The Florence tribune., 1898-04-23
Uncle Sam Puts on His
 War Paint.
SPAIN SEWERS DIPLOMATIC RE-
 LATIONS.
EiostlIities Actually Begun-Spanlsh Vessel Captured and Taken
 Into Key West.

with war suppllesi was selzed or the coast of Cuba by one of our cruisers and brought to this port this morning.
 WASHINGTON, April 21-War between the United States and Spain is fact, though not officially declared so by congress.
 The stirring events of yesterday were succeeded to-day with rapidity by others of equal importance, eliminating in the afternoon in orders for the depar- ture of the North Atlantic squadron for Havana.
 This practically is an act of war, so that war between this country and Spain may fairly be said to date from to-day, April 2l, 1898.
 Two minutes after the opening of the state department this morning word came from Minister Woodford that the Spanish government, having anticipa- ted and prevented his intention to pre- sent the Presidents ultimatum, he had asked for his passports. The adminis- tration in public statement announced that it regarded the action of the Span ish government as rendering unneces- sary further diplomatic action on the part of the United States, and further stated that it regarded the course adopted by Spain as one placing upon that country the responsibility for a breach of friendly relations.
 Minister Woodford's action during the day is reported to the state depart. ment in late telegram. A signifi- cant feature of his message was the statement that the Spanish govern ment notifi ed him that it regarded the withdrawal of Minister P olo as termin- ating diplomatic rela tions, showing that it was not disposed to accept the expressed intention of our government to cSntinue Mir. Woodford as medium of communication until Saturday noon.
 MT. Woodford also announced that he had instructed Consul General Bowen, at Barcelon, to cause all American consuls in Spain to immedi- ately withdraw from the country. He further stated that he had informed the Spanish government, after asking for his passports, that he had placed the American legation in Marid and the American intetests in Spain generally in the hands of the British ambassador. The ambassador, Right Hon. H. R. Frye Drummond Wolff, is not at pres ent in Marid, so American interests will be confded to the British charge, Sir Geo. F. Bonham-Bart.
 To all intents and purposes this re- lieves the state department from fur
 ther negotiations as to Cuba, save those relating to priyateering, neutrality ob- servances and the like.
 It was found necessary to frame a notice to the powers of the intention of our government to establish block ade at Havana, notification required by international law.
 The navy department to-day aside from giving orders to the squadron continued the work of adding to the navy I'd purchased another ship at Norfolk, as an auxiliary cruiser, and some small yachts.
 HAVANA, April Ex-Governor Gen. eral Blanco has issued manifesto call ing all Spaniards to arms to protect Cuba against invasion by the United States.
 MARIO, April 21.-Spain's action to- day is considered virtual declaration of war and hostilities may begin im- mediately.
 WASHINGTON, April 21.-Diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain are at an end. It is expect ed that from now on events will move with amazing rapidity up to the climax of actual war. Assistant secretary of state Day early received dispatch from Minister Woodford stating that he had been handed his passports and notified that the official relations be- tween the United States and Spain were ended. In his message he said that he had been given his passports before he had an opportunity to pre- sent the ultimatum transmitted to him for submission to the Spaish govern ment. The delivery of the ultimatum to Minister Polo having been accepted by the Spanish government as for nal announcement on our part.
 Everything now would go ahead | preliminary action of formal declaration of war between Congress. The next step would be to call out troops. The President did not indicate to the Senators and members of the House with whom he talked to-day that he considered declaration of war necessary and it is understood that lie has been advised by some Of those on