The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-21

WASHINGTON, d. c., May 2a-rhe
report that the Spanish feet' unaeF
command Of Cervera, has arrived at san
tiago de Cuba, Is viewed with great sus-
picIon. The report some time ago. when
this fleet was actually off Martinique.
that It had arrived at Cadiz. was ac-
companied with quite as much corrobc-
rative detail as is this report. Then, as
now, not only was the report given OUT
but It was followed up with otherUeports
tending to confirm It. A knowledge or
the fact that the report OF the arrival
OF the feet at Santiago de Cuba could
not pass through the Spanish censors
unless SO designed by abe Spanish offi-
cials, and practical certainty that
Spain would not want this information
made public IL it were true, casts tho
strongest suspicion upon the informa-
tion. Apparently no one here Is IN
position as yet TO state with knowledge
that the report Is not true, yet all rea-
sonabe inferences discredit 1t. There
is a strong suspicion that the report Is
designed as a blind 70 cover some otnef
contemplated move.
A MOVE TOWARD CHARLESTON.
A report this morning, not generally
current but em3natng from high
sources, was TO the effect that the Span
ish fleet Is making move toward
Charleston, S. c. II this report Is true
It is believed that the movement Is
merely a feint with the design OF craving
the American fleets away from cuban
waters. and that when Admiral Cervera
Is satisfied that he has been successful
No fttrpaH haCk and
an attempt be made to break through
the blockade into Havana harbor. on
this theory Il is suggested that the re-
port that the Spanish feet Is al Santiago
de Cuba IS designed draw the Samp-
son fleet which has ben organized INTO
a fiying squadron. Off TO the south coast
of Cuba. where II will be out or commu-
nicatlon with the department, ana tnet
as soon az this report has had time 70
have It's effect a report Will come ITO"
somewhere Off the Bahamas that tne
Spanish feet Is in that quarter
WOULD DASH FOR HAVANA.
II this device succeeds in drawing the
Schlev fleet to the defence OF our coast
the Spanish feet will then make dasn
for Havana. Some good authorities are
thoroughly convinced that Admiral Ger
yera's fleet. not being strong enough 70
give battle in the open and not caring
To return 10 Spain without striking
blow, designs to get into Havana harpor
and 10 lie behind the fortifcations ON
the defensive without attempting any
aggresiye move whatever beyond join
,ro IN the defence OF Havana. IAtue
donbt "a felt that the sole object OF
tho fleet Is 10 get into Havana harbor'
which would be its safest position whje
relieving and strengthening Blancos
forces. ,o.,
II the Spanish feet Is at santiago 10
Cuba the fact was probably not omcinily
known 10 the Navy Department this
morning. although the officials have the
machinery OF the consular service. IN
addition 10 the services OF numerous
scouting vessels. 20 get and keep track cf
the elusive foe. The War Board went into
session early I'm the day, probably 10
consider and weigh tho newspaper re-
ports as 10 the movements OF the Span
ish feet That the information on that
point came from Madrid was I'm itself
regarded as a suspicious circumstance.
for II Is hardly 20 be supposed that the
Spaniards are such simple strategists as
20 advise us OF their plans In that man
ner. The other report regarded as con-
firmatory OF the Madrid cable, namely.
that from the steamer Adula. upon close
reading failed TO indicate whether the
warships seen from that vessel were
American or Spanish. Altogether the
general belief at the Department was that
the whereabouts OF the spaniards IL stiiI
open 20 doubt.
CUBANS CREDIT THE REPORT.
While the reports from Madrid that the
Spanish squadron is at Santiago are ys-
ceived with some misgiving. yet the on
clals OF the Cuban delegation hero con-
slider the reports accurate as thew hear
out what these officials pointed out when
the Spanish feet first reached Martinique
as the probable course the Spanish admit
raj would take. Being well acquainted
with the Cuban coast. it's facilities for
landing. provisioning. defense etc. ooc-
retary Quesada said at tina outset that
Adnmiral Cerrera would seek 10 eiuds the
> '1eyican isoets. ald by circuitous route
voult mako for santiago. This Xr.
lconsinued on Seventh Page.)