Middletown transcript., 1898-05-21

Sampson, which did such good work
in destroying the Notifications in the
harbor Of San Juan, Porto Rico. last
week, and the flying squadron Of Com
modore Schley. which is now being
given its first opportunity to show
what it can do in the fighting line, and
get safely into some Cuban harbor. 1t
will make no difference in the end
rot vessel in that Spanish feet will
escape destruction or capture-but it
would be much easier TO destroy the
fleet on the open sea than l. will
be after it gets into a fortified Cuban
hafbor. And besides, that feet has
supplies for the Spanish in Cuba which
1t is very desirable to keep away from
them.
The several fights which have taken
place in Cuban harbors between our
blockading ships and the Spaniards
during the last few days have been en-
tirely satisfactory to the administra-
tion. Formidable batteries have been de-
stroyed, two Spanish cables have been
cut. many Spaniards have been killed.
and our loss has been comparatively
small. The crews of the blockadiDg
ships have proven themselves brave
and fearless in carrying out the most
dangerous orders-the men who cut
the two cables in the harbOr of Glen
fuegos having done so in open boats,
under heavy fire from batteries and
trom small arms.
There are a lot of rumors in circula-
tion concerning Speaker Reads oppo-
sition TO the adoption of the joint reso-
luton for the annexation of Hawaii,
which was favorably reported TO the
House last week, and his intention
to prevent its being voted upon. There
is no foundation FOR these rumors,
further than the wishes of those who
started them. The resolution will be
voted upon, and will he adopted by a
large majority. This statement is
made on undoubted authority.
There is Lo possibility that the
amended war revenue bill which has
been reported to the Senate from its
Finance Committee can ever become
a law. In fact there is doubt
" hether it could PASS the Senate in its
present condition. In addition to
striking out the clause authorizing the
issue of bonds-the only certain way in
which the government can at short
notice raise all the money that may be
needed TO fight the war 10 victorious
end-tbe amended bill provides for an
additional issue of greenbacks amount
ing to $3.50, 900. 900, proposition that
the House overw helmiDgly voted down
before passing the bill, and the coming
of the so-called seigDorage of the sill
yer bullion owned by the government,
$42, 900, ,000, 900 in silver certificates to
be issued in advance Of the coinage.
Representative Steele, Of Ind, a prom
inent member of the House Ways and
Means committee, said, after reading
the bill reported 10 the SENATE: "The
majority of the Senate Finance Com
miltee seem to think that this govern
ment can carry on an expensive for
eign war on wind" Chairman Dingley
said of the amended bill: "The Bryan
Democracy appears to have abandoned
free silver and gone back to fat
money, pure and simple. L am now
wondering what the Republicans who
left their party and enlisted under the
Bryan banner in order TO secure the
free and unlimited co mage of silver
will say to that proposition. What's
the use of going to all the trouble and
expense of coming 30 cent silver dol
lars when you can print paper dollars
In unlimited quantities and am 5unts
IT slight trouble and expense.O The
bond clause is certain 10 be restored To
.hs bill by vote OF the Senate.
Senator Seweli has positively de-
:sintd Ia accept the commission of ma
r general In the vnlunieer army, pre-
'errine to remain in the Senate.