Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-25


this impression by the fact that it was not
possibiu until this morning to secure from
any of the officials statement of the ma
ture of his business in the SOUTH for it was
known that he had arrived in Tampa on the
Montgomery from the West Indies. The
officer himself was not very communicative
as to the details Of his trip, but he did say
that he had been in San Domingo. He had
gene there on the Brooklyn with his son
, when the ship started for st. Thomas
While in San Domingo he received news Of
the disaster to the Maine and took advan-
tagc of the opportunity presented by the ap-
pearance in San Domingo of the cruiser
Montgomery to make his way back to the
United States and to Washington.
He said he took the trip solely for the
benefit Of his health, having been somew hat
run down, and that his visit to San Domin-
go had no significance whatever. In the
most positive manner he declared that he
mad not been to Cuba ard that he had not
visited the squadron now near Key West
He was surprised, he said, that any impor-
tance should have been attached to his
| movements.
Al the Spanish Legation.
AT the Spanish legation a dispatch was
received today from Gen. Blanco, referring
to commercial affairs, and mentioning in
ciuentally that no change of any kind had
occurred in affairs at Havana. It is taken
that Gen. Blanco's latter statement refers
| to the lack OF definite and trustworthy
news pending the private inquiries now
being prosecuted by the American ana
Spanish authorities. In view of this atti-
tude of those whose official position gives
them the best opportunities for full in
formation, Senor du Bose and his asso-
ciates give credit to the reports of dis
coveries tending to establish the cause of
the Maine disaster.
The commercial negotiations have been
somewhat lost sight OF during recent ex-
citing events. but the authorities at Ha-
yana are said to be hopeful that these may
he expedited at an early day. The Cuban
commissioner who has been named to treat
on the matter will probably come to Wash
ingeon before long, although some delay of
necessity will occur, owing to more press
irg questions which have come up of late.
His Father Lost on the Maine.
AS a special act Of grace, Arthur H.
League Of Annapolis has been appointed a
yeoman Of the third class in the navy
without being subject to the usual require
ents in the cases OF such enlistments.
League is the son of James M. League, one
of the men lost on the Maine. The death
OF his father left dependent on him three
bI others and a sister. The position to
which he has been appointed carries with
1t a salary Of $50 per month and subsis-
tenee.
Relief Bill FavorabIy Considered.
The House committee on naval affairs
agreed today on the Boutelle Maine relief
hill rennrtipU "a 10 he
No Advices Received.
Up to 3 o'clock this afternoon no word
of any kind had been received at either the
State or Navy Department touching thee
Maine disaster, nor had any kilograms
been received from Admiral Sicard at Key
West. Inasmuch as Gen. Lee and Capt.
sigsbee have been instructed to keep the
government fully and promptly informed
of all developments at Havana, their 81
lence today 81 accepted to mean that there
has been no change in the situation since
yesterday.
Secretary Long will leave here this after
noon for few days. but where he is go-i
ing is not stated. In his absence Assistant !
Secretary Roosevelt will have the direction
Of naval affairs
telegram was received at the Navy
Department this afternoon from Admiral
Bunce, commanding the New oYrk navy
yard, saying that the Spanish cruiser Wis.,
caya sailed today.
COL. HEYWOOD ALWAYS READY.
mas Received No Orders to Send
Marines Away.
Il have received no orders to send a
company Of marines to Key West" said
Col. Haywood, ccmmandant Of the United
States marine corps. to a reporter for The i
Star today, nor do look for any. I un-
derstand, however," continued Col. Hey
wood, that detachment of marines has
been sent from Fort Mcpherson to man the
guns at Key West. in the line Of coast de-
lenses that has taken the attention OF the
department for some time past"
When the reporter arrived at the marine
barracks two companies OF marines were
on the drill ground practicing the firing
movements. That looks rather wariike.
colonel"
''Yes. 10 the uninitiated that would look
as If war had been declared"
'How's that?''
why. that Is but daily routine iriil.
Those two companies are recruits and are
going through their regular daily practice"