Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-27

Immunes.
WASHINGTON, May $.-Secretary
long said at the close OF Office hours to.
day that no word had come from any of
the scouting vessels, so numerous in
West Indian waters. concerning the
Spanish flying squadron. wherefore ne
concluded that Cervera was stln in San
tisgo harbor Supposedly, Schley is lying
outside. watching the entrance, 70 pre-
vent the egress Of the Spanish vessels.
but while there is evidence of a certain
kind Of that fact. there has been no Off
ci3l confirmation OF It. This is a little
rcmarkable in view Of the fact that It is
only q days run FOR one Of Schleys swift
t0rpedo-boats from Santiago to a cable
port in Haiti. There is also a curioua
lsck Of information from the newspaper
posed that the censors might have ex-
C.sed from the dispatches of newspaper
men any reference to the fleets, but this
would apply, according to the statement
Of the Navy Department officials here,
only TO that part OF the dispatches that
might relate 10 the movements and
whereabouts of the United States yes
sells, and the censor's rules would not ex-
clude reference to the Spanish squadron.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Off
cials profess unshaken confidence in their
original belief that the Spanish squadron
there rs no concealment by them Of an
intense desire to secure some absolutely
trustworthy information on that point.
il is not to be doubted that with the
question stin open the beginning of mill
tary operations is retarded, for as long
rs there exists a possibility of the Span
.,h naval forces being at large there is
an indisposition TO start the troop trans
ports for Cuba.
WAR CONSULTATION.
Probably it was this uncertain state Of
affairs that induced the President to call
a consultation at the White House to-
DAY between Secretaries Alger and Long
General Miles, and the members of the
Naval War Board, Admiral Sicard, Cap
tain CrOwninshield, and Captain Mahan.
As stated by one Of the members Of the
the purpose was to go over
the whole situation. from the Philippines
10 cuba and Porto Rico. and decide just
how far the plans already laid should be
modified 10 meet existing conditions. This
involved a discussion of such important
points as the propriety of an immediate
advance OF the military force upon Cuba;
the credibility Of reports so far touching
the Spanish squadron; the policy Of
speeding the Cuban expedition, or ac-
it with one directed against
Porto Rico. and finally the extent Of the !
military assistance to be sent to Admiral |
Dewey at Manila.
AS already indicated. the proceedings
We're rather in the nature Of a cOnsulta- |
lion than Of war council, where a fun
decision is determined at once. so that
3 Is probable all of these important ques-
lions were disposed of at the council.
EARLY MILITARY MOVEMENTS.
None Of the members Of the conference
elt authorized 10 tell what had taken
lace. but there are thought to be patent
Indications Of a decision to embark mill
ary expeditions, whether for Cuba or
'orto Rico can only be conjectured, in
he course Of the next few days.
There was a lack Of news to-day from
ADMIRAL Dewey. and this convinced the
avail authorities that there could be lit
.e credence placed IN the Madrid report
{ an accident TO the Baltimore.
ln the rush of military preparations the
Var Department officials have not been
bic 10 give much attention TO the pre-
aratiOn Of regulations for the procure
.cnt Of the 1900 additional volunteers
sied for yesterday by the President. 1t
stiil uncertain just how far the ma
onal authorities will go toward recruit
g these forces themselves, nor is II
rsitively known that independent or
.nizations. companies. battalions, and
g.ments raised by individuals will be
.eepted zen bloc" If by 80 doing the
.partment IS required 70 accept the Off
RS with the men. Indeed, il Is now
whether. under the law, the
.partment could. IL It would. accept the :
.rvices OF officers under such condi-
5ns. as the governors Of the States APP
ar TO be the only persons authorized to
.ue commissions below the regimentai
ade.
no HURRY ABOUT NEW CALL
There are many other vexatious ques- i
lns 70 be settled before regulations can
promulgated. bot fortunately. In the
dgment Of the department officials oue d
',ce having been given 10 the people OF {
desire for more troops by the govern >
ent, there IS no occasion tor haste IN
c.dlng upon details. in view OF the fact
lt the fun draft OF men called under
e hrst proclamation has not yet been :
cured. n
The department officials were engaged p
day largely with the execution OF the n
" law providing for the organization . !.
certain independent forces, Win the r,
suit that Il was able to announce regu- OF
IONS pn.s..rfn., ft.n avauatnQffOu OF DD- ~