The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-27

Washington. May 27.-Supposedl,
Schley is lying outside Santiago watch
ing the entrance to the harbor to pre-
vent the egress o. the Spanish vessels
While there is evidence OF q certain
kind Of that fact. there has been no off,
cial confirmation. This is a little re-
markable in view of the fact that II Is
only days run for one Of schley's swift
torpedo boats from Santiago to a cable
port In Hayti. There is also curious
lack of information from the newspaper
dispatch boats on this point. 1t was
supposed that the censors might have ex-
cised from some Of the dispatches Of
the newspapers any reference to the
Geets. but this would apply. according
to the statement OF the navy department
officials here, only to what might re-
late to the movements and whereabouts
Of the United States forces. and the CEN
sor's rules would not exclude reference
to the Spanish squadron.
Notwithstanding the officials profess
unshaken confidence in their original be-
lief that the Spanish squadron Is Sc
curely bottled up in Santiago harbor,
there Is no concealment by them of an
intense desire TO secure absolutely trust
worthy information on that point. 1t
is not to be doubted that. with the ques-
tion still open. the beginning of the mil
itary operations is retarded. for as long
rs there exists a possibility of the Span
ish naval force being at large. there is
an indisposition to start the troop trans
ports for Cuba
Probably II was this uncertain state of
Affairs that induced the president to call
a consultation between Secretaries Long
and Alger, General Miles and the mem
bers OF the naval war board, Admiral
sicard, Captain Crowinshield and Cap
tain Mahan- AS stated by one Of the
members of the conference. the purpose
was to go over the whole system from the
philippines to Cuba and Porto Rico. and
decide Just how far the plans already
laid should be modified to meet existing |
conditions. This involved a discussion |
or such points as the propriety Of the |
immediate advance of the military forces |
upon Cuba; the credibility OF the advices
so far had touching the location of the
Spanish squadron; the policy or ex-
pediting the Cuban expedition, or ac-
companying 1t with one directed against
Poto Rico and finally the extent or the
military assistance TO be sent Admiral
Dewey at Manila None of the members
or the conference felt authorized to tell
what had taken place. but there are
thought to be patent indications of a de-
cision to embark military expeditions.
whether for Cuba or Porto Rico can onIv
be conjectured, In the course OF the next
few days.
Naval officers are turning their ar
tention to inquiries whether it is possible
Tor Admiral Cervera to get out of San
siaeo harbor. They hold that this
manoeuvre is impossible and that being
the case. the career Of the Spanish ad-
mirai Is at an end so far as II constitutes
menace against our ships. The Brit
sn comment that Admiral Hornby in 1s5s
escaped with his entire feet from a bar-
Dor under similar conditions. and that
ADMIRAL Cervera should be able 10 male
MS escape when he gets ready IN 40 so
g not accepted. - W ." ,
The naval view here is Just 70 the cor
rary. 1t is pointed out that Admiral
iornby escaped from an open bay. while I
Admiral Cervera must come through q I
narrow channel about 300 feet wide. on G
which the American searchlights will c
lay continually. 1t is stated that This a
not mere opinion. but naval ma I
oeuvres were carried on mt Rev west n