The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-06-22

HaVana-Why santiago Is 10 lie
Taken-The Crisis In Madrid
PIeases Government Oficials-
Dewey All Right.
Washington Bureau, St. Paul Giobs, |
Corcoran Building.
Special to The st. Paul Globe.
WASHINGTON, June 21. - That
something out of the ordinary Is about
to happen was evident at the war de-
partment today. There was extraor-
binary activity and noticeable aver
sion to talking about the probabilities
of the near future In the movement of
troops. The talk of the capital tonight
is a rumor thu gained currency at an
hour too latr TO have it either verified
or denied at the war department, to
> the effect that troops are being mass
ed for the purpose of an attack upon
Havana practically simultaneously
with the assault upon Santiago city
1t was that the transports that con-
veyed Gen. Skaters troops to Santi-
ago would return as quickly as possi-
bic and carry to Western Cuba 100000
men to lay siege to Havana There is
a strong belief here that the state
ment is we'll founded, and that stir
ring times are ahead.
WHY TAKE SANTIAGO?
That is a question that is frequently
heard in Washington. There is a great
deal more talk on that score today
than ever before, perhaps because
Gen. Skaters army is now within
striking distance of the Spanish
stronghold. There is no claim made
that Santiago is to be made a base of
supplies in the campaign in Cuba that
IS to follow. 1t is the moral effect,
more than anything else, that is aimed
at, is the general belief at the capital.
The capture of Santiago will be as con-
vincing to Spain, and to all Europe,
that the United States is in earnest as
would the reduction of Havana Again,
it is argued, there is absolute need for
the capture of Admiral Cervera's
squadron before more important cam
paigns are inaugurated. With Ceryera
out of the way the rest will be COM
paratively easy. And it is added by
those who discuss the situatisA, in and
out of official circles, the gallant Lieut.
- HoeeOn must not be forgotten. He and
his Comrades are in Santiago, and the
downfall of that stronghold means
their release, without the formalities
of an exchange.
THE CRISIS IN MADRID.
Government circles are somewhat
concerned over the reports that come
from Madrid of an impending crisis
that is expected to result in the resig-
nation of the Sagasta ministry There
is nothing like regret at the develop
ment of this situation in the Spanish
capital, the best posted here regarding
1t as an indication that the Spanish
people are wearying of a war that has
been a succession of reverses for their
cause and desire any pretext
by which they may find relief. In
brief, the resignation of Sagasta will
be hailed as the beginning of the end.
Another argument advanced is. that the
Spaniards are beginning to become
concerned for the safety of their own
country, as well as their colonies. 1t
is believed there is more in the much
talked OF abdication of the queen re-
gent than has been admitted, and the
strengthening of the Spanish forces in
Madrid is taken as still another sig
niicant move. That there is a serious
crisis brewing in Spain is regarded
here as foregone conclusion.
LATEST FROM DEWEY.
The government was not at all wor-
ried over the report from Hong Kong
of the action of the Chinese govern
ment in ordering the steamer Zafiro
out of Chinese waters without permit
ting her to take on supplies for Ad-
miral Dewey, for which she had been
sent. 1t was whispered tonight that
the government is in possession Of in
formation to the effect that the cruiser
Charleston and the transports of the
first Manila expedition have reached
their destination, bringing to Admiral