The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-05-06

said at the close of Office hours to-day
that up to that time he had received
no word from Commodore Dewey. He
added, however. that he felt no appre-
hension over the lack Of news, because
in the first place reports were not ex-
pected with the cable from Manila cut
and Furthermore no fears were enter
tained as to Commodore Dewey's abil-
ity to maintain his position. There
was no doubt, the secretary said. that
Commodore Deweys fleet had annihi-
lated the Spanish fleet. and with this
much accomplished, Dewey was mas
ter of the situation at Manila. 1t was
suggested to Mr.. Long that the shore
batteries at Cavite and on Corregidor
island might be a serious menace to
the American fleet, but the secretary
did not share this view, holding that
the strength of the Olympia and other
ships in Dewey's command was ample
to make him master of Manila bay and
it's surroundings.
The department is taking steps to
render effective aid to Commodore
Dewey in the matter of supplies, and a
constructor of high ability is to go out
at once to repair the damages sus-
tained in the battle of Manila. Prepa-
rations for a suitable convoy for the
supply ships was also indicated by the
choice of a commander and officers for
the cruiser Charleston, now at Mare
island. 1t is recalled at the navy de-
partment in this connection that hav-
ing received the surrender of Manila,
the commodore will be able to secure
any quantity of labor and of such ma
terial as a maritime city like Manila
affords for the repair of his ships. He
also would be able to place his wound
ed I'm comfort in some of the Manila
hospitals or other public buildings. 1t
is always a desire of a prudent naval
commander to get his wounded ashore
at the earliest possible opportunity, as
they stand a better chance OF recov-
cry.
No news could be CLEANED at the navy
department relative to- the movements
of Admiral Simpsons ironclads, but
from the confident tone of the few
officials who are acquainted with the
policy of the department., they expect
ed to hear very soon of news of his
squadron almost as interesting and i'm
portant as that received from the Phil
ippines last Monday. A high officer of
the administration to-day almost de-
molished the theory that Admiral
Sampson was to secure the Oregon.
now on her way from Brazil to join
the North Atlantic squadron. He de-
clared that the navy department was
under no apprehension about the Ore
gon. for the reason that IL did not con-
slider that the Spanish admiral of the
Cape Verde squadron would be willing
10 risk a combat with the Oregon. even
with the great odds in his favor, as.
even IL overwhelmed, the Oregon would
certainly destroy one Of the Spanish
ships. and perhaps two, and the Span
ish government could not AFFORD to
exchange pawns at this stage of the
game. That left open as possible
points of operations for Sampson either
Porto Rico or some port on the Cuban
coast. but just which theory is to be
accepted il not even limited at by the
department officials.
Notice came to the state department
from Brazil to-day that the government
had declared neutrality. There now is
no cause to regret such action on the
part of Brazil. for however beneficial
the delay has been to the United States
in getting its warships safely along
the Brazilian coast. the issue OF the
proclamation just now Is likely to be
still more beneficial In closing Brazilian
ports to the spanish ny1ng squadron III
IL should be headed in that direction.
1t may be noted. however. that while
the first reports We're received with
little credit. the advices coming to the
navy department to-day. though not
conclusive, inclined the officers TO the
belief that the Spanish flying squadron
really has turned back from Cape
Verde TO consolidate with the home
squadron at Cadiz.
Great pressure is being brought TO
bear upon the war department to Sc
cure appointments to the second lieu
tenantcies as recently enacted by the
Hull bill. Among them are former
students at West Point. newspaper men
and others with political influence
back of them,
The navy department will ship 200
0o0 pounds Of powder to Commodore
Dewey to add to the stock he now has
left. This will be made up of about
5000 pounds of the grade used for the
big eight-inch guns. $1,000 pounds for
the six-inch guns. $1,000 for the Ave
inch guns. and lesser amounts for other
classes of guns This. with the large
number of eight-inch armor-piercing
projectile shells and six-inch rife balls,