The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-04-08

vor or disfavor. depending largely upon
the predictions and personal and po-
litical associations OF the members.
Senators united in the necessity for
protecting the safety of General Lee
and the other American citizens in Gu
ba- Many. however. were inclined to
crieicise because our citizens had not
been removed heretofore, while others
declared protection for them should
have been sent to Havana 1T is a
huniliating spectacle" said Senator
Quay, of Pennsylvania that with our
fleet within ninety miles OF Havana
We are not able to protect our people
in that port" THAT request" said
Senator Proctor, merely illustrates the
character of the people We are deal
ing with in this matter"
The intense Cuban sympathizers on
both sides OF the senate chamber were
free in the expression OF opinion that
there was some motive for the delay
that did not appear on the surface.
They did not question the good faith
OF the represenuatio as to the danger
OF Americans in Cuba, burt they agreed
that there must have been other causes
for the administration course. When
the Madrid bulletin stating the proba-
bllity of an armistice in Cuba was
made known they found in il a veri-
fication of their surmises.
At one time during the afternoon the
indication was strong that dissatisfac-
tfon would find voice in the open ses-
sion of the senate, but those who felt
disposed to discuss the question were
restrained largely from a feeling OF del
1cacy because not fully certain OF their
ground. The conservative element did
not find encouragement in the situa-
tion. They were not diSpleaSad over
the prospect of delay, but they express
Il sat .la q
publication of the fact Of danger TO
Americans in Cuba" said one Of them,
will set the country aflame and the
war spirit Will be more rampant to-
NOR row than ever"
Altogether, the days proceedings had
the effect of leaving the senate in an
unsettled condition, but it also relieved
the tension to perceptible degree.
TESTING THE BROOKLYN'S GUNS
Fortress Monroe, Va, April 6.-The
Brooklyn, the flagship of the flying
squadron, tried her s inch guns today,
in order to test the new elevating appa-
ratuS designed to give them greater
range. The test was rot only made
to demonstrate the utility of the appa-
ratus, but also to see if the turrets af-
ter being so materially changed would
stand the shock to which they are sub
jected. The test, was under the direc-
ton Of Commodore Schiey and Captain
Cook, was of a most satisfactory ma
ture and Commodore Schley said that
the Brooklyn was in the best of fight
ing trim. The first shot was sent out
with a single charge OF eighty five
pounds of powder, the gun being ele-
waited at five degrees. The 200 pound
shell left the muZzle of the gun at a
velocity of 1900 feet second 1T
struck the water two and three quar-
ter miles from the ship, sending up a
vast column of water. The second shot
was with the full powder charge, 10
pounds and sent the Projectile very
! nearly four miles, putting it in the
water at a speed of 1000 feet pei second
There was no perceptible jarring from
the shot, Commodore Schley said to-
:ght that he had not yet received any
orders from Washington.
Washington, April 6.-Representativ "a tive
Jones, of Washington, today introduced
joint resolution to protect the Ameri-
cans in Cuba which directs the presi-
dent mmedia tely to order all vessels of
war of the United States in the vicin-
| ity of Cuba to proceed to Havana with
out delay, to protect all American cit
iZens there and to bring away in safety
all who desire to leave the island.
DISAPPOINTMEN IN THE NAVY.
Key West Fla, April 6.-Intense dis
appoin tment was exhibited by all hands
ON board the flagship New York when
the Associated Press bulletin regarding
the reported settlement at Madrid was
read. Until O'Clock this evening it
was confidently believed the feet would
sail tomorrow or Friday for Havana or
Porto Rico, and the pacific news came
like bomb. Captain Sampson read
the dispatch with eager interest, after
which 1t was read at the messes. He
believes there is still a chance that the
American navy may have an oppor-
| tunity to show what it is made Of but
he regrets the delay which will prob
ably enable Spain to bring her torpedo
| f1otilla and other warships TO these
waters. All the high naval authori-
| ties on board maintain that Spain
| should not be allowed to bring her
| forces over, pending settlement
THE PANIC IN HAVANA.
| Havana, (via Key West, Fla.,) April
| 6.-After many days OF foolish conf
| dence that nothing would happen, a
number of people here. Americans and
| others, have been plunged into equally
| foolish fears, turmoil and all sorts OF
| wild rumors in advance OF the message
| Of the president to congress.
| People who should know better insis
| that war has been declared; others ar.
equally sure that the pope has secured
! peace with honor. Bankers with clos.
American connections are packing theiI
papers, collecting all possible debts
arranging for guards for their stee
vaults and sending their families away
Cuban women, with husbands, father
and brothers in the inSurgent Tanks
are in state of terror and are really
much to be pitied. since IL any one L
marked ii is they. since all history or
all parallel lines shows no very grea
consideration from Spanish rioters 70
the gentler sex. The few simon-pur.
Americans who remain keep as COO
as may be with the temperature AT s
| -Cgrees in the morning hours. The fac
is. Sd far az the officials and news
paper men are concerned, they hav.
heard SO many weired tales. which the,
have traced to their sources. and foun<
| mere buncombe or bathos, that rhe1
are not prepared to believe any evi
dence but that OF their own senses
| When Consul General Lee says, witt
that delightful chuckle OF his, We'll