Evening star., 1898-05-09

the expectation so plainly manifested at
the Navy Department that something i'm
portant is to happen very soon it is sur
missed that if Sampson does not strike the
Spanish flying squadron today he may
strike a blow at Porto Rico itself tomor-
row.
1t is curious fact that SO far the Navy
Department does not know positively where
the Spanish fleet, and it is Just possible
that the vessels may be way over on the
other side of the Atlantic, or. indeed, Ut
Cadiz, instead of being in SIMPSONS neigh
borhood in the West Indies.
That such a thing can happen is plainly
shown by the report from St. Thomas that
the Spanish cruiser Alphonso XIII arrived
at Porto Rico yesterday or the day before
She is a formidable protected cruiser OF
modern type. and it has been supposed all
along that she was at CadiZ, Spain, form
ing part of the home defense squadron.
The fact that she has arrived at Porto
Rico without knowledge of her departure
having leaked out is an evidence that the
Spanish authorities are able to guard the
secrecy of their naval movements much
better than our own people are able to do
Another Cable Cut.
Word came TO the Navy Department to-
Montevideo and Rio Grande do Sul thus
cutting off all communication along the east
coast of South America below the first and
last named point, in the south of Brazil
l. this were not accident it would be
hard to guess at the purpose the Oregon
having passed far north of the break Il.
is just possible that Spanish emissaries
have cut the cable to conceal some naval
demonstration Or movements of Spanish
ships in that quarter of the world.
Capt. Mnhan Reports.
Capt. Mahan reported at the Navy De-
pertinent this morning. He saw Secretary
Long and other officials. Capt. Mahan took
his place Immediately on the naval STRAIT
egy board, but Capt. Barker, whom ne will
replace, will continue as a member of the
beard until the Goth of this month. when
he assumes command of the cruiser New
ark.
Senator Mason called at the Navy De-
partment this morning to urge upon the
service of the Chicago Naval Reserve. The
rator brought with him kilograms from
Mayor Carter Harrison and other officials
begging the department to accede to the
requests of the militia boys. Secretary
Long will do whatever can be done for the
Chicago militia, but finds the department
much embarrassed by many requests of
this kind from other states, which he is
unable to comply with.
Capt Cooper. superintendent of the
Naval Academy. came up from Annapolis
this morning and had conference with
the officials of the navigation bureau,
which led to the rCmor that IL was in con-
temptation to advance the date of gradua-
ton of some more of the naval cadets 1t
is known that this matter has been con-
sidered. but the bulk of opinion is that it
should rot be done.
No Information About Sampson.
Secretary Long returned to the depart
ment at 1870. after the cabinet meeting.
and joined the war board then in session.
At o'clock Re left for lunch and on being
asked as to Admiral SIMPSONS fleet he
said he had no information whatever.
Lieut.. Col. Roosevelt. who continues to
act as assistant secretary of the navy
says he will not leave to join his regiment