Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-28
AGUlNALDO'S ACTS.
Declares a Dictatorship ard Martial
Law Over the Philippines.
EXPEDITION AGAINST PORTO RICO.
Gen. Miles Cabled from HRyti That Ale
Wns Moving Along Welw-Admirsl
ssmpson's Report About Nipe-
HObaOn 1t Washington.


Hobson 1t Washington.
Washington, July 93-There were
several events OF interest, II not OF i'm.
portance, at the war and navy depart
ments yesterday. Gen. Anderson, at
Cavite, sent message saying that
Aguinald0 had declared dictatorship
and martial law over the Philippines
something that gave the cabinet food
for consideration at their regular
meeting yesterday There was no dis
position to force any issue with the
insurgent chief ut this time, but it is
pretty we'll understood that he will
not be allowed TO commit the United
States government in the future treat
ment Of the Philippines question.
The visit Of the German ambassador
TO the president and to the secretary
of state was basis for the belief that
he had called to make some represent
atoms on that subject, and perhaps as
well on the question Of peace, as af.
fected by the programme laid down by
Watson's projected voyage TO Euro
pean waters II so no official con-
firmation was obtainable. 1t would
not be surprising II it should develop
that strong European Influences are
being brought to bear to dssuade the
navy department from dispatching
Watson's fleet to Europe, but so far
they appear to have been Intellectual,
for 1t is officially stated that the de-
parture OF the squadron is only de-
layed, not abandoned,
Although Gen. Miles reported by ca
bic yesterday from Mole st. Nicholas.
Hayti, that ''he was moving along
well" with the first detachment of the
military expedition against Porto Ri
co, the body Of his dispatch preceding
this statement gave rise at first to the
apprehension that like Gen. Shafter
at Santiago, Gen. Miles was threatened
with costly delay in landing his ex-
petition on Porto Rican soil, owing to
the absence of lighthouse tugs. 1t
was said at the war department, later
on, that some of these lighters were
already on their way from New Or
leans and New York, and that no SEN
sible delay would arise on that score.
1t appears from Gen. Miles first state
ment relative to Col. Ilecker that he
was not acquainted with the necessity
that had arisen for that officers pres
ence in Washington, in order to pro-
vide for the speedy transportation to
Spain Of the troops surrendered at San
tiago.
The brief report from Admiral Samp-
son, declaring the success Of the expe-
dition TO Nipe, is really more impor-
tant than appears on the surface. The
bay Of Nipe lies on the north coast of
Cuba, almost directly across the island
from Santiago. 1t is purposed to es-
tablish base there, which will save
at least two days time in getting sup
plies into Cuba, as compared with the
Santiago route.
The war department has not yet
been informed that Gen, Skaters Gu
ban allies have quit the American
lines for the reasons sent out In
printed letter by Gen. Garcia, but it is
scarcely doubted that such is the case,
for the friction has been growing more
pronounced every day since the fall of
Santiago, and 1t Is feared that a sew
erance Of relations cannot be long
avoided.
The last and most agreeable event
Of the day was the arrival at the navy
department Of Lieut. Hobson, the
hero of the Merrimac lie spent half
an hour in conference with the secre.
tary. Secretary Long stated that Hob
son did not bring the long.expected
report from Admiral Sampson and his
brother officers on the destruction OF
the Cervera feet. The exact purpose
Of his visit was explained by the fol-
lowing order, Under which Lieut. Hob
son had come to the United States:
United States Flagship New York, Of San
uago de Cuba, July l7-Sir. You will proceed
north on the St Paul TO New York, thence you
will proceed to Washington and report TO the
secretary Of the navy and acQuaint him with
the object Of your visit as set forth In my let
ter to him Of this date, regarding the work
upon the Cristobal Colon Explain to him fully
the position and condition Of that ship and re-
ceive his instructions regarding 1T
Second-Be as expeditions as possible In
bringing the matter TO termination, In order
that, II 1t Is practicable to do So this fine ship
may be saved to the United States navy
Third-When this duty Is completed you will
ask for orders from the secretary Of the navy.
Otherwise, you will return to duty on board
this ship Very respectfully, W. T. Sampson
About $50 o'clock Lieut. Hobson
went TO the white house to pay his re-
spects to the president Secretary
Long accompanied him, the two walk
ing over to the executive mansion
from the navy department. The
president received them In the cabinet
room. He gave Lieut. Hobson most
cordial greeting and paid him a high
tribute for what he regarded as one
of the most conspicuous acts Of gal
lantry in the history Of naval warfare.