davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
NEEDS OF OUR NAVY.
Timely Bill introduced BY Represent tive
Pierce of Massachusetts.

Washington, May Representative
Pierce of Missouri today introduced bill
for the increase of the naval establishment
as follows:
Five trst-class cruisers to carry the
heaviest armor practicable and the most
powerful ordnance, displacement 1880
tons, minimum average speed 20 knots
per hour, and to cost, exclusive of armor
and armament not exceeding $1,000, 600;
ten torpedo boats, of about $50 tons dis
placement to have the highest practicable
speed and to cost, exclusive of armament
not over 100000 each; Is torpedo boat
destroyers, about 400 tons displacement,
OF the highest practicable speed and to
cost, save armament, not over $500, GOO
each; 10 steel gunboats of about 1000
tons displacement with highest
practicable speed, and to cost, save
armament, not over $3.50, 900 each. No two
of the cruisers, nor four of the torpedo
boats, nor tive of tbs, destrovers, nor five
of the gunboats shall be built in any one
yard or by one contracting party. L All
material for them is TO be of domestic
manufacture.
One cruiser, three torpedo boats, three
destroyers and three gunboats are to be
built on the Pacific coast under certain
restr uctions
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24

would constitute violation of the
neutrality laws of the nation whose flag
the ship bore. Tonight the war depart
ment is negotiating by telegraph with
the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for
the charter of two of the oompaDy's YES
sells, the China and the Colon. The Colon
lies American colors, but the China is
under the Hawaiian flag. The difference
between the war department and the
steamship company is now one of price.
Whether satisfactory terms will be agreed
upon remains in doubt.
Tonight Assistant Secretary MeikleJohn
received telegraphio offer from the agent
of the Northern Pacific Steamship COM
pany at Seattle, placing ut the disposal OF
the department the company entire fleet
Of steamers, provided they be given
American registers. The ships are the
Tacoma, Arizona. Olympia, Columbia,
Victoria and Argyll All are British
built vessels and fly the British flag.
Commenting upon the situation which
confronts the department. Secretary
AIeiklejohn said: If we cannot get
vessels at what we consider fair prices we
shall be forced to impress such as we may
need into the service and leave the prices
to be adjudicated subsequently by a board
appointed for the purpose. We have made
every possible effort to secure vessels of
american registry. Indeed, we want
nothing else. But it is impossible to
obtain them on the Pacific coast. We
shall have simply to ask Congresssto give
American registry to vessels that we can
obtain. There is no other way out of the
difficulty"
The likelihood is that the war depart
ment will order such vessels of the North
ern Pacific steamship company as may be
needed to San Francisco and then ask
Congress to give them an American
register in order that they may promptly
convey the waiting troops to Manila. It
is the desire of the department that the
troops following those to be sent to the
out not later than Wednesday
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
DESTROY AMERICAN SHIPPING"
Spanish Government Advised to Adopt
PrivateeriDg.

Madrid, May 23.-3 p m.-ln the Senate
today Count Almonies vehemently pro-
tested against the alleged action OF some
American warships in displaying the
Spanish flag in order to deceive the garrl-
son of Guantanamo as announced on SAT-
urtay last in despatch from Captain
General Blanco, who added the American
ships were Immediately recognized and
repulsed. The Count asked if the court
had notified the powers of this incident.
The minister Of the interior, Senior
Capdepon, replied that he hal notified the
powers and described this reported action
as 'cowardly and iniquitous.'
Count Almeuas then said that sin view
of Americans manner of making var,
Spain must Immediately decree privatesr-
ing IN order to utterly destroy American
shipping"
10 this the minister of the interior re-
piled that the government had deliberated
upon the matter, land had even taken
certain decisions which would shortly be
done"
Count Guendulain said the American
act of piracy was admitted by certain
theorists as international law"
Senator Martinez Pacheco remarked
that IL was doubtful whether such an act
was legal. But" he added, ''in the face
OF the Americans conduct in The war
with Spain, we must not show considera-
ton for Them
Continuing, the speaker protested
against Spain's adhesion to the Geneva
convention, whereupon the minister of
sne interior replied that Spain had not vet
entered the convention.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
THINKS IT WILL BE LONG WAR.

Washington, May 23.-Secretary Long
has not yet returned from Massachusetts
where he went with Mrs. Long, who has
been in delicate health of late. In his alb
sence MIR. Allen who succeeded Mr.
Roosevelt. is acting secretary There are
no new developments of Importance this
afternoon. The department has sent half
a dozen divers to Key West to clean the
bottoms of the warships.
Representative Hilborn, who is MEM
Der of the House committee on naval
affairs speaking today of ex-Secretary
Tracey's recent suggestion that Congress
should order six armored cruisers at once
to place our navy on an offensive as we'll
as defensive basis That will do just
at present, but it may come in when we
get our bearings. Ihe war is costing us
81 600, 0C0 a day. From present indica-
tions think it is going to be long war,
When 1t Is over we will have lot Of out
lying islands and will have to adopt the
policy of Great Britain of looking after
these islands with adequate naval and
military forces. 1t will be time enough
then to talk Of more armored cruisers -
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
"CEAsELEss ACTIvITY'' REVIVED

Washington, May 23.-Monday morning
at the war department. witnessed a re-
vival of the ceaseless activity which has
characterized the military branch of the
government for two months past.
During this morning there was an end
less number of callers at Secretary
Alger's, Assistant Secretary Meikleiohn' S
and General Corbin's offices, made up
largely Of Senators and Representa- yes
and applicants tor appointments in the
volunteer branch of the army.
Paymaster General Stanton has selected
ap official corps Of paymasters for duty
with the Philippine expedition. An ade-
quate amount of cash to pay the soldiers
for three months will be taken to be made
up entirely of gold and silver The bank
OF California, To- Gated at San Francisco,
has offered to the government to become
it's financial agent ut the city of Manila,
but inasmuch as Manila is not yet in OUT
actual possession, nothing has been done
in the matter. Somebody has suggested
that the government purchase large
consignment of Mexican silver dollars
two of which can be bought by one
United States dollars and that the troops
at Manila be paid in these coins.
The Mexican dollar will purchase con-
siderable more in Manila than the Ameri.
can coin of similar denomination, and
thus the soldiers, for the time being
would receive a greater amount of COM
pensation than if paid in United States
silver. The government. however, is not
disposed to pay the men in deprecated
coin.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
A Republican State Convention
WILL BE HELD IN
CITY HALL, AUGUSTA,
Tuesday. June %, 1898,
Atm O'CLOCK A. M..

AT IL O'CLOCK A. NJ,
for the purpose of nominating candidate for
Governor to be supported at the September
election, and transacting any other business
that may properly come before it.
The voters of Maine, without regard to
past political differences, who are in favor of
sustaining President Mckinley and his admin
istration in the conduct of the war with Spain;
who are in favor of sustaining the present wise
and economical administration of our State
affairs. are cordially invited to join with the
Republicans in choosing delegates to this con-
vention.
The basis of representation will be as fol-
lows: Each city, town and plantation will be
entitled to one delegate, and for each 10 votes
cast for the Republican candidate for Governor
in 1885, an additional delegate, and for frac-
ton of 40 votes in excess of 10 votes. further
additional delegate Vacancies in the delega-
ton Of any city town or plantation can only
be filled by resident of the county in which
the vacancy exists.
The state committee will be in session
in the city council rooms Of City Hall. at
o'clock ON the morning of the convention, for
the purpose of receiving the credentials of dele
gates. Delegates, in order to be eligible to
participate in the convention, must be elected
subsequent to the date of the call for this con-
vention.
Per order. Republican State Convention
BYRON BOYD. Secretary.
Augusta. Me-. April %. 1895.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
ANOTHER SPANISH PRIZE.

St. Thomas, Danish West Indies, May
%. The British steamer Aldborough,
Capt. Farrant, which arrived at Porto
Rico on May 6, from Mothil, Scotland,
reached this port from San Juan de
Porto Rico, yesterday. She reports that
an a american cruiser captured a Spanish
bark six miles north of san Juan on
Saturday morning last.
The capture Of the vessel was observed
from San Juan. The prize was lowed
north. The Spanish cruiser, Isabel H.,
while at San Juan de Porto Rico. fired on
the British steamer Roath, from Barry
on April 2, which arrived at Porto Rico
after the nombardment. 1t is alleged that
the Spanish ship fired on the Roath,
which was loaded with COAL with the
intention Of crippling her and thereby
preventing her departure.
The officers of the Isabel IL, however.
claim the firing was an accident.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
TROUBLE FOR ANNEXATION.
Hawaiian Resolution likely to Rsn Up
8gs Against snas in Senate.

Washington. May 2S.-The question of
the annexation of the Hawaiian islands
has been revived in the Senate to a
certain extent since the Hawaiian resolu-
tions were reported in the House, and
the friends of annexation have been
quoted as expressing determination to
press the House resolution in the Senate,
during the present session, in case it
should pass the House for fear that the
short session would not afford time to
secure its thorough consideration. The
opponents of annexation declare they
will not agree to the revival of the ques-
ton in any way in the Senate before the
adjournment OF this session and some of
the Democratic opponents do not hesitate
to say that rather than have the Hawaiian
question reconsidered they will debate
the war revenue bill Indefinitely.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
GLADSTONE'S FUNERAL TO BIZ
SIMPLE.

London, May. 24.-In accordance with
the wishes of Mr.. Gladstone and the
family expressed in Mr.. Herbert Glad
stones letter to Lord Salisbury, accepting
q public funeral, the ceremony will be
the simplest possible. sIhere will be no
state pageant or flowers, only morning
dress will be worn and the chief feature
will be the representative gathering In
Westminster Abbey of all classes and in
situations in the kingdom. The Prince
of Wales and the Duke of York will be
among the palIbearers The Duke of
Connaught, the Duke of Cambridge and
Prince Christian of Sohleswig- Holstein-
Sondeburg will precede the coffin.
Political associations will not be repre-
will attend in procession headed by the
Speaker of the House Of Commons, the
Right Hon. William Court Gully.
At meeting Of mem bers of the Ameri
can colony held last evening at the Hol-
bron restaurant 1t was decided to send an
expression of sympathy to Mrs. Glad
stone. The suggestion was made that the
United States should erect monument,
each state of the Union contributing a
block of stone for the base. A committee
was formed, under the ohairmanship of
DR.. Conwell, to take further steps in car
rying out the suggestion.
GLADSTONE'S REMAINS IN STATE.
Hawarden, May 2S.-The body of Mr..
Gladstone, uncoffined, is lying ON coach
in the library of Hawarden Castle. The
room called the Temple of Peace. To-
morrow it will be viewed by the
parishioners. The coffin will be placed in
the centre of the nave of Hawarden on
Wednesday and lie there in state until
five O'Clock in the afternoon when q pro.
cession will be formed and the biel
carried to Broughton railway station
where it will be placed upon the train fol
London. The remains will arrive in
London about midnight and will immedi
ately be conveyed to Westminster hall.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
SLEPT WITH A NEGRO.
How General George Washington Shared
His Bed With Black Man.

Throughout the Revolutionary War
Primus fall was the body servant of
Colonel Pickering, of Washington. If
was well known, says writer in Godv,s
Ladies' Magazine, that there was no
officer in the whole American army whose
memory was dearer to Washington, and
whose counsel was more esteemed by him.
than that of the honest and patriotic Col
onel Pickering. Whenever he was sta
toned within such distance as to admit
1t he passed many hours with the colonel.
Washington was, therefore, often brought
into contact with the servant of Colonel
PICKERING, the departed Primus.
I'm one occasion the great general was
engaged in earnest consultation with
colonel Pickering, in his tent, until after
'ie night had fairly set in. Headquarters
were at considerable distance and Wash
ington signitied his preference to staying
WIN ene colonel over night, provided he
| nau spare blanket and straw.
'oh, yes" said primus, who was an.
peaied to, plenty of straw and blankets
| PLENTY"
oPon onio ASSURANCE Washington con-
I tinued his conference with the colonel nm
| til it was time to retire to rest Two
humble beds were spread side by side in
the tent. fatae~
Primus worked, or appeared 10
work, unriI the breathing of the prostrate
gentlemen satisfied him that they were
sleeping, and then, seating himself upon
box or stool, he leaned his head upon his
hands to obtain such repose as SO, incon-
venient a position would allow In the
middle of the night Washington awoke.
lie looked about and deserted the negro
as he sat. He gazed at him awhile, and
then spoke. "Primus!' said he calling,
/" Primusp'
Primus started up and rubbed his eyes,
"What, general?' said he.
Washington rose up In bed. "Primus,"
said he, what did you mean by saying
that you had blankets and straw enoughP
Here you have given up your blanket and
straw to me that may sleep comfortably
while you are obliged to sit through the
night
ITS nothing, general. said Primus.
Its nothing. Pm well enough. Don't
trouble yourself about me- general, but
go to sleep again. No matter about me.
sleep very good.
"But it is natter-it is NATTER said
Washington, earnestly. Il cannot do it,
fFllnuS. Ii elbD6f Ol us Is 10 Slb up VIII.
But think there is no need of either sit
ting up. The blanket is wide enough for
two. Come and lie down here with me.
ooh, no, general '' said Primus, start
ing and protesting against such a PROPOSE
tion. No, let me sit here. I'll DO very
well on the stool.
II say, come and lie down herel" said
Washington authoritatively. There is
room enough for both, and insist upon
it,
He threw open the blanket as he spoke,
and moved to one side of the straw.
Prinus processes to have been exceedingly
shocked at the idea of lying under the
same covering with the commander-in-
chief, but his tone was so resoluua and
determined that he could not hesitate.
He prepared himself, therefore, and lay
himself down by Washington, and on the
same straw and under the same blanket
the general AMI the negro slept until
morning.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
MORE ExoEP rloNs IN BRAN CASE

Boston, May 2s.--Late this afternoon
the exceptions in the Bran trial were
placed on file in the United States Circnit
courA The exceptions are quite numerous
and cover almost this entire ground
traversed during the trial. The admlssi-
bility by the court of certain evidence to
which the defense objected, as well as the
rejection of other evidence offered by
the defense are among the grounds set
forth by Bram's counsel, why he should
be givon new trial. The challenge to
the array, which was argued at the very
opening of the trial, and before tine Jurors
were drawn, is also prominent feature
in the reason assigned why new trial
ought to be granted, was argued at that
time that the proper quota Of jurors was
not drawn in certain towns, and it was
argued that this, OF itself, was sufficient
to vitiate the proceedings.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
1915 ~
STREET FORE MAN KILLED.
Boston Mar Murdered by An Unknown
italian.

Boston, May 2s.-James Ellis, fore.
man of the North End division of the
street department. was shot and instant.
ly killed by an unknown italian belong
ing to squad of PAYERS in charge of Mr..
Ellis, this afternoon. The Italian took
offense at orders that Mr.. Ellis had given,
and snatohing a revolver from his pocket
he fred two shots, each of which took
effect in the foreman 8 head. Immediate
ly after the shooting u crowd of Italians
gathered around the assassin, covering
his escape
Mr.. Ellis was So years old and was
formerly sergeant on the Boston police
forco, having, charge Of the district in
which he lost his life today. He had q
wide circle of acqaaintances and was very
popular with all He leaves wife who
is in very critical condition as result
of the shook caused by his death. sfaq Nd
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
DISPATCHES FOR WASHING TON.

Boston, May 23.-The steamer Beverly
Captain William Anderson, of the Boston
Fruit company,s fleet arrived this morn
ing bringing mail matter INCLUDING de;
now in Cuban waters. The dispatches
were at once forw arded to Washing ton.
There is more than the ordinary history
connected with their transmission here
for they were taken to Kingston, ia naica
by the steamer Adula, which passed the
blockade at Cienfuegos. 1t is surmised
that they contain important information
for the authorities at Washington. Not a
single warship of any nationality was
sighted,
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24

The agricultural department weather
bureau for yesterday, May 20. taken at
p. m. meridian time. the observa-
ton for each section being given in this
order: Temperature, direction of wind,
state of weather:
Boston, 40, S, cloudy; New York. Sc.
Sc, cloudy; Philadelphia, 62. S, cloudy /;
Washington, SO, S, cloudy; Albany, IS.
$, cldy; Buffalo, 60, SW, cloudy; Detroit,
~, W, clear; Chicago, rs, W,
clear; st. Paul, rs, SW, clear; ST
Vincent, missing; Huron, Oak, so
e, clear; Bismarck, "a, W, clear,
Jacksonville, "a, Sc, partly cloudy,
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
Local Weather Report.

Portland, Me-, May 23.-The local
weather bureau office records as to the
weather are as follows:
a. m. Barometer, 30.1SS: thermome.
ter, 81; dew point, A.; humidity 70;
wind, S; velocity, A.; weather. cloudy.
sp. m.-Barometer, 3O.O52; thermome-
ter, 5S; dew point. A; humidity, II;
wind, S;velocity, s; weather. cluody.
Mean daily thermometer, 81; maximum
thermometer, 60; minimum thermometer,
4s; maximum velocity wind, 15S; total
precipitation. trace.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
MORE TRANSPORTS WANTED.

Washington, May 23.-Assistant Secre-
tary of War Mieklejohn was today nego.
tiating for several additional transports
for troops that are to be sent to Manila.
His adyices from San Francisco today in
Dictated that three of the transports, the
City of Sydney, City of Picking and the
Australia would start on their long
journey late tonight or tomorrow.
No suffers are to be permitted to &C.
company the army during the war.
Assistant Secretary Me1klejohn made this
announcement today.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
coAllNG STATION WANTED.
Navy Department. May Arrange far Them
in Various Places.

Washington, May a3.-Tb.ua !,
possibility that the adminis+rat va
make arrangements for the establish .
ments of coaling stations Mt no;s.a 80.
sides of the jurisdiction of tha I1,,,to,
States.
A provision of the naval annronr;a+;or
law, appropriates $3.50, QUO to s:anahIa ~
secretary of the navy to execute Etbe
provisions of section 1869 Of the revisod
statutes, authorizing the Secretary Of the
navy to establish at such places oe he
may deem necessary suitable denote ~
coal and other fuel.
Naval authorities have been oor.f,,,,u
looking into this matter, land Commander
r, 3. Bradford, chief OF the hnraa,, -
equipment, will recommend to the Ssnor "
ment that several Sues outside Of 49,
jurisdiction of the United States ha wv nm
ranged for where depots for coal NAV ha
established.
Nothing has yet been done looking 70
the transportation of large QUANTITIES. of
coal to Dry Tortugas, but the coal sheds
at that point are being rapidly pushed
mander Bradford will contract for !. large
amount of coal to be- stored there
Establishment of coaling base at DRY
Tortugas will be a great relief to the
authorities, as under the present con.
ditions the battleships and armored
cruisers are compelled to lay IL miles off
Key West and coal from lighters. the
draught OF water in the harbor not being
sufficient to permit their entrance.
Proposals for forging four 25-inch guns
and mounts will be advertised for hy the
naval ordnance bureau early this week.
These guns are wanted for the auxiliary
cruisers. The cost of the guns and their
mounts will amount to $4,000. Pro-
vision for their manufacture is contained
in the naval appropriation law, which
appropriates $3.50, 900 for guns for auxili-
cry cruisers.
With the money remaining from the an
preparation, Capt. O'Neil, chief Of the or
dinance bureau, proposes to contract for
forging for 4-inch guns Of new type.
These guns will have larger chambers,
which will insure larger powder charges
and increased velocity and range, and in
addition will be made heavier than those
now in service.
Commodore G. 9. Remey, in charge of
the naval base at Key West. will soon fly
his flag from the masthead of the old
Lancaster. The vessel is expected to
arrive at Key West within the next ten
days, and will be at once transformed
into a station ship. She will also be a
supply ship, as 1t is intended to keep her
filled with ammunition for the
vessels of the North Atlantic squadron
and her hol1 filled with necessary stores.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
MOB HUNG MITCHELL

Paducah, KY, May 23.-Joe Mitchell,
colored, an Illinois Central railroad
brakeman who lived here was hanged by
mob at eRiVes, Tenn. last nj ght The
night before Mitchell had shovel a white
boy tramp off q moving train at Rives,
and the boy fell on the track, having his
legs cut OF at the knees. JIG lived long
enough to tell that Mitchell Was his as.
sailant. Mitchell as arrested and while
being held at the depot to betaken to jail
at Union City, Tenn, crowd gathered
and hanged him.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-05-24
OF BLOCKADE OF
MANILA,

Washington, May 2s.-Secretary Gage
today issued an order to customs officers
notifying them that the port Of Manila,
Philippine islands is blockaded by the
United States feet under Admiral Dewey
and therefore clearance will not be
granted to merchant vessels for that port.
The instructions also warn owners and
masters of vessels that in undertaking
voyages to Spanish ports not now block.
AIDED they run the risk of interruption by
future blockades and military operations