The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-06-21

II was strictly on the basis of his rank.
without consideration OF the incidental
fact, most important to General Blanco,
that CorteJo was q close relative of the
former captain general.
The navy officials attach no signih-
anc to the half-masting of the nag
over MORO castle after the recent bonn
bardment as indicating that Hobson and
his associates had persisted. MORO Is
being spared TO protect Hobson; more
over, II is hardly supposed hat the
Spanish flag would be lowered out of
consideration OF ar American loss. II
the usual practices Of warfare were fol-
lowed, Hobson and the Americans would
be removed to q place Of safety. instead
OF danger. for q prisoner or war Is en-
titled. under civilized usage, to protec-
ton against undue exposure or harsh
treatment. The putting forward OF
prisoners as a shield Is q relic Of bar
barism. AS a rule the places where
prisoners are confined, where hospitals
exist, and where works Of art. libraries,
church and charitable institutions are
located. are designated by a yellow nag,
and commanders direct their nre SO as
to protect these points as sacred. II
Hobson is kept at MORO, either to ensure
protection for that place. or to expose
him to danger, 1t is said to be a breach
Of the rules of civilized warfare.
Lieutenant Hobson will be transferred
from the construction corps to the line
of the navy n raised to the grade OF
lieutenant commander. Legislation en-
towering this action will be pressed In
both houses, and its execution will al
most Immediately follow the afixing OF
the executive approval to the measure.
1t had been proposed to await Hobson's
personal expression as TO his choice be-
tween the ransfer to the line. and pro-
motion within the corps. where future
advancement Is limited. The ina de-
cision, to give substantial recognition
without further delay ave for legisla-
tive authority, follows the formal re-
fusal Of exchange by the Spanish. The
matter was taken UP by both the presi-
lent and Secretary Long. after a short
and informal consultation as to the
Spanish attitude.
There was a wholesale christening at
the navy department yesterday when
Secretary Long supplied names for IS
craft. All these were provided for in
the last naval appropriation bill, and
while contracts for their construction
have not been let the advertisements
have been issued, except in the case Of
the monitors, and all the boats will be
under way before cold weather. First
in the list Of the big battleships Is the
Maine, for congress has provided that
hat name shall be continued in the
naval list. The other two big battle
chiHo avfl hn ralIoA thA lffs~ort o-A
the Ohio. The first of the torpedo boats
bears the name of young Bagley, who
was killed on the Winslow under the
guns OF C~ardenas. the first American
officer to lose his life In the war. Four
states have the privilege Of giving their
names to monitors. Arkansas, Con-
necticut. Florida and Wyoming. The
names given to the. 16 torpedo boat de-
stroyers are those of Americas famous
naval heroes: cambridge, Barry, Dale,
Chauncey. Decatur, Hopkins, Hull,
Lawrence, Marlborough. Paul Jones,
Perry, Preble, Stewart, Fruxten, Whip
pie and Worden. The names applied
to the torpedo boats are those of lesser
fame, but still of glorious memory. Be-
sides Bagleys they are: Barney. Bid
die, Blakely. Delong, Nicholson. O'Brien,
Shubrick. Stockton. Thornton, Tingey,
Wilkes. There Is now only one vessel,
either building or authorized. left with
out a name, a gunboat officially known
as No. 16.
Word went aroun the war depart
ment yesterday afternoon that the
Cadiz fleet had made another spectacular
appearance, this time returning to the
home-port. The source of information
is not disclosed. so that It is impossible
to tell how much credence to attach to
the report. The navy department was
promptly informed Of the receipt of the
message.
Rumors OF troop movements continue
to emanate from camp Alger. This
time IL Is stated on what appears to be
better authority than usual. that one
brigade composed OF the three most
perfectly equipped regiments. the First
Rhode Island. and Sixth and Ninth Mas
sachusetts. is to be sent from this camp
to Santiago. The Sixth Illinois. Eighth
Ohio. Third and Sixty-ffth New York
mo Thirty-thlrd and Thirty-fourth
Michigan are said to be slated for
Porto Rico. and the qua1etrmaster-in-
chief Of the corps is supposed to be ar
ranging for the transportation OF these
troops. who will. II Is reported. be sent
by sea directly from Newport News on
the two liners. the Yale and the Har-
ward.