The record-union., 1898-04-23
VESSELS.
IN WASHINGTON CIRCLES.
Two Further Important Steps To-
ward Activities.

TWO Further important steps 20
ward Activities.
WASHINGTON, Aoril 22.-There
were two further important steps in
Washington toward activities, not to
mention the overt act involved in the
seizure of the Spanish vessel BuenaVen-
tura off Key West. The first was the
issue by the President OF his proclania-
ton announcing to the world blockade
of a number of Cuban ports, and the sec
ond was the signing by him of the dill
providing for the utilization Of the vol
unteer forces in war. Then, in addi-
ton. there was a notable retirement
from the Navy Department in the case
Of Captain r. B. Bradford. Chief of the
Equipment Division. Captain Bradford
is not My an officer of high scientific
attainments, but is equipped as we'll in
practical experience in naval matters.
Although he has not yet held his present
Office long, and by custom is entitled to
nearly three years OF further service
here, he has become so impatient to join
in active service that he to-day al
dressed the following letter to the Pres
idcnt:
L respectfully tender my resignation
as Chief of the Bureau of Equipment OF
the Navy Department. 1t has been a
great pleasure to serve during your
Administration in my pending capacity,
and I beg to express my thanks for the
honor conferred upon me by your ap-
pOintment to such a responsible office.
This resignation is rendered only that 1
may ask for active service afoat."
Captain Bradford addressed similar
letter to Secretary Long, viii the a1-
ditiOn of request to have command CT
an active warship. The resignation viii
be accepted, and, by virtue of his rank,
as we'll as to the mark of high regard
entertained for him by the Administra
ton Captain Bradford will be given Jne
of the best available ships in the navy.
The naval authorities welcomed with
pleasure the manifestation of patriotism
on the part of distinguished New York
citizen in rendering to the Government
without compensation his speedy steam
yacht
The naval officials feel very confident
in the ability of the Oregon and Mari
eta, not only to protect themselves from
the Spanish gunboat Temerario, but to
destroy that craft if she ever comes
within range.
The limita ton of the blockade in Cuba
to a certain part of the island was not
officially explained to-day, but the
plausible reason advanced for the Gov
ernments action was that by refrain
ing from establishing a blockade over
the eastern portion of the island, under
stood to be practically in the control of
the insurgents, the way has been left
open for them to freely receive all ne
cessary supplies and munitions of war.
formal order was issued by the
War Department increasing the equip
ment of light batteries of artillery to
six guns, six cassons, one combined
forge and battery wagon and 100 horses.
The enforcement of this order will le
quire 900 additional horses, which the
quartermaster's department will pur
chase in Tennessee.
For purposes of transporting the army
to Cuba, the Quartermaster- Generals
office has under consideration the ques-
ton of the charter of the ships having
the carrying capacity of 10000 men.
No charters, however have been closed.
The report that the gunboac Nash
Vile had captured a Spanish merchant
ship gained rapid circulation through
out he Navy Department shortly after
noon to-day. 1t caused excitement and
was eagerly discussed as an outward
sign Of existing war. Secretary Long,
however, had not received a word Of
the capture, except through newspaper
sources. Notwithstanding this, naval
officers credited the report and dis
cussed it as though it was an accom-
plished fact 1t said that a part of
the crew had been placed on board and
the captured vessel had a valuable car
go, including considerable coal. Among
the officials the report caused much
satisfaction, although it was said the
capture of a Spanish warship would
have been more acceptable. There is
said to be no question as to the right
OF taking Spanish merchant ships at
this time. Two or three ships left Gal-
weston within the last day or so with
considerable cargoes of cotton on
board. Another Spanish ship is said
to be en- route from Vera Cruz, Mexi-
co, with one million pesetas on board,
representing the subscription of Vera
Cruz to the Spanish in Cuba
The military and naval preparations
We're devoid of sensational features to-
day, and are becoming more system
atized in their execution. In the alb
sence of Mr.. Roosevelt in New York,
no ships We're purchased, but the Secre-
tary accepted one handsome steam
yacht, the gift to the Government of a
patriotic American citizen.
In the War Department all energies
were bent towards the issue of the call
for volunteers. The proclamation is
delayed in issue until tomorrow. owing
TO the fact that it had been prepared in
advance of the adoption of certain
amendments to the bill. Up to the
close of office hours no official an
nouncement had ccne of the capture
of the Spanish merchantmen near Key
West.
Up to noon today nothing has been
received by the Government Indicating
that the Spanish feet hal left Cape
Verde Islands. What may be the pur-
pose of the Spanish Government as to
disposition Of this fleet is NOT known.
but the belief among high officials is
49, c-,o~-so-7e will hesitate before
ss~------e. ---~ l,icn of their navy into
American Or Cuban waters. It must