The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1898-05-20
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From our regular correspondent

greatest disappointment OF the war
came to Washington this week. when
i; became known that the Spanish
feet which Admiral Sampson was
sent out to annihilate had gone to
Spain, instead Of coming to Cuban
waters, from Cape Verde.
The news came just when almost
everybody-there were few includ-
ing some prominent naval officials
who never believed that Spain would
send the Cape Verde fleet where
Sampson could get at twas ex-
pecting to hear of a battle between
the two fleets.
The administration has received
direct information from the COM
mander of the insurgent army in
: Cuba which makes it evident that
little aid can be given by the insur-
gents in the contemplated attack
upon Havana. There are lots of
the insurgents, but they are scattered
about in inaccessible places, with no
means of rapid concentration or even
of rapid communication with each
other. This has made it necessary
to increase the strength Of the army
sent to Cuba. 1t is now contempla-
ted to send at least 60, 900 men there
just as quick as possible. While
the official plans ale carefully guard
ed, it is known that the first landing
of troops in Cuba is expected to be
made inside of five days.
The first batch of recruits for Ad-
miral Dewey-he was nominated
and confirmed Rear Admiral this
week.-Mrs. already started from San
Francisco on the cruiser Charleston,
and others are to 60 as fast as the
ships to carry them can be got ready.
The administration has fully decided
that the Philippine Islands arc to be
held at all hazards during the war.
What will be done with them after
wards has not been officially cons:d-
cred, but the sentiment in favor of
retaining them permanently is rapid
ly growing in Congress, and one
member of the Cabinet is credited
with having said that he favored
keeping them.
Secret service officials say there is
ample evidence to secure the convic-
ton of the ex-sailor with several
names who is in steal cage at the
Washington Barracks, charged with
being Spanish spy. 1t is claimed
that documents found on the prisoner
and in his baggage leave no doub, of
his guilt. He will be tried by court
martial and if found guilty will be
hung.
The Senate this week adopted by a
vote of 80 to 10 the resolution pro-
viding for submitting to the Legis-
latures ofthe several states an amend
ment to the Federal constitution,
changing the date for the beginning
of the Presidential term from March
4th to May 4th, the change to take
effect in 1901. If adopted, this
would add two months to the length
Of the present administration, and to
the terms of Senators which would
otherwise expire March 3, 1901, and
TO the term of the House that will be
elected this year. This asst is re-
garded as the best and most impor-
tant. There is not sufficient time
between the first Monday in Decem-
ber and the 18th of March. the legal
limit Of the short sessions of Congress,
to properly prepare the regular an
nual appropriation bills; consequent
ly other important Legislation is
almost always neglected at the short
sessions. Much could be done in
the two months that this amendment
would add.
In offering q concurrent resolution
providing for IL Congressional recess
from June 6 to July -. Represen-
,ative Dockerv, Of Mo-, made
counter move against those who are
planning for the early adjournment
of Congress. Mr.. Dockery thinks
it would be better for Congress to
take recess, or several of them, if
the war continues, than to adjourn
while the war is going on, while
Speaker Reed and others say there
i no reason why Congress should
remain in session after it has provid-
ed all the money that will be needed
by the administration to carry on the