Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-26
SPANISH SHIPS HERE
Merchantmen Given Until May 81 to
Depart.
SUCH VESSELS NOT TO Be MOLESTED
Neutral Flag Covers Enemys Goods
Not Contraband.
ANOTHER PROCLAMATION

notice to all nations and powers OF
the declaration OF war made yester-
dav against Spain.
Rear Admiral Erben, retired, was
put in command of the mosquito
fleet
Both houses OF Congress agreed
to the conference report on the
army reorganization bill.
Chairman Dingley reported the
war revenue bill to the House and
gave notice that the bill would be
called up tomorrow, general debate
to continue until Thursday, the bill
to be considered Friday for amend
nent under the fve-minute rule until
a o'clock, when a vote should be
taken.
The State Department has sent all
foreign nations notice Of Congress
declaration that war has existed since
April 2I. This was done to save
Our rights.
Most governors have made prompt
and gratifying responses to the call
for volunteers.
Secretary Long authorized an en-
phatic denial of reports current that
advices had been received that Nor
70 Castle had fired on the fleet, and
that it had replied.
The President nominated VIM. R.
Day to be Secretary of State and
John B. Moore to be assistant secre-
tary. Secretary Day was confirmed.
Details were received of Lieut..
Fremonts landing in Cuba
Rear Admiral Walker will be sue
ceeded on the naval strategic board
by Capt. A. T. Mallan.
The Mangrove captured the big
Spanish liner Panama about twenty
miles out OF Havana this morning
and the gunboat Newport caught
two small coasters.
The President issued a procla-
nation defining the attitude of the
government over Spanish ships in
United States ports.
Ths President today issued tre following
proclamation respecting the rights of Span
iGh aSselS i'm m IN limited
ports and also with regard to the right of
search:
By the President Of the United States of
America,
proclamation.
Whereas, by an act of Congress approved
April p, 1898, 1t is declared tina. war exists
and that war has existed since the 21st day
of April. AID. 1898. including said day. be-
tween the United States of America and the
Kingdom Of Spain, and
Whereas it being desirable that such war
should be conducted upon and in harmony
with the present views of nations and sane
toned by recent practice 1t has already
been announced that the policy Of this
government will not be to resort to priva-
teering, but to adhere to the rules of the
declaration of Paris:
Now. therefore, /, William Mckinley
President of the United States of America
by virtue of the power vested in me by the
action and the laws do hereby declare and
proclaim:
First. The neutral flag covers enemy's
goods with the exception of contraband of
war.
Second. Neutral goods not contraband OF
war not liable to confiscation under the
eAmy's flag.
Third. Blockades In order to be binding
must be effective
Fourth Spanish merchant vessels in any
ports or places within the United States
shall be allowed rntiI May y, 1888, inclu-
siye, for loading their cargoes and depart
ing from such ports or places. and such
Spanish merchant vessels il met at sea by
any United States ships shall be permitted
to continue their voyage, If on examiaa-
ton of their papers it shall appear
that their cargoes were taken OH
board before the expiration of the
above term, provided. that nothing herein
contained shall apply to Spanish vessels
having on board any officers in the military
or naval service of the enemy. or any coal
(except such as may be necessary for their
yoyage) or any other article prohibited or
ccntrahand of war. or any dispatch of or
to the Spanish government.
FAitu ANY SpEflSH merchant vessel
which prior 10 April n, 1898, shall have
sailed from any foreign port bound for any
port or place in the United States shall be
permitted to enter such port or place. and
to discharge her cargo and afterward
forthwith to depart without molestation;
and any such vessel IL met at sea by any
United States ship shall be permitted to
continue her voyage 10 any port not
blockaded.
Sixth The right Of search is to be exer-
cised with strict regard for the right of
neutrals. and the voyages of mail steamers
are not TO be interfered with except on the
clearest grounds of suspicion of a violation
OF law in respect of contraband or block
ade.
(Signed) WILLIAM MCKINLEY
In witness whereof, etc, done at the
Department of State. ETC., this 18th day of
April, etc
The Presidents Visitors.
President Mckinley had many visitors
this morning before the time for the cabi-
net meeting. Nearly all Of them are In