Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-10

tide may be obtained without finding -ock
bottom, which would make blasting neces-
sary, yet they decline to predict what will
be the outcome, as it is not practicable to
determine the nature of the entire bed of
the harbor without complete and thor
ough examination.
The New Spanish Minister
Judge Day, Assistant Secretary of State,
visited the White House early this morning.
He arranged with the President for the
presentation of the new Spanish minister.
Senior Bernabe will be received by the Pres
ident tomorrow morning at 11:45 o'clock.
The ceremony will not differ from that
usual at the presentation of new ministers,
but great interest will be excited by the
event
Auxiliary Cruisers.
A significant call at the White House to-
day was made by Senator Hanna, accom-
panied by Clement a. Griscom and son.
Mr.. Griscom is at the head of the
American line of big passenger steam
ers running between this country and
England. Senator Hanna remarked that
the visit was social. but as he fol-
lowed this by going to the Navy De-
partment with the same men, his remark
was taken as a joke. There is doubt
President and Navy Department about the
preparation of the auxiliary cruisers of his
line for possible conflict. He wanted the
President to know that his company STOOD
ready to hasten all preparations in the
arming of the vessels. 1t is said that he
told the President that the st. Louis and
ST. Paul could be made ready to become
part CT flying squadron within week.
Opinions of Leaders.
Many republican leaders visited the Presi-
cent today and all were in pleasant mood
ever the events of the last few days. Sena-
tors Burrows, Wolcott Spooner, Fairbanks,
Duboe and Representatives Grosvenor,
Dill gley, Hopkins, Steele and others were
in the number.
Nearly all of them claimed that there is
nothing new in the situation. II think the
outlook is improved said Representative
Dingley.
rs it to continue that way?"
mo one can tell what the future will
bring forth but the situation is more COM
posed a present"
Senator Wolcott's visit was the first he
has made to the White House in a long
time. The President was with him about
ten minutes. It. is thought that the Col
reported good wishes of England and to
His recent visit to England qualities him to
talk Interestingly on probable English SEN
timent at this time.
What Cabinet Officers Say.
The arrival of four cabinet officers at the
White House about 1 o'clock this afternoon
caused the circulation of a story that an
aytr acSin Of fh. ho.l
ed. 1t was found that the officials-Secre-
taries Alger, Long and Sherman and Post
T. aster General Gary-had called on busi-
ness relating solely to their departments.
One of the cabinet officials was questioned
as to a number of alarming rumors in cir
culation, but gave a denial to nearly all of
them. Secretary Alger, for example, said
that the conference he held during the
morning with representatives of the Beth
lehem iron works was in regard to work
for long ago.
1t Is also alleged that the call of Sir
Julian Pauncefote at the Stale Department
was in reference to Alaskan affairs.
The cabinet officials say positively that
there have been no new developments of
deep interest in the last twenty four hours,
ana none are locked for within the next
few days.
Vigorous Naval Policy.
The vigorous policy of the Navy Depart
ment in preparing all it's available re-
sources for the national defense in the
event of a possible clash with Spain is
progressing to the satisfaction of the Off
Gals. Practically the only measure in
volving any doubt is the purchase of war
ships in foreign ship yards. All the YES
sels of the United States navy that could
possibly be utilized in an emergency aris-
ing in the near future have been pre-
pared for immediate service, and such as
are not alre ady available for active service
are rapidly being put in condition. Reports
received at the Navy Department today
show that the double turreted monitor
Miantonomoh and the Ram Katahdin were
placed in commission at League Island
navy yard this morning. Captain Morti-
n,er l.. Johnson is in command of the mOni-
tor and Captain Frank Wildes, formerly
secretary of the light house board, is I'll
command Of the ram. The Miantonomoh Is
one of the newly remodeled monitors, and
is regarded as one Of the most destructive
fighting machines in the navy. The ram
is an innovation in naval warfare and her
efficiency in case of actual conflict is proble
matical. Her commander, however. is en-
thusastic in regard to her and has ex-
pressed the opinion that she would prove
a dangerous opponent to any warship, no
matter how large or powerful
Another vessel that will soon be ready
for commission is the cruiser Newark,
new undergoing repairs at the Norfolk navy
yard. Orders have been given to rush work
on this vessel, and 1t is expected that she
will be ready for service in about a month.
While one of the older vessels Of the new
navy, the Newark, as remooeled, will COM
pare favorably in every respect with more
modern vessels Of Ter class. She has been
provided with battery of rapid-fre guns
In place of the slow-fire battery with
which she was originally fitted, and her
speed will be materially increased. AL
though not settled, it is more than prob
able that she will be attached to the home
or North Atlantic squadron.
The two swift commerce destroyers, Co
IL mbia and Minneapolis, will be put in
commission at League Island on the 18th
iI stanI, and will materially add to the
strength of the navy. 1t is expected that
they will rendezvous at Hampton Roads
and start from there the mission which
L. xaai a ..1d