Arizona republican., 1898-05-23
POLITICAL MANEUVERS.
The Congressional Fleets Closely Watching Each Others Movements.

Democratic candidates for congress in this territory appear to be playing Sampson-Cervera game, and Phoe- nix seems to occupy the position at present in the public eye as the Mole St. Nicholas" In oLner words, they are maneuvering.
 The armOred cruiser General Will son arrives here, takes on coal, pro- visions and medicines, sends off a few caDlegrams to the cortes at Prescott and then hoists sail, steering toward the Windward passage. Immediately there appears upon the scene, anchor ing to the same buoy, the torpedo boat Ellingwood, floating bunting of defiance from the Flagstaff And for several days he is busy taking on coal, provisions and medicines, receiving and sending dispatches, and making efforts to enlist expert gunners for some of the auxiliary boats.
 The destroyer Jones, now reported in northern waters and now again scouting in neutral waters, is daily ex- pected flor the reason that it is be- lieved here her coal bunkers need re- filling.
 The flagship Smith still maintains her position in the blockading squad ron, but several of her small dispatch boats are on duty here ali the time, using the wire" occasionally, but not attracting much attention. Occasion ally one of these small boats issues a bulletin, but small credence is given these because, as an old darkey said. after reading one of the bulletins re- ferring to the successful bombardment of Gamblers bay, Huh. That Smith fleet done barred outen these yere waters"
 It is rumored that the double tur- retted monitor Breathitt is still at Pima bay awaiting suitable ballast for a cruise. Another report, with some good foundation, comes from Port au Tucson that newly invented subma- rine boat of swordfish type is about ready for launching. Talking re- l gently with one of the ministers of I the Pima strategy board re- earding this new boat he uttered this significant expression, Great l Scott, don't Breathitt It is not ali 1 open secret, and as yet we are only sending out Madrid dispatches. When we get ready we will show you a Filepena."
 It is rumored here that the Ellin- wood, fully manned, has sailed for Pima waters. If this proves true, a scrap may take place, particularly if the torpedo boat attempts to land | forces, the land batteries in the har- bor at Port au Tucson being cata- i logued as we'll supplied with aggravat- ing ammunition.
 i Taking it altogether, it is a very | pretty preliminary skirmish, and one of the strange things in connection
 with it is the fact that all the other
 elements are occupying strict neu- trality thus far. What may come later
 on will depend largely upon the re- suit of the shirmishing The powers,
 Republican, Populist, Silverite, Mug
 wump and Disgruntle, will undoubt-
 edly manifest interest as soon as
 strength is developed by either one of
 the squadrons now in evidence, and
 before the war is closed many inter-
 necine influences will be both heard
 and felt
 Just now Phoenix, the largest port
 or Marlcopa, is the piece resistance
 of the skirmishing factions, and Ii
 would net be surprising if from one
 or the large dry-docks of this por'
 within a short time would be launched
 full-armored double -turretted, water
 ught compartment, dynamite-proo'
 cruiser that would blow Cavities into
 all the calculations of those now en gagged In making appropriations Ioi congressional advancement.