The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-05-13
No Doubt That the Spanish Fleet
Has Been ADnihilated and That
the Commodore Ia Muster of the
! situatie'n-P1epa.r1ti cns for Send.
ang Supplies to, Dewey's Fleet
Are Almost Ccmpleted-Move-
ments Of sampson's Fleet still
Remain a Mystery-News Expect.
ed From the Admiral Very Soon
Almost as Important as That
Received From the Philippines.

washington, May 7.-Secretary Long
said at the close of office hours that up
to that time he had received no word
from Commodore Dewey. He added,
however, that lie felt no apprehension
'over this lack Of news, because, in the
first place reports were not expected
with the cable from Manila cut, and,
Furthermore, no fears were entertained
as to Commodore Dewey's ability to
maintain his position. There was no
doubt, the secretary said, that Commo-
'dore Dcwey's feet had annihilated the
Spanish fleet, and with this much &C.
complished Dewey was master of the
situation at Manila. 1t was suggested
to Mr.. Long that the shore batteries at
'Cavite and on the Corridor island
might be a serious menace to the
American fleet, but the secretary did
not share this view holding that the
strength of the Olympia and other
ships in Dewey's command was ample
to make him master of Manila bay and
its surroundings. The department is
taking steps to render effective aid to
the commodore in the matter of sup
plies, and constructor Of high ability
is to go out at once to repair
The Damages Sustained
in the battle of Manila. Preparations
for a suitable convoy for the supply
ships was also Indicated by the choice
of commander and officers for the
cruiser Charleston, now at Mare Is
land. 1t is recalled at the navy de-
partmcnt in this connection that, hav-
ing received the surrender of Manila
Il !, o1>l k<~e
any quantity of labor and of such ma
terial as a maritime city like Manila
affords for the repair of his ships. He
also would be able to place his wound
ed in comfort in some Of the marine
hospitals or other public buildings. 1t
is always desire of a prudent naval
commander to get his wounded ashore
at the earliest possible opportunity, as
they stand better chances of recovery.
No news could be cleaned at the navy
department relative to the movements
of Admiral SIMPSONS ironclads, but
from the confident tone of the few Of
ficials who are acquainted with the
policy of the department they are ex-
pecting to hear very soon of news
from his squadron almost as interest
ing and important as that received
from the Philippines last Monday. A
high officer of the administration al
most demolished the theory that Ad-
miral Sampson was going to succOr the
Oregon, now on her way from Brazil
to join the North Atlantic squadron.
He declared that the navy department
was under
No Apr ehe Ell Atcn
about the Oregon for the reason that
it did not consider that the Spanish adj
miral of the Cape Verde squadron
would be willing to risk combat with
the Oregon even with the great odds
i'll his favor, as even if overwhelmed
in the end, the Oregon certainly would
destroy one of the Spanish ships and,
perhaps, two, and the Spanish govern
ment could not afford to exchange
pawns ut this stage Of the game. That
left open as possible points of opera
lions for Sampson either Puerto Rico
or some port on the Cuban coast, but
just which theory is to be accepted is
not even limited at by the departmental
officials.
Notice came to the state department
from Brazil that that government had
declared neutrality. There is now no
cause to regret such action on the part
of Brazil, Dor however beneficial the
delay has been to the United States in
getting its warships safely along the
Brazilian coast, the issue of the proc
lamation just now is likely to be still
more beneficial in closing Brazilian
ports to the Spanish flying squadron
If it should be headed in that direction.
1t may be noted, however, that while
the first reports were received with
little credit the advices coming to the
navy department, though not con-
elusive, inclined the officers to the be-
lief that the Spanish flying squadron
really has turned back from Cape
Verde to consolidate with the home
squadron at Cadiz.