The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-18
And Says There Arc Few Desirable
War ships for Sale Abroad, Owing
to the Eastern Crisis.
PLANS OF RED CROSS SOCIETY
RELIEF SUPPLIES TO BE SENT TO
CUBA UNDER THE SACRED FLAG.
Will BE Conveyed by War Ships if the
Necessity Arises-The Alabama to
BE Launched May rs.

| WASHINGTON April T.-In the War
! and Navy Departments to-day there was
lacking that evidence of activity and rush
which has characterized them for so many
| Sundays past In the War Department
Adjutant General Corbin was at his desk
| for a short time i'm the morning, He said
there had been no changes in the details of
the mobilization of troops announced some
days ago nor any important assignments of
officers The proposals from railroads for
transporting the troops from the various
places where they are now located will be
opened tomorrow, and the expectation is
that the soldiers, in many instances, will
begin their journey South on the same day.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt was at the
Navy Department for some time during the
morning transacting matters requiring his
attention. He had visit from Commander
| Willard H. Brownson, who has just re-
| turned to the United States from his visit
| abroad, where he was sent to purchase
men-of-war and munitions for the use of
| the United States navy. The commander is
| looking well bronzed, and says he had an
| enjoyable trip, having spent practically all
| his tiIae in Italy, France and England. He
| made a number of recommendations and
reports to Secretary Long during his in
| spectons abroad, and will submit the final
| one to the secretary tomorrow. He asked
| to be excused from discussing the results
of his trip pending his report to the Sec
| rotary. Commander Brownson, during his
visit. able to gauge the feeling which
the European nations have for this coun-
try in its issue with Spain. Concerning the
Engilshmen, he remarked that their SYM
pathy is for us, and they are with us to a
man. great many Frenchmen sided with
-, dor oh.
servations regarding them were based on
reports only Italy being one of the Latin
countries, there is an element which SYM
pathizes with Spain, although many of the
commercial classes, realizing that much of
the trade of the peninsula is with the
United States, look on our contention with
favor Commander Brownson says that
owing to the uncertain state of affairs in
Europe growing out of the Eastern ques-
ton, in which most of the great nations
are interested, very few really satisfactory
war ships are to be found on the market,
while in six months from now, when pos
sibly no one will want to purchase any, no
doubt some will be available. Unfinished
ships and those of inferior quality were to
be obtained if desired, but the government
preferred not to purchase vessels of that
kind. The commander will leave the city
tomorrow Tor New 1Ork, WneTS ne Is 10
assume command of the Yankee, to which
he has been assigned.
The central Cuban relief committee of
New York will load an American steamship
with supplies for the relief of the recon-
centrados in Cuba Immediately and dis
patch it to Key West for orders. She will
be followed as soon possible by a second
ship. Both will sail under the Red Cross
| flag and be in charge of Red Cross agents.
| 1t is hoped that the way will be clear for
| the vessels to proceed to the Cuban ports,
| land and distribute the supplies, but naval
| and military escort will be provided in ac-
| cordance with the Geneva treaty should
| hcstilities have broken out before the ar
rival at Key West. A sufficient number of
! agents of the American National Red Cross
| will accompany the ships to effectually
| carry on the distributions. Probably Miss
| Barton will join the first ship at Key West.
| Chairman Stephen E. Barton, of the central
| Cuban relief committee was at the State
| Department to-day. He returned to New
| York tonight
The War and Navy Departments and
| Surgeon General Sternberg have been not-
| fled of the readiness of the American Ma
tional Red Cross to render service. supple
partments, if called upon. Miss Clara Bar
ton will shortly visit this city for confer
| ence and will then return to Key West.