The Portland daily press., 1898-05-04

that China has never before issued
neutrality proclamation and the naval
officers are grateful for the consideration
shown by the government in Withholding
the issues of the decree until informed
that the Americans had acquired base
in the Philippine islands. The army
bought hospital ship today for the
benefit of the troops going to Cuba. Com
missary General Nash was retired, max
ing the fourth comm issary general to
be retired within as many months.
Reports received at the navy depart
ment from the Miantonomah show that
the monitor was roughly handled by the
storm while making her way south to
Key West, from League island. Her
decks were swept and frequent delays
were caused by the disarrangement of
some of the ships structure. Through
out it all, however, the propelling ma
chinery worked splendidly
Washington will soon be gay with uni
forms as result of an order issued today,
requiring all officers 70 wear the uni
forms of their grades
Adjutant General Corbin had confer
ence with the President this afternoon,
concerning the nominations of major
generals and brigadiec-generals. which,
according to present Intentions will be
sent to the Senate tomorrow. General
Corbin TOOK with him to the White
House full list of those nominations
which had beensagreed upon by the war
department. officials. After a Commute
conference with the President, General
Corbin returned to the department. to
make some alterations to the list, sug-
gested by the President. 1t is understood
to have been decided to name General
Shafter, who has been designated to lead
the army of invasion into Cuba; General
Fitzhugh Les and General Joe Wheeler
of Confederate cavalry fame, as three of
the major generals. 1t is regarded as
probable that the President may also
nominate General Woodford, former min
lister to Spain, to be a ma jor-general.
Concerning the appointment of briga-
der generals. It is said to be the purpose
of the President so far as possible to take
the candidates from the ranks of coionels
IN the regular army. This will disappoint
some of the candidates for important
commands. The exceptions, if any are
made, will be in favor of those states
which furnish one or more briga des of
troops. In such cases, it is believed the
President will appoint as brigadier gen.
erals officers recommended to him by the
governors OF the states from which the
troopsscome. "a n
The French EN- Dassy is the only foreign
establishment in Washington which has
received official dispatches ION the battle
ambassador at Madrid and were drawn
from Spanish reports. 1t was stated from
Berlin that the foreign Office there had
cabled reports 80 all the German embas-
sizes, but the German embassy here had
not received word on the subject up
to a late hour today. The British,
French and German governments have
consuls at Manila. but the cable inter-
ruption cuts them. off from any commu-
nioation with their government. Who
has cut the cable is source of much
speculation. A leading diplomat said
circumstances would indicate that the
cutting had been done by Spanish offic-
ials, on instructions from Madrid in or
der to stop the transmission of further
news of the disaster there and in that
wayssscalm thelstorm of popular indigna-
ton at Madrid. 1t is thought to have
been impossible for Commodore Dewey
to have cut the cable, as he was unac-
quainted with its location 30 miles sea-
ward and moreover there appears to have
been no motive for an interruption of
cable communication on his part.
Repeated rumors were afoat during the
day to the effect that the British embassy
had been advised of the fall of Manila
broke. AT O'Clock this evening Sir
Julian Pauncefote declared that he had
absolutely no such INFORMATION.
The Cuban authorities here expect to
Yeceive early information direct from the
camp of General Gomez, brought by
brlgaulef-Oenefal NuneZ, VINO lett mere
about 10 days ago and succeeded in land
ing with party and making his way to
Gomezs camp. Tho party was small
one and took along some supplies, but
its main purpose was to open COMMUNE
cation with Gomez and bring word as to
his resources and readiness for an agrees
sive movement Officials of Cuban dele
cation say General Nunez Is likely to
come out to one Of the American ships
on his return "Trip and thence to Kew
West to make reports to the authorities
here. Secretary Albertini is Cuban
charge d'affaires at present. President
Palma and Secretary Quesada are in
New York.