The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-01
Must Depend on China If Manila Is
Not Taken.
STRATEGY BOARDS SCHEME
Firing by the Fleet Of a Strategic
Character.

day was concentrated on the Philippines,
though it seemed almost hopeless to ex-
pect any news directly from there. which
is for the present. at least the critical
point of naval operations
Indeed, one high official we'll versed In
the plans of the strategy board declared
that upon the result of the engagement
have had with the Spanish feet to-day, or
within day or two at least, might depend
TO an extent the outcome of the war.
When Secretary Long left the navy de-
partment he had received no word from
Commodore Dewey, nor from any point in
the East.
The Chinese minister, Mr.. WI Ting
Fang, called at the state department to-
day and had talk with officials concern
ing the war situation. He did not bring a
notice of China's neutrality nor has he
received word thus far from his govern
ment that China will declare her neutraM-
ty. The authorities here would not be dis
pleased If China withheld her decree alto
gether, as such a course might be of dis
tinct advantage to the United States in
case Commodore Dewey's fleet fails to ef-
feet landing on the Philippines and is
obliged to seek some open port
With an American fleet in Asiatic wa
ters the situation becomes hazardous un-
less a belligerent port is captured or
neutral port remains open. Up to to-day
all countries occupying Western Asiatic
territory had declared neutrality except
China alone. The notice of Korea was
given but two days ago, thus closing all
Japan's ports, including Yokohama, which
is the most advantageous harbor in Asia
tic waters and nearer the Philippines than
any other port.
The British and French DEGREES closed
Hong Kong and the ports of British India
and of French Tonquin
The authorities here feel that the United
States would have proited much by Sc
curing coaling station from China dur
Ing the recent controversies which led to
Germany's securing Kiao-Chau bay as a
coaling station, Russia securing Port Ar
thur and England securing Wei-Hai-Wei.
There is good reason to believe that the
friendly spirit of China toward the United
states would have made It possible for the
United States to have secured the harbor
Of Mrs bay or some other advantageous
point on the Chinese coast. At the pres
ent time. however. At is said that China
could not voluntarily grant such a coaline
station without assuming a distinctly hos
tile attitude toward Spain.
1t is possible that Chinas neutrality
decree may be issued any day, and yet the
delay is in no way exercising the author
ties here, owing TO the feeling that 1t
leaves China's ports open to Commodore
Dewey's fleet.
Secretary Long received a dispatch from
capt. Sampson relative to the shelling of
the Matanzas batteries, but had
no Information whatever as 10
the reported attack upon Car
oenas' yesterday. The impression pre-
Vals at the department among those who
are not taken into the secrets of the naval
n war board that these moves of Capt.
sampson are of a strategic character, and
not accidental happenings, as might be
4 supposed from their apparently spontane-
Gus character.
key West evidently Is to be made base
oi the first order of Importance. so far es
We fleet Is concerned. Otherwise 'secre-
"fy Long never would have called upon
an officer of such high rank as Commodore
NeI1ley to'command the station. The COM
"ouore has been felleyed at the Ports
mouth navy yard New Hampshire, by
cured officer OF equal rank.
Two more retired officers of a high or
oeI oil ability are to be called into active
SgiNlce Monday in the persons of Naval
4 toyne.
ne board Of bureau chiefs is now en-
easeo IN preparing the advertisements
t1llns for the construction of torpedo
W., and destroyers. BY special pro-
''.'h OF the naval bill, these advertise
"s '.S Will run only three weeks. instead
.nIee months, as is usual. The depart
,.,. uescribe only the general character
nc OF the torpedo boat, leaving to the
construction.
n n n.ef Constructor Hichborn said to-day
n co.., when the department has placed the
acts for the vessels authorized by the