The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-06
Satisfied That He is in Control Of ManIaNo Definite
Information 0btainab|e as to the Mission on Which
Simpsons Armor CIads Have COne--Many Theo-
ries Advanced, but the Navy Department Preserves
Absolute Si|enceQueen Regent Of Spain Said to
BePreparing to LeaveF For Vienna With King Alfonso

washington, May 6.-At the close Of
Office houss Thursday Secretary Long
had received no word from Commodore
Dewey. However, he felt no appre-
hension over this lack Of good news. be-
cause In the first place reports were not
expected with the cable from Manila
cut, and, Furthermore. no fears were
entertained as to Dewey's ability to
maintain his position. There was no
doubt that Dewey's fleet had annihilated
the Spanish fleet. and with this much ac-
complished Dewey was master Of the
situation at Manila. 1t was suggested
to Mr.. Long that the shore batteries at
Cavite and on the Corregidor island
might be serious menace to the Ameri-
can fleet but the secretary did not share
this view. holding that Che strength OF
the Olympia and other ships in Dewey's
command was ample to make him master
OF Manila bay and its surroundings.
The department is taking steps to rem
der effective aid to the commodore in
the matter Of supplies and a construc-
tor of high ability is to go out at once
20 repair the damages Sustained In the
battle OF Manila. Preparation for a
suitable convoy for the supply ships was
also indicated blythe choice OF a COM
mander and officers for the Charleston,
now at Mare island. Having received
the surrender of Manila. the commodore
would be able to'secure any quantity of
labor and fhuch material as a maritime
city like Manila affords for the repair Of
~ kfo Il ol~ tx>< -,
his wounded in comforteinl some of the
Manila hospitals or other buildings.
The department will ship 200. 900 pounds
Of powder to the commodore to add tflhe
stock he now has left. This will be made
mp of about 10000 pounds OF the grades
used for big s-inch guns, 10000 pounds
for the 6-inch guns. $4,000 pounds for the
b-inch guns and lesser amounts for other
classes of guns. This. wNh the large
number OF s-inch armor piercing pro-
jectiles. shells and 6-inch and finch
rife balls. will make the shipment OF
ammunition very large one. The pow
der and shot together will give 500 rounds
for the big guns and several thousand
rounds for the rapid-fre rifles.
No news could be CLEANED relative to
the movements OF Admiral SIMPSONS
ironclads. but from the confident tone OF
the few officials acquainted with the
policy of the department It Is inferred
that they are expecting to hear very soon
OF news from this squadron almost as
interesting and important as that re-
ceived from the Philippines last Mon
day. A high Official Of the administra-
tion almost demolished the theory that
Sampson was going to succor the Ore
gon. now on her way from Brazil to Join
the Atlantic squadron. He declared that
the navy depattment was under no ap-
prehension about the Oregon. as IT did
not consider that the Spanish admiral
Of the Cape Verde squadron would be
willing to risk combat with the Oregon
even with the great Odds In his favor.
as. even IL overwhelmed in the end, the
Oregon would certainly destroy one of
the Spanish ships and perhaps more,
and the Spanish government could not
afford to exchange pawns at this stage
OF the war. That left open as possible
points Of operations for Sampson either