The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-12

rushing preparations for the dispatch
of Commodore Watson's eastern squad
ron. This is decidedly a more attrac-
tive cruise from a naval point of view
than the demonstration proposed
against San Juan de Porto Rico which
is understood to be the next number
on the programme but which the naval
authorities believe will not amount to
much because of the easy reduction of
the defences. Every ship in Watson's
squadron has been prescribed the very
latest charts, not only. of the coasts
of Spain and of the Mediterranean but
of track courses that will take them
clear to the Philippines. In addition to
this the few officers assigned to the
vessels of this squadron, but not yet
aboard. have received orders from the
department to go to their ships at once.
Notice of the departure of some of the
vessels therefore may be looked for at
any moment.
Secretary Long has been in receipt
of teIegrams of a personal nature from
Commodore Schley and it is believed
from Admiral Sampson as we'll 1t is
supposed they have been called forth
by the newspaper Controversy over the
credit for the victory over the Spanish
earnestly deprecated by the officials of
the navy department. Secretary Long
declines to make public these cable
grams, though it is believed they tend
to demonstrate the existence of good
relations between the two officers and
a disposition on the part of both to be
adjudged strictly according to the
canons of naval law
The ChriStonher Columbus
Admiral Sampson has cabled to the
department that he believes the wreck
ing plant which is now on it's way
down to Santiago to endeavor to save
some of the Spanish ships is sufficient
for the purpose, so far as the question
of mere capacity is concerned. The
naval officers are particularly desirous
that the Cristobal Colon shall be saved
and be placed on the American list un-
der the anglicised name of Christopher
Columbus.
Surrender Looked For.
Washington July 12.-At the cabinet
meeting today kilograms from General
shafter were read and discussed, but
no new plan of campaign was consid-
cred or important orders given. General
Skaters report that he had the city
of Santiago completely invested was
received with much satisfaction, as
there had been some apprehension that
the Spaniards were contemplating a
night evacuation.
Secretary Alger on leaving the cab
met meeting said that although General
Skaters line on the west was thin in
places. he had no doubt that it was
sufficiently strong to repel any attack
the enemy was capable of making at
this time. 1t was the secretary's opin-
ion that the Spaniards were now COM
pletely cut off from outside aid and it
was now only a question of prompt sur
render, or a fight which would result
in their capture. It was Secretary Al
members of the cabinet, that the Span
iards would surrender rather than take
the risks of general assault.
Heavy Rains.
Washington, July 12-At 3 p. M Sec
retary AIger said he had received no
since the dispatch given out in the fore
noon. He thought matters were IN
changed therefore and assumed that a
flag of truce was still flying and that
the enemy were negotiating for sur
render. The only message received
from Siboney was a short dispatch
from Gen. Miles regarding transporta-
tion in the course of which he said:
THE rains are the heaviest have ever
known"
nROAFRl lin