month at best, I see the Bal
timore has been put back in commission
about ten days ago, but if she looks any
thing like she did after our four-days’ hur
ricane on the Pacific she won’t run no
bluff on the Spanish. Why, sir, .when we
pulled into Honolulu she was reported as
an American tramp, dismantled.
“There wasn’t a scrap of paint on her
hull, her funnels was down an’ she looked
anything but a steel protected cruiser,
5,000 tons, sir. The carpenter’s mate had
his legs broke, one man was killed and a
seaman went overboard. Poor Jessen. He
went off on a 45-foot wave with the medal
of the champion swimmer of the ship’s
company pinned to his breast.”
The cob pipe was shifted back to star
board and Collins’ manner became bright
er as he resumed:
“Say, you remember Billy, sir. He’s at
the Brooklyn navy yard now, and that’s
pretty good for a goat. 1 hear his appe
tite for oily waste is as good as ever. That
was Billy’s favorite bill of fare. Cornin’
over from Japan the boys told Hawkins,
the Cornishman, it was his turn to share
grub with Billy. Hawkins stuck his head
and a bowl o’ beans out o’ the fo’c’stle
hatch an’ invited Billy to jlne him. The
bloomin’ goat sniffed at them beans, an’
walked away. He picked up a piece of
waste and et that, and Hawkins said the
bloody goat would never know what was
good for ’is ’ealth.
"But Billy was always getting into trou
ble. He fell through an open hatch on the
Lancaster and broke his leg. The ship’s
doctor jmt it up in splints and Billy was
soon as sound as ever.
lie went ashore in the launch one day at
okohama and got lost. The Japs thought
he was a wild beast and tried to kill him.
They said some fell down and worshiped
him and Billy he’d stan’ on his hind legs
and sashy sideways with his head tilted
like a live bock beer sign. Then he’d ram
them worshipers In the ribs /cause he
thought they was goin’ to ram him. Final
ly a Jap lef’tenant brought Billy aboard in
a gig.
"One day after a hard clean-up Haw
kins was asleep on deck with his jumper
rolled under his hea l an’ his oil-soaked
boots about ten feet oft. Billy chewed them
boots up all the way down to the ankles.
Call to quarters come just then and Haw
kins he Jumped up an’ grabbed his Junip
er an hfs boots an’ run to quarters and
fired the things into his ditty. Then he
raised the lid of the ditty again and stared.
Then he says: ‘Blast me heyes, me boots
ain’t got no legs. ’ When we got to ’Frisco
Cap’n Day togged Billy in a new uniform
an’ sent him to Brooklyn.
"Well, sir, I salute you. I’ll stop at
Omaha to say good-morning to me aunt
and then I’ll present meself and me letter
to Mr. Hartraft at Mare Island. If I ever
sees any o’ the old mates I’ll remember
you to them all and to Billy, too. God
bless him.”
And the old sea dog hitched up his
trousers and rolled out. while Mr. Holsing
er sighed and smiled at the same time.
BRIEF SESSION** THE HOUSE.
Bill Providinic American Register
for the Zonlandl.
Washington, May IM.—The session of the
House to-day was brief. Several bills were
passed, notably those for the organization
of the naval hospital corps to facilitate
military trials for small offenses; and to
authorize the appointment of a commis
sion to allot certain Jands to and secure
the cession of others from the Unitah
Indians in their reservation in Utah.
A bill providing an American register
for the steamship Zoalandi, which passed
the Senate yesterday, was also passed. The
vessel is to act as a transport to the Phil
ippines.
The House, at 1:56 p. m., adjourned till
to-morrow s
HER MAJESTY HONORED.
QUEEN VICTORIA CELEBRATION AT
TAMPA A HAPPY EVENT.
Eloquence and Oratory Impress the
Friendly Feeling; Between the
Two Great Nations—Gen. Shafter
Strongly in Favor of the Proposed
Anglo-American Alliance, and His
Advocacy of It Brings Forth Great
Applause—Responses by Prominent
Speakers.
Tampa, Fla., May 24.—The Queen’s birth
day was celebrated by British residents of
Tampa and vicinity, the army officers, the
newspaper correspondents and the citizens
generally, at an elaborate dinner at the
Tampa Bay Hotel.
Col. A. A. Wiley of Montgomery, division
counsel of the Plant System, was toAst
master, and in his usual happy style pro
posed toasts which were responded to by
army officers and civilians.
Nearly all of the speakers made pleas
ant allusions to the Anglo-American al
liance, and when Gen. William R. Shafter, ,
the general commanding the Tampa di
vision of the United States army, came
out strongly in favor of the proposed al
liance there was prolonged applause.
The first toast was “The Queen, to Her
Majesty, Victoria, Queen of England and
Empress of India: The greatest ruler of
the greatest country in the most marvelous
country of the world’s story.” This was
responded to by Dr. Winters of London,
who was sent to this country by the Brit
ish government, to observe the progress
of war between the United States and
Spain. Dr. Winters is a fluent speaker,
and made a splendid discourse and strong
ly favored the proposed alliance between
Great Britain and the United States.
The President of the United States—The
chief magistrate of the proudest and
grandest republic on earth, with four mil
lions of men from all portions of a common
country, if necessary, to stand behind him
to .maintain- the commonwealth and defend
tne flag.” Response by Hon. M. E. Gil
lett, Mayor of Tampa.
Army and the Navy—crave, intel
ligent .and patriotic, they will ever render
the union of our fathers and sires invin
cible on land and sea.” To this patriotic
toast the \response was made by Maj. Gen.
William R, Shafter, the general command
ing the divisions of the army now station
ed in and atV>und Tampa. Gen. Shafter is
a splendid speaker as well as a fighter.
He did nut hesitate to come out in the
strongest terms in favor of the proposed
alliance, and \>ointed out the many ad
vantages to both countries that would re
sult. He was tweeted with round after
round of applause, and the Regimental
Band of the Sixth, United States Infantry
played “God Save the Queen.”
At the conclusion of the toast to "Her
British Majesty,” the band struck up the
"Star-Spangled Barmer.”
“The'English and American Press-
Twin instrumentalities in the dissemina
tion of knowledge amd most potential fac
tors in our material growth and national
exaltation.” Response by Mr. Wright of
the Illustrated News, London, England.
“Moving supremely amid the sanctity
of the home the never fail to manifest the
honor of danger and in a cause of human
ity and right their true characteristic of
courage is patriotism and heroism.” Col.
Winfield Scott Prosky of Ocala, naval seCJ*
retary of the state of Florida, and chief
ordnance officer of the staff of Gov. Blojc
ham, responded to this, and no happier
selection could have been made for Col.
Prosky did the subject justice. He grevt
eloquent in his tribute to the noble women
of our country and his remarks were
heartily applauded by the assemblage.
The last formal toast was one in which
the* health of Mr. H. B. Plant, president
of the Plant System of railroads, steam
ships and hotels, was proposed by Col.
Wiley, the toastmaster, who referred to
Mr. Plant as one of the greatest men of
the country, who did so much to develop
the entire state of Florida and other sec
tions of the South.
Mr. Plant responded in a speech which
made a great hit with the distinguished
' guests.
This ended the set programme of the
banquet, which proved a most enjoyable
one and was served in magnificent style
under the personal sepervialon of A. E.
Dick, manager of the Tampa Bay Hotel.
Col. T. T. Wright of Tennessee was mas
ter of ceremonies andt certainly feels proud
of the splendid manner in which every
thing passed off.
Among the guests were Maj. Gen. Wil
liam R. Shafter and his entire staff, in
cluding Lieut. Miley, the press censor;
Gen. Hawkins of the United States army,
Adjt. Gen. Houston of Florida, and staff;
H. B. Plant. D. F. Jack of Savannah,
Hon. M. E. Gillett, mayor of Tampa. A
large number of army officers and war
correspondents and a number of citizens
of Tampa and vicinity was also present.
Among the visitors were several English
subjects who were greatly pleased with
the celebration in honor of the Queen's
birthday. It had been hoped that a Brit
ish warship would reach Port Tampa yes
tbrady aqJ that the British navy would
be represented at the banquet, but no
ship arrived.
Telegram? were rend from Secretary
Day, the Admiral of the British fleet in
the. West Indies, Gov. Bloxham of Florida,
A. K. McClure of Philadelphia, Page M.
Baker of New Orleans and others.
ANNUAL PARADE AT ATLANTA.
City Department* Reviewed by the
Mayor and Council.
Atlanta, Ga., May 24.—The annual pa
rade of the city department occurred to
day, and was the most successful that has
yet been held since the custom was es
tablished.
The police, fire and sanitary depart
ments were all out in new uniforms and
with all their apparatus and wagons, the
Mayor and Council reviewing from a
stand erected on Marietta street.
A large crowd of people gathered on the
streets io witness the turnout, and thor
oughly enjoyed the maneuvers and exer
cii es of the firemen, who gave a demon
stautlon of the life saving drill.
BALTIMORE TROTS.
Smith O'Brien and Wacea the First
Day's Winner*.
Baltimore, Md„ May 24.—The opening
day of the spring meeting of the Gentle
men's L'riving Park was well attended.
Smith O’Brien was a hot favorite, and
won, but Lady May, who was also played
heavily, was not equal to the strain. My
ers and Henschel, drivers of Miss Whuse
and OthelUX respectively, were fined 1100
each for improper driving in the last heat
of the pacing’ event. Summary follows:
2:3f Class, Pacing. Purse, J4OO. Smith
O’Brien won second, fourth and fifth heats
and race. Best.' time, 2:25*4. Fox won third
hi at. Time, 2 27%. Jura won first heat.
Time, 2:33. Mias Whuse and Othello also
started.
2:40 Class, Trotting. Wacea won second,
fourth and fifth head's and race. Best time,
2:28*4. Lady May won third heat. Time,
2.28*4. Cleovice won first heat. Time, 2:24*4.
Sisterina, Joe Swain, Gen. Gill and Gua
Fly also started..