The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1898-05-19
Battle Now Inevitable.

Special Dispatch to The Sun.
WAsHINGroN, May 1S.--The House
this morning was occupied with mea-
sure to punish the offence of publishing
in any manner information as to the
strength and character of our fortifica-
tions and defences. The Senate as a re-
suit of the tendency of a discussion on
the question of allowing purchases for
military purposes without the customary
advertising ior bids, went into a legisla
tive secret session to hear a statement
from Senator Hawley as to the situation
with respect to the purchase of import
ant supplies. This is indicative of the
fact that Congress as we'll as the Depart
ment has at last come to a realization
of the fact that too much is being made
public about olr war preparations and
that the idea that Spain is SO helpless as
to render precauton on our part un-
necessary is being abandoned. Another
evidence OF how fully this has come to
be understood is that the great number
of Senators and Representatives who
visit the Departments are no longer
seeking information as to the where
abouts and the movements OF our fleets.
1t was said by some who were at the
Departments today that they believe
important dispatches had been received
from Admiral Sampson, but that the
nature OF the information conveyed or
the location of the fleet would probably
remain unknown to all save officials at
the Department. The opinion was ex-
pressed that information from the vi
cinity of the fleet would not be permitted
to come over the wires, and that it was
not improbable that news Of an engage
ment would be first heard from cit her
the Sampson or the Schley fleet
The opinion prevails in Congressional
circles that important developments
may be expected soon. The men who
were yesterday expressing the greatest
discomfort at the delay in military. .oper-
ations are more reassured today, and cx-
press hope of action. 1t is said that a
very largely increased army will be sent
to the Philippines, and that the move
ment will be hastened. The opinion is
strengthened that an important policy
will be adopted with respect to these
islands.
1t is thought that this time the War
Department really means to send an
army to Cuba and that the invasion of
that island will begin without further
hesitation. Two or three times we have
been on the point Of invasion, small or
great, but each time some consideration
has arisen to postpone action. 1t is said
that now the conditions are as favorable
for effective operations as they are likely
to be at any tim4, and that there will be
no further postponement. An evidence
that this is true may be found in the
fact that the time when the invasion is
to take place is not being heralded as
other contemplated movements were.
The reliance on assistance from the in.
surgents has steadily become more feeble
and it is proposed to make the invading
army large enoug h to conduct the cam
paign without reference to what the in.
surgents may be able to do.
1t is said by men who have visited
the Department this morning that no
doubt is felt that the object of the Span
ish Admiral is to get relief to the Span
ish in Cuba and that our fleets are so
situated that it will be impossible for the
Spanish fleet to make a movement O.
carry out that project without being
compelled to fight. 1t is said that even
should the Spanish fleet be able to sliI
out and reach San Juan, Porto Rico, Il
would not change tile plans Of this Gov.
ernment for the invasion Of Cuba, and
that no doubt 10 felt that wherever the