The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-28
Department Thinks They
Will Remain in Manila.
TROOPS NOT TO GO TO CUBA.
It Is Now Believed That They Will Remain in
This Country Until Summer Is Over.

WASHINGTON. April o7-The war situation is
substantially this: The blockadinr squadron re.
mains passive before Havana with no present pur-
pose of bombarding Of drawing the fire of the
shore batteries The strategic purpose OF an efectu.
al blockade of the Cuban capital is being accom-
plish to the end. There is no indication that a part
OF the fleet will be withdrawn for the purpose of af.
fording additional protection to the north Atlantic
ports.
AS to the reports of the immnencc of a naval Dat.
tie off the Philippines, the naval authorities here se-
riously doubt whether the Spanish fleet will make
stand against the American ships Their reason
for this is that the Spanish fleet is very inferior TO
the American force under Admiral Dewey The de-
partment therefore is satisfied that the Spanish fleet
will not go to do battle ON the high seas. hut will
remain in port to the protection of the bat
teries of Manila, and the department is not expect
ing an engagement for about two days. Without
giving any explanation for setting the time, the de-
partment allows it to be surmised that the estimate
is based on its knowledge of the Spanish where
abouts. They know there will be an engagement in
the near future II is thought that this can be done
by not attacking Manila at ALL but by seizing some
convenient point on the islands
No word has come to the department up to the
close of Office hours of the arrival of the Monserfat
at Cienfnegos. The officials are inclined to believe
that If she has gotten in that port she did so before
the blockade of Cienfuegos had begun. The very
fact that the Madrid officials have rather ostentl-
tously declared that the Spanish fleet has sailed to
lombard the cities on the north American coast is
taken as certain indication at the navy departmn MT
of the utter improbability of such movement IL
this were contemplated the Spanish officials would
he the very last to make their purpose public. The
navy department as YET has made no arrangements
for the care of prisoners taken by warships
but the legal officers of the department think they
should be sent TO the Boston naval prison.
Some alarm was felt at the injury sustained by the
Gushing. Ii il said that this is the first serious
breakdown she has suffered in the nine years of her
service. Luckily the department will be able to re.
place her very shortly for President Malca Of the
Columbia Iron works, called at the navy department
this afternoon TO announce that the torpedo boat
Mckee, a 2Oknoter. would be ready for trial tomor
row. She will be sent to Norfolk TO have the finish
ing touches added and then will join the squadron
In the war department there is growing belief
that the proper in Cnba will not be in full swing
before next fall, when the rainy season has ended
Tha, belief however has not prevented the officers
whose duty it is To get the troops together, from
pushing their work with the greatest energy Thus
within twelve hours after the Hull bill became
law the department able To begin TO send out
circulars prescribing the methods 10 be- followed In
recruiting the large army up To its full war strength
of 900 men. The enormous aB:oli.i Of work In
yolyed in thus increasing the army regular and
volunteer. has caused Gen. Miles 10 abandon his
southern trip for the present
The officials of the department were overwhelmed
today with all softs Of protests against their action
in making the assignments Of troops among the vol
unteer forces. and many changes may be looked
for.
The state department posted notice today stating
ii had been officially advised Of the issuance Of neu
tTaiy orders by Italy. the Netherlands. Switzerland
Norway and sweden. Russia and Colombia. 1t 10
supposed lso that the official notice OF Great Brit
aims and Frances neutrality will be received By to-
mofrog Including France and Great Britain four
ont Of six of the great powers have declared
neutrality namely Great Britain Italy, France and
Russia There remains Of the great powers Germany
aud Austria neither Of which haYe yst acted. Iha