Arizona republican., 1898-04-29
OFFICIAL NOTICE NOT RECEIVED.
At a Late Hour Ali Was Reported Quiet in the ViCinage of the
 Philippines.

Washington, April 2S.-The shelling of the Matanzas batteries was the topic of absorbing interest throughout naval and official circles generally to- day It was discussed on the basis of press reports from Key West. as the navy department received no informa- ton whatever on the subject. Secre- tary Long said at o'clock this after noon as he closed up his official work for the day that no report had been received from Admiral Sampson, nor was the navy department advised in any way of the bombardment.
 NOT A BOMBARDMENT.
 MT. Long added that he felt no dis position to keep from the public any news concerning such an important event as naval engagement or bat tie. While it was essential that fu- ture strategic moves should be guarded with the greatest care, yet he made it clear that this did not apply to events if they had actually occurred, for as to battles and their attendant casual ties, he recognized that the public was entitled to know what had oe- cured
 The secretary said that in the ab- sence of all information he was in clined to believe that the shelling was confined to the exchange of a few shots and did not assume the propor- tious of regular bombardment When. his attention was directed 10 reports that the shell1ng was the result of direct orders from the president. the secretary said that was not so. The president was giving no direct orders on any of these movements. The navy department has completely ceased it's purchase of ships for conversion into war vessels owing to the exhaustion of the $5O,O00,00O war fund. It is confidently expected that congress will come to the relief, as the depart ment is still in need of auxiliary ves- sels. ,-; :ea4
 THE SHENANDOAH SAFE.
 News of the safe arrival at Liverpool of the big American sailing ship Shenandoah was gladly received at the department Consul Boyle at Liver pool forwarded the information
 PORT ROYAL DRY DOCK.
 The Port Royal dry dock, according to official information, will be ac- cessible to our warships, even the biggest in the fleet, should they meet with accidents during the campaign The report from the constructor in charge shows that the entrance to the dock is now dredged and clear. The work of dragging the basin is still in progress and while this is not ab- solutely necessary, it is extremely de- sirable in order to insure the safety of ships in docking and the department is endeavoring to hasten the con- tractors in their work. They esti- mate that about fifteen days more will suffice to complete it.
 THE NEW EMPHASIZES.
 The board of bureau chiefs met to- day to begin the consideration of plans for three new battleships authorized by the naval appropriation bill, and progressed so far that circulars will be sent out tomorrow inviting bids from ship builders. The vessels Wlli be in the main very similar to the battleship Illinois now building at Newport News. They will be about 12,5OO tons displacement, 75 feet beam. 23h feet depth, 16 knots speed, will be covered by heavy armor and armed with 13 and 6-inch guns, in addition to numerous secondary batteries.
 It can be stated authoritatively that there is no prospect of a change in