The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-29
ALL EYES ON THE PHILIPPINES

NIL / CO YIN IF1E TniIIEGlNCO
Washington, April 2S-NavaI circles look
60 the Philippines for the first big war
news. Admiral Dewey. naval officers say.
either must take a port in the Philippines
and make it a base of supplies and a tenn
porary home for his ships, or head his
| fieet straight across the Pacific for San
Francisco. II is expected that the other
European powers holding possessions on
the Chinese coast will adopt Great Brit
aims rules as to the conditions under
which the ships of belligerent powers may
shelter in their ports. No matter how
well inclined towards the United States.
China undoubtedly will be obliged under
European pressure to join in the same
practice. Thus Admiral Dewey will find
that having secured one supply OF coal
at port belonging 10 one Of these powers
that port viii be practically closed to his
ships for he would not be permitted 70
enter them again for che same purpose
within three months. space of time that
would more than consume the amount of
coal that can be carried on shipboard.
This state of affairs strongly sccentuates
the unwise policy that has prevailed in the
past of failing TO secure coaling stations
in remote parts of the world like Asia
Admiral Dewey. because of this policy.
is under the necessity now OF capturing
a port from the enemy in which he may
stay as long as he pleases and his posi-
ton consequently is much more perflous
than that Of the Cuban blockadng squad
ron.
The admiral is believed to have sailed
at o'clock yesterday from Mrs Bay
China, for the Philippines. Assuming that
has squadron is travelling at the prescrib-
ed speed of ten knots, It is calculated at
the navy department that he should oc-
cupy about sixty hours in the passage TO
Manila, which will bring him off that
port early Saturday morning. It is prob
able that If the Spanish fleet can be driv-
en- into any harbor under the protection
of the batteries Admiral Dewey will de-
tach some of his ships to blockade the
port to keep them there while using an
other part of his small force to seize and
occupy. with native assistance, some I'M
fortified port as base.
Madrid, April 29.-l0 a. NAN official
dispatch from Manila received today says
the Spanish squadron which has taken up
a position several miles from Manila Is
still awaiting the arrival of the United
States squadron under the command of
Rear Admiral Dewey.
The governors proclamation appealing
to the patriotism. honor and religious
prejudices of the Spaniards and otherwise
melting their animosities against the
Americans is said to have had a great
effect upon the people. who are alleged to
be volunteering in large numbers.
London. April 2s-It is reported In Mad
rid, says a special dispatch this after
noon from the Spanish capitol, that
Spanish squadron of nine warships sailed
from Manila on Monday last to take up
positions off Cubligik bay, where they Will
await the passage of American merchant
vessels, for the purpose of capturing
them.
New York. April PA dispatch from
London says; News comes from Madrid
that the Spanish fleet under Admiral
Montiio, which left Manila on Monday,
has put into Subig bay, where it viii
await the coming Of Admiral Dewey. The
first naval battle will probably be fought
at this point Subligik bay is north Of
Manila and offers natural advantages for /
tht concealment of the hostile fleet. IN |
less Admiral Dewey shall receive some |
Information OF Montijos movement tho |
Americans are threatened with a sudden !
attack. Montijo IS reckless and the re-
port that he has fed from Dewey's feet |
is probably a rUse TO conceal his real |
purpose
Paris, Aprn 2S.-There was a rumor on
the bourse today. which was not confirmed /
from any source, that the United States /
feet had received a check in the Philip /
pine islands. 1t had the effect OF weak |
ening prices.
London, April 2s.-Lloyd's advicts from /
Manila say the American bark SarsnAc, /
owned by William Simpson of New York. /
which was captured at uoilo. Philippine |
islands. by the Spanish gunboat Fl Cano, !
was seized after she had unloaded her 4
cargo OF coal at that port, which was