The record-union., 1898-01-25

service in 1880, not ship in the fleet
has been in commission for five years
They are the flower of the new navy,
and the sixteen fighting machines are
manned by 3333I officers, 1851 men, be-
side the marines The batteries of the
heavy ships are simply tremendous.
When in action the fleet will be throw
ing shells from seventy ignt rified guns,
with an addition of fifty rapid-fire ri
fles. All this is for long-range bust
ness. and is in addition to the second
ary battery OF low-calibered guns. The
torpedo feet is now armed with fifteen
eighteen-inch Whitehead torpedoes.
ana the ships themselves are fitted UP
with tubes for sending out twenty three
more, a total effective battery of twen-
ty-three marine ENGINES, beside the
Vesuvius, mounting three dynamite
guns.
DE LONE THINKS TT PORTENDS
NOTHING SERIOUS.
w WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-At the
Spanish Legation nothing was known
OF the order TO the Maine to proceed 20
Havana. Minister De Lone said that
il portended nothing serious. 1t was
perfectly in accord with usage for war
ships of TWO friendly Powers TO enter
ana leave each others ports. The war
ships of Spain had visited American
ports on complimentary trips several
times, and if there had been no Amer
lean ships at Havana in the same
length Of time it was merely because
the United States Government had not
ordered one there.
As TO the possible consequences Of the
Names appearing al Havana at this
time, the Minister expressed himself as
not al all uneasy There was no doubt,
he said. of the conservative behavior
of the loyal Spanish people in Havana
and elsewhere, and the only remote
contingency which might lead to un
pleasant consequences was some overt
act on the part OF the insurgents sym
pathizers committed with hope of
embroiling Spain and the United States
in just such an incident as. happened
with the Raltimore's crew during the
insurrection in Chile.
In response to an inquiry. the Min
ister said that it was not customary
and part Of the diplomatic usage for
one country to notify the diplomatic
representative OF another country that
it intended to send a war vessel to the
waters of their nation.
The statement of Minister De Lone
| makes it apparent that the Spanish
Government Will not regard the dis
patch of the Maine to Havana as
hostile act, and equivalent to a breach
Of the friendly relations between the
two countries.
Senor Quesada, Secretary of the Gu
ban Junta, and Senor Albertini. of the
Cuban staff in Washington, were about
the Capitol during the day comforting
with members concerning the Cuban
status Mr. Queseda said:
The sending Of the Maine to Cuba,
whatever be the official version, is, in
our opinion. proof that things are in
such condition in the few Spanish
strongholds that anarchy reigns, and
that American citizens and property,
unable 10 find protection at the hands
of the impotent Spanish Government,
have now the protection of their own
vessels. 1t is a declaration to the
world that the United States are not
afraid of the Spanish rabble which
seems TO control the Spanish officials.
The attitude of the Spanish papers and
officials has been that the presence OF
an American warship in Havana
will not say it is the most natural thing
for any nation to send its vessels 10
the ports of friendly Power. and Mr.
De LONE will declare that his Govern
ment is sghted. But we shall soon
hear from General Weyler's subordi-
mates in Cuba and from Sapin; that
is, if the cannon Of the Maine do not
bring to the Spanish minds the convic
,l3x.x, t., ,e- tI,a
better part of valor''
Senior Albertini says tie sending of
the Maine will justify itself with future
events. With his acquaintance with
Spanish methods, he says there is
greater reason for apprehension than
has yet been shown, and he declares
that as soon Spain finds that Cuba is
lost, a carnival of slaughter viii be
inaugurated with the guns of Moro
Castle and the Cabanas Fortress
trained on the city of Havana
EXPRESSION OF SENATORS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-The first
intimation of the members of the SEN
ate Committee on Foreign Relations
had of orders to the Maine was given
in the Associated Press bulletin. They
received the information with evident
Satisfaction
Senator Frye said the action was en-
inently satisfactory to him.
Senator Gray said it was very proper
20 have Warship in Havana for the
protection of American interests.
Senator Morgan said Germany had
shown the United States the way by
sending her warships to Havana, and
was evidently badgering this Govern
ment in the matter.
Senator Foraker was especially
pleased to hear the news. He said he
wished the Texas and the other vessels
of the squadron would be ordered TO
follow the Maine.
Senator Cullom said: I am glad to
hear it. l hope the Maine viii be fol-
lowed by other vessels
Senator Teller said ne would like 20
see the harbor OF Havana filed With
American ships.
QUARREL OVER A CARD GAME.