The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-15

! the present movement is not of the sai,le
mild character as the former one. 81
/ multancous TO the opening of the eX-
| change, word came from Madrid that
| the Spanish government was about 10
issue another appeal to the great pow
crs of Europe. 1t is understood that
this appeal is initiatory to the concerted
action of the powers. and there is appa-
rently an agreement in advance that the
appeal will receive favorable considera-
ton. 1t is said that Spain's appeal will
recite her grievances against The United
States stating in detail the many con-
cessons she has made, and pointing out
that it was in response to the urgent
representations of the six joint powers
that the last concession of an armistice
was granted.
If the powers determine to act. their
influence probably will he particularly
directed to inducing the United States to
grant Spain sufficient time within which
to try the armiStice recently proclaimed.
The present movement contemplates
that the influence shall be excrted nj
Washington rather than at Madrid, as
il is the common belief in diplomatic
quarters that the Madrid authorities
bave reached the limit of concessions.
There is no suggestion, however tina.
this Influence at present will be of Il
material character, but it is expected to
be an assertion of al the moral influence
of the powers in checking tendencies
which il is believed, will inevitably lead
to war. Up to a late hour tonight word
had not been received at the various for
eign establishments that any common
basis of joint action had been reach
although it was the general impress s,on
that there would be little difficulty in
arriving ut this common ground in view
of the prevailing sentiment abroad. 1t
is not so certain, however, that all of the
powers are ready for step of this char
acter. Germany has of late shown dis
position to avoid eXerting strong infu-
ence on the United States. Russia is
also thought to be somewhat indifferent,
and they were in the former one.
Whether all of the six great powers are
ready to join in the movement is in
doubt, and without this united action.
it is felt the force of such influence would
be lost.
PUSHING WORK AT KEY WEST.
Key West, Fla, April 14.-While no
spared in rushing the navy to the great
est possible fitness for aggressive and
defensive operations, there is Il strong
feeling here that the army branch is
being neglected so far as this place is
concerned. The army officials at the
barracks here, where two batteries of
artillery are stationed, complain bit
terly that they are being handicapped by
somebody's lack of wisdom.
Captain Morrill,, who commands the
post, being short of men for police and
manual duty. made a requisltion for
more. and in consequence, two compa-
MES of the Twenty Fifth Infantry have
been ordered here from Fort Missoula,
Montana. With them will come Lieu
tenant Colonel Daggett, of the Infantry,
who. by virtue of rank will supersede
Captain Morrill, as commander. Inc
latter has wired to Washington protest
ing against this as unwise and unjust.
The work of terrifying Key West is
progressing without interruption. a
number of ,Nordenfeldt rapid-fre guns.
bought by the government in Europe.
and of twelve inch mortars are ex-
peoted here daily. The carriages for
the latter have already arrived.
The situation of the fleet is marked
by the same monotony and routine as
for days past Consul General Lees
staff. who came with HIM from Havana,
Sunday. have orders to go to Washing
ton and will leave by to-nights steamer.
The Ward Line Seguranca, from
Tampico with nineteen passengers and
about 500 tons Of freight arrived here
to-day and received orders from the
company to proceed to Havana, but
she had not left at night-fall
TO TRANSPORT TROOPS.
Washington, d. c., April 14.-The
Secretary of War today authorized
Quarter Master General Ludington to
invite companies operating steamship
lines along the coast to submit propos-
ais for chartering to the government
their vessels for use in transporting
troops, munitions of war, supplies, etc.
These companies include the Old Domin-
ion. the Plant Line and others. As the
Plant Company runs u line of steamers
to Cuba this would seem to Indicate that
the government contemplates transport
ing troops and munitions of war to the
island in the event of hostilities.
SQUADRON OFF THE CAPES.
Newport News, April 14.-Captain
E'urneaux, master of the British steam
ship Shenandoah, which arrived in port
this morning from Liverpool reports
that he passed the Flying Squadron some
distance beyond the Capes, manOuvering
and going through the various squadron
evolutions
The ships were all close in together.
PURCHASING NEW ROATS
Washington, j.. c., April 14.-The
most pronounced development in the
Navy Department to-day was the issu-
ance of an order prohibiting the giving
out OF movements of vessels.
One more auxiliary cruiser was pur
| chased to-day, the steamer Venezuela,
of the Red ID. line. She will imme-
| diately be sent to ship yard for refit-
! ting. Secretary Long stated at the close
| of office hours to-day that the steamships
| Paris and New York had not yet passed
| into the possession of the department
1t is understood, however, that as soon