The San Francisco call., 1898-05-14

vessels took the middle course pro- ceeding under full steam. The cruis- CTS Minneapolis and New Orleans were left behind, as was also the auxiliary cruiser St. Paul, which is still an chored in the harbor here, taking on a supply of ammunition.
 At o'clock tonight the Minneapo- lis hauled up her anchors and steamed out at full speed to overtake the squad ron. It has been reported that the St. Paul, Captain Sigsbee commanding. and the New Orleans would not leave ! before daybreak tomorrow, but late this evening Captain Sigsbee received orders to proceed at midnight. She will join the New Orleans at Old Point Comfort and both vessels will then put to sea. They are ex- pected to overtake Commodore Schley sometime tomorrow even ing or early Sunday morning. The fact that the Sterling, laden with 40o0 tons of coal, accompanied the fleet, in dicates that long sail is contempla- ted. The arrival of the flying squad ron will greatly strengthen Admiral Sampson's fleet.
 There is another report in circula- tion tonight that a flotilla of Spanish torpedo boats has been sighted cruis- ing along the Atlantic Coast and that the flying squadron has been ordered out to intercept the fleet and sink the boats, but an officer from the St. Paul says no credence should be placed in the rumor. Commodore Schley left under sealed orders.
 ST. PIERRE, Martinique, May 13.- One Spanish torpedo boat Is at Port de France. Six others are lowering around the coast. The American auxiliary cruiser Harvard will be allowed to re- main here for an indefinite period for the purpose of making repairs to her machinery. but must give twenty-four hours notice before leaving. Six span ish cruisers are reported to have been seen off St. Pierre. but the report lacks confirmation.
 LONDON. May 13.-A special dis patch from Madrid says that immedi- ately upon being informed of the bom-- bardment by the United States fleet of San Juan de Porto Rico. Senor Sagasta conferred with Admiral Bermejo, the wired urgent instructions to the com mander of the Cape Verde squadron.
 MADRID, May 13.-There is great excitement among public officials over the news of the arrival of the Spanish fleet at Martinique. It is now said the ships went there on purpose to coal and that two transatlantic steam CTS loaded with coal were awaiting them at Fort de France. Another im- portant object of the fleet was to com municate with the Spanish Govern ment and ascertain the whereabouts of e1 now knows everything which has trans pired since his departure from the Cape Verde Islands and he has full inStruc- tions as to his future movements. The fleet will leave Martinique immediately for an unknown destination and 1t is added that some days may elapse be- fore the Spanish ships are again heard from. Great anxiety has been felt in official circles here since the receipt of the news of the bombardment of San Juan de Porto Rico by Rear Admiral Sampson's fleet. A dispatch received from Fort de France. island of Mar tinia,Ie. says enthusiasm is great among the crews of the Spanish ships there. Government officials refuse to say anything about instructions cabled to Admiral Cervera.
 Many of the newspapers express sat- isfaction at the arrival of the Spanish squadron at the island of Martinique, while others question the wisdom of opposing the Spanish ships to those of Rear Admiral Sampson's fleet, which is admitted to be superior to the Span ish fleet. The naval and military men in this city say they would have pre- ferred to have Admiral Cervera steer direct for the coast of the United States and Lombard American ports.
 An unconfirmed rumor is in circula- tion and was flying about the chamber tonight that "after it's defeat before Porto Rico the American squadron en- countered the Spanish squadron, which inflicted considerable damage on the enemy
 NEW YORK. May 13. = Senator Chandler, former Secretary of the Navy, was among Secretary Longs callers to-day. When asked if the ap- pearance of the Spanish squadron at Martinique did not indicate that the Spanish authorities at Cadiz had suc- ceeded in misleading us he said: Not very much. 1t only succeeded in hav- ing Sampson throw away some of his ammunition"
 A special from St. Thomas to-day re- ports Admiral Sampson has left San Juan to meet the Spanish fleet said to be near the island of Martinique.
 NEWPORT, R. l., May 13.-The tor pedo boats Gwyn, Talbot and Morris have left here under sealed orders.
 NEWPORT NEWS, Va, May 13.- The St. Paul will leave here on Sat urday for the island of St. Thomas, West Indies, to join Admiral Sampsons fleet. All hands on board the St. Paul ra well