The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-25

WASHINGTON. May 2i-There was
lapse into sensational war rumors I'm
Washington to-day after week Of com
paratiye quietude. The rumors ranged
all the way from the capture OF the little
AIangrove. with crew Of thirteen mon.
TO the reported destruction OF the entire
spanishs fleet by sampsons and schley's
combined forces. They We're circulated
with persistence Notwithstanding their
denial as soon as they could be brought
to the attention OF any official capable
OF passing judgment on their accuracy.
As the day rolled along the officials
themselves became apprehensive. as was
shown by the frequency with which thfy
called for the fastest newspaper bulle-
tins.
At The close OF the day. however, IT was
announced in the most positive manner
that the Navy Department had no IN
formation % warrant the report ~ any
sort Of engagement IN the Wndward PAS
sage This did not specifically cover the
waters OF the west. and it was Kept ln
view the fact that the department has
promised 10 let the public know anything
in the nature Of general engagement
possibly the bulletin announcement Is
sufficient to cover the case.
sPANIARDs AT SANTIAGO.
When Secretary Long started FOR home
after an exceptionally busy day ne
stated TO q group Of newspaper men tiidt
the department had received no informa-
ton of Importance. In response 20 an
inoiiirv as TO where the Spanish fleet was
located. Mr.. Long replied that his belief
was that It was stin at Santiago de
Cuba.
Concerning the reported capture OF the
MangrOve and the loss OF other
ships. the Secretary dismissed the stories
as purely conjectural and and not sup
ported by facts. Word had come from
the commander of the Mangrove since
the time Of the alleged capture showing
that the ship could not have been IN the
hands Of the Spanish
Mr.. Long paid handsome tribute 10
the War Board, and stated that there
was sno purpose whatever OF changing
the present system whereby this board
co-operated with him In giving every
possible assistance and advice, mainly
I'm the way Of information, to the adj
mirals i'm command.
The office OF the War Board, the sec
retary pointed out. was not 10 ignt bat
ties. that was exclusively the province
of the squadron commanders. The board
acted merely in an advisory way ana al
no time had assumed executive iunc-
tions.
ACTIVITY IN SPAIN.
Tho Standards appear to be making
ready for something more than deien-
ar "A
are trying to create that impression by
other means than news bulletins
tha, iesue almost daily from Madrid.
Tn. Navy Department now has. through
ia own reliable sources. reports or the
greatest activity IN the Spanish navy
wards. and OF the preparations Tor sea
,nd FOR long voyage of TWO of the tor
nedo boat destroyers. 10 is even ont
that they are 10 join Cervera Immediately
when his squadron enters Cadiz hafnoE
Possibly this statement Is made win Il
deliberate purpose of misleading Ameri-
can sailors into the belief thot CerVeIa
has taken his way homeward.
Inquiries as to the whereabouts or the
Oregon brought a reply this afternoon
a. she effect that the battleship was
- Nothina could be learned of her
location. IL Is probable that the teie-
,rrams said to have emanated from the
vessel really we're filed az Key west
hut were brought to that port on some
diepatch boat from the Oregon, Whlch
Is cooperating with our fleets.
PHILIPPINE EXPEDITION OFF.
The Philippines expedition Is now on
I'm dead earnest The sending OF rhese
ships will effect the Hawaiian question
vitality Like the Charleston, the trans
ports must stop at Hawaii to replenlsh
their coal bunk6rs from the great heaps
of coal that Consul-General Hayward
has been piing up for months past II
The Hawaiians let Ms take TINS coat
without the pretext that We are using
q IN make our way to our nearest nome
port as required by international law IN
such cases. they will stand convicted
of "a breach Of neutrality that In the eyes
OF the law OF nations allies them win
the United states In hostility 20 Spain.
The taking OF coal by the American
ships at Hawaii to make AN extensive
campaign against the Spanish posses
sions Il Is believed here will result IN
compelling the United states either to
assume a protectorate over the island
or 10 annex them.