Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1898-11-04
WAR PREPARATIONS.
England Buys Large Quantity OF
American Coal.
&c.,. (By Telegraph)


American Coal.
(By Telegraph.)
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. "a morning
paper publishes the folliwing: ...
The probability of n war between
england and France received frest,
impetus here yesterday by the action OF
England, which purchased u large
amount OF American coal for immediate
delivery at her WestIndia naval stations.
In response to hurried cablegrams
torn London ship brokers engaged in
the West India trade spent the grea ter
part of yesterday searching for tonnage
suitable to transport the coal from
Philadelphia and Newport News to
points where it will be most convenient
Tor English war craft to fill their bunk
ers- sailing vessels from 1900 to 1000
IONS carrying capacity are in demand.
The first shipments are to be sent
70 Kingston followed by vessels for
bermuda. St Lucia and Demerara
which are the principal ports in the
West Indies. subject to Great Britain
IL is also proposed To discharge a part
OF the purchase at st. Thomas, a Dan
lsh island. where hulks will be used. 1t
was reported yesterday that two Brit
ish warships had been ordered here to
undergo slight repairs. which under
ordinary circumstances would have
been made either at Halifax or tho
bermuda islands,"
cOSCHEN DETAINED.
SHEFFIELD. ENG. Nov. Sat the
annual feast OF Master Cutters held here
tnis evening 1t was expected that Right
hon. Geo.J. Goschcn. first lord of the
admiralty. would be present as the
principal guest
Mr.. Goscnen. however was unable TO
attend the banquet and the chairman
read the following letter of apology
from him. -
1t is absolutely impossible for me
to leave the admiralty. My continuous
presence there is essential Sheffield
VIII appreciate this in the present state
OF affairs. am truly disappointed. but
duty comes before pleasure"
AN OPTICAL NOTE.
LONDON. Nov. 3-An official note is
sued this evening says:
ihere is now good reason to hope that
the political situation is ameliora ting.
1t can be confidently stated, that when
the cause of the irritation which un-
fortunately recently existed in France
and Great Britain on the upper Nile
is removed. which is expected soon to
De the case. the door will again be open
Tor Il resumption of those friendly nego
tlations which happily characterize the
moral state of the relations between the
TAKING ON WAR STORES.
HONG KONG, Nov. 3.--Extraordl-
nary activity has prevailed in naval and
military circues here during the past
few days. but no Information on the
subject is attainable.
The British tirst-class cruiser Pow
erful has just taken on board over 1000
tons of coal and all the other British
warshps here are taking aboard stores
and ammunition. 1t is reported that
they have been ordered to be ready for
sea Immediately
The British second-class cruiser Bon
aventure has been recalled from Manila
and arrived here last night. She is now
coallng with all possible haste.
1t is reported that the British gun
boats have been ordered to rendezvous
here.
Al the navy yard here the ordnance
department is most active and Is en-
gagged in mounting siege guns.
REPORTED SETTLED.
NEW KORIl. Nov. 3--The London
correspondent of the Evenitg Post
cables that Il general and satisfactory
arrangement has been reached between
Great Britain and France on the
!Tashoda question.