Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-07-28
NEWS FROM THE WAR
Several Events of Interest, but
Nothing of Grave Import.
LIGHTERS GOING TO PORTO RICO.
Aguinaldo Declares q Dictatorship and
Martial Law Over h Philippines
man Ambassador Visits the Presi-
dent-CablegrAm from Miles.

WASHINGTON, July 23.-There were
several events of interest, IL not OF i'm
~portance, at the war and navy depart
ments yesterday. Gen. Anderson, at
Cavite, sent a message saying that
Aguinaldo had declared a dictatorship
and martial law over the Philippines,
something hat gave the cabinet food
for consideration at their regular
meeting yesterday. There was no dis
position to force any issue with the in
surgent chief at the present time, but
it is pretty well understood that he
will not be allowed to commit the
United States government in the future
treatment Of the Philippines question.
The visit of the German ambassador
to the president and to the secretary Of
state was a basis for the belief that he
had called to make some representa-
tion on that subject and, perhaps, as
well on the question of peace as af-
fected by the programme laid down by
Watson's projected voyage to European
waters.
II So, No OmciaI Confirmation
Was obtained, and the friendly visit"
was the only explanation offered by
Secretary Day for the appearance OF
German ambassador in the dog days in
Washington. The embassy people
were n more communicative, SO that
Ii anything of Importance passed dur
ing the meeting between the president
and DR.. Won Holleben 1t probably will
be revealed only in the shape Of action
later on.
1t would not be surprising If it
should develop that
Strong European Influences
Are being brought to bear to dissuade
the navy department from dispatching
Watson's feet to Europe, but so far
they appear to have been Intellectual,
for it is officially stated that the de-
parture of the squadron is only de-
Iayed, not abandoned.
Although Gen. Miles reported by
cablegram yesterday from Mole St.
Nicholas, Hayti, that "he was moving
along well with the first detachment
Of the military expedition against
Porto Rico, the body of his dispatch
preceding this statement gave rise at
first to the apprehension that, like
Gen. Shafter at Santiago, Gen. Miles
was threatened with q costly delay in
landing his expedition on Porto Rican
soil, owing to the absence Of lighters
and tugs.
Lighters on the Way from New Orleans.
1t was sal d at the war department
later on that some Of the lighters were
already on their way from New Or
leans and New York, and that no sem
sible delay would arise ON that score.
1t appears from Gen. Miles first state
ment relative to Col. Hecker that he
was not acquainted with the necessity
that had orisen for that officers pres
ence in Washington in order to pro-
vide for the speedy transportation to
Spain OF the troops surrendered at
Santiago.
Declaring the success of the expedi-
ton to Nipe is really more important
than appears on the surface. The bay
of Nipe lies on the north coast of Cuba,
almost directly across the island from
Santiago. 1t is purposed to establish
q base there which will save at least
two days time in getting supplies into
Cuba as compared with the Santiago
route. 1t will also form a good point
of operation against Holguin, not far
distant, and if it should develop, I'M
fortunately, that a restraining hand
must be laid upon the Cubans them
selves, Nipe, in connection with Santi-
ago, would be an effective means of
doing this.
Not Oniciany Informed.
The war department has not yet been
informed that Gen. Skaters Cuban
allies have quit the American lines for
the reasons sent out in q printed letter
by Gen. Garcia, but it is scarcely
doubted hat such is the case for the
friction has been growing more pro-
nounced every day since the fall Of
Santiago and it is feared that a sever
ance of relations cannot be longer
avoided. That the Cuban junta is still
hopeful of avoiding such a measure is
evinced by the confidence shown by
Senior Quesada, one of the Cuban lega-
ton here, in an amicable settlement.