The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-02
apr13

Moreover it is understood Commodore
Dewey has considerable latitude as to the
course to be adopted and the situation
may be such that he will defer an engage
ment until he has time to open communi-
cations with the insurgents on land.
There is possibility, also, that if the
Spanish fleet does not come out for an en-.
gagement the American commander may
have to adopt the same tactics as those of
Admiral Sapmson, Elockaiing Manila as
Havana is blockaded. This was the view
taken by at least two members of the
strategy board. They spoke, of course
without positive information, as all com.
munication with Commodore Dewey has
been cut off for some days.
After talking with naval officials Sem
ator Davis said hs did not expect any au-
thentic 1nfogp2aGion for a week. If an en-
gagement had occurred or was about to
occur then the first reports necessarily
would come from Spanish sources, as they
controlled the cables, and the Senator had
no doubt that the reports would be colored
to show q Spanish victory and CORE
spending American reverse. He thought
the public should be prepared for this
The actual results, he believed, would
not be made known until despatch boat
returned to Hong Kong. which, being 600
miles from Manila would defer authentic
information perhaps to the latter part Of
the week. The navy department. received
official confirmation of the arrival of the
battleship Oregon at Rio Janerio. This
was the subject of general satisfaction
ing of Admiral Sampson's feet before
Havana within the next fortnight. The
Oregon had been making 10 knots or
about 800 miles day and it is calculated
that she will cover the 5000 miles between
Rio and Cuba in 10 days. She will coal,
however, before starting and this will
take several days. Once with the blockad-
ing feet Admiral Sampson's first line
will consist of four superb battleships of
practically the same strength and equip
ment.
The new guuboat Topeka just arrived
in New York and is ready for service
with the exception of her batteries. These
had been prepared for her but the guns
we're turned over to the war department.
owing to pressing needs. Other guns are
available however. and the Topeka will
be in commission in a few days.
Capt. Richardson Glover called during
associates before leaving to take command
Of the gunboat Bancroft at Hampton
Roads, where she will arrive tomorrow
morning. The Bancroft will go to Cuba
to join Admiral SIMPSONS fleet
Capt. Mahan, the well known naval au.
thorlty and strategist, Is expected daily
to assume place on the strategic board.
The members are looking for him daily.
He has been stationed at Rome but was
ordered here by cable and is about due.
The strategy board was in session for a
time today but their discussion as usual
were guarded with much secrecy. 1t is
understood that the course of the Spanish
feet which left Cape Verde on Friday is
a source of much interest
If as reported, the fleet is actually
coming this way it will be hailed with
delight by naval authorities here. What
they most feared was that the Spanish
ships would hug the other side compell-
ing our ships to go in quest of them If
they come to Porto Rico it will meet the
best hopes of the naval authorities here.
Capt Rodgers who has been at the
head of the auxiliary board buying ships
in New York, called at the department.
today. There is some talk that he will be
assigned to command one of the Amerl-
can liners now under charter.
Secretary Alger's office was open but
the secretary did not come down. The
officials were busy stemming the tide Of
work that has accumulated during the re-
cent rush. Adjutant General Corbin was
at his desk but hessaid there were no army
deYelopmeutS -