The record-union., 1898-03-17
WAR PREPARATIONS GO ON.
notwithstanding the Objection
Raised by Spain.

WASHINGTON. March 16.-The pub
lished semi official statement or the
Spanish Cabinets view as to the re-
sponsibility of the United States in the
Cuban situation has created pro-
found impression. Officials decline TO
discuss it publicly, but there is gen
eral belief among them that the pup
lication marks the beginning OF a new
chapter in the troubled relations be-
tween the United States and Spain
The statement is believed TO be first
step towards forming public opinion
in Europe in anticipation Of failure
on the part of the Spanish officials to
make a success OF the autonomous pro-
gramme which it had outlined, and that
an attempt is to be made TO place the
responsibility upon the United States
for any failure that may follow.
This movement is regarded as adding
much to the gravity of the present
situation That the Administration will
be influenced by the suggestion that
the presence of the fleet of the North
Atlantic squadron at Key West is
disturbing factor is not believed for a
moment Visible evidence OF that de-
termination was the ceaseless activity
of the naval officials as we'll as the
steady prosecution of the plans of the
War Department.
Although the Secretary of the Navy
has been pursuing with vigor his quest
for suitable warships that may be pur-
chased in Europe, beyond those already
secured at the Armstrong works, fur
ther acquisitions have not been made.
At the Navy Department a high ofIi-
cial said: There does not seem to pe
any ships in the market. This is not
exactly the idea l want to be con-
veyed. There are a large number of
ships in the market and many of
them have been offered to the depart
ment, but unfortunately the vessels are
unsuitable in general character for na-
val service, or else are so far from
completion as to be undesirable pur-
chases. Perhaps better success may
attend the departments efforts, now
that Captain Brownson has arrived in
Europe"
Meanwhile, it appears that there is
a much larger stock of vessels right at
home available for naval use than was
generally supposed. Many Of them Will
make very efficient cruisers and gun
boats vessels of the unprotected cruis-
er type now in the navy. Such Il yes
sci is the yacht May1lOWer. acquired to-
day She can De transferred easily,
owing to her stanch construction into
a good dispatch beat on a small cruis-
er about equal to the Castine class. al
though lacking the protective deck of
the latter
Surgeon General Van Reypen of the
navy returned to-day from Newport
News, where he went to examine into
the practic&bility of converting the
Plant Line steamer Grand Duchess into
an ambulance or hospital ship for use
of the Navy Department III case Of
hostilties with Spain The vessel after
some necessary work. would make an
admirable ambulance ship, but the lack
of boilers which it would take months
to replace limits her adaptability for
use at the present time.
There is no room aboard the ordinary
battleship, says General Van Reypen,
for an accumulation OF wounded men
because Of the manner IN which they
are cut up into a large number of
rooms and apartments. Accompanying
a fleet OF vessels engaged in war should
be an ambulance ship with adequate
accommodations for treating the sick
and wounded with the least possible
jar and movement. and which. flying
with the flag of the Geneva Conven-
ton, would be free from harm from
the fire Of any Of the ships.
General 4. W. Greely, chief signal
officer of the army. has gone to New
York City for a visit of some days.
While there it is probable he will make
arrangements for the work of connect
ing by means of telegraph and telephone
lines the various Notifications in the
harbor of New York A similar condi
tion of affairs exists at other fortified