The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-05-04


Since our last issue the blockade OF
Havana and other Cuban ports has con-
tinuesi. and no spanish vessels. our people
say. have been able 70 pass it, although
the Spanish authorities claim that at least
two vessels have succeeded 10 getting
through. A nnmber Il prizes have
been taken, most Of them harmless mer-
chanumen.
Mcrro Castle fred on The fleet Fri
day night, p inst, but no shots took
effect.
Runors were rife that the steamship
Paris recently chartered by the govern
mont. had been captured, it having sailed
from Southampton. Eugland. last Friday
Saturday the cruisers Minneapolis and
Columbia, Of the flying squadron, sud
denly LETT Hampton Roads, and il was
supposed they were sent to seek word OF
the Paris aud protect her. The Paris has
since been seen, half way across the
ocean, and is expected to arrive in port
to day.
Two Spanish soldiers, the first real
prisoners OF war, have been taken An
American lieutenant has landed in east
ern Cuba to place in General Garcia's
hands the detailed plans for the oecapa-
ton of the island.
There has been an enormous rise in the
price of provisions at Havana, since the
blockade began.
The reports that the Spanish fleet had
left the Cape Verde islands was prema-
ture. although its departure is expected
at any moment.
Spanish war vessels are collecting near
the Straits of Gibraltar 10 prey on Amer
lean merchantmen.
Reports from Madrid announce that
Spain is expecting news of the lombard
ment Of American sea coast towns by
Spanish fleet, but our people discredit
this.
The arrangements for preventing
bombardment of New York are consider
ed amply sufficient.
The Pacific squadron under Commo-
dore Dewey sailed Wednesday for the
PHILIPPINE Islands where the first great
naval battle is expected. The Spanish
fleet at Manila is said to be inferior to
ours. The town is well fortified. and tho
harbor well protected, but an army Of
rebels is back of the town ready to coop
crate with our fleet.
Adjutant General Corbin on Wednes-
day wired all the recruiting officers to
begin eniistments at once. The war pay
OF privates and non-commissionedo officers
has been increased twenty per cent by
the new law.
West Point graduated fifty-five officers.
This was the first time since 1861 that a
class was graduated before June. The
graduates will be assigned to duty at
once.
The United States marines, who expect
to be the first troops to occupy Cuba, LEFT
Hampton Roads. The Panther carried
them, the cruiser Montgomery escorting
them.
The United States auxiliary cruiser
Yale. formerly the American line steam
ship Paris, has eludea the Spanish war
ships aud arrived safe in New York bar.
Dor Saturday morning. The liner, about
which such deep anxiety has been felt,
sailed from Southampton ten days ago.
Capt Watkins spoke modestly Of bring
ing the ship safely into port. He steered
aboat . miles outside of the regular
channel aud said he had no fear that a
Spanish warship could catch the heet
Paris after she got searoom.
Gen. Woodford. United States Minister
TO Spain, sailed for home on Saturday.
Il is reported that he will be given com
mission in the volunteer army.
Monday morning resolution was o.
fered in Congress rendering Dswey the
thanks Of that body.