The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-15
Views of Solicitor PenfieId ON the
Right to Search Neutral Ships
in Case of War.
TWO ARRIVALS FROM ABROAD
CRUISERS SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW
ORLEANS AT NEW YORK.
SIMPSONS Squadron still at Key West
Black Troopers at Chattanooga
Some Sent to Florida.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-THE most pro-
nounced development in the Navy Depart
rnent to-day was the issuance of an order
prohibiting the giving out of movements of
vessels. Since the beginning of the present
crisis the department has been gradually
closing in the lines Of information, and to-
day the official order went out that the GUS
tom of posting ship movements would cease.
1t was explained that, in view of the exist
ing conditions, this was deemed necessary,
ard hereafter no movements whatever will
be made public.
One more auxiliary cruiser was purchased
to-day, the steamer Venezuela, of the Red
ID line. She will Immediately be sent to a
shipyard for refitting 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 that as
soon as the question of terms can be settled
these vessels will be placed on the naval list
along with the st. Louis and st. Paul. of
the same line. 1t is also stated that nego-
tiations are under way for the purchase of
the Holland submarine torpedo boat
Plunger. The department is now awaiting
the report of the board which was ordered
to inspect this naval craft.
Solicitor Penfeld, of the State Depart
ment, in a statement giving his personal
views, holds that in the event of hostilities
between Spain and the United States, the
seizure of citizens of either country while
in neutral vessels would be illegal. All
American ships, with their cargoes, if
American, would be subject to capture.
Whether American goods not contraband
of war shipped in neutral bottoms, would
be subject to capture, Mr.. Penfeld says, is
a difficult question to determine. Under
the declaration of Paris in 1885, 1.-The neutral
flag covers enemy's goods, except contra
band of war; but to that declaration nei-
Their Spain nor the United States is a party.
Mr. Penfield thinks, however, that in view
of the general acceptance of the principle III
late wars and of treaties between the
United States and Spun, acknowledging the
third power who acknowledges the prin-
ciple, neutral powers could take the position
Spain and the United States were bound
by 1T if at war with each other. He says
in conclusion, however, that these are his
personal views, and are not to be taken as
indicating the governments policy.
General Miles said tina UP to this time
no further movement of troops other than
those announced some time ago had been
ordered nor had call for volunteers been
issued. The War Department officials have
completed preparations for any movement
calling out the militia whenever such step
is regarded as necessary. When the inter-
vention resolution is enacted by the two
houses orders to move the troops will prob
ter general of the army has been instructed
to purchase one thousand mules for trans
portatiOn purposes. The purchase probably
will be made at st. Louis or Kansas City.