Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-27
From Madrid.

MADRID, April 27.-Dispatches re-
ceived to-day from Porto Rico say the
war enthusiasm is increasing and that
two volunteer battalions have been
formed for the defense of the colony.
An official dispatch from Manila an
nounces that the Spanish feet has sail
ed to meet the United States squadron.
The latter had not been sighted when
the cable message was sent; but the
American warships were expected at
any moment. The minister Of marine
expressed the belief that the United
States squadron would reach Manila in
about sixty hours, and a battle, there
ore, is expected 10 about three days
Naval men here believe the Spanish
squadron will take up positions near
Cavite, 80 as to be supported by the
batteries there and at Manila.
An official dispatch from Manila says
the Governor of Iloilo, Philippine l.
lands, announces that the Spanish gun
boat Elcano has captured the American
bark Sarapac from New Castle, n. S.
W. The Saranac had 1910 tons of coal
on board.
The Liberal reminds Gep. Fitzhugb
Lee that Five days have elapsed Of
the fifteen he prophesied would suffice
to drive the Spaniards out of Cuba" "
and asks, "in view OF the little progress
made, whether Gen. Lee has not mis-
calculated" In conclusion the Liberal
prophesies that friction will arise owing
TO American intrusion in the waters OF
the far east, where the European
powers and Japan have barely
succeeded in establishing modus vi.
vendi and where European merchant
ships swarm The Liberal likens the
United States squadron to "a dog
among nine pins"
LONDON, April Pit is reported
here from Madrid that the destination
of the Spanish fleet, which is said TO
have been at sea for some days. is IN.
known to anyone but the minister OF
marine. But it is added that news is
expected before long at the Spanish
capital of the bombardment of Ameri
can coast towns. The reports from Mad
rid also say that the Spanish naval au
thorities are satisfied that Spain can
easily force the blockade of Cuba when
she desires to do so. But in the mean.
time it is explained as the governors of
Cuba and Porto Rico have advised the
Spanish government that they do not
need the fleet, the government has de-
cided to "utilize the warships else.
where
MADRID, April 27.-The Governor
of Manila telegraphs that an engage
ment between the Spanish and Ameri-
can squadrons is hourly expected.
There is great rejoicing here at the
news of the capture Of the American
bark Saranac, at Iloilo, Philippine Is.
lands.
PARIS, April 27.-The newspapers
here are publishing series OF wild
stories. According to one of them,
Germany has protested against the
blockade OF the Philippine Islands. and
contemplates sending wsrships from
Kiao-Chou to uphold her protest. An
other story. purportiug to come from
St. Petersburg, says Great Britain up
set Russia's efforts at Washington be-
cause Great Britain is working hard to
secure an Anglo=American. German
understanding, (which Russia will
meet by league comprised of ali the
other European powers.
ST. VINCEnT, Cape Verde Islands,
April 27.-4:0S p. NAT this hour the
Spanish feet is still here, awaiting or
ders. The sailors are not being exer-
cisea.
LISBON, April 21.---The stats courcil
- tomorrow to decree neutrality,
after which the Spa. ~ ''''
leave the Cane Verde Islands