The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-30

Of war. One material reason Is that
France Is preparing for an international
exposition. when the worlds tide Of travel
will be turned toward the French eapiiai.
1t is said that war at such tune wouia
be seriously prejudicial TO this great pro-
sect. Another material interest affecting
France Is that her citizens own many
Spanish securities. 50 that any decline re-
sul,ing from war would fall largely on
French capitalisds. While these are I'M
por,ant considerations urging France 10
avert hostilities yet they are not Oh
course such as could be advanced as the
actual grounds for tender OF good offices.
Such a move would be prompted solely on
sentimental grounds. namely. on the friend
ship of France for both parties engaged In
this controversy.
The army and navy departments con-
tinue to show many evidences of activity.
but there is not the extreme energy or
preparations evident last week. Capt.
S.xspee had several talks with Secretary
Long during the day. and at the close OF
Office hours tho secretary accompanied
Capt Sixsbee TO the White House and
presented him TO the president. Mr.. Long
says that no determination has been
reached thus far as TO Capt. Sigsbees
next assignment. But as one of the high
officials OF the navy department remarked,
the commander Of the wrecked battleship
can have about anything he wants.
The navy department; made no further
purchases OF foreign ships today, although
the naval attaches abroad continue to
make inspection OF ships at the several
large yards.
significant conference was held Dur
ing the day between Capt. Barker. naval
aide to Secretary Long, and Col. Wagner,
chief of the army bureau of information
to determine whether New Dreams, Mo-
bile or Tampa was best adapted as base
of operations. both military and naval. in
the event of war. The examination IL
particularly directed toward ascertaining
the railroad facilities from all sections of
the country to the points on the. gulf
named above. No determination has yet
been reached on the subject, az II Is but
one OF s. number OF important questions
which the commission VIII investigate.
The formal report Of the medical board
OF officers OF the North Atlantic SQUAD
ron that sat on Admiral SIcard's case
shows thar he was suffering from what Is
technically called chronic malaria II
was upon the report OF this board that the
admiral was relieved Of his command and
granted SIX months leave OF absence.
Paymaster Ray. the financial officer Of
the Maine. reported his arrival to the
navy department today. He Is here 10
settle tho accounts or the officers and
men OF the vessel. Whatever amounts
are found 20 have BEEN due to those who
lost their lives VIII be turned over 10 their
families and relatives as far as they be
located. Paymaster Ray had paid abou.
si.Sn during the two weeks ha was aboard.
while the remainder Of his cash account,
about s2,ao. was ia the safe of the ship
when the accident occurred. AS this was
recovered the government lost not a dol
lar In money.
II was stated az the navy DEPARTMENT
today that the steam yacht Giraida. just
purchased by Spain. cost that government
probably $35p00a. She il not regarded as
very formidable acquisition TO the
Spanish navy, as she IL Inferior 10 the
Mayfower. the yacht bought by secre-
'sry Long about two weeks ago.