The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-17
DUTCH CALLED down.
Neutrality Violated at Cur
dCdO.
SUPPLY BASE FOR SPAIN.
Admiral ViIIamiI Making It a Rem
devious.
BENT ON GIVING BLANCO AID
ClenfusgOs the Destination Of
Spanish Fleet.

Washington, May 16.-An important con-
ference was held at the department of
state this morning between Secretary
Day and the minister from the Neither
lands, G. Deweekgherlin, the subject un-
der discussion being the landing of the
Spanish fleet at Curacao, where it is re-
ported that the Spaniards took on coal,
food supplies and ammunition.
Curacoa Is a possession of the Neither
lands, and the latter nation was second
on the list of foreign governments to de-
clare its neutrality after war between the
United States and Spain was declared.
1t is claimed that the government of the
Netherlands has violated the neutrality
laws i'll permitting Spain to make a rem
devious for her fleet and her supply ships
at Curacao.
Assistant Secretary of State Adee. who
is the recognized authority on Interna-
tional law and treaty stipulations, partlci-
pated in the conference, which was clothed
with the most profound secrecy.
Senator's and representatives who called
to see Secretary Day were quietly inform
ed to come back later, as the Secretary
was engaged with the Dutch minister.
1t is claimed by the United States that
recent developments show that the Span
ish government selected Curacao as a base
of supplies for its fleet months ago. 1t is
also contended that several large supply
ships from Spain have been en- route for
Curacao by easy stages by an unfrequent-
ed route with the fixed purpose of meet
ing the Spanish fleet at that point.
The President is now convinced that
the Spanish fleet left the Cape Verde ISL
ands and came into Cuban waters for the
sole purpose of conveying these supply
ships to Cienfuegos.
The selection of the out-of-the-wav
southern course via Martinique and the
recent developments at Curacao all tend
TO strengthen the view of the situation.
1t is the intention of the Spanish fleet
to go to the relief of Gen. .Blanco and the
Spanish forces in Cuba at all hazards, and
no effort will be taken to avoid meeting
with Admiral Sampson's fleet or a mix
up with Commodore Schleys flying squad
ron.
The Morning News correspondent is in
formed by one who has the confidence of
the President and is familiar with all of
the official and unofficial information re-
ceived in Washington since the war com
menced, that this is the intention of the
Spanish feet, as figured out by those who
are directing the raovements of the Amer
lean navy.
1t as supposed that the Spanish feet did
not venture into these waters for the one
purpose Of engaging In battle with the
American fleet.
Ihe Spanish government owes a sacred
duty to Gen. Blanco and to the Spanish
forces bottled up in the island of Cuba by
the American blockade. The demand for
supplies has been heard and needed in
Madrid, and the Spanish fleet is now en-
gagged in desperate attempt to go to the
feAef of Gen. Blanco by securing a land
ing at Cienfuegos.
The Spanish admiral is not afraid to
hght' but he would prefer to carry out his
'SAA VI ieAleI DeIOIe racing tne super
Tor force of the Sampson and schley
squadrons.
Ihere is no disposition on the part of
the President or the naval authorities to
discount or underrate the fighting quail
lies OF the Spanish; they have demon
strated their courage in coming over here
IN The face of unequal conditions, and their
motive is to first reach communication
with Gen. Blanco. If possible. and take the
consequences of the effort. whatever they
may be. Being thus convinced of the
spanish admiraps intentions, the President
ana the naval war board have instructed
Admiral Sampson and Commodore Schley
10 intercept the Spanish fleet before it
reaches Cienfuegos.
secretary Long will not permit the move
ments of our fleet TO be announced, and
orders more rigid than heretofore have
oeen issued to prevent the premature pub
fishing of naval news which may aid the
Spanish in keeping out Of Admiral Samp-
sons way.