New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-12
ENTHUSIASM on THE WARSHIPS.
NEWS OF THE PRESIDENTS ACTION SPREADS JOY
THROUGH TIE FLEET

THROUGH TIE FLEET.
Kev West. April 1.-THE cruiser Marblehead
has been coallng at the Government dock to-
dav and the monitor Amphitrite and the gun
boat Helena were lying only cables length
away from her when the news OF the presenta-
tlon ~ the Presidents message 10 Congress and
oe its purport was received here. An unparal-
,eled scene followed The men OF the Marble
head who were the first 20 hear IL. set UP a
chorus Of cheering shook each others hands
and danced about on deck. The word was
passed 70 the other two ships and an equally
voclferous demonstration followed board
each.
General B'ancos proclamation Of cessation
OF hostillties is regarded as having little OF no
bearing on the Presidents message and all
expect that the next bulletin from the North
viii bring declaration Of war.
The bulletin Announcing the delivery OF Presi-
dent Mcl<.nley's message TO Congress was
promptly sent to Captain Sampson ia command
of the feet by Co nmaader Forsyth II was
also posted in the hotel here. and copies were
sent on board the Amphitrite. Puritan. Terror
Nashville and Helena The interest here in the
message is most intense The confirmation OK
the firm stand taken by President Mckinley IN
tho cuban crisis. as shown by his message, was
received with profound satisfaction here. where
the Naval officers think they are now likely 10
no in Havana on Wednesday next. Some OF
Thorn 60 so far as 70 assert that the Presidents
message is SO warlike that their only speculation
Is as to whether Spain Will weaken.
Anart from the great interest taken in tho
MESSAGE and the speculation as TO the action OF
Congress- on the subject, the situation here is
.r,ir.'v unrvantf ul. The greatest war fleet ever
en,hled in American waters still lies dstrlo-
uted about the harbOr. with steam up. ready
and eager TO sweep down upon the enemy al tiie
Nations command During the past rev uays
,here have been fewer naval men ashore imam
ovcr herore IL being evident that every step mas
heon taken to insure quick movement upon
tho mart Of the warshps should me lons-ex-
rected and eagerly awaited oruer pe ,e,.
nom Washington. Every possible prepara, a
hero has been completed and all eyes are ne
urativey speaking, turned toward tne Ca 'Ip
waiting for he decisive words WIZ" WI" oe'
In marion the powerful machinery or war
The outly.ng fleet has adopted almost the last
nrepara lions for active hostlities the Hagstans
On he battle-ship5 Indiana ana iowa nave veen
taken down. and ensigns are now hying from
- enokestacks This IS an unusual precau-
The yIgilanca's orders have been counter
manded and she Will sail for havana to-nlsht.
The gunhOat Wilmington aiI''eu 'h'0 oi'e'"'
from Jacksonville - ,.
II is reported that Captain Sampson has SAID
that he has no knowledge OF any arrangements
to land troops in Cuba. that this could not De
done nv Naval vessels and that. II done al AL. IL
must be done by transports
The gunboat Nashville took the patrol duty
tonight.
steamed out of Havana Harbor on Saturday
last the conversation was mainly about matters
occurring at that time, the comparing or notes
and the correcting Of recoections. They were
ali satisfied that Captain General Blanco bad
nossibIv for the first time. lost his grip on the
situation. The most abusive men were on the