The herald., 1898-04-30
REPORTS OF DISASTER
FAIL TO STAND THE TEST OF
INQUIRY
THE ONLY IMPORTANT EVENT
Is PortugaPs Declaration of Neutral
ity, Which Drives SPANS Fleet
From Cape Verde Islands
Associated Press Special Wire

From Cape VERDE Islanus
Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, April 29.-This was
dav of alarming rumors running all the
way from the blowing up of big monitor
to the detection and punishment OF
traitors, but fortunately all of them turned
out on inquiry to be without foundation.
Actual events of Importance were few in
number The news of the day of most in
terest was the departure from Cape Verde
of the Spanish feet, the stay of which
ut st. Vincent has been a source of any-
(ety on the part of officials here, because
It seemed to indicate that the sympathy of
Portugal for Spain might lead her to wink
of Spain. Late in the afternoon a cable
gram came to the state department from
Cape Verde, bearing no signature, an
nouncing that four battleships and three
torpedo boats had started north, and that
some of the transports for Cuba and the
northern fleet shortly thereafter having
been in collision. Because there was no
signature attached the officials did not
know what Importance to attach to this
message, as these are not times to accept
what appears to be information without
close scrutiny.
Sampsop's Report
Captain Sampson sent a telegram rela-
tive to the firing at the Matanzas forts,
disappointingly lacking in detail, though
the few words contained in the dispatch
went to confirm the official view that the
affair was nothing more than a naval re-
connoisance.
Dewey's Squadron
Dewey's squadron, now on its way to the
Philippines to do battle with the Spanish
fleet.
Relief Supplies
The announcement that the State of
Texas, laden with supplies for the recon-
centrados, is destined for Sagua, has led
to the surmise that it is probable this port
instead of Matanzas has been selected for
the landing place for the first attack Of the
United States troops.
Harmless Growing
Regarding the harmless growls that ap-
pear in the European papers and threats
to interfere to prevent the United States
forces from blockading the Philippines, 1t
may be stated that it was fully expected
During the civil war there were great
many attempts on the part of European
nations to disregard our blockade and
many threats of interference, all of which
came to naught from the firm attitude as
sumed by the secretary of state. In this
case the conditions of the Cuban blockade
are much more liberal toward the powers
than ever imposed before.
Portugal's Decree
Viscount de Santa Thyrso, the Portu-
guese minister, stated today that the neu-
trality decree issued by Portugal would not
permit belligerents to make long stays At
Portuguese ports. Under the usual rules
of international law, this sojourr
to be confined to day or two.
The Portuguese minister drew attention
to the privileges permitted under the de-
cree when warships of both belligerent
nations were at the same port simultane-
ously. In that case, if the warship of one
power leaves port the warship of the other
power cannot leave in pursuit within
twenty-four hours, that much time being
allowed the first ship departing to proceed
on her way without molestation.
Haytien Neutrality
The republic of Hayti is expected to
maintain strict neutrality as between the
United States and Spain, and it is under
stood that the reports of exceptional priv
ileges given to the United States warshios
in Haytien waters are erroneous.
The Haytien minister, Mr.. La Care, said
today that he had received no official in.
struction concerning neutrality, but he had
no doubt an attitude of impartial neutral
tty will be maintained.
PLANS PROGRESSING