The sun., 1898-01-25
The WarShip Maine Sent to
Havana.
AN INTERVIEW WITH LONG
Senators Discuss the Move and a
General Feeling OF Apprc-
hcnsiOn Exists.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-War talk il
heard on every side here tonight.
Much OF it is buncombe.
There was, however, Il general atmos
phere of suppressed excitement abou
the State Department all the day thai
indicated much to the knowing ones.
The United States Government ha.
prepared for war.
This is absolute. The United
States steamship Maine has been ORDERED
to Havana, 1t is said at the Navy De
partment that no disturbing news has
been received from there, but that til,
movement is rather in the line of re-
sumption Of free intercourse OF our nava
vessels in Cuban waters, the same as pre-.
vailed prior to their withdrawal ON ac.
count Of the outbreak of hostlities.
The members of the Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations heard Of the orde,
to send the Maine to Havana with evi-
dent satisfaction. Senator Fry said
that the action was cminently satisiac-
tory to him. Senator Gray said it was
proper to have Il warship in Havana for
the protection of American interests.
Senator Morgan said that Germany has
shown the United States the way by
sending her warships to Havana, and
evidently badgering this government in
this matter.
Senator Foraker was particularly
pleased to hear the news. He said he
wished the Texas and the other vessels
of the squadron would be ordered to fol-
low the Maine.
Senator CuIlom said: 81 am glad to
hear it. | hope the Maine will be fol-
lowed by other vessels"
Senator Teller said he would like to
erican ships.
Secretary OF the Navy Long was seen
today concerning the rllmors that were
afoat in regard to the movements Of the
ships and said:
$50 far from there being any founda-
ton for the rumors yesterday of trouble
at Havana, affairs are in such condition
that our vessels are going to resume their
friendly calls at Cuban ports and 60 in
and ont just as the vessels OF other ma
tions do. The Maine will 60 in II day or
two on just such visit. The depart
ment has issued orders for vessels to at
tend the public celebrations in Mobile
and the Mardi tiras at New Orleans, and
for the torpedo boat tlotilla to visit Gal
weston, Texas
Senator George Gray, of Delaware,
said it was very proper to have war
ship in Havana for the protection Of
American interests. lie declined to enter
into any discussion OF the subject beyond
this single statement, insisting that the
Secretary Of the Navy was the proper
official to speak for the Government.
Senator Morgan said that Germany
had shown the United States the way by
sending her warships to Havana, and
was evidently badgcring this Govern
mcnt in this matter.
At the Spanish legation nothing was
known of the order for the Maine to pro-
cccd to Havana. Minister De Lone said
that even in C Sc il were true that it por-
tended nothing serious. 1t was perfectly
in accord viii usage for wasshrs OF two
friendly powers to enter and leave each
Others puts d!r wa!ships of Spain
had visited American ports on c"mpll-
mentary missions three times in aS nIany
years, and if there had not been an
American wnrslip in Havana in the
same length OF time it was merely he
cause the nitcd States Government had
not seen fit to order one there. As to
the possible consequences of the Mainc's
appearing in Havana ut this time. the
Minister expressed himself as not at all
uneasy. There was no doubt, he said, of
the conservative behavior of the loyal
Spanish population in Havana and else
where, and the only remote contingency
which might lead to unpleasant conse-
quenccs was some overt act on the part of
the insurgent sympathizcrs committed
with hope + embroiling Spain and the
United States in just sllcI, an incident as
happened with the Baltimore's crew
during the insurrection in Chile
1t is currently reported here that an
order has been placed with the
DuPonts at Wilmington, Del, for several
million pounds Of smokcless powder.
The report is discredited generally and
has been specifically denied by person:
authorized to speak for the Dul'onts. 1t
is certain that no such order has been
placed within the past day or two. If it
has been placed, investigation will de-
velope the fact that it was filed with
them weeks ago.
- tsND I'm. un