Mesa free press., 1898-09-09
LATEST WAR NEWS.
Resume Of Events on Land and
Sea During the Week.

raising the ships of Cervera's fleet.
The United States auxiliary naval
board force has been reduced from
forty-one vessels to twenty-five. It will
be completely abolished next week.
The island of Luzon has an area
slightly greater than that of Kentucky
and slightly less than that of Virginia.
Porto Rico is about half as large as
New Jersey.
Perfect order has thus far been main
tanned in Manila under American con-
troll The city Is quiet and seems to
have resumed its normal business and
social activity.
United States Consul Hanna, who
left Porto Rico when diplomatic rela-
tions between the United States and
Spain were broken off, is expected to
return to San Juan.
Capt. Robley D. Evans is not suffer
ing from malarial fever as has been
reported. The captains only trouble
is sprained ankle, which while trou-
blesome. is considered trifing.
For extraordinary heroism, Capt.
Charles D. Sigsbee, formerly of the
Maine, but now commanding the st.
Paul, has been advanced by President
Mckinley three numbers on the list OF
captains.
Postmaster General Smith will dis
patch commission to Porto Rico
shortly to examine into the postal ne
cessities there and make recommends
tions for the establishment Of a COM
plete service.
The rumors of trouble at Manila be-
tween the natives and Americans are
for the most part, unfounded. The
fact is that the insurgents have been
unwilling to disarm until assured of
the permanence of American protec-
ton.
The Cuban civil authorities raised
the Cuban flag over the municipal
building, but Gen. Wood ordered it
taken down. Cuban flags were also
hoisted over the San Carlos club and
over several stores, but these were left
flying.
The Secretary of the Treasury has
decided that under existing conditions
there is no reason why Spanish yes
sells should not enter, load and clear
at ports of the United States. Col
.lectors of customs will be instructed to
this effect.
There have been no more disturb
ances at Ponce and wealthy Porto RI
cans insist there is no danger of fur.
ther trouble. The men who were en-
gagged in rioting were toughs. The
Spanish are anxious for a large Amer
lean force to garrison the island.
Adyices from Manila state that the
natives are daily showing their ina
bility to govern themselves. The
statement from Madrid that the Amer
leans have intercepted or confiscated
four kilograms forwarded by Gen.
Jaudenez from Manila is vehemently
repudiated.
Rear Admiral Sampson will retain
command of the North Atlantic fleet,
Notwithstanding his service on the Gu
ban Military Commission, and Rear
Admiral Schley will continue in his
present naval command, although
serving temporarily on the Porto Rico
Commission.
AS a reward for gallantry in the
storming of San Juan heights, Presi-
dent Mckinley has decided to appoint
First Lieut. Albert L. Mills, First cav.
airy, superintendent Of the United
States military academy. This is the
first time that lieutenant has been
honored in this way.
Minister of War Corea says he has
ordered the Captain General of Cuba
tn nj in
with the Americans, but If the Amer
leans should prove unable to make the
insurgents respect the armistice then
the instructions were to repel any at
tack upon the Spaniards.
AS a result of conference at Santi-
rago between Gen. Wood, military gov
Jernor and the local authorities the pub
lie schools will be opened with accom-
modations for 1000 children on Sep
tember Is. Sectarianism will be
abolished and the schools will be con-
Quoted on American plans.
The latest report in regard to the
Spanish arms surrendered at Santiago
say that they number $4,000, with sew
eral million rounds of ammunition.
Many are badly cared for and rusted.
They will be taken to Springfield and
New York and such as are fit will be
cleaned up and used by the army.
A negro soldier belonging to the
Eighth Illinois was shot dead by Gu
bans near San Luis. The negro was a
sentinel on duty when band of armed
Cubans tried to pass him. He ordered
them to halt, and upon refusal to
do SO fired. The Cubans returned the
fire, instantly killing the soldier.
Gen. James D. Wilson has assumed
control of the district of Ponce, Porto
Rico, and has ordered all saloons to
be closed for three days, with view
of quieting the existing disorders.
They will be opened subsequently 'un-
der special regulations. Gen. Grant has
established his headquarters here.
Advices from Porto Rico received by
letter bring to light another story of
Spanish threats upon natives accused
of sympathizing with the United States
in tho town of GiOmO whore Snanish