New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-14
PRICE THREE CENTS.
AMERICAN WARSHIPS READY.
WATCHING FOR SPANS FLEET
A GREAT NAVAL ACTION IN WEST IND
IAN WATERS IMPENDING.
SAMPSON PREPARED TO OFFER BATrLR
AND THE FLYING SQUADRON Or
DERED TO REINFORCE THE
BLoCKADERs OFF HAVANA.

Washington. May 13.-The news received
here to-day from Martinique that the Spanish
squadron which left the Cape Verd Islands
over two weeks ago. had been sighted heading
northwestward for Porto Rico Cuba was
hailed with the ntensest satisfaction by the
naval and military authorities. in whose view
Admiral Cervera's desperate venture into West
| Indian waters where he will have TO face
vastly superior hostile force, promises to bring
to second disastrous climax Spains effort to
measure strength with the United States by
sea- Though the Spanish squadron Of armored
cruisers and torpedo-boat destroyers left St
| Vincent before the battle Of Manila had been
| fought, and the authorities at Madrid had AVA
kened to a realization Of the real fighting
strength Of the American Navy, there were few
naval experts here who considered 1t probable !
! that the Spanish Government would risk send /
| Ing its four best warships across the Atlantic
on mission which, if successful against great
odds. could only afford temporary relief to the
forces in Porto Rico and Cuba. and which, II
unsuccessful. would hopelessly cripple the efa-
cheney Of the Spanish Navy for the remainder
Of the war.
SPANS DESPERATE VENTURE
The Government at Madrid, having appar-
emily staked It's all on the ability Of the Viz
caya, the Oquendo, the Maria Teresa, the Cris-
tobal Colon and their torpedo-boat destroyer.
scouts and consorts to evade the heavier men,
of-war Of the American blockading feet, or to
beat of all assaants in detail 1t only remains
for the commanders Of the three American
squadrons which are to operate In West Indian
waters engage the Spanish warships under
such conditions that natural preponderance OF
armor and armament may tell to insure another
naval victory as important and decisive as that
won by Admiral Dewey in the Philippines al
most two weeks ago.
SAMPSON WILL SEEK A FIGHT
The plans Of the Navy Department for forcing
an action on the Spanish squadron have, Of
course. not been fully disclosed Acting Ad-
mral Simpsons feet, which yesterday reduced
the fortifcatons Of San Juan 10 ruins, lies
across the path of the Spanish squadron to its
natural base Of supplies in Porto Rico As tho
feet, not the island, has been the real objec-
tive Of Admiral SIMPSONS movement eastward
from Havana, il is taken for granted that he
will use the utmost endeavors to intercept Ad-
miral Cervera off the Wndward group. Should
the Spanish commander be seeking a battle. the
two sQuadrons are likely to meet 10 the south.
east of Porto Rico But if Admiral Cervera
doubtless run away from the far slower ships
under Admiral Simpsons command. and either
seek a port in Cuba or attempt to break the
blockade of the northern coast and TO cut COM
munlcations between the blockading feet and
its base of coal and supplies at Key West.
FLYING SQUADRON ORDERED TO HAVANA.
To guard against such a contingency as the
last the Administration decided to-day 10
hurry the Flying Squadron under Commodore
Schey from Hampton Roads 10 reinforce the
depleted fleet off Havana. Commodore Schley's
shps In themselves sufficient match for Ad-
miral Cervera's squadron. will probably be sta
toned off the east end Of the island TO close
the Windward Passage 10 the Spanish cruisers
The development of each fleets plans will natu-
rally have to be determined by what happens
from day to day in the Caribbean; but 1t Is be-
lieved here tonight that only speedy retreat
can save the Spanish squadron from capture or
destruction by the forces which the United
States is now able 10 concentrate In West
Indian waters ii is supposed that the Spanish
cruisers and torpedo-boat destroyers obtained
fresh supply of coal at Martinique. but where
their bunkers are TO be reflled next Is a per-
picking question.
Admiral SIMPSONS orief report to the Secre-
tary Of the Navy OH the bombardment OF San
Juan failed to indicate any intention on his part
10 occupy or hold that port. Some Of the forti-
fcations there simply battered down to
make the harbor an impossible refuge for Span
lsh shipping Porto Rico may be taken posses
sion Of by the United States at late period OF
the war; but its fate is so clearly dependent on
that OF Cuba that no special reason exists for
, seizing and garrisoning II now.
; INVASION OF CUBA POSTPONED.
The appearance Of the Spanish squadron OF
Martinique has caused a postponement or the
movement on Cuba which was TO be made from
Tompa early next week While the American
= fleet In West Indian waters is fully occupied In
: running down Admiral Cervera's cruisers 1t Is
} useless TO think Of attempting to transport and
land the troops which have been assembled on
tho Gulf coast for the campaign against Ha-
yana. Until the Spanish cruisers are destroyed
or driven home therefore, the army OF invasion
will remain inactive. Time will thus be given
IN gather together and equip more efficiently
rho supporting force of volunteers which Is to
follow the corps of Regulars TO Cuba The
volunteer regiments which in the hurry and
pressure of the lase few days ordered to
move directly to the Gulf coast will now be
sent as originally intended. 10 Camp Thomas.
at Chickamauga. where they are now likely to
be held for further drill and instruction for at
least two weeks.
GERMANY'S NEUTRALITY
So much has been said within the last few
DAYS of European intervention in one form or
another should the United States decide to
uulre permanent fOothOld In the Far East, and
so many misleading statements have received
currency with regard to the attitude which