The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1898-05-19
THE CREAM OF WAR NEWS.

| Unless all signs fail there will be
naval engagement between the Samp-
son squadron and the Spanish feet
within the next thirty six hours. The
opposing forces are gradually getting
nearer each other.
The situation is growing exceedingly
critical at Manila. The administration
is being severely criticised for not
having sent reinforcements there two
weeks ago. second call for volun-
teers will shortly be made by President
Mckinley, unless present indications
are completely misleading. The mat
ter was discussed at the white house
Saturday night. Dewey's report from
the Philippines, and his urgent request
for large army of occupation, had re-
suited in the determination to send
thirty thousand troops to Manila.
President Mckinley, in announcing to
the war board his approval of this
proposition, said: '"rhe United States
will protect its interest and will send
| reinforcements to the necessary points,
/ even if second cali for volunteers 10
necessary.
The dissolution of the Madrid min
istry has put Spain into state of riot.
The Carlists are active and persistent
in demanding that either Weyler or
Campos be made dictator. The Span
ish throne is indeed tottering.
The navy department fears the Har-
ward may be attacked by the Spanish
ship Terror, which is lying in wait for
her at Martinique. The cutting of the
cable between st. Lucias and st. Vim
cent, in the Caribbean sea, is believed
will be the first step in the attempt
to destroy the Oregon, Marietta and
Buffalo, now off the eastern coast of
Brazil, but steaming northwsrd to join
SIMPSONS fleet. These three vessels
are now in great danger from attack
before they can approach Cuban waters.
At Curacao, about 200 miles north
of the Venezuelan coast, the Vizcaya
and Maria Teresa spent Sunday taking
on coal The Cristobal Colon, Amir
ante Oquendo, Terror and Pluton
spent the day outside scouting around
and keeping lookout for American
vessels. Other Spanish vessels were
reported in neighboring waters. Sup
plies we're purchased. SIMPSONS
feet passed Porto Plata Saturday
night, and was steaning west, des-
tined, it is believed, for Cuban waters,
where he will, if he can reach there
before Spanish forces, wait the coming
of the Spanish feet, which, it is
thought, is sailing now in the direc-
ton of Havana, or some other Cuban
port. 1t is thought, also, the Spanish
squadron is planning to make sud
den descent upon the small vessels
now blockading Cuba and destroy
them before Admiral Sampson can
come to their rescue, or even Schley,
with the flying squadron, will be able
| to arrive there.
Philippine Island insurgent leader
is at Hong Kong negotiating with
Mckinley by cable for the future gov
ernment of the Philippines.
A Cuban delegate at Key West, re-
ferring to the failure of the Gussie ex-
pedition, says it is foolish to try to
land small bodies of troops until the
Spaniards are driven away from the
coast The Gussie expedition was a
mistake.
The minister of foreign affairs at
Rome says an Anglo-American alliance
would hasten peace, and establish
equilibrium in the far east and tend to
preserve peace to Europe.
Rear Admiral Irwin makes an expert
comparison of strength of American
and Spanish squadrons and forecas,
of the result in case of an engagement
and finds the American navy the su-
perior.
The new cabinet to be formed by
Spain will be created with view to
establishing more decided war poll
cy, and to have it prosecute ed with
greater vigor A general crisis is be-
lieved to be approaching in Madrid,
and the queen regent may be forced
to abdicate at any day. Spain has as
much to fear from internal dissension
as she has from American guns. 1t is
probable that Alfonso, the boy king,
will never ascend the throne. Spain