The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-06-10

Reports of Mysterious Warships in Gu
ban Waters That May Threaten the
Transports, the Cause-Samnson
Should Be Able to Protect Them.
Washington. June 9.-It became appa-
rent this afternoon that the War De-
partment through the energetic efforts
of its censors, succeeded in its purpose
to keep the movements of the United
States troops secret for, beyond ques-
ton, at the close of the day it was inn
possible to say where the United States
troops are which have been for weeks
gathering under command of General
Shafter in Florida.
Stories of the appearance of mystic
rious warships in the Cuban waters
floated through the Navy Department
during the day. The officers quickly
condemned them, declaring that if the
boats We're Spanish they were nothing
more than small armed launches, and
not to be feared by any number of trans
ports conveyed by such fine gunboats as
the Helena and Bancroft. But, when
these stories reached the War Depart
ment, they were received with differ
ent spirit. Nothing is more helpless in
warfare than an unarmed troop trans
port full of soldiers She would fall an
easy victim to the smallest gunboat, and
the soldiers, knowing their weakness in
this respect, are 10th to undertake to
cross the Florida straits until these dis
agreeable visitors have been removed
from the pathway. Without respect to
the character of the strange craft that
are said to be lodging the blockaders
at Havana, they will be removed from
4 flaxne g,f -. 4
is understood that Sampson has been ac-
quainted with the situation and will be
expected to redeem his promise to pro-
vide safe conduct to the army when
called upon. He has ample force to con-
duet the operations at Santiago to n
successful issue and still spare vessels
of any power desirable for use in the
| Florida straits.
1t is pointed out to-day by n naval
officer that the admiral. since the arri.
val of the marine battalion on the Pan
| ther, has at his disposal what he may
regard as sufficient force of men to
/ capture Santiago. even before troops ar.
| rive. The marines on the Panther added
| to the marines already with the fleet
would make Il total of about 1500 men
| Without impairing the efficiency of his
HhiDS, <AhliiIdl EodUlpSOD cOulu spare
| 1000 bluejackets for landing party
| and with this total force of $500 men
I if the insurgents, who have been armed
| by the United States government dc
| their share, it seems possible for Samp
| son to capture Santiago at short notice
| There seemed to be very decided ali
| OF expectation this afternoon among
officials who are acquainted with thu
| governments plans in the campaign tina
| almost warranted conclusion that al
| engagement of some kind was expected
| to-day.
Steady progress is making upon tn,
| ships under construction by the govern
| ment at the several yards. as revealed
by the monthly reports from the various
| yards to Chief Constructor Hchborn
| On the battleships. the Newport New
| people are ahead. having the Kearsarg
aud Kentucky 80 per cent. advanced to
ward completion. and the Illinois 46 pc
| cent. Cramp & Sons. the Alabama, .
per cent along. and the Union lrol
works have progressed 3S per cent wit
the Wisconsin.
Ten torpedo boats are now actuall
under construction. and have been CON
pleted to the following extent:
The Rowan. 26 knOtter, building a
, Moran Bros, Seattle, 9S.5 per cent.
The Dahlgren. 30 knotter. building a
the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, Z
per cent.
The T. A. NJ. Craven, 80 knotter, Bat