Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-09

WASHINGTON, July S.-There was &
continuation Of peace talk to-day, and
ather evldepces in this line than those Of
Yesterday are coming 10 the surface.
Such. for instance, was the confirmation
by the State Department OF the report
that the Cadiz feet was returning TO
Spain. since Il is scarcely conceivable that
the Spanish Government would doom this
last remnant Of their fleet TO destruction
at the hands Of Watson's squadron,
which in. all probability could head it off
before it reached Cadiz, its home port.
Therefore. tho assumption IS that the
Spanish Government calculates that at
least an armistice preparatory TO peace
will be obtained before the ships reach
spain.
A report was in circulation that the
United States had been sounded in the
interest Of peace by the British Ambas-
sador, but when it was brought TO Sir
Julian Pauncefotes attention he autho-
rized an explicit denial. and said he had
not communicated with the government
IN any way regarding the termination Of
the war.
SANTIAGO.
Conditions at Santiago also are regard
ed as favorable just now, according to
General Skaters dispatch, received du-
ring the forenoon. Nothing more came
from him during the day, but the i'm
preston prevails that the Spanish are in
a desperate plight within the lines of the
city, and General Skaters action in al
lowing Linares to communicate freely
with Madrid is an implication that there
IS at least a reasonable hope that the
Spanish General contemplates a surren-
der.
However that may be, every prepara-
ton is making for an engagement-the
hnal one at Santiago. it is hoped-which
may begin even as early as tomorrow if
Skaters reinforcements are on hand.
The department has not heard so far OF
the arrival Of these soldiers, but believes
they have reached Sbafter.
TROUBLT IN LANDING.
The greatest difficulty that has been
encountered is in the landing Of troops
and supplies. This being the hurricane
season, and the wind setting straight on
the southern coast, the masters of the
transports have become alarmed. and
have taken their ships many miles out TO
sea, necessitatng long journeys by the
ships boats, which make their lauding
through the surf. SO slow and tedious
has been the service under these condi-
tons that Secretary Alger has ordered
General Shafter TO seize the transports,
one and all and place them as near the
coast as he chooses, without regard 10
he fears Of their masters.
WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH HIM?
The government has not determined
,et bow TO dispose of Admiral Cervera
4 feeling of the highest admiration pre-
ails here at the galantry displayed by
he old warrior. and the noble spirit ex-
libited by him under misfortune. The |
disposition is 10 treat him with as great |
iberality as conditions will permit 1t |
las been proposed that he be released on |
larole, but IL has not yet been decided |
whether to DO this or 10 confine the Ad- |
niral within the limits of the Naval |
academy reservation at Annapolis
The ST. Louis IS due tonight or to- |
morrow with the first lot of prisoners, |
While the Harvard is just about to start |
rom OFF Santiago with the remainder.
HAT SPANIARD IN THE PACIFIC. |
The report of the appearance of
panish priyateer of the coast of British |
which appears to have created
uch commoton on the Northwest |
cast, came from one OF the government
gents I'm that section OF the world.
borrower. the same persons said that
wo vessels were taking on coal at a
british Columbian port. which was in
ended for the Spanish feet.
NAVAL REWARDS.
The failure OF Congress 20 act on the
avail advancement special acts may.
iter all. be beneficial. as enabling the
resident 20 arrange with deliberation
nd Justice a scale Of rewards for meri-
or!ous officers.