davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
THINKS GEN. LEE MISTAKEN.
A Naval Man Expresses His Vows Con
corning Torpedoes.


William T. Meredith writes a letter to
the New York Evening Post asserting
that Consul General Lees theory, in his
testimony before the Senate committee,
that the mine which started the explosion
OF he Maine was Necessarily of compli-
Gated construction. and could have been
nothing else than the work or an officer
OF the army, will not bear the test OF ex-
perience.
Every American has heard OF the sink
ing OF the Tecumseh at the battle OF
Mobile Bay, says Mr.. Meredith. The
vessel went down in five minutes, her
bottom blown out, carrying with her tho
gallant Craven and all his men, save
seven. / was on the Hartford at the
battle OF Mobile Bay. Before joining
her | had been in the South Atlantic
b~lockading squadron. One night. on
picket duty in a boat we discovered a
line Of torpedoes just planted near Fort
Pulaski. We discovered them because
one cylinder a been pushed by the
tide into shallow water and lay exposed.
We stole up and examined them. They
were OF the simplest construction-an
iron cylinder containing the explosive.
into which led a small iron tube. This
tube was filed with illuminate OF mer-
SNAS 'Adihi4di ~ every one III gun cart
ridges. Through the illuminate ran a
rough wire. which was led out and light
~ soldered TO the side Of the cylinder,
and was then fastened 10 the chain that
held the line OF torpedoes In a row.
The top OF the firing tube was made i'm
pervious 10 water by ~stuffing It with
putty and lard. A vessel striking the
chain would wrench loose the soldered
wire and drag IL through the illuminate
In the tube. ana an explosion would en-
sue. | was young and foolish enough
10 tie a lead line 10 the wire. and. pull
ing of. We scared the Confederate fort.
and almost lost our lives by a jerk OF
the line that produced an explosion.
Now. this was exactly the same tor
pedo that sank the Tecumseh al Mobile
Bay. After the battle there we fished
up the line OF ~toppedoes. one OF which
had sunk The Tecumseh. They were OF
the same construction as the one / had
fired before. The explosive was a bar
rel of plain black gunpowder; the firing
gear was a wire and illuminate. Any
man could rave fired one 800 feet away
by jerking a wire. ANY intelligent gun
smith could make one OF these torpedoes
ia a day. A large boat selling fruit on
the port side OF the Maine. or carrying
a message to her. could have towed such
a cylinder Beneath the water, cut II
loose and led the firing wire skillfully
away as the boat departed. Such a tor
pedo sank tho Tecumseh ia five minutes
with more complete destruction OF life
than followed the blowing up OF the
Maine.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
The Shin's Rudder.

The rudder of a wooden ship is compos-
ed Of tho stalk and the backing. which
are 50 Joined together as TO form In effect
a single piece. The complete rudder IL
coppered. 10 protect IL from worms. and
then. besides being practically all in one
piece. II has that appearance also.
The stalk Is the part 10 which are attach
ed the pintles. or pivots. by which tbs
rudder Il suspended and held IN place.
these going through eyes set In the ship
sternpoSt. The stalk runs UP through tbs
stern OF the ship. and 70 its head Is bclted
a cap TO which are attached 10 the ropes
by means OF which the rudder 10 con
trolled. The backing is the blade part OF
the rudder.
BY far the greater strain comes on the
stalk. and the greatest strain OF all comes
on the head OF the stalk-ths rudder head
where II is held. The stalk is made OF
the wood most likely 10 stand the strain.
carefully selected sound. well-seasoned
oak, while the backing is maze Of spruce
or hard pine. The stalk Is OF
a single. solid. massive piece, stou. as an
oak tree. and indeed Of the dimensions
of a small o~ak-something that a man
can PIN his faith 20. II ne can have faith
In any wood-while the backing or blade
Is. like many modern wooden masts. built
up. IL would be diilcuit, IL NOT impos-
sIble. 10 lind trees that would yield planks
big enough FOR bhe purpose IN a single
piece. and the built mp backing. made OF
pieces 81 selected wood. can easily bo
made o. ample strength to withstand
any strain tina, Will be brought upon
Il.
As 20 the stalk. stout and solid as the
oak may be. the head nay be twisted by
the force OF a tremendous blow from =
wave upon the rudder, or. under the re-
peated strains OF long use. the head may
split. and so make the stalk useless. Then
the rudder Is taken out and fitted with
a new stalk. A suitable stick IS selected
and worked down 20 the proper size and
form. and very probably the old back
ing Is attached 10 II. The life OF a rudder
stalk would probably be twelve 10 four
teen years. The backing might last as
long as the snip.-New York sun.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
AT PORTO RICO.
Under Martial Law-Dcfences Being
Rapidly Erected.

Rapidly Erected.
ST. THOMAS. WEST INDIES April 2S.
Porto Rican adyices to-day say that four
four Spanish gunboats are at San Juan
De Porto Rico.
Martial law has been proclaimed So
Porto Rico and IS being sternly enforced.
Crowds Of people are leaving Tor the in
terror ana the capital i amos deserted
by civilians. The military authorities are
most actively engaged in preparing FOR
The defence OF the ISLAND %torpedOes have
been planted in the main chaune-. An Old
steamship has been SUNK across the hdr-
Dor entrance. the buOys in The C%hanne!
have been altered and all lights ordered
20 be e~Xtiuguished at night.
The French residents are seeking refuge
on board the French cruiser Admiral
Rigault de Genouillv.
An American sugar estate. u rs an
nOunced was plunder"n after the receipt
Of the news Of the declaration ot war be-
tween Spain and the United states.
The British Consul at san Juan viii
have charge OF American interests. He
has cabled 90 his government requesting
that a British warship be sent 10 that
port.
Danger IS apprehended from the incom-
petent and youthful volunteers az the
fortress.
The warehouses AZ Porto Rico are re-
ported 10 be full o. provisions and the
Spanish authorities gay they can -t8uu
q seigc Of two months.
No United states "arships are known
TO be in the vicinity OF Porto Rico.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
THE DEBATE ENDED.
The House VIII Vote This Afternoon
on The Revenue Bill

WASHINGTON. AIril 2>-The general
debate on the war revenue bin closed to-
night after eight and one half hours of
experimenting. The debate to-day lack
cd both spirit and interest. There was
little discussion of the Internal revenue
features OF tine bin.
The Democrats continued their as
saults on the bond feature ana their adj
yocacy OF the income tax
The latter was ridiculed as q substi-
tute proposition Ly the Republicans. The
authority 90 borrow money was desig-
mated by their bill as absolutely neces-
sary. There IS @ difference OF opinion on
the Democratic side as 90 whether the
bill can DE voted for upon its final pas
sage after tine minority amendments are
voted down.
a number of Democrats. led by Mr..
Mcclellan. OF New York. nave announced
their purpose of SO voting. but the ma
jOritv of Democrats believe they could
not justify q vote for "a bOud issue.
An effort IS being made toayoid an aye
and nay vote ON The final passage to pre-
vent am exhibition of this division. and
Tonight it seems probable that IL will be
successful. There may be some diff
Guilty about the committee amendments
decided upon to-day as. under the order.
the homo features of the bill must first
be taken up under the hve-minutc rule
tomorrow.
d. the amendments 10 these sections
should exhaust the time before { o'clock
the committee amendments would be
ruled ont and would have 90 hc inserted.
The most notable speeches to-day were
delivered by Messrs. Payne rep. OF New
York;. Dalzell Rcp.of PENNSYLVANIA.
Mcclellan Dem. Of New York;. McNiil-
Ian Dem. ~ Tennessee, Henderson (Rep.
Of Iowa.. and Rhea Dem. Of Kentucky.
At 1920 2. VI the House recessed until
n o'clock tomorrow morning.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
OFF FOR TAMPA,
Troops aud Supplies Being Hurried to
the Rendezvous.

Troops ana supplies bcFn@ huIIi'h ""
the Rendezvous.
MOBILE. ALA, April 2S.-A train NOV
Cd out from the camp rear Mof7lc this
morning FOR Tampa. via. the Louisville
ana Nashville railroad carrying quarter
master's supplies fifteen escort wagons.
twenty-one ambulance. seventy-nve
mules. with harness for all and h~ost.ers,
teamsters. due 10 arrive b. Tampa. May
Bird. II Is reported mere that this Is the
nrst Of a movement thar viii concentrate
all troops now here % Tampa, and also
those at New Orleans. so as 20 form with
tine troops at Tampa, a force Of eight
thousand 10 be the advance guard OF tho
army OF occupation of Cuba. plans II
landing I'm Cuba to be selected by the
commander of the feet after observa-
ton. The Tenth and Twenty-second In
fantry regiments received orders this ar
ternoon 10 leave for Tampa tomorrow
at noon. Colonel Parsons, of the Tenth,
has been ordered 90 Join the Fifth Regi-
ment which Is al Tampa
GETTING READY.
Routine i'm camp was varied this morn
ing by practice in charging. The brigades
iCircd in "a grand charge. beginning al the
eaestcrn end of the parade grounds and
going into the woods with a rush. cross
ing the railroad tracks surrounding the
quartcrmastcr's quarters, and ftnisning at
The old breastworks erected here by Gem
cral Dabuey Maury. toward the close of
the last war.
General Coppinger received to-day a
letter OF thanks from the Confederate
veterans for his courtesy in attending
the memorial services Thursday at the
Confederate burial GROUNDS. and replied
In fitting and patriotic words, greatly de-
lighting the veterans.
LOUISIANA'S TROOPS.
NEW ORLEANS. April 2S--The three
regiments Of infantry here Will probably
leave for Tampa under rush orders. TIE
First Regiment will leave IN the morn
ing.
Paymaster z. ". IIalford arrived here
TODAY.
Governor Foster tonight called out the
National Guar Battslions who have VOL
unteered and they will probably be mo-
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
LACK OF COAL.
Spain Says That Does Not Dcfain Her
Fleet NJ Cape Verde.

Fleet ut Cape Verde.
LONDON. April 29-The mystery re-
garding the movements Of the Spanish
man of war is stul unexplained. The sec
retaries at tho Spanish Embassy inter
viewed on the subject ridicule the state
meut that the squadron Nc Cape Verde
IS delayed by lack Of coal.
According TO advices via Bayonne the
battleship PelayO. fully equipped. has
gone TO Cadiz. Reports that she has
been cruising In the company of other
vessels probably means that she has
been trying her boilers.
IL is believed the squadron at Cape
Verde Islands has really been waiting for
the arrival Of the Pelayo and the Alfonso
XIII. and other men OF war. but now
that Portugal has declared neutrality.
the fleet will be compelled 20 sail with
out delay whether reinforced or not.
The continued rise OF wheat causes un-
easiness. the price now being higher
than at any time during the last twenty
years.
A meeting OF protectioEiSts in London
yesterday again agitated in favor of a
government reserve OF wheat in England.
owing 10 the arrest Of some English
men iu cuba as Americans spies and
their W-treatment representations have
been made 10 the Foreign Office and nc
gotiatious have been opened for taking
off British subjects by English men of
war.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
LATEST BULLETINS.
information Of Progress of War in
Brief Form.

PORT AU PRINCE, HAYTI, April b.
The Haytian Government to-day officially
informed the United states Minister, Mr..
w. f.. Powell, in response 30 his de-
mando on the government, that Hayti will
fulhll the treaty with the United states
in regard to priyateering, etc, during the
war between Spain and the United states
CANNOT GET COAL.
ST. JOHNS. y. r.. April 2s.-The British
cruisers, Cordelia and Pelican, have been
ordered to New Foundland waters 10 cope
with any emergency that might arise IL
Spanish warships visited this coast tor
coal.
WATCHING THE STRAITS.
GIBRALTAR. April 2s.-S p. M.-Three
Spanish torpedo boats are constantly
cruising between Algeclras Bay, near
here. and Getares Bay. at the entrance
OF the Bay Of Gibraltar.
MINNEAPOLIS AND COLUMBIA.
MACHIAS. Me-, April 2S.-The United
States cruiser Minneapolis from East
port bound west. is now at anchor on
Salt Island in Machias Bay.
PROVINCETOWN. MASS, April %
The United states cruiser Columbia an
chored outside Long Point at 3:40 Z. NJ.
THE SACO SAFE.
KEY WEST. April 2S.-The missing
captured Spanish schooner Saco. with a
prize crew from the Terror, has been
sighted. She had been blown out OF her
course. All on board are safe. Much
relief is felt here.
SPANISH NAIL FOR CUBA.
MADRID. April 2~9.-Captains OF the
CamDania transatlantic Steamship Lane
undertake 10 carry mails 10 Cuba, deciar-
ing they are certain the blockade can be
forced.
THE TEMERARIO SAILS.
BUENOS AYRES. April 2S.-The Span
ish torpedo boat Temerario sailed yester-
dav under secret instructions.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
RULES FOR CAMP LIFE.
Surgeon General Stcrnbcrg Issues a
Circular of Medical Instructions.

4H-H " 80 ANEh ~ "NNNE
Anticipating tho service the army will
he called upon to perform iu Cuba. Sur
ceo0 General Geo. 81. St.-nbcrg. of the
army. has issued 81 circular of instruction
70 medical officers. giving directions for
obtaining the highest sanitary conditions
in camp life The CIRCULAR contains these
recommendation
When practicable camps should be es-
tsbished on high and well-drained ground
not previously occupied
Camps should De changed 10 fresh
ground every ton DAYS or %oftener.
Sinks should be dug before a camp is
occupied or as soon after as practicable.
Tho surface OF focal matter should be
covered with fresh earth OF quick lime
o- ashes three lines "a day.
New sinks should be dug and old ones
Sled when contents ~ old ones are two
feet from surface Of ground.
Every man should be punished who
fails to make use OF the sinks.
All kitchen refuse should be promptly
buried and perfect sanitary police main-
tanned
Troops should drink only boiled or fill
tered water and cofee or tea (hot or
co'd) except whore spring water can be
obtained which is pronounced to De
wholesome boy "a medical officer.
Whenever "a case Of yellow fever oc-
D.Is lu camp tIr troops should Doe prompt
Ir moved lo fresh camping ground 10.
Gated d mile or moqe from the infected
camp.
r. n can Boz avoided marches should not
De made iu the hottest part or the day,
from 80 s.. 81. 10 2 =. N.
When called upon Cor duty at night or
early IN The morning a cup of hot coffee
should bc taken.
It is unsafe 90 oat heartily or drink
freely when greatly f~atigued or over
heated. Rire fruit may be eaten I'm mod
Grafton but green or ovcrripc fruit VIII
~iv. tlso 10 boWc Z complaint. Food
should hc fhoriiy cooked and free from
concentration or putrefactive changes.
In decidedly mslarious localities from
t,r.. 10 i've grains Of quinine may he
faken In The early morning as q pro-
rhylactic. but The taking Of quinine as q
routine practice should only De recon-
msndsd under exceptional circumstances.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
TOBACCO INTERESTS.
important Amendments To the War
Revenue Bill.

WASHINGTON, April 2S.-The Repub-
llcan members OF tls Ways and Means
Committee held a meekng to-day at which
five amendments TO the war revenue Dill
were agreed to. These will be offered IN
the House tomorrow. Many of them are
mere verbal amendments, but there were
some Of considerable importance.
The license Of dealers in leaf tobacco
Is reduced from S2i to sl2 where sales do
not exceed $1,000 per annum.
The most important amendment was
one which leyies a tax OF one cent upon
AN pay telephone messages costing be-
low twenty-five cents. The original pro-
vision exempted messages for a distance
below thirty miles.
Mr.. TaNney. OF Minnesota, estimates
that this amendment. which will cover
all city and suburban business. Will raise
5000 900.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
AUSTRIA'S SYMPATHY.
The Emperor Aiding Spain With a
Gift Of MOneN.

LONDON. April 29-The Vienna corre-
spondent of the Morning Post says: EN-
peror Francis Joseph privately contributed
f2OuuO tSlOD.OUU TO the national naval
subscription ion Spain. and has further
shown his sympathy by permitting a num-
Der of Austro-Hungariau officers to serve
under TIT Spanish flag.
The Archduke Eugene has gone TO
Madrid 20 stay with the Queen Regent
during this critical period.
Austria maintains the strictest neu-
trality. but ] am informed from the best
source that i'm the event OF a revolution
I'm Madrid the Austrian forces viii be at
the disposal of the Queen Regent. The
Emperor IS determined th8t her Majesty
shall have the benefit OF his fullest pro-
lection f
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
ATKINSON VOLUNTEERS.
Georela's Governor willing TO Fight
spain as a Private.

ATLANTA. GA, April @.-IoVernor
". Y. Atkinson to-day rendered Presi-
de,t MCKINLEY. through the Georgia
delegation in Congress. his services as a
volunteer. The delegation will ask that
he be made a brigadier general. II the
appointment IL made Governor Atkinson
viii resign as Governor OF Georgia
The Governor also issued a proclams-
ton calling for volunteers 10 furnish the
necessary quota asked Tor in the recent
call OF the President.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
PORTUGAL NEUTRAL.
4 Decree VIII BE Published to That
EhcCt TO-DaY

LISBON. April 2s.-The Official Gazette
will publish tomorrow a decree declar-
ing the neutrality OF Portugal in the con-
hict between Spain and the United States.
The terms OF the decree will be similar
To- those used ON the occasion OF the Gov
enment's neutrality proclamation al the
outbreak az the FruncO-Prussian war.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL.
Conlerccs Agree on tho senate In
crease for Vessels.

tift>f lbi NcS-ci-.
WASHINGTON. April 2S.-rhe confcrons
OF the two Houses reached an agreement
on the naval appropriation bin before adj
jcurniHg Tonight. All the Senate In
oreases Do The way OF monitors and tor
! edo boat were adopted.
These increases include four monitors
At N.250,0oo and sixteen. instead OF twelve.
torpedo boat destroyets. All tie other
important additions made hy the Senate
are retained.
The language in regard TO the enlis.
ment Of seamen Was changed so as 10
provide for 1000 more marines.
y provision was inserted. giving the
Secretary OF the Navy authority TO en-
list volunteers up 10 the rank OF COM
mlnder. This was done so that the De-
par,ment could avail itself Of the SER
Vices OF officers OF the American liners
chartered by the government.
The conference will be reported to-mor-
row
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29

bilIzed here by Saturday to the fun quota
asked by the president.
Colonel stephens viii command the
FIRST Regiment and Colonel r.. Il. Wood,
OF the Fourth Battalion. this city. the
Second. They VIII go into camp az the
race track with she regulars. II any OF
the latter are left.
PLACES OF MOBILIZATION.
WASHINGTON. April st Is now
said that the War Departmeh' DhhT,als
Hfl avail themselves OF the iaclltles
offered by the cities OF Nashville, Atlanta
and CHATTANOOGA for concentrating some
OF the troops OF the volunteer army
Washington and Richmond are also
places at which these troops VII De ON
centrated. The probability is that other
cities In the South will also pe selected
fT this purpose. hut it is not likely mat
WY steps I'm the direction 81 moo!,lZdtlon
vii he taken for some weeks az tht ear
Hest. and II may b. delayed beyond that
LEAVE FOR TIE SOUTH
CHICKAMAUGA NATIONAL PARK.
GA. April 2S-The Ninth cavalry, the
Twenty-fourth Infantry ana the First
Regiment Batteries OF Artillery. now
camped at Chickamauga. Will leave for
the south as soon as they can 9e lodu'd
on the cars which are IN readiness Tor
them. BY tomorrow night ~ IS thought
all Of the trains VIII be or Their way 10
Tampa. Chickamauga Park - now one
vast recruiting camp. me wa bepalt-
camp up TO It's maximum strength receive
ed by General Brooke TO-DAY VIII a. far
as possible be carried into effect a. once.
Judging from the number OF Applications
already received it is believed hat the
different regiments an this point will soon
be placed on a war footing. The SIX
teenth Infantry from Washington and
Idaho. arrived at ChicSamauga to-day.
General orders were issued to-day form
ing the artillery in "a brigade into two
battsliOns 10 be commanded BY lAeuten-
ant-Colonel Randolph of the Third ar
tiilcry.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
THE SPANISH FL0TILLA.
still nc Cape Verde, Bat May Possibly
Sail To-day.

ST. VINCENT. CAPE VERDE ISL
ANDS. April &.-2:2S z. M.-Although
the Spanish squadron is still at anchor
here. IL is believed the warships will
probably sail tomorrow as the pay
masters have been settling Up accounts
to-day.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29

msnd of 'hc proyis. nal brigade consti-
under paragraph Z Of this order.
y retain this command until the appoint
r-cnt ~ 90 permanent commander is made.
!. Surgeons and assistant surgeons Of
ine three regiments Will hold themselves
iu readiness no report in this city for med
zeal examination. as soon as ordered by
telegraph.
D. lu order 10 facilitate the o%rganiza-
ton and mobilization company command
ers or the companies herein designated
viii communicate direct with Brlgadier-
General William Male. ~Adiutant-Gen-
erals office. Richmond. Va. Prompt
and frequent reports as 10 condition are
expected.
T.. rnt order for mobilization will not
be- issued until necessary camp %equippage
has been obtained and arrangements made
for quartering and subsisting the men.
II possible. Information will be given at
least three days IN advance % tho date
fixed upon for assembling I'm Richmond.
WAich will probably not be earlier than
May 10Th.
THE INSTRUCTIONS.
: The following instructions from the
War Department are published for the
Information and guidance Of an concern
ed, and will De strictly observed and fol-
The term Of service will be for
two years. unless sooner discharged. sss
Ihc rendezvous from your State will
be Richmond. where your quota will be
" 'H- 90 NH"H-H-A M NNN july
service and pay OF the United States. The
mastering officer Will De instructed to
receive no man. under the rank of COM
missiOnrC officer. who is in years over
a. or under II. or who H. not in physical
strength and VgOr. Some exceptions may
DE admissible Tor average in commits
stoned officers. who are otherwise well
qualified. but in this the mastering officer
must exercise a sound and rigid judy
ment. Bands may be organized
from the strength. as in the regular
army-viz. see paragraph 2lj. Army Reg
u%lations. 1885 o. o.
Infantry:
Company captain. first lieutenant. ]
second Lieutenant. / first sergeant. l
c easter ser~nrut. : sergeants. l.
corpor1ls. . musicians. / artihcer. 1
WAGNER. % priVdtcs (maXimumJ. - pri-
Yates minimum
Regiment colonel. I Lieutenant col
Onel. . majors. I aoiutaut ieXtra lieuteu-
anti. ] uudrtermIster extra l~ieutenanD.
/ surgeon. p assistant surgeons. 1 chaplain
J sergeant major. I quartermaster scr
geaut. ] chief musician. . principal mu-
sici %. 3 hospital stewards.
s. Each company named I'm paragraph
] Of this order will be equipped as far as
the stores in the and OF the company
regimAntdl or battalion commanders Will
p rmir. and all seryiceable articles OF
ordnance and q"uartermaster's stores suit
able for field use Will be brought to Rich
moud.
O. Companies will De recruited 10 the
maximum. so that they will not be Pc
tuced below the minimum by reflections
on account or physical defects.
BY order Or the Governor and Com
mdndcr-iu-Chief w. NALLE.
Adiutaut-General.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-29
0. H.Berry&CO.,
Main and 10Th St.

Light wooden Undertaking should be
worn. and when a shOldieI's clothing or
bedding becomes damp from exposure
TO rain or heavy dew the first oppo1-
tunity should be taken TO dry it in the
sun or by fire.