Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-23

Maine went TO pieces. ESlQence as 10 THIS
fact is emphatic. How far ii justifies the
belief that the exposition came from I'M
derneath the ship experts may be left to
determine.
The point has not yet been reached where
definite opinion can be formed regard
ing submarine mines. Outside evidence
las been brought forward regarding the
| construction of such system, but 1t has
foreign nations are following the naval
Investigation as we'll as other phases of
the situation closely, and are understood
to be making daily reports to their gov
ernments. Spanish officials were surprised
at the firnness with which the Washing
ton administration declined to admit them
to share in the investigation.
For n Commercial Treaty.
The autonomist government has confirm
&c the appointment of Senior Rafael Angu-
10 as delegate OF the colonial government
in Washington to prepare a commercial
treaty. according to Instructions which he
will receive from Senior Montero and Senior
Rodriguez, the colonial secretaries Of the
treasury and commerce, respectively.
1t has been decided TO reserve the posts
of directors in the hospitals and the asy-
lIms for persons of known non-partisan-
ship. provided they acknowledge the new
regime and return to the island.
The military commander of Guanabacoa
has ordered the suspension of public festtv-
tiles as mark Of respect to the memory
of the Names dead. the prohibition will
continue for three days.
1t is announced ttat sixteen hundred reg
uar troops arrived at Havana on Satur-
day.
Gen. Merritt t. Go South.
The New York Word OF today says:
Major General Merritt, in command of
the eastern department of the United
States army. will start on tour of in
spection Of the southern Notifications be-
fore the end of the week. 1t was his
original i'tention to leave Governor
Island today for New Orleans, but at mid
night il was generally understood that he
would rot be able to start for a day or two.
This sudden move on the part of General
Merritt, following SO closely upon the re-
cent order of General Niles relative to the
absolute necessity of completing the new
works of defense at the Notifications
throughout the country. has created quite
a sensation in army circles.
Supplies of Ammunition.
The first of the expected projectles from
the Carpenter Steel Works arrived at the
Broo klyn navy yard yesterday. There were
about 1000 of them for the Is, and 10 inch
guns of the cruisers and battle ships A
number of torpedo heads from New Eng
land manufacturers are expected today.
The collection of ammunition said an
ordnance officer, does not mean that we
expect immediate war. These supplies were
ordered some months ago, when some rep
resentltive said in Congress that had
now neither powder nor shot enough to
last the navy day. Powder has been ar
irving for the last six weeks. More projec-
tiles are expected. and when they get here
we shall have ammunition enough Oh hand
to last during six months of daily fighting
Vizcnyn Takes on Coal.
Two coal barges towed by tug approach
ed the Vizcaya soon after her crew had
bra xfos cd n1prnipg and Inv \
o'clock was lying to port and one to
starboard of her. and she commenced the
work of passing up the fuel. Although her
coal carrying capacity is great the long run
from Spain had pretty nearly exhausted her
supply, and she has a run of several
days to Havana before her it was abso-
lutely necessary to refill the bunkers.
Due precautions were taken to make 1t
certain that the coal contained no explosive
and that no crank or fanatic approached
it. Captain Eulate ordered the coal through
the Spanish consul. Senior Baldasano noti-
fled the navy yard of the arrangements he
was making to supply the cruiser, and
guard boat was kept alongside the coal
barges at Communipaw on Monday and I'M
til yesterday morning, when they We're
towed to the cruiser. This coal was passed
up in bags and baskets, and was really sub
Jected to two inspections before it reached
the ships bunkers. A lieutenant sta
toned on each barge and the men worked
under his direction. Another officer was
stationed on deck and it is believed the coal
was poured out of the bags under his eyes.
No on board the cruiser appeared to
entertain any fear regarding an attempt to
tamper with the coal. Indeed, they laughed
over the work of coaling. as they have
laughed over the vigilance of the patrol
boats which have surrounded them since
the ViZcaya anchored
Dinner to Bnrnnbe.
A Madrid dispatch to the New York Her
aid says: General Woodford gives dinner
on Thursday in honor of Senior Polo dc
Bernabe, and on Saturday his guest sails
Tor New York. carrying with him the latest
instructions of his government. the first of
which is the necessity fer pushing affairs
to an Immediate and satisfactory conclu-
sion.
Little Confidence in CuIuns.
y Madrid dispatch 10 the New York
Tribune says: a gloomy tone pervades po-
litcai circles on the reports Of a split in the
Cuban ministry. The autonomists, Senior
Glberga and Senior Ambart. are. it is be-
HeVed. secretly treating with the separatistg
in The direction of Independence for Cuba
Senior Gown, the Cuban secretary of the in
terror. Is accused OF trea son by the I'm
pireiai, which publishes a fac-simile of a
letter from SeHor Gown to Il friend, in
which he former says: How could you
mink mat S&Sasta, man inferior to Ca
'N''-|' Si4iI l'b'I~i only iii name, mas
spired my attitude and not my IDEAS ana
sehtirents as a Cuban? Mckinley as we'll
a cuba, will determine whether | am a
Spaniald. Long live our country ana lib
erty.''
The Imr2rc.@l ADDS that it predicted a
weak ministry in Cuba ana varied Senior
Moret. The Spanish colonial minister. of
what was likely 10 be the outcome of his
autonomy scheme.
ri PAS says: Spain should treat with the
rebels direct rather than tolerate the traitor
GOWN 'ol ~.
I'll Cnrreo Es9anol asks: How will Senior
Mofe'' ire patron of Gown. and Senior Sa-
Sdsia, the patron of both Morct and Gown
stand row that Gown is a traitor 10 his
country? Whoever supports traitor Is
likewise traitor" -
Inc official press, on the other hand conn
sels prudence ana confidence in the patriot
Ism of the Cuhans.
WILL NEED CoFFER DAMS.
Charles CraHiD Thinks Maine Cnnuo.
70