The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-07-09

WASHINGTON, July There was
a continuation Of peace talk to-day
and other evidences In this line than
those OF yesterday are coming to the
surface. Such, for instance, was the
confirmation by the state department
Of the report that the Cadlx feet was
returning to Spain. Since 1t Is scarcely
conceivable that the Spanish govern
ment would doom this last remnant OF
their feet to destruction at the hands of
Watson's squadron, which, in all prob
ability, could head It before 1t reached
cadiz, It's home port, therefore, the as
sumption Is that the Spanish govern-
ment calculates that at least an arrlls-
tice precedent to peace VIII be obtained
before the ships reach Spain.
An unusually definite report was In
circulation that the United States had
been sounded In the interest OF peace by
the British ambassador, but vixen X
was brought to Ambassador Julian
Pauncefote's attention, he authorized
an explicit denial, and said he had not
communicated with the government In
any way regarding the termination OF
the war.
garded as favorable Just now, according
to General Skaters dispatch received
during the forenoon. Nothing came
from him during the day, bui the Inn
preston prevails that the Spanlards are
in desperate plight within the lines OF
the city, and General Skaters action In
allowing Llnares to communicate freely
with Madrid IS an implication that
there is at least reasonable hope that
the Spanish general con:emplates
surrender.
Preparing for the Final stroke.
However that may be, every prepara-
tlon is making for great engagement
the final one, at Santiago, 1t is hoped,
which may begin, even as early as to-
morrow II Skaters reinforcements are
on hand. The department has not heard
so far Of the arrival OF these soldiers,
but believes they have reached Shnfter.
The greatest difficulty that has been
encountered Is in the landing OF the
troops and supplies This being the hur-
ricane season, and the wind setting
straight on the southern coast, the mas
ters OF the transports have become
RAaFmed and taken their ships many
miles out TO sea, necessitatlng
long Journeys BY the ships boats, which
make their landing through the surf
with the greatest difficulty and danger.
So slow and tedious has been the service
that Secretary Alger has ordered Cen
eral Shafter to seize the transports, one
y nd al ms fhn
coast as he chooses, without regard 70
the fears Of their masters. Ten days
ago lighters were started down from
Mobile and Tampa, but so far General
Shafter has received only one. These
Fighters have been nightmare to the
department ever since. The captains
Gle up in creeks at the slightest sign OF
bad weather, while the charter rate Of
800 day runs on. Orders have been
sent forward to terminate this state OF
things. even II 1t is necessary to lose a
few lighters In the effort to reach Shat
ter.
The DispoGliIOn of CeFVsFR.
The government has not yet deter
mined how to dispose of Admiral Ger
vera. A feeling OF the highest admira-
tion prevails here at the gallantry dis
played by the old warrior and the noble
spirit exhibited by him under misfor-
tune. The disposition Is TO treat him
with as great liberslity as conditions
VIII permit. II has been proposed that
he be released on parole, not to engage
in hostilitles against the United States
until the end OF the war, but It has not
yet been decided whether to do this or
10 confne the admiral technically within
the limits OF the naval academy reser-
walton at Annapolis. All the other cap
tured Spanish officers will be allowed 20
remain with the enlisted men at tho
prison station, at Seavey island, Ports
mouth harbor, New Hampshire. Tho
st. Louis Is due there tonight or to-
morrow with the firBt lot OF prisoners,
while the Harvard Is Just about TO start
from on Santiago with the remainder.
The report OF the appearance Of a
Spanish privateer OF the coast OF Brlt-
ash Columbia, which appears to have
created such commotion on the myth
western coast, came from one OF the
government agents in that section OF tho
world. Moreover, the same person said
that two vessels were taking on coal at
n British Columbian port, which, 1t
was presumed, was intended for the
Spanish fleet should It have made It's
way into the Pacific ocean through the
Suez canal.
The failure OF Congress to act on the
naval Advancement special acts may ar.
ter all be Beneficial as enabling the Pres
ident 10 arrange with more deiiberatIon
and Justice Il scale OF rewards for merI-
t0ridus officers.