Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-29

press. leads the officials of the depart
ment to believe that the affair was not
of great consequence.
Indeed, they say it is inconceivable
that Il very extensive damage could
have been inflicted upon properly
placed batteries at the distance re-
ported. varying from two and half to
four miles, in the short space of Is min
utes, during which it is said the en-
gagencnt lasted.
A member of the strategic board. who
the plans of Admiral Sampson, so fan
as they have been generalized, is au-
thority for the statement that the ad-
milal had no intention whatever at this
time to lombard the MatanZas battery.
To do SO now wouldSbe bad strategy
and OF little avail. for in the absence OF
any land force the admiral would be
unpreparcd to take advantage of tht
victory he might gain through reduc-
ton of the forts and the Spaniards
might have ample opportunity oVc'
NIGHT to repair to Il measure the dam
age inflicted on their Qualifications.
It is stated positively that Admiral
mpson's purpose was simply to as
certain if any shore batteries existed
at Matanzas. and if so to draw THEN
fire and ascertain their character and
then to retire beyond range.
IT is the general belief at the depart
ment. however that MatanZas is to be
soon reduced and made a base of opera
tons in the campaign against Havana.
It is also the Presidents purpose to
keep in mind throughout the war the
awful condition OF the reconccntradoS.
who are most numerous in and around
Matanzas Unless relief is extended to
them they undoubtedly will perish dur
ing the progress of a long drawn
war.
The reported seizure by the Spanish
military authorities at MatanZas of
stores contributed by Americans and
held in trust there for relief of those
poor sufferers. is regarded as clear
indication that even if the Red Cross
steamer Texas is permitted TO land her
cargo of supplies at Matanzas under
existing conditions. the food will not
reach the reconcentrad0s.
President Mckinley breakfasted by .
o'clock today and was at his desk carly.
\ downpour of rain and sIeet effected
material dimnution of the number of call
ers- at the White House and it was 10
o'clock before Representative Wcnger,
the first caller. arrived. Postmaster Cen
eral Smith drove up for a minute TO Sc
cure something hiatt had been left III the
MANSION but did not leave the carriage.
Secretary Alger and Senator Davis,
chairman of the foreign relations commit
tee had long interviews with the Presi
dent. this morning, the formers relating
to the movement o. troops in the South
and the matter of enlistments. The Pres
"eii' H'i" "F IA" RECEIVE" II" ''i'''''' ""-
wees 81 iirihS at Nl''}''z'S' nor an! news
l'9"i'iii9 II otiei ''i''' ''''' 7'i' ''i'' ~
the newspapers.
Representatives, Lam" "ii' hlN'A "i
virginia pre9ei'te" 'H' ha'nr III ~
Maze aoJuiahI general ~ NHEi'i''' I'i
nfiGaoi'r general re Is endorse" oA
'oN' iHie'' wv us '''' me- CIV
iT'Sih'hl intimate" tH"l ne h"d PidVti-
'diN "e'l"c" upon 'h' appointment -
cen. f4lZiluSh Lee am ''eh' Nhe'''r oi
AIap'iii"' us major generals
10 some on IN" CONGRESSIONAL ca'eiS'
todaN' the ireSin'ht SuSS"St'h 'Ii"t inc
hilGao'S Sh"uId u" ha"" up a. feSiih'tlS
from "lllefth' states variety OF states
70 ne i'FleSeIlt"d III 'a'" "'lS""t'
Sc,,.ot.rv Care returned this morning
from, \cy, Work. vhcr, no hal a cnnf,,r-
enco Yesterday will, urominent bankers
in ,,oard tn thu. rronnsrd bond issue for
.,;..i,,.~ . ,-,, fund
In .,nul,ino of tho conference. t,o seq
,.t.,,., e,id t,at tho t,ri,,f;n,l ,urnner of
a., ,.it ~ Hcu. work WINS ia obt,in
r,, ,,.,,,.,,,,.,,i,-o ti,,3,f.i,.ys ana ,.,,,i
,,t;.t. ,b.ir ,.ic,.. ON tha urouos.d hon !
60.