The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-11
Yesterdays Developments.
-e fifty transports which w


err Cuba and Porto Rico are to
be conveyed by n formidable fleet
of sixteen war ships, of which the
Indiana is the most powerful. Ad-
miraI sampson has at least ten
battle ships and cruisers at and
near Santiago de Cuba, while Com
mOdOre Watson has twelve or
more vessels, including the mOni-
tors, engaged in blockade duty OF
Havana, Matanzas, Cardenas aHd
CienfuegOs. Counting transports,
dispatch boats, cOIliers and war
ships, big and little, of the regular
and auxiliary service, the govern
ment now has over one hundred
vessels in the waters about Flor
ida and Cuba. The War Depart
ment has issued n statement show
ing that fifty transports have been
chartered for use in the Cuban in
vasion.
Admiral Sampson has notified the
Navy Department that he has TAX
en- possession of the lower portion
of the bay of Guantanamo, one of
the most desirable seapOrts In the
now holds thirty-five miles of
coast east of Santiago de Cuba, and
has several landing places select
ed for the army of invasion. 1t Is
believed that as soon as the troops
are safely ashore combined
army and navy attack will be
made ON Santiago, and that if Adj
miraI Cervera does not surrender
his ships they will be sunk.
dispatch from Havana says the
seaport of Baiquiri, east of San
tiagO de Cuba, has been bombard-
ed by Admiral Sampson. The same
dispatch denies that another at
tack has been made On Santiago.
Santiago de Cuba is Defended by
about 10000 Spanish soldiers, and
a desperate battle is expected
when the Americans attempt TO
take the city. The latter will
have the support of about 5000
insurgents. who have been given
liberal supplies by SIMPSONS fleet.
Dispatches from Madrid and VII
emma indicate that Spain is still
seeking some means whereby she
can give up the fight without caus-
ing revolution at home. Conf
Dental inquiries have been ad-
dressed to the continental powers
with the view of securing their
intervention, but, so far, without
apparent success. Nothing is
known at Washington of rumored
peace negotiations. 1t is believed,
however, that Spain would be
willing to listen to any terms pro-
posed by the United States. The
situation at Madrid is extremely
critical.
Secretary Cages plan for dis
trfbuting the war bonds was ap-
proved at Fridays meeting of the
Cabinet. The President and his ad-
visers also discussed a system of
internal revenue taxation and GUS
toms tariff for the Philippines.
When the plan is perfected in
structiOns will be sent to General
Merritt, who will have charge of
it's enforcement. The report that
Spanish war vessels are lying an
wait for the troop ships from
Florida is not believed by the Cab
met, vet 1T was decided to take mo-
risks. The transports, 1T is said,
will be held at Key West until the
navy is ready to furnish an ade-
quate convoy. This statement is
not in accordance with other dis
patches, which intimate the army
Is already en- route to Cuba.
The Senate has adopted the con-
ference report on the war revenue
bill by a vote of 43 to ~. and the
measure now goes to the Presi-
dent. The internaI-revenue bu-
reau has already begun prepara-
tiOns for enforcing the law.
Members of the House in favor of
the annexation of Hawaii have se-
cured an agreement whereby the
Newlands resolution will be de-
bated from to-day until next
Wednesday at p. M, when a vote
Will he taken. The resolution
will probably pass. Senate annex
atiOnists will make a strong effort
to adopt the resolution before adj
jOurnment. The House has passed
the bill enabling volunteers to
vote for congressman at their
camps.
Charles +. Roe, of New York, and
Thomas l.. ROsser, of Virginia, to
be brigadier generals.