The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-28

just enough. to give the enemy a VIC
tory in the expected sea fight. and the
navy department win not take that
chance.
The secret service Of the department
has sent word that Spanish ships were
to sail 20 this side. and n Is thought
possible that the armada which left
Cadiz several days ago may be on the
way across the Atlantic. The fleet at
Cape Verde Islands viii also move I'm
order to obey the neutrality laws ~
Portugal. and that also may cross to
this side. Naval officers and govern
ment officials generally are anxious for
a chance TO test the merits Of the two
navies. They are confident OF a victory
for the American ships. and the sooner
the sea fight comes, the better IL will
please them.
With the LANCER from the Spanish
armadas removed or minimiZed. the
taking Of cuba would he q compare
lively easy matter. and the Eyes of
Americans are turne across the sea
for movement Of the enemy's feet. II
Is intimated I'm naval circles that plans
have been made for the union of the
squadron of Admiral Simpson n
Commodore Schley. II the Spanish
should attempt to mass their offensive"
power I'm the hope of catching either
one of the squadrons unawares. to he
~ ti' "
forcements.
IL is thought that ieet cruisers will
he sent out as scouts as soon as news
Is received of a movement of the ar
madas tn cross the Atlantic. n II Is
surmised that Is what the Columbia
and polls are doing now. The
tactics of the Spaniards are a mystery,
but II Is suspected they may make an
attempt to lombard some of the big
cities on the North Atlantic coast. II
is possible that is the mission OF the
Pelayo and her consorts. and II rs be-
lieved the American cruisers are scout
ing the ocean to intercept them. III
they should he discovered approaching
the United States. the scout would
| scud back to the nearest port and send
a message To the flying squadron.
The American navy Is thus tied up Ia
some extent until the enemy shows his
hand.
Preparations are going on for ne
movement of a force of regulars into
Cuba as soon as possible. II is ru-
mored that the force may he $4,000 in
stead of 5000. The object Is to estab-
Ijsh a base of operations. open commu-
nication with General Gomez and feed
as many of the reconcentrados as can
be reached.
The daring act Of Lieutenant John G.
Fremont and a party from the torpedo
/ DOat Porter III ldnuinE ulbti u suns
of Matanzas Sunday night was hailed
with much satisfaction. A report Is
current tina Lieutenant Fremont land
ed a pilot. who has conducted a number
of fIihustering expeditions, and that
this pilot was dispatched with mes
z to Gomez. II Is not probable the
American land force will engage in an
aggressive campaign against the span
iards for some time. 1t viii be
eoujpped. however, to withstand a siege
i'm case the blockade squadron should
be called away to meet the enemy's
feet, and To that end will doubtless
throw up breastworks or construct Tor
tifications of some sort.
An official high in the wal depart
men is authority for the statement
that the volunteers called for VIII pc
held in their state encampments lnden-
nitely To be organized and hardened.
A plan has been proposed TO gather
them in great camps at Washington
Richuond. Atlanta or Chickamauga,
but il was declared to-day that these
troops would not be moved TO such
camps for weeks.
The volunteers can De trained in
their own states as well as anywhere
else, il was explained. and thousands
of mothers and wives will be reviewed
of much anxiety. 1t is argued there Is
no need of making the service more
rying than tho situation demands
The J-n,ted states is on the defensive
and must await the action Of the
cnemy's fleets. because the American
navy has not a sufficient preponder-
ance of strength to warrant the aki
of chances IL was intimated IN the
same quarter that the volunteers
might not get a chance at Cuba until
after the rainy season.