The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-22
Fleet at Key West to Move on
Havana at Once.
MILITIA FORCE 100000 MEN
Danger That the Oregon May Be
Taken UndWareS.

washington, April 2.-War between the
United States and Spain is fact, though
not vet officially declared so by Congress.
The stirring events of yesterday were
succeeded to-day with rapidity by others of
equal Importance, eliminating in the aft
ernoon in orders for the departure of the
North Atlantic squadron for Havana.
This practically is an act of war; so that
the war between this country and Spain
may fairly be said to date from to-day
April q, 1898.
Two minutes after the opening Of the
stale department this morning word came
from Minister Woodford that the Spanish
government having anticipated and pre-
vented his intention to present the Presi-
dents ultimatum, he asked for his pass
ports
The administration in a public state
ment announced that it regarded the ac-
ton of the Spanish government as render
ing unnecessary further diplomatic action
on the part of the United States, and
further stated that it regarded the course
adopted by Spain as one placing upon that
country the responsibility for>the breach
of friendly relations.
Mr. Woodford's telegram resulted in the
calling of a special cabinet meeting to sr-
range and outline plan of campaign, or
rather to determine how to begin the exc
cuton of the plan of campaign already
prepared by the strategic board of the
army and navy departments.
The immediate result was the order for
the North Atlantic squadron to begin tie
blockade of Havana. How much further
than this the cabinet progressed IN its de-
lberations, 1t is not possible to say, for
the obvious reason that the time has now
come when the interests Of the govern
ment require that the movement of ships
ana troops should be guarded with the
greatest care from undue publicity, in or
der TO prevent the enemy from taking ad-
vantage of the information
The North Atlantic squadron, under
Can't. Sampson, makes splendid array oil
fine vessels, comprising battleships such
as the Iowa and Indiana; monitors IKE the
Puritan. Terror and Amphriuitei armored
cruisers like the New York, flagship; pro-
tected cruisers, such as the Cincinnati
Marblehead and Montgomery; gunooats
like the Vicksburg, Wilmington and An
napolis; regular torpedo boats as the
Ericsson. Gushing, Winslow and the ike
not to speak of the large number OF aux
iliary ships and other vessels that nave
been added TO the fleet by purchase.
This force is quite competent to block
ade all the ports in Cuba, or at least al
Of the ports connecting by rail with Ha-
vana, and so likely to be used to supply
that place in event of siege with food ana
munitions of war. This statement Is g
be taken with the understanding that II
does not contemplate the coming to CUBAN
waters of the Spanish fleet.
In such case the probable policy "oulo
be to abandon the blockade and endeaVoi
10 force the Spanish feet to battle.
Minister Woodford's action during the
day, as reported. to the state department
in a late cablegram, indicated that he was
following a carefully prepared programme
A significant feature Of his message was
the statement that the Spanish govern
ment notified him that il regarded th'
Withdrawal of Minister Polo yesterday al
terminating the diplomatic negotiations
showing that It was not disposed to ac
oept the expressed intention Of our gov
eminent to continue Mr.. Woodford as
faedium>of communication until Saturday
noon.
Mr.. Woodford also announced that N
lad instructed Consul General Bowen
Barcelona to cause all American consul
IN Spain TO Immediately withdraw from
tne country. He furihsr stated that h
lad informed the Spanish government, ar
ter asking for his passports that he ha'
placed the American legation In Madri
and American interests in Spain generall
10 the hands Of the British embassy.
The ambassador, RI Hon. Sir Henri
Drummond Wolf. is not at present q
Madrid. so American interests will be con
taed 20 the British charge, Sir Geors
i Benham, Bart.
To all intents ana purposes this relieve
We state department from further neso
nations AZ 20 cuba save those relating 9
piyatoeIlng, neutrality obseryaness an