The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-05-03

from Manila, capital Of the Philippine
ISLANDS, received today, says the Span
dsh squadron, which has taken up a po-
sition several miles from Manila, is
still waiting the arrival of the United
states squadron under the command Of
Admiral Dewey.
The governors proclamation, appeal
ing to the patriotism, honor and relig-
Gus prejudices of the Spaniards and
otherwise inciting them to animosity
against the Americans,i is said to have
had a great effect upon the people, who
are alleged to be volunteering in large
numbers eager to "repulse the enemy"
Tn the senate today General DonosO
greatly ~eulOgized h captain of the
transport Montserrat for running the
blockade.
Admiral Bernajo, minister of marine,
replying, said the government had de-
cided to confer a decree of decoration
on the officer.
A dispatch to Ell Impartial from Ha-
wanna says the insurgents attacked
Artemisa, province of Pinar del Rio
but were repulSed.
An official dispatch from General
BlancO says: Part of the enemy's
squadron has gone eastward. One of
the American irOncladS has grounded
opposite Dimas, province of Pinar del
Rio, and three other ships are working
to refOat her. Spanish volunteers are
watching on shore"
Washington, April 28.-NO Informal
ton of the grounding of one of our
wa rChinC urnC rnnaiJn1 nithnr hy tho
president or the secretary Of the navy
tonight, and, so far as could be learned,
no such dispatches are at the navy de-
partment. An examination of the best
Cuban map of the wal department
fails to show any point On the coast
called Dimas, the nearest approach to
it being Point Diamente, on the north
ern coast of Pinar del Rio province, a
ShOrt distance west of Havana and in
the blockade zone.
The war department does not expect
news from Admiral Dewey and the Pa
cific squadron before Saturday.
Gibraltar, April 28.-Three Spanish
torpedo boats are constantly cruising
between Algeciras bay, near here, and
Getares bay at, the entrance of the bay
of Gibraltar.
Lisbon, April 2S.-The official Gazette
will publish tomorrow a decree de-
NhuI III IlHC llOuu VIZ vi L w uSo IA Ollt
conflict between Spain and the United
States.
The terms of the decree will he SINH
lar to those used on the occasion of
the governments neutrality procla-
matiOn at the outbreak of the Franco
PrusSian war.
London, April 29.-The Madrid CORE
spOndent of The Daily Mail says: Senior
CadOrniga will ask in the to-
morrow for the pXD111SiDn of cert ain
foreign correspondents. His request
refers to the representatives of Amer
lean newspapers.
The Madrid correspondent Of The
STANDARD says: The parliamentary
outlook is less satisfactory, despite the
praise worthy efforts both the govern
ment and Senior Silvela are making to
induce the opposition to reduce the
wonted dilatory debates. with a view
to getting voted rapidly these bills and
authorizations which are Indispensable
to enable the government to carry on
affairs in the present CRITICAL circum-
stances.
Cadiz, April 2S.-Three' steamers
of the Campania Trans-Atlantica are
being rapidly armed as cruisers.
The forts at Tiota, six miles north
east of Cadiz, and at San Catalina are
being strengthened and new guns are
being mounted there.
AUSTRIA'S AID TO SPAIN.
London, April 29.-The Vienna CORE
spOndent Of the Morning Post says:
Emperor Francis Joseph privately con-
tributed 20, 900 pounds ($lO0,000 to the
national naval subscription in Spain
and has further shown his sympathy
by permitting a number OF AustrO-
Hungarian officers to serve under the
Spanish flag. The Archduke Eugene
mas gone to Madrid to stay with the
queen-regent during this critical per-
iOd. Austria maintains the strictest
neutrality, but | am informed from
the best source that in the event of a
revolution in Madrid the Austrian
forces will be at the disposal of the
queen-regent. The emperor is deter
mined that her majesty shall have the
benefit of his fullest protection.
THE SITUATION IN PORTO RICO.
Copyright 10y Associated Press.)
st. Thomas, West Indies. April Is
Porto Rican advices today say four
Spanish gunboats are at San Juan de
Porto Rio Martial law has been pro
claimed in Porto Rico and it is being
sternly enforced. Crowds of people
are leaving for the interior n the
capital is almost deserted by civilians.
The military authorities are most &C
tively engaged in preparing for the de-
fence of the island. TorpedoS have
been planted in the main channel. An
old steamship has been sunk across
the harbor entrance, the IbuOyS in the
channel have been altered and all
lights are to be extinguished at night.
The French residents are seeking ref
uge on board the French ruise Ad-
miral Rigault de Genouilly.
An American sugar estate. it Is an
~nounced, was plundered after the re-
ceipt Of the news of the declaration OF
war between Spain and the United
States. The British consul ait San
Juan, who has charge Of American in
terests, has cabled to this govern
ment requesting that a British war
ship be sent to that port.
Danger lis apprehended from the in
competent and youthful volunteers OF
Porto Rico. The warehouses of Porto
Rico are reported to be full of prOv1s-
ions and the Spanish authorities say
they can stand a seige of two months.