New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-06
FLORIDA MAKES TROUBLE.
QUARANTINE OF NAVAL VESSELS FROM
CUBA PROPOSED.

ERATE ANY INTERFERENCE WITH lhh
WORK OF THE wREcKERs OR THE
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAINE
COURT-THE OLYMPIA NOT
, TO BE ORDERED HOME
! Washington. March 5.-There is a prospect OF
new and unwelcome development In the Maine
affair which in the end. may lead to con-
troversy between the Government OF the United
States ard the State Of Florida II the officials
Of the State indorse the stand taken by the local
officials at Key West. The latter have informed
Admiral Sicard that the first OF next month
they propose to enforce the State Quarantine law
against all craft arriving from Cuba as meas
ure OF precaution against the Introduction OF
yellow fever.
The notice indicates that the law VIII be ap-
piled to naval vessels and in view Of the serious
! Interruptions such interference with the free
movements Of his ships would cause, Admiral
Scard has reported the facts to the Navy De-
partment and awaits instructions. The Depart
ment officials cannot tolerate with equanlmity
the stoppage Of such craft as the Mangrove and
the Fern on their errands Of mercy nor delays
that may result in the interruption Of the work
Of the wreckers engaged on the Names hull and
the proceedings Of the Court OF Inquiry.
THE PRESIDENT LIKELY TO ACT.
The President himself probably will commun'-
cate with the Governor of Florida, with view
to securing an abatement Of the law 50 far as
it is proposed to apply It to naval vessels. this
being the speediest manner Of dealing with the
case II may be said however. that the Ma
tlonal Government has never recognized the
right Of any local authorities to stop its vessels
in case their movements were deemed necessary
The warships have voluntarily submitted to
quarantine when returning from any port sus-
pected Of Infection but this Is asserted to be
merely concession. and not the recognition OF
any right the part Of State authorities
In view Of the fat that the officers OF war
ships, with the aid OF capable surgeons on each
ship make it their pride to keep their craft In
the most healthful condition. naval officers feel
that they ma be safely left to run their ships
between Havana and Key West without restric-
ton. As an evidence Of the care exercised to
avoid carrying contagion. the officials point to
the fact that without any suggestion from the
health authorities OF Florida Admiral Sicard
caused the wounded survivors OF the Maine dis
nster to be detained for several days at Tortugas
before allowing them to go 70 Key West.
NO CHANGE IN RELIEF PLANS.
II is asserted positively at the state Depart
ment that there has been change in the plans
Nashville to Eastern Cuba ports with relief
supplies for the reconcentrados II had been
suggested that the offer Of a merchant steamer
from New-York 10 take some OF these goods TO
Cuba would relieve the naval vessels from the
performance Of This onerous task, but the
declaration from the State Department insures
the execution OF the original programme, ana
the ships named will sail for Matanzas ana
sagua la Grande as soon as the goods arrive al
Key West from New
Renorts received by the state Department
from these places show that terrible destitution
exists and the officers Of the Montgomery saw
for themselves on their recent visit TO Matanzas
the extent OF the misery. 1t Is said by some OF
the correspondents OF these officers that they all
returned penniless from their Cuban cruise
having been so moved by what they saw tha'
they gave away all Of their ready cash
THE OLYMPIA NOT COMING HOME.
II was decided this afternoon to abandon the
projected order to the flagship Olympia TO re-
turn to San Francisco from Hong Kong VIVID
out this fine ship the Asiatic squadron "odlo
no made IN Of gunboats and unprotected cruisers,
without any great degree OF defensive ana no or
fensive force against armored ships. The cruiser
Baltimore now at Honolulu. has been selected 10
take the powder to be brought to that polt by
the NIohican to Hong Kong for the vessels OF the
Asiatic SQUADRON Whether not the ship VIII
he attached to the squadron permanently mas
not yet been determined 49, -,
The torpedo-boat Winsow. which mas peen
under repairs at the Norfolk Navy Yard. sailed
to-day for Key West 10 join the fiotiila
NO STEPS TOWARD BUYING WARSHIPS.
The continued reports that Spain Is buying
new warships led to counter reports that the
naval authorities here were considering similar
purchases In no official quarter at the Navy
Denartment could this be confirmed, as steps
% tb,s character necessarily would be guarded
With the greatest There is little douot.
houe,er that the Department is informing IT
eelf fully ar TO the opportunities Tor purchases
ehouId the necessity for more ships arise Thus
far thare have been no negotiations TOT shps
and options asked on bnn sh,pIt,ed
~ Secretary Long by shpbuilding concerns In
This country and abroad. These have been
dockctei and filed, but beyond an acknowledge
roent of the offers steps toward purchase
have been taken. -.. -. Nam, ~
a.,raort would require authority from Con-
i,rces to purchase warships. There Is no law
which perrnits larger exercise or authority IN
times OF emergency than at other times II IS
,,rdarstood however. that the naval authorities
81 tbat such emergency measures as might be
rao,ired would have the subsequent approval of
Congress.
THE PURCHASE OF THE BEAR.
n. ecedent is cited as to the purchase Of a
r,yaI vessel In q time Of emergency without the
aseent OF Congress. While Secretary Chandler
ros a. The head OF the Navy Department In |
formation was received that the Greedy Arctic |
axned,tion WAS in a perilous condition and that |
relief was imperative without days delay. 1t !
is now a matter OF history that II the relief !
nartv had been twenty four hours later In reach !
INC Greely and his they would have sue /
nm7rhed "a starvation. None Of the naval ships |
~ tho time were available. The Bear was Of |
fered for sale however and Secretary chandler
closed the contract for its purchase saying at
tbe time that II Congress failed TO ratify the /
purchase and make the appropriation necessary
Tor the purchase price he would hold himself