The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1898-05-12

Washington, May secretary Long
said at the close ~ office hours that up
To that time he had received no word
from Commodore Dewey. He added.
however. that he felt no apprehension
over this lack Df news. because, in the
first place reports were not expected
with the cable from Manila cut, and.
furthermore no fears were entertained
as TO Commodore Dewey's ability To
maintain his position. There was no
doubt, the secretary said, that Commo-
dore DCwey's dect had annihilated the
Spanish fleet. and with this much ac-
complished Dewey was master of the
situation at Manila. II was suggested
to Mr. Long that the shore batteries N
Cavite and on the Corridor island
might be serious menace 10 the
American f'cet. but the secretary did
not share this view holding 'Eat the
strength of the Olympia and other
ships in Dewey'S command was ample
To make him master of Manila bay ana
its surroundings The department is
taking steps to render effective aid 10
tue cOmrlOdOre in the matter of sup
plies ana a constructor of high ability
is 10 go out NJ once TO repair
The Damages Sustained
in the battle OF Manila. Preparations
for suitable convoy for the supply
ships was also Indicated by the choice
Of commander and officers for the
cruiser Charleston. now at Mare Is
land. 1t is recalled at the navy de-
partment in this connection that. hay-
;,,Y hn of
the commodore would be able 10 secure
any quantity of labor and of such n;i-
teral as a maritime city like Manila
affords for the repair Of his ships. IL"
also would be able to place his wound
cd In comfort in some of the marine
hospitals or other public buildings, II
Is always Il desire of n prudent naval
commander 10 get his wounded ashor"
ut the earliest possible opportunity. aS
they stand better chances of recovery.
No news could be cleaned nj the navy
department relative TO the movements
If Admiral SIMPSONS ironcladS. hut
from the confident tone of the few OF.
ticials who are acquainted with the
policy Of the department they are cN-
Decting to hear very soon OF news
from his squadron almost rs interest
ing and important rs that received
from the Philippines last Monday. n
high officer of the administration al
most demolished the theory that Adj
mlral SaupsCn was going to succor the
Oregon. now on her way from Brazil
70 join the North Atlantic squadron.
He declared that the navy department
was under
No Apprehension
about the Oregon for the reason that
it did not consider that the Spanish adj
miral of the Cap" Verde squadron
would be willing TO risk II combat with
the Oregon even with the great odds
in his favor. TX even If overwhelmed
in the end. the Oregon certainly would
destroy one of the Spanish ships and.
perhaps. two. aui She Spanish govern
mcnt could not afford 10 exchange
pawns at this stage of the game That
left open rs possible points of opera
lions for Sampson either Puerto Rico
Or some port on he Cuban coast. but
just which theory i IN be accepted is
not even limited a. by the departmental
officials.
Notice caGie 70 the state department
from Brazil that that government had
declared neutrality. There is now no
cause to regret such action on the part
uf Brazil, Dor however beneficial the
delay has been 20 the United StatcS in
getting its warSilips safely along the
brazilian coast. the issue of the proc
lamatiCn just now is likely To he still
more beneficial in closing Brazilian
ports to the Spanish flying squadron
IT ii Should M headed in that direction.
IT may be noted. however. that while
me trst reports wer" received with
little credit the adyices coming 10 the
navy department, though not con
elusive. ircIircd III" officers to the be-
lief that the Spanish dying squadron
really has turned back from Cape
Verde TO consolidate with the home