The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-27


that fact. there has been no official con-
lrmation of it.
This is a little remarkable I'm Wow of
the fact that Il IS only a days run Tor
one OF Schleys swift torpedo boats from
Santiago 10 a. cable port I'm Hayu.
WHY THIS SILENCE?
There Is also q curious lack Of infor-
nation from the newspaper dispatch
boats on this point. lt was supposed that
tho censors might have eXcised from
the dispatches Of newspaper men any
reference TO fleets. but this would APP
ply. according 10 the statement OF the
Navy Department officials here, only 10
that part of the dirpatchcs that might
relate 10 the movements and whereabouts
OF the United states vessels and tho CEN
sors rules would not exclude reference
70 the Spanish squadron. Notwithstanding
the officials profess mistaken confidence
in their original belief that the Spanish
squadron is securely bottled upin San
tago harb0r there SIS no concealment
hy them of an intense desire TO secure
some absolutely trustworthy information
on that point 10 is not 10 be doubted
that with the question stiN open the be-
ginning of the military operations is re-
tardcd, FOR as long as there exists pos
sibiity of the Spanish naval force being
at large their is an indispOsitiOn 20 start
the troop transports for Cuba.
IMPORTANT CONSULTATION.
Probably it was this uncertain state of
affairs that induced the President TO call
a consultation at tho White House to-
day between Secretaries Algcr and Long,
General Miles and the members of the
Naval War Board. Admiral Sicard. Cap
tain Crowninshicld and Captain Mahan.
As stated by one of the members OF the
conference. the purpose was TO go over
The whole situation from the Philippines
10 Cuba and Porto Rico and decide just
how FAR the plans already laid should be
modified TO meet existing conditions. This
involved "a discussion of such important
points as The propricty of the immediate
advance o. tho military force upon Cuba;
the crcdibllity of reports so lar touch
in gthe Spanish squadron; the policy OF
speeding the Cuban expedition. or accom-
panyng 10 with one directed against Porto
Rico and finally tie extent of the mili-
tary assistance TO be sent TO Admiral
Dewey 40 Manila.
As already indicated the proceedings
were rather in the nature OF consulta-
tion than of war council, where "a fuh
decision is determined at once, so that
10 is not probable am OF these important
questions were disposed of at the cOun-
cn.
CUBA Oh PORTO RICO?
None of the members of the confer
once felt authorized to tell what had
taken place. hut there are thought to be
patent indications of 81 decision 10 cm-
bark military expeditions. whether FOR
cuba or Porto Rico can only be conicc-
turcd in tho course OF the next few days.
There was lack of news to-day from
Admiral Dewey and this convinced the
naval authorities that there could be lit
tie credence placed in the Madrid report
OF an accident TO the Baltimore.
In the rush of military prepara-
tIons. the War Department officials
have not been ablc 60 give much at-
tention 10 preparations for the regula-
tions Tor the procurement OF the 750oJ
additional volunteers called for yestcr-
dav bv tho President. III is stii unccr-
lain lust how far the national auihori-
ties will 10 toward recruiting these
forces themselves. nor Is 10 positively
Known that independent organizations,
companlce. hattalions and reeilnents.
raised bv individuals will be accepted
IN tloc If by so doing the department
A. reoulred TO accept the officers with the
mon Indeed. 50 IS now questioned
whether. under the law, the department
could. n a would. accept services or Off
GERS under such conditions. as the Gov
ernors o. the states appear 10 be the
only persons authorized 10 issue per-
missions below the regimental grade
NO OCCASION FOR HASTE
There are many other vexatlous ques-
lions TO be- settled before regulations can
he promulgated but fortunately IN. the
judgment Of tho department officials due
notice having been given 90 the people
OF a desire for more troops by the Gov
ernment. there Is no occasion for haste
In deciding upon details. in view O; the
fact that the fuil draft of men called
un0er the firsi proclamation has not yet
Seen secured.
An syidenee ps the growing interest OF