The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-21
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Was Not Made Yesterday as Government
Was Undecided How to Place Them

Was Undecided How to Place Them.
Washington, April 20.-The topic OF
absorbing interest in military circles to-
day was the expected decision OF the
President and Secretary Alger upon the
question of how to place the volunteer
forces at the service of the government.
No less than three consultations were
held today at the White House on this
subject, but it was fiually announced that
it would not be possible to issues the ex-
pected call for volunteers today. The
district military forces have been offered
to the government by General Harris,
and there Is some expectation that these
will be the first of the militia forces to
be drawn into the government service.
Other events of the day at the War De-
partIlen5 were the return to Washington
and report OF the artillery expert who
inspected the Southern Notifications and
the appointment of some new aides on
the staff of General Miles. The ordnance
bureau also made another heavy requisi-
tion for funds
The Navy Department. was busy in the
preparation of signal Codes flags, regula-
tions, log books and thousand and one
things required for warships and for the
large number of merchantile vessels and
yachts recently purchased. Many offers
of vessels poured in but not one was
availed of today. The notice of the
arrival Of the big Spanish cruisers at
Cape de Verde caused some disquiet in
the department, particularly the notice
that the Pelayo had joined the fleet.
Chief Engineer Baird who is examining
reoruits at the Washington navy yard
reports that very large portion of the
applicants for enlistment are of British
birth-English, Scottish and Irish, which
he regards as significant of thes sympathy
of that people with the United States in
its attitude towards Cuba.
The present expectation is that General
Miles, commanding the army, will leave
the city on Saturday for tour of inspec-
ton of the points where the regular army
will be modified in the South. The first
stop will be at the Chickamauga battle
field. After spending some time there the
General will proceed to the other points,
returning thereafter to Washington. The
secure much information respecting the
conditions existing at various points for
assembling the militia. Col. G. r..
Greenleaf, assistant surgeon general,
now stationed at San Francisco has been
ordered to Washington for duty on the
staff of General Miles and Captain James
Allen will serve on the staff as signal
officer. The latter served with General
Miles as signal officer in his Indian cam
paign. Captain Y. s. Yeyburn of the
10th infantry also was added to the staff
General A. W. Greeley, chief signal
officer, has detailed Lieut.. Joseph E.
Maxfield. stationed at New York, to take
charge of all matters pertaining to the
question of providing balloons for the
use of the army.
Surgeon General Sternberg of the army
has had applications for positions by
over one thousand persons in the medical
profession The Surgeon General, how
ever. thinks the regular army medical
corps is adequate for all present purposes.
1t is said the war department. Is max.
Ing arrangements for purchasing an ad-
ditional number of machine rapid fire
guns.
The navy department was scene of
great activity today. Secretary Longs
visitors included a number Of people
who are trying to sell vessels to the gov
eminent. The latter were referred to AS
sistant Secretary Roosevelt. The depart
ment has almost concluded arrangements
for the purchase OF one or two vessels In
England to be used rs golfers.
Rear Admiral Hughes, retired naval
officer aged rs years fled his application
Wipn tuO navy uopdFbLltuU JUudy LOT
restoration to active service in the event
of hostilities.
VERY PROBABLE STORY.
Madrid. April 2O.-It is announced that
the national fund to increase the strength
of the Spanish navy is being hugely
augmented.
On the departure of Gen. Woodford
from Madrid, the arms of Great Britain
rrYfv vn41 r L. TT ~
over the United States embassy and the
British charge d'affaires will look after
the interests of the United States in
Spain.
An official despatch from Havana sar.
Captain General Blanco has chartered a
vessel to bring over 1000 Spanish sailors
who have heretofore served in the United
STATES navy, but who ARE now DESTROYS
OF defending their own country.
CuhanI1nsurgent leader, Betancourt, has
published proclamation agreeing to a
suspension of hostilities.
In conclusion the official says: "The
Inhabitants of Santiago de Cuba, even
those who are the most hostile to Spain,
are resolved to fight on the side Of the
Spaniards and some influential , rebel
leaders have the same intention.'
TEMPTS ON SITUATION.
Paris, April 2O.-The Temps this after
noon, commenting editorially upon the
political situation, says: Everything
points to the Spanish American war lead.
ing to serious impairment of interna-
tional and commercial interests in view
OF Great Britain's open sympathy with
America, especially as an agreements be-
tween the European powers to safeguard
their interests seems impossible.
WOODFoRD GETS .ULTIMATUM.
Madrid, April 20, (Midnight. Omitted
States Minister Woodford has received
President McKinsley's nltimatum and
will present 1t to the Spanish govern.
ment tomorrow. The Spanish employees
at the legation will pass the night at
Minister Woodford S residence.
BROUGHT MUNITIONS OF WAR.
:, New York. April 9o.-The Atlantic
transport line steamers Mohawk and
Mississippi which arrived here today from
London, brought munitions of war for
the American government.
OFFER FROM CAPE TOWN.
Cape Town, April 2O.-Mr. Frank Rob-
erts, the United States CONSUL here, hos
received offers from prominent Americans
IN the Iransvaal to raise a force of two
Thousand men and defray the cost of
TRANSFORMATION tn any nlacaT "A ssi OF, a TOD