The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-06
INVOLVED IN MYSTERY
THE OREGON CAN TAKE CARE
OF ITSELF.
BRAZIL HAS DECLARED NEUTRALITY
With Spanish FLEET Destroyed, Cewsy Con-
trolls Situation at Manila, and no
Apprehension Need be Felt
Concerning Him.

Washington, ID. c., May 5.-Secretary
Long said at the close of office hours to-
day that up to that time he had received
no word from Commodore Dewey. He
added, however, that he felt no apprehen-
sion over this lack of news, because in
the first place reports were not expected
with the cable from Manila cut and
furthermore, no fears were entertained
as to Commodore Dewey's ability to
maintain his position. There was no
doubt. the Secretary said, that COmmo-
dore Dewey's fleet had annihilated the
Spanish fleet, and with this much accom-
plished, Dewey was master of the stua-
tion at Manila.
The department is taking steps to rem
der effective aid to the Commodore in
the matter of supplies, and Constructor
VIM. l.. Clapp, now at San Francisco, is
to go out ut once to repair the damages
sustained in the battle of Manila. Prep
arations for Il suitable convoy for the
supply ships was also indicated by the
choice of a commander and officers for
the cruiser Charleston, now at Mare Is
land. 1t is recalled at the Navy De-
partment in this connection that
having received the surrender of
Manila, the Commodore would be able to
secure any quantity of labor and of
such material as Il maritime city like
Manila affords for the repair Of his
ships. He also would be able to place
his wounded in some one of the Manila
hospitals or other public buildings. No
news could be learned at the Navy De-
partment relative to the movements of
A i.
the confident tone of the few officials
who are acquainted with the policy of
the department., they are expecting to
hear very soon of news from his squad
ron almost as interesting and important
as that received from the Philippines.
\ high officer of the administration to-
day almost demolished the theory that
Admiral Sampson was going to succOr
to the Oregon. now on her way from
Brazil. to join the North Atlantic squad
ron He declared that the Navy Depart
ment was under no apprehension about
the Oregon for the reason that it did
not consider that the Spanish admiral
of the Cape De Verde squadron would
be willing to risk combat with the
the Oregon. for the reason that it did
favor. as even if overwhelmed i'll the
end. the Oregon certainly would destroy
one of the Spanish ships and perhaps
two. and the Spanish government could
not afford to exchange pawnS at this
stage of the war. That left open as
possible points of operations for Samp-
son either Porto Rico or some port on
the Cuban coast, but just which theory
is to be accepted is not even limited Mt
by the departmental officials.
Notice came to the State Department
from Brazil today that that Government
had declared neutrality. There is now no
cause to regret such action on the part
of Brazil for, however beneficial the
delay has been to the United States in
getting its war ships safely along the
Brazilian coast, the issue of the pFOcla-
nation Just now is likely to be still more
beneficial in closing Brazilian ports to
the Spanish flying squadron If it should
he headed in that direction. 1t may be
noted, however, that while the first re-
ports were received with little credit
the advices coming to the Navy Depart
ment today though not conclusive, in
clined the officers to the belief that the
Spanish flying squadron really has turn
ed back from Cape de Verde to conSoli-
date with the home squadron at Cadiz
The Navy Department will shipp 200.-
600 hounds of powder to Commodore
Dewey to add to the stock he now has
left. This. with the large number OF
eight armOr piercing projectileS, shells
and six inch and five inch rifle balls.
will make the shipment of ammunition
very large one. The powder and shot
together will give 500 rounds for the
big guns, and several thousand rounds
for the rapid fire rifles.