The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-07-19

desirous of inaugurating peace move
| ment an easy and effective means of 50
doing was now at hand without recourse
to any foreign intermediary. This, he
pointed out, could be done through the
American and Spanish Generals al San
tiago, who during recent days have been
brought into close communication con.
cerning the details of the surrender OF
Santiago The incident has served to
show that General Toral was in direct
communication with Madrid, and his ac-
ton was responsive to the wish of the
Madrid Government. On the other hand,
it was pointed out General Shafter had at
all times been guided by the direct advice
and instruction of the washington Gov
ernment. This for the first time in the
war brought the two Governments into
direct ton, and while the COM
munication has thus far been confined 20
Santiago it has suggested that it AFFORDS
the opportunity for q much wider range of
inquiry between the two capitals. If Ma
drid desires to take the initiative in learn
such an official inquiry through General
Toral to General Shafter would doubtless
bring a response. This mode of action
was suggested in q conjectural way, but
as one offering the most practical means
OF direct communication on the subject
of peace Whether either government will
avail itself Of the opportunity remains to
be seen as there is no intimation thus far
that Madrid desires 10 make peace over
lures, and certainly there is no purpose
af Washington to initiate such a move
ment.
5fne Ordnance Department of the War
Department IS considering what to do
with the large quantity of arms, amlnu-
nition, fertilization guns and ordnance
stores which have come into the posses
sion of this Government. through the sur
render of Santiago. General Shafter re-
ports that about 1000 A1auser rifles were
turned over the first day and the number
VIII reach probably 10000 when the troops
at other points in the surrendered zone
turn in their guns. The reports made be-
fore the surrender indicated that the
Mausers handled by the Spanish troops
were not in very good condition. The guns
were all right when furnished. but the
poor care they received principally from
the volunteers, left many of them rusty
and defective. Ordnance officials believe,
however that the greater part of the
guns can be put in first class order. The
Mauser had a calibre of seven milline-
tres or 2 rs of an inch, while the Ar1eri-
can gun has calibre of 3 of an inch.
This difference in calibre makes it impos-
sible to use American ammunition in the
captures guns. The surrender also
coveres a large stock of ammunition,
rifle balls, etc, of the calibre suitable
for the Mausers. SO that when the guns
are repaired there will be an ample
stock of cartridges to use in them. The
Ordnance Bureau is considering only
what shall be done with the guns if
they are utilized by this government as
it has nothing to do with the larger
question concerning the ultimate return
of the guns 10 the Spanish troops. This
is a general question of governmental
policy but it appears to be pretty well
settled that the guns will not be return
ed to the Spanlards at least until the
war is over.
The ordnance officers expect to make
very little use of the old fortidcation
guns mounted in Morro Castle, Soeapa,
Cay Smith and other forts along Santiago
barbor. These it has developed since the
capture. are guns of antiquated pattern
most of them mnzzle loa7cTS: It is said
to the United States axceptsas souvenirs
of the fall of Santiago. For the pres
ent they probably will be retained at the
forts, for since they have proved suffi-
GENTLY effective to make showing
against the American feet they will suf-
fee for the present passive conditions of
affairs