The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

Heto py ule navy department, Dut II IS
common belief that both Commodore
Sampson. who is in command of the Key
West fleet. and Commodore Schley. in COM
mand of the tying squadron, have orders to
at once invest Havana and Porte Rico.
Mysterious hints from Madrid have been
received by way of London that Spain has
al unpleasant surprise in store for the
United States and that the location of the
first great naval engagement will be at a
point not hitherto discussed. This sugges-
ton has caused considerable uneasiness in
military and naval circles here and
there is a suspicion that the Span
iards may have in view raid
on some North Atlantic port Another sug-
gestion is that the Spanish plan may be to
rush the fleet at the Philippine islands to
the Pacific coast and may even contemplate
an attack on San Francisco. This, however,
does not seem so probable in view of the
fact that the Philippine fleet is composed of
inferior vessels. The other suggestion is
AACCb
the Cape Verde islands to intercept the Ore
gon, which is on its slow way to the Allan
tic from the Pacific coast and is now sup
posed to be off South America somewhere
south of Rio Janeiro. The Oregon is bat
tie ship of the first class, but alone it could
hardly cope successfully with the half-doz-
en- armored cruisers Spain could dispatch
against her. The loss of the Oregon would
be a disaster to the United States and
would seriously cripple US in future move
ments. -"
Sobral, a former naval attache of the Span
ish legation in Washington. expressed the
opinion that Hampton Roads was one of the
most vulnerable points of attack along the
Atlantic seaboard. 1t may be that the Span
iards will act on Sobrals advice and make
directly for that point. If they should do
this it would be in the hope that they might
be able to demolish the flying squadron.
which was there when the Spanish fleet
sailed, and which may return to defend
the entrance to Chesapeake bay. II by the
fortune of. war the Spanish navy should
effect an entrance into Chesapeake bay it
would have Baltimore at its mercy, but
naval authorities are positive that this can
not be DONE They are not so sure about
Hampton Roads.
The Spanish have much the same feeling
of contempt for the military and naval pow
er of the United States that the Japanese
had for China. Having this opinion, they
believe that by making a sudden onslaught
in force they can gain great or a great
er naval victory over us as the Japanese
gained over the Chinese at the mouth of
the YaIu river. They are not likely to con-
suit our convenience as to either the time,
place or manner of the combat.
The President delays his cali for volun-
teers until after the bill to put the army on
a war footing becomes a law. 1t was expect.
ed that the measure would reach him to-
day. but the Senate amended the measure as
it came from the House, and it now has to
go back to that body for concurrence. The
President will receive it tomorrow. The
understanding tonight is that the call will
be for 10000 men, instead of $4,000. as was
decided upon heretofore. That would bring
the Indiana quota to about 1850 men.
An aid of General Gomez. who has been
A., morhinofon for sevaral davs has started
on his return to the island with full infor-
nation as to the intention of this govern
ment to supply the insurgent army with
arms and munitions of war; A thorough
ministration and the Cuban insurgents. 1t
is the expectation that the great Cuban
chieftain will render valuable assistance to
the armies of the United States in the con-
quest of Cuba and the expulsion Of the
Spanish therefrom.
Washington from now on will be scene
of intense military activity, Every effort
will be made to concentrate troops at points
available for defensive and offensive opera
tons and for successfully conducting a
great war. Now that we are actually in-
volved in a fight, all signs of indecision and
all moves looking to delay have vanished.
Postmaster General Garys resignation
has given rise to rumors of other Cab
met changes. Those relating to the
probable retirement oe Secretary Gage
and Secretary Long may be dismissed
as without foundation. Secretary Sher-
man, may. however, conclude to give
way for younger and more vigorous man.
He has discussed the matter with the Pres
ident and has said that on account of his
advanced age and impaired health he felt
he was not doing justice to the President.
his country or himself, to retain the position
of secretary of state much longer. If he
should retire. former Senator George e. Ed
munds might succeed him.
DAY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS.
Woodford's Dismissal Followed by
Prompt Action by the Cabinet.
Associated Press Dispatch.