davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
senators .sounded,, DIV MckinIex.

WASHINGTON, April 22.-It was learned
at the Capitol to-day that the President, in
conversation with senator's, asked them
what they thought of the proposition to
take the Hawaiian islands as well as the
Philippines, as a war measure. Those in
favor of annexation of Hawaii express the
hope that the San Francisco report is true
Members of the Senate committee on for
eign relations are generally without infor-
nations as TO the plans of the administra..
tion in Hawaii but some of them indorse
the idea Of securing the Pacific islands by
seizure at this time, in view of their stra-
tegic advantages. Senator Davis, of the for
eign relations committee, is among those
who hold this view He said to-day that he
considered that the United States would be
entirely justified in taking the islands in
case of war, as war measure. They
would said he, "be necessary for our own
defense and we would be justified in their
seizure at such a time TO prevent their fall
Ing into the hands of our enemies, to whom
they would be invaluable. What Is to pre-
vent SPANS sending a cruiser to Honolulu
and seizing the country, together with our
property interests there, including our coal
of which. understand we have a large
supply in the island. Furthermore, there
are In Hawaii many American citizens,
whose interests it is necessary we should
protect For these and other reasons
should indorse the taking possession Of the
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23

islands by the United States in time of war
with another country. into whose hands
they might fall We, of course, know that
the Hawaiian government is friendly to an
nexation, so that requirement by this
means would not be so violent a proceeding
as it might seem under other circum-
stances. 1t is held that in case possession
was acquired in this way. there would be
no necessity for confirmatory action by
Congress.
Inquiry at the Navy Department as to the
story that our government had arranged for
the seizure OF the Hawaiian islands and the
establishment of coaling station in Ha-
waii failed to secure any positive statement
on the subject. There is good authority for
believing that the story is exaggerated, and
that all that has been done is to provide for
the establishment of a coaling depot and its
adequate protection.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
The story Told by a Lake Worth
Fisherman, and 1t Is Probably
Pure Invention.
MANY SENSATIONAL REPORTS
RUMOR THAT THE CRUISER TOPEKA
HAS BEEN SUNK IN COLLISION.
Battle Ship Oregon Said to Be in Peril
Possibility that the Paris
May Be Chased.

JACKSONVILLE. Fla, April 22.-Accord-
ing to private dispatches received by the
Times-Union and Citizen, tonight, the first
naval battle of the war took place opposite
Boynton, about twenty-five miles south of
Palm Beach, at 10 o'clock this morning.
George Lyman. a reliable man, and several
others, who were fishing in Lake Worth,
which is separated from the ocean by a
narrow strip of land, heard heavy firing
and ran to the beach. They reported to the
railroad agent and postmaster at Lantana
that a United States monitor was chasing
and firing on a Spanish man-of-war or gun
boat conveying a coal or transport ship.
The Spaniard replied shot for shot All the
ships were travelling with bone in their
teeth" The men say they watched the bat
tie for an hour, or until only the smoke
from the tunnels was visible on the south
ern horizon, in which direction they were
travelling.
A special dispatch to the Times-Union and
Citizen from Lantana says: IAN eyewit-
ness has just arrived from Boynton and re-
ports supposed transport vessel, south
ward bound, guarded by man-of-war, pur-
sued by a monitor, keeping up heavy run
ming fire." This dispatch was dated at 10
a. m.
The Associated Press queried Jackson
vile, and the reply came they had used ev-
cry means to verify the story, and sent it
for what it is worth There is no verifica-
ton of the story in Mashinotnn
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
BATTLE SHIP OIENACED.
Spanish Torpedo Boat TemarariO
Probably After the Oregon.

Spanish Torpedo Boat Temara rio
Probably After the Oregon.
BUENOS AYRES. April %, 1920 p. m.--The
Spanish torpedo gunboat Temarario left
here to-day. 1t is believed she has gone to
attack the United States battle ship Oregon
and the United States gunboat Marietta
which left Valparaiso on Monday last for
Montevideo.
The Oregon and Marietta, at a rough esti-
mate, have about 5000 miles steaming be-
tween Valparaiso and Montevideo. The bat
tie ship will necessarily keep company with
the gunboat, and the latter is better able,
owing to the quicker manner in which she
can be handled, to successfully engage the
Spanish torpedo boat Temarario, which has
d speed of twenty knots, against the sixteen
knots speed (abouD credited to the Oregon.
The Marietta has speed of about twelve
knots. Therefore the Oregon should take
from twelve to thirteen days in making the
trip from Valparaiso to Montevideo. AS she
left Valparaiso on Monday last the Oregon
with her consort is now nearing Cape Horn
from the Pacific side.
NEW YORK, April 22.-Charles r. Flint
a cable from their agents in Buenos Ayres,
Eddy, Hall & Co., which says that the
Spanish torpedo gunboat Temerario was
preparing to go to sea. The message further
says it is reported that the Temerario is
short of ammunition and that she has been
trying to secure some at Buenos Ayres.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
TWO MORE PRIZES.
Spanish Mail Steamer Alfonso XII and
Another Vessel Captured,


Another Vessel Captured,
KEY WEST. April 23-2:2O a. m.-An In
coming tug reports that the New York has
captured Spanish passenger steamer, ply
ing between Havana and Porto Rico. The
torpedo fleet is coming in.
$3.50 a. NIT is believed here that the prize
captured by the flagship New York is the
Alfonso XII, the mail steamer due at Ha-
vana to-day CNot the war ship of that
name) The Spanish ship tried to run away,
but the New York gave chase, firing shot
after shot until the Spaniards hove to and
surrendered.
LONDON, April 2S.-The Daily Chronicle
publishes dispatch from Liverpool which
says a private cablegram received there re-
ports that the American fleet off Key West
has captured a British steamer, probably
the Gracia, flying the Spanish flag, which
cleared Pensacola April Is, and was bound
for Liverpool.
The Daily Chronicle also publishes ru-
NOR that the American liner Paris has all
ready been captured by Spanish war ships.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23

gustus Hemming, the governor of the col
ony, sent message to the Legislative
Council to-day asking an increase of militia
from 400 to 1000, and the arming of the mi
litia and constabulary with new small cali
bre rifles. In his communication he ex-
pressed the opinion that his recommended
ton was wise one because of the dis
turbances in neighboring states
A war ship. too far out TO allow its ma
tionality to be distinguished. passed the
town of Montego bay. on the north coast.
last night going west. There lis an uncon-
firTned report that three war ships passed
Port Antonio to-day. going east.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
Manila to BE Attacked.

LONDON, April 23.-The American squad
ron at Hong Kong, according to a special
dispatch from Shanghai, has sailed for
Manila, which it will attack The dispatch
says: "Three steamers recently purchased
by the United States government will fol-
low the feet with coal. The approaches to
Manila are mined. 1t is reported here that
the priests and the commercial classes in
the Philippines are in favor of a peaceful
surrender rather than to suffer a lombard
ment, but that the military are determined
to resist.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
THE FIRST CAPTURE.
How the Nashville Took the Spanish
steamer Buena Ventura.


steamer Buena Ventura.
KEY WEST. Fla. April 22.-When the
Spanish steamer Buena Ventura was towed
into port here to-day details Of her capturs
we're learned. The United States fleet
was about twelve miles off Sandy Key
light this morning at O'Clock when
the Spanish merchantmen was sight
cd bound north. The gunboat Nash
VILE ran her down and put shot across her
bows from the four-inch gun on the port
side aft. manned by Lieutenant Dillingham;.
The Spaniard ignored the shot, but another.
closer to her bows. brought her to. A prize
crew under Ensign T. 2. Magruder was pat
aboard. Captain Lucarraga, in command of
her, was astounded. He said no did ncS
know that war had been declared. but when
he was Informed of the state OF affairs he
shrugged his shoulders and accepted the
situation philosophically. The Nashville has
taken on stores and win return to the fleet.
carrying Ensign Magruders who viii be re-
lieved by Ensign Carlton, Of the Snow. A
body of marines is pacing the deck of Eha
Spaniard, and her crew OF twenty Ii
lounging about the decks in nonchalant
fashion, Not man is in irons. According
TO prize laws, Captain Maynard viii tlirn
the prisoners of war over to the United
States district attorney. who win decide the
question Of their disposition.
A reporter, describing the capture 81 ths
vessel. SANS. fsXKh hen fhn fleet was eh@rs
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
MAY INTERCEPT THE PARIS.
Madrid Government Notified of the
Steamship's Departure.

Steamships Departure.
SOUTHAMPTON, April 22.-The steamer
Paris, of the American line, chartered by
the United States government, sailed at 2:15
p. m. to-day for New York, though her
regular sailing day is Saturday. She had
on board $50 passengers and her cargo in
cluded quantity of guns and ammunition.
There was great enthusiasm among the
crowds on the dock and the band of the
Union Steamship Companys steamer
Britain played yankee Doodle" as the
Paris steamed seaward. The Paris passed
Hurst Castle at 1886 p. m.
LONDON, April 2S-The Liverpool corre-
spondent of the Daily Telegraph says: Sur
prise was expressed here to-day (Friday)
that the Paris should have sailed unes-
corted, especially as there were rumors in
the Mersey that Spanish war vessels were
waiting to intercept her off the south coast
of Ireland. Yet the passengers of the Paris
were assured of their perfect safety.
The Daily Mail says: 1.-The Spanish en-
bassy Immediately notified the Madrid gov
ernment of the departure of the Paris, and
it is believed that fast cruisers from Cadiz
and Corunna will try to intercept Ter"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
RUMoR FRoM HONOLULU.
United States Reported to Have Seized
Hawaiian Islands.

SAN FRANCISCO, Cal, April 22-Ad-
vices from Honolulu, under date of the 14th
inst, state that it is rumored Minister
SewaH and Admiral Miller will take formal
possession of the islands in the name of
the United States, as a coaling station, on
the 18th. 1t was impossible to confirm the
rumor when the steamer Rio Janeiro left
Honolulu
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
THE PROCLAMATION.

Text of the Notification that the
Blockade of Cuba Has Degun.
Associated Press Report.
WASHINGTON. April 22.-There were
two further important steps in Washington
towards actual hostiIities. not to mention
the overt act involved in the seizure of the
Spanish vessel Buena Ventura, off
Key West. and the rumored night
on the coast Of Florida. Tbe first
Continued On seeOnd PagI.l
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
RUMORED DISASTER.
The Cruiser Topeka Alleged 10 Have
Been Sunk in Collision.

Been Sunk in Collision.
LONDON, April 22.-The Daily Mail says
this morning that it is stated in Falmouth
shipping circles that the American cruiser
Topeka, formerly the Diogenes. which left
Falmouth on the evening of Tuesday, April
10, foundered in collision with the bark AL
batross at midnight on Tuesday. According
tross asserts that after the collision the
steamer. whose name he did not ascertain,
flashed light and suddenly disappeared.
He believes she foundered.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23

BREST, France, April l2.--The naval au-
thorities here have received orders that di-
rectly war is declared between Spain and
the United States. the French northern
squadron is TO be fitted out and the Atlantic
naval division be kept in constilnt proxim-
ity to the Antilles during hostilities.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23

Special 60 the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON. Al 22.-The Presidents
proclamation that he had directed a block
ade of the more important Cuban ports may
be said to be the first blow of the war. The
blockade was followed almost immediately
by the seizure Of lumber vessel carrying
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
Spanish ships to Be Intercepted.

NEW ORLEANS, April 22.-Orderc have
been issued to intercept and seize the Cata-
lima and Miguel Jovez the Spanish ships
which left here last night.
The Louisiana naval reserves will be put
into service tomorrow, part going to Mobile
and the main body to the mouth of the
river
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
ProbabIy on Cuban Coast.

KEY WEST, Fla, April %. 21O a. ni.-Is
is reported here that the United States feee
is lined up off the Cuban coast for
bIookada
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23

sT. JOHNS. n. f.. April 22-s;hips whici
have just arrived here. report havins
Evening star., 1898-11-07

gas jet in the room, causing an explosion
of the meter. The Washington Gas Light
Company, on the contrary, insists that the
fire started among old books in the sub
basement. Mr.. John Leech, general man.
ager. and Mr.. w. F. Hart, general in
spector. both assert positively that the ex-
piosion was not caused by gas. Mr.. Hart.
who has charge of that branch Of work at
the Capitol. stated that but little gas has
been used in the building OF late, and the
connections from the meter had been cuc
off. They say 1t is wholly impossible for
the meter to explode.
Southwest Of the pump room is dark
little .rotunda. fitted with white pine
shelves and holding several thousand du-
plicate volumes belonging to the law IL
.brary. To the south of the room, separated
by the great wall of brick and cement, is
the crypt in which it proposed TO
place the remains of George Washington.
On the basement floor. over the pump room.
and extending to the north, is the Law Lii
brary of Congress. To the west is the con-
ference chamber. Above these rooms, filled
with books, are the marshars office and the
Supreme Court room. On the gallery floor
is the Senate document ROOM
The explosion shook the immense struc-
ture to Its foundations. and was heard sew
eral blocks away. Bicycle Policemen Aus
tin and Mason, at the corner of I'd and c
Evening star., 1898-11-07

wholly to the ante-room and one alcove.
except. perhaps, the carpet, which has
been damaged by the water from the hes,
pipes that We're pulled through the ndcw
and across the floor.
Il want to say that the fi>smen handlfd
their work in an admirable way and saved
from ruin by water $4,000 volumes on he
various alcoves around
Mr. Young was equally pleased with the
very slight loss suffered, and warmly COM
mended the intelligence and zeal of the fire.
men.
Only b,ackened timbers and soot-coyered
walls bore evidence that an elevator had
ever run from near the law library door 10
the Supreme Court above. The upheayal
of the floor under the elevator gave the
outlet seeking flames a chance 10 crawl
upward, and they did it with yengefuI
alGcrity and complete destruction in the
chambers above
In the corridor running north and south
the tile floor that crossed the small rotun-
da or air shaft was literally blown out on
the north side of the liars. The moke and
heat from below spread all over the CELL
ing. backing and cracking it.
File Room Gutted.
On the west side of this corridor the file
room of the Supreme Court has been gutted.
Evening star., 1898-11-07
WRECK AND RUIN
the National Capitol Building Dam
aged by an Explosion.
GREAT Loss FROM FIRE AND WATER
Leaking Gas Meter Said to Have
Been the Cause.
SCEN ES AND INC CID E n T S

Once again the Capitol building has with
stood the attack of fire supplemented by
explosions within its walls. Never before
was the great pile in the extreme danger
from flames that confronted it last night,
and but for the quick. effective and heroic
work of the fire department. aided by the
Capitol and city police, the damage would
have been very much greater than 1t was
found to be in the clear light of day.
The damage to the building Itself Will
be covered ty an expenditure of S2o,0D,
end possibly s75.00O more will compensate
for the loss of fixtures and furnishings in
the fiame-charred. water-soaked chambers.
What will be the money loss upon records
and manuscripts cannot be estimated at
this time by those in position to know.
From the outside of the Capitol building
but few evidences of the havoc of the ex.
plosions and flames were apparent. Early
this morning the main stairway and the
space in fron1 of the west side of the north
end of the main structure were roped of
and guarded by Capitol policemen. Within
this space was pile of charred and wet
papers, comprising records pamphlets and
other documents wheeled out there from
the interior of the building. Nearly ali the
paneS of glass in the windows of the law
library were missing. but the broken glass
scattered all over the Tagging of the pave
E1ent told what Lad become of them.
GlanCing upward the eye was caught by
the open and blackeped windows of the At
torney Generals and Supreme Court mar
Evening star., 1898-11-07

with bawdry signs among its fine arts. OF
Take the elevator to the restaurant
TIL an elevator was opened a few years
ago for the large men of the Supreme
Court, no shaft existed for fame 10 be
famed there.
The consulter Of newspaper files till of
late was left alone by gas which he might
blow. out or half turn off in the crypt of
the more ancient Capitol, supervision
being apparent there, and the fire of Sun
day occurred when the numerous Capitol
police had nothing to do but firemen's 5
watching. yet none of them were near
enough to the leak of gas to be hurt by the
explosion. The office of architect of the
Capitol still exists, but the precious court
records and some of the law library are
perhaps more.
The frequency OF fires in court houses
state cGpitols and public buildings is dis
grace to our carpentry and care. Hardly
county in Maryland has its early records
left, almost every court house having gone
up in flame.
The decay of literary pride would seem
TO be partly the cause. In those buildings
are the social, criminal and property his
tory OF the American race.
L hope this last fire in the Capitol will
result in some discovery CT responsibility
such as would be punished upon a naval
vessel by more than a verbal reproof
Thou shalt rot let burn ought to be a
commandment.
L dtso suggest that Congress build in the
open grounds of the east square a low
one-storied pavilion restaurant for the en-
ployes of ali the surrounding public build
ings, and drive the scullions unlicensed
hqaor sellers and luncheon population out
of the national tempe so that the opposite
ness OF the phrase. the belly and the mem
bers, will be unperceived.
November Z, 1898. G. A. TOWNSEND.
Evening star., 1898-11-07
and cleaned before he can state what is
missing or destroyed.
In the Basement,


In the Basement
Down in the basement among the broken
wires ard threatening walls Star reporter
went today, guarded by William Taleafer-
ro, the assistant who has charge of the
heating, lighting and ventilating of the
Supreme Court and the offices connected
with it. He showed first the great fur
race. hot with fire, which heats the rooms
above.
It's all right, you see." said he,
and it disposes of the theory that hte fire
originated here
The chamber containing the engine and
air fan for the court were next visited and
both were found to have been stopped by
the exploding gas that filled the room The
door leading to the west front was blown
out and knocked off several layers of brick
from a veneer wall built against the main
wall. 1t extends upward six or eight feet.
and the breaking of it, together with
slight bulge in it, gave rise to the report
that the main wall had been affected
Passing into the dark passage leading to
this room from the gas meter chamber the
party was halted by the piles of bricks and
tagging from the broken floors above Af-
ter going about 100 feet further the pass
age was choked and obstructed.
Gas Meter Chamber.
Returning to the light the reporter and
Mr.. Taliaferro then sought entrance to the
gas meter chamber through a passage lead
Evening star., 1898-11-07

SoA'HS AAAASSsS a. DibtAAcc "a %OV It ecu.
call, which brought all the Capitol police
men to him. They made their way over
the masses OF stone and brick toward the
pump room in the sub basement of the east
front of the north end of the '..old' or main
building, from which came the explosion
rms chamber is formed by a brick arch,
when is part of the foundation of the Capt.
tol. 1t runs north and south, and is about
twenty-five feet long. The north end is
closed by heavy walt of masonry and
massive doors bar the south end
IN IL were steam pump and 500
light gas meter. The forrnerdwas used to
send water into the hydraulic elevator,
which runs from the basement to the first
floor and is used principally BY the justices
OF the supreme Court. II was built about
four years ago for the convenience of JUS
t1ce Field, who was lame The pump was
last in use last Friday afternoon when the
court was in session. The meter is con-
nected with 4-nch main and had been
used to measure the gas burned in the
odd building, but officials of the gas COM
pany assert that it had not been used since
the installation of the electric lighting
plant, and that the gas consumed in this
part of the building passed through the
meter IN the Senate wing,
Several Theories Advanced.
There are several theories of the origin
of the fire. The Capitol employees assert
that after careful investigation they
have found that it was due to an accumu-
lation of gas being fgnited by a burning
Evening star., 1898-11-07
CONDENSED LOCALS.

George T. Collins, twenty-one years old
living at 1O15 oath street northwest, fell
from his bicycle near Pennsylvania avenue
and 18th street Saturday and cut his
head The accident resulted from his at
tempt to make a shert turn to get out of
the way of wagon. He went to the Emer-
gency Hospital and had the wound dressed.
Edward Carter, colored, fifteen years old,
drank some carbolic acid Saturday and
had to be sent to the Emergency Hospital
for treatment He was at his home No.
13O I'd street southwest, at the time. He
uaistook the acid for a more palatable bev-
erage.