The record-union., 1898-04-29
Not Having Received Any Report
From Captain Sampson,
The First Big War News Expected to Come
From the Philippines Signs of an
Invasion of Cuba in the
Near Future.

w ICAN, APP II liC oliCll-
ing of the Matanzas batteries was the
topic of absorbing interest throughout
naval and official circles generally to-
day. 1t was discussed on the basis OF
the press reports from Key West as
the Navy Department received no in
formation whatever on the subject. Sec
rotary Long said at o'clock this af-
ternoon as he closed up his official work
for the day that no report had been re-
ceived from Admiral Sampson, nor was
the Navy Department advised in any
way of the Smelling of Matanzas.
Mr.. Long added that he felt no dis
position to keep from the public any
news concerning such an important
event as a naval engagement or a bat
tie. While it was essential that future
strategic moves should be guarded with
/ the greatest care, yet Mr.. Long made 1t
clear that this did not apply to events
| if they had actually occurred, for as
to battles and their attendant casual
ties, he recognized that the public was
entitled to know what had occurred.
The Secretary said that in the alb
sence of all information he was inclined
ed to the exchange of few shots, and
did not assume the proportions of a
regular bombardment. When his at
tention was directed to reports that the
g do,
from the President, the Secretary said
this was not so, as the President was
giving no direct orders on any of these
movements.
The fact that Admiral Sampson has
not made any report to the Secretary
as yet, Notwithstanding he must have
had the same opportunity to communt-
cate with Key West as was enjoyed by
the press leads naval officials to believe
that the affair was not of great conse-
quence. Indeed, they say it is incon-
ceivable that any very extensive dam
age could have been inflicted upon
properly placed batteries at the dis
lance reported, varying from two and
half to four miles, in the short space
of eighteen minutes, during which, it
is said, the engagement lasted.
A member of the Strategy Board, who
is thoroughly conversant with the plans
of Admiral Sampson, so far as they
have been generalized, is authority for
the statement that the Admiral had no
intention whatever at this time to bonn
bard the Matanzas battery. To do SC
at this time would be bad strategy and
of little avail, for in the absence of any
landing force the Admiral would be
unprepared to take advantage of the
victory he might gain through a re-
duction of the forts, and the Spaniards
might have opportunity over night to
repair in a large manner the damage
| inflicted on the batteries. 1t is stated
positively that Admiral Simpsons pur-
pose was simply to ascertain if any
shore batteries existed at Matanzas,
and if so to draw their fire and ascer-
tain their character and then to retire
| beyond range. In other words, it was
simply a naval reconnaissance.
| In the event that during his observa-
| lions the Admiral deemed that new de-
lenses were under way on shore, he
would, of course, not lose the opportun-
/ ity to cripple them by throwing a few
! shells into the earthworks and endeav-
oring to knock over gun or two.
| 1t is the general belief as the depart
ment. however, that Matanzas is to be
soon reduced and made a base of oDer-
atoms in the campaign against Havana
! 1t is also the Presidents purpose tC
keep in mind throughout the war tbs
awful condition of the reconcentrados
who are around Matanzas. Unless re-
lief is extended to them they undoubted-
! ly will perish during the progress of q
long drawn out war
The reported seizure by the Spanish
military at Matanzas of food contributed
| by Americans and held in trust for the
relief Of these poor sufferers is re-
garded rs clear indication that even
/ IL llle Ilcu 1IOSS ooOlCty 10 pCi illlltto u
;! land her cargo of supplies at MatanZas
under existing conditions the fooG viii
not reach the reconcentrados, but vii
only go to support the Spanish garri-
son in their resistance. Therefore. il
| is believed that the President conteln-
plates the seizure of Matanzas, not only
! because of its Importance, but in order