The Indianapolis journal., 1898-05-06
Secretary Long Confident Commodore
Dewey Is Master of the Situation
and Has Captured Manila.
SUPPLIES FOR THE FLEET
CRUISER CHARLESTON To CONVOY
TWO FAST STEAMSHIPS.
Preparations Under Way for the Oc-
cupation Of the Philippines-CrueI
and senseIess Fakes.

WASHINGTON, May 5.-Secretary Long
said at the close of Office hours to-day that
up to that time he had received no word
from Commodore Dewey. He added how
ever, that he felt no apprehension over this
lack Of news. because, in the first place,
reports were not expected with the cable
from Manila cut and, furthermore, no fears
were entertained as to Commodore Deweys
ability to maintain his position. There was
no doubt, the secretary said, that Com
modore Dewey's fleet had annihilated the
Spanish fleet and with this much accom-
plished Dewey was master of the situation
at Manila. 1t was suggested to Mr. Long
that the shore batteries at Cavite and on
the Corrigedor island might be a serious
menace to the American fleet, but the secre-
tary did not share this view, holding that
the strength of the Olympia and other ships
in Deweys command was ample to make
him master Of Manila bay and it's sur
roundngs
The department is taking steps to render
effective aid to the commodore in the mat
ter of supplies and a constructor of high
ability is to go out at once to repair the
damages sustained in the battle of Manila
Preparations for suitable convoy for the
supply ships was also indicated by the choice
of commander and officers for the cruiser
Charleston, now at Mare island. 1t is re-
called at the Navy Department in this con-
nection that, having received the surrender
of Manila, the commodore would be able to
secure any quantity of labor, and of such.
material as any city like Manila affords for
the repair of his ships. He also would be
able TO place his wounded in comfort in
some of the Manila hospitals or other public
buildings. 1t is always desire of pru-
dent naval commander to get his wounded
ashore at the earliest possible opportunity
as they stand better chances of recovery.
The secretary of the navy to-day ordered
Naval Constructor William l.. Kapps, now
at the Union iron works, San Francisco, to
proceed at the earliest moment on the
steamer City of Peking. just chartered by
the Navy Department, to meet Commodore
Dewey's squadron at Manila. Mr. Kapps
will select from the Mare island force
number of the most experienced and inteli-
gent workmen to take with him. In addi-
tion, he will place on the Peking full sup
ply of machine tools, steel plate and all
of the materials that are likely to be needed
TO make temporary repairs to ship in dis
tress. The purpose of the department in
making this order is to put Commodore
Dewey's feet at the earliest possible mo-
menE INTO HTSb-CldSS COHOuhAoAs ASRoAAAAAS eIAA
the damage sustained in the engagement,
and in addition to this raise and repair any
of the Spanish ships either surrendered or
sunk in the engagement that are capable
of being navigated again.
The officials of the Navy Department, from
the secretary down, are thoroughly indig-
nant at the character of the stories coming
from San Francisco as authentic accounts
of the engagement of Commodore Dewey
at Manila One in particular excited indig-
nation--that ascribing to Admiral Kirkland
at Mare island, the receipt of a telegram
from Commodore Dewey describing the ter
rible mortality on his own meet resulting
from the battle of Manila Captain Crown
inshield, chief of the Navigation Bureau,
declared that 1t was utterly impossible for
news from the fleet TO come IN any such
fashion, and added that as the departments
facilities for the receipt of information from
Commodore Dewey's squadron were super
Tor to those of individuals, it was utterly
Improbable that they could receive news
before the department itself. Such dis
patches as that complained Of he said, were
cruel and senseess and inflicted great mis-
cry on the wives, mothers, daughters and
other relatives of the brave sailors of this
fleet, who are anxiously waiting to hear
from them. The officials think there is a
possibility that merchant vessel may soon
reach Hong-Kong from the Philippines
bringing some news OF the battle and SUBJ
sequent events at Manila 1t is practically
settled that the cable cannot be relied on
a means of communication, as it is be-
lieved to be cut in shore somewhere near
Its landing place In the Island of Luzon.
Point Bolinao, Manila, and beyond the reach
Of Commodore Dewey at this time.
~ - -.
The latest authentic and direct news from
Manila showed that Dewey subdued the
Spanish feet and made his demands for the
surrender of Manila through the British
consul some time Sunday afternoon. He at
the same time gave notice of hombardment
ct the expiration of twenty-four hours
which would make the bombardment itself
begin Monday afternoon. Presuming that
a dispatch boat sailed at the earliest mo-
ment after the bombardment Monday even
Ing. and allowing three days for passage
the ship was not due at Hong-Kong or Mfrs
bay until tonight Delays would occur be-
fore receipt Of, cable here through the
many relay stations. so that IL is impossible
TO tell just when an official dispatch might
reach Washington There need be no appre-
hension on the part of the public that anv
news that is received from Commodore
Dewey will be withheld from 1T. Secretary
Long has stated In the most positive man.
ner that he regards it as his duty TO make
the people acquainted with the facts as soon
as he knows himself. He believes this is
only just to the relativeS and friends OF the
sailors OF Dewey's fieN. Therefore the
many statements and runsors that are con-
stantly circulating TO the> effect that the
Navy Department has received mysterious
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