Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-07-12
WAR NOTES.

in which he left Charleston, s. O., Sat
urdsy. He had conference with Ad-
miral Sampson and communicated with
General Sbafter by telephone. He
landed at Playa del Este and may
take command of the army to-day.
1t is stated in Washington that Gen.
Miles is not to supersede General Shat
ter in command of the United States
forces before Santiago. General Shat
ter is operating there under written in
structions from the Secretary of War,
approved by the President, and so long
as he is able physically to direct
the troops he will retain his command.
Another report from Washington is
that General Shsfler will be practically
relieved of his command of the troops
in front of Santiago tomorrow. Presi-
dent McKinley's confidence in General
Shafter has been shaken. After pro-
tracted meeting at the White House
Yesterday afternoon, at which Secre-
tary Alger, Adjutant General Corbin
and other leading military men gave
their views, it was finally decided to
send General SKATER a dispatch order
ing him to await the arrival of General
Miles before taking any further aggres-
sive action. Secretary Alger made a
strong plea for his friend, but President
Mckinley felt that the events of the
past week have made change in COM
manGers Indispensable.
Yesterday afternoon the army and
navy began bombardment OF Santa
go. The navy did little damage be-
cause it was impossible to get the shells
over the Notifications, but Skaters
men did considerable damage to the
ty. One of the shells struck church
heavily stored with ammunition, caus-
log an explosion.
1t is not believed in Washington that
any general attack on Santiago was
made yesterday. General Shafter
cabled early in the day that he intend
ed big movement, but nothing more
was heard from him later and it was in.
ferred in Washington that he was NOV
log the endorsements which have just
Joined him so as 10 surround Santiago
and completely cut off the chance OF
escape of the Spanish forces westward
from the city.
1t is stated in Washington that the
American army around Santiago will
in day or two comprise $4,000 men.
Shefter carried l6. 900 men ami has had
5000 killed, wounded or invaded.
Ten thousand reinforcements have been
sent him during the past ten days.
a Madrid dispatch to the London
Times states that Senior Sagasta, the
Spanish premier, rendered to the
Queen Regent his resignation, and that
OF the cabinet. He is represented to
have advised the Queen Regent to form
a new cabinet, largely consisting of the
military element, although it is de-
clared by the Times correspondent that
this would not necessarily mean the
adoption OF a warlike policy, but prob
ably the reverse. 1t is generally ex
pected that the designations will be &C
cep ed, but the result may be on ) q
partial reconstl uction Of the cabinet.
1t is asserted in Madrid that the
United States demands, as conditions
of peace, the possession of Cuba and
Porto REQ and port in the Canaries;
! the payment Of an indemnity OF $240,-
100000, and the retention of the Phil
ippines as guarantee of the payment Of
the indemnity. These terms, Mad
lid dispatch says, are impossible.
A dispatch from London says renew
ed rumors of preliminary steps towards
mediation by France come from Paris
1t is stated that the French foreign
minister has notified Count Castillo
that the French government is ready
ia tender the good Office OF lis ambas-
sador at Washington towards opening
negotiations for peace if the Madrid
government gives authority.
A dispatch from SIMPSONS feet says
that the naval board OF survey, OF
which Lieut.. Hobson is member, has
reported that Of the Spanish wrecks
only the Infanta Maria Teresa can be
saved and utilized. This was a sur
prise to naval authorities in Washing
ton, as it had been believed that the
Cristobal Colon was less damaged than
the others.
The landing of the Spanish sailors
brought from Santiago On the st. Louis
was begun yesterday at Portsmouth, N.
II. The officers, including Admiral
Cervera, will be taken to Annapolis
Wednesday or Thursday on the st.
Louis. Captain Cooper, superintendent
of the Naval Academy at Annapolis,
spent some time with Secretary Long
yesterday afternoon going over the
question of caring for the Spanish naval
prisoners, including Admiral Cervera,
who are to be quartered a. the academy.
A complete lstending was reached
by which the Spanish officers would re-
ceive every consideration consistent
with their rank,
By special request of Queen Victoria
herself, Mrs. Harriet Lane Johnston,
niece of President Buchanan, was pre-
sented at private audience at Wind
sor Castle yesterday. The Queen chat
ted cordially with Mrs. Johnston, re-
ierring gratefully to the kindly
reception given to the Prince of
Wales on his first visit to Washington,
when Mrs. Johnston, then Miss Lane,
did the honors of the White House for
her uncle. The Queen also allud-
ed "to this terrible war;" and ex-
pressed the hope that peace would soon
be restored. After the Queen had ex-
pressed hope that her visit TO England
would be pleasant one the interview
ended and Mrs. Johnston withdrew.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are
also to receive Mrs. Johnston.
Senior Du Bose, late secretary OF the
Spanish legation at Washington, and
Lieutenant Carranza, military atte2he,