New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-22
SPAIN PREPARING FOR WAR.
HER DOCKYARDs THE SCENES OF THE
GREATEST ACTIVITY.
THE CRUISER PELAYo TO SAIL IN JANUARY
UNDER SEALED ORDERS-PAMpiiI-ETS CON-
cERNING THE TOPOGRAPHY OF AMERI-

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UNDER SEALED oRDERs-PAMPHI-ETs con-
cERNrNG THE TOPOGRAPHY OF AMERI-
CA IN PREPARATION BY THE
MINISTER OF WAR
Madrid Dec. 21.-The Correspondence" Is
authority for the statement that naval and
military plans to be carried out In the event or
war between Spain and the United States have
already been formed and approved by Admiral
Berapger and General Azca.aga. respectively
Ministers OF Marine and War The policy Of
81 ain according to this statement, Will be TO
act upon the defensive in Cuba but to he IN
readiness to take the offensive II the forces of
the United States should attenp to make Il
landing upon the island
The home dockyards have become the scenes
Of the greatest activity. and hundreds Of addl-
tional men have been employed in each yard
to carry out the orders Of Admiral Beranger. to
expedite work upon the warships and transports
which being repaired and got in readiness
for service. The Minister of Marine has also
telegraphe5 to the Compasnic Francaise des
FORCES ct Chantiers requiring that company to
carry out the special orders placed with the
concern with the least possible delay. and has
received reply that everything Will be hurried
along as speedily the facilities of the COM
pany will admit.
The Spanish cruiser Peldyo will be ready to
sail by January l. when she will proceed unde:
sealed orders. 1t Is understood that she is deS'
tined for Cuban waters.
The "Heraldo' announces that the Ministry
of War Is preparing pamphlet for distribution
among the officers of the army and navy az
well. which Will contain topographic maps OF
the United States coplOus data or the sltua-
ton and condition Of the American fortresses
and military organization. The facilities atotueu
by the American railways. their avallability ior
military purposes etc The pamphlet will also
contain suggestions as to the best modes or
attack upon the vulnerable points OF the Ameri-
can coast and interior and directions as 10 the
methods to he employed to effect the best re-
suits in making reprfsals upon the conmerciai
ports OF the United States.
The opinions upon the situation as expressed
by the newspapers Of Madrid and other Spanish
cities this morning abound with violent denunci-
ations OF the attitude of the United States Gov
eminent. but agree that the United States Sena-
ought to he taken too seriously. .
A Cabinet council will he he d tomorrow. wnich
will be devoted exclusively 70 consideration or
the International situation.
London, Dec 2l.-"'rhe Standards Madrid
correspondent teegraphs that Spain has IN
with the friendly tone Of President Clevelands
message to Congress, and the attitude or Secre-
tary Olney toward the Cameron resolution.
The correspondent adds that the tone Of the
Spanish press toward the United States has ma
terially cooled The prospect Of gaining time
through President Cleveands attitude gives
confidence to the belief that General Weyler
will push his operations against the rebels be-
fore March, when Mr.. Cleveland will retire
from office.
1t is added that the rumOrs of military and
naval preparations on the part Of Spain must be
received with caution The Government. linn
tied by the Budget votes. is acting purely on
tie defensive