The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-04


without single word from the American
feet in the Philippines, and in view of the
long continued interruption In cable COM
munication. the officials are beginning TO
resign themselves TO the belief that they
must await further official news until a
boat arrives at Hongkong. This would not
necessarily be naval vessel, for 1t is not
believed that Commodore Dewey. who will
be admiral as soon as he can be reached
by cable. could have spared any of his
ships. even the McCulioch, to carry dis
patches before the bombardment In ord
mary times there is plenty OF communica-
tian by steamers. as well as by native
vessels. between the Philippines and the
mainland and the officials will be rather
surprised IL some news is not coming by
this means tomorrow.
Ii Admiral Dewey wants troops TO hold
what he may gain In the Philippines, he
viii be sent az many as he needs directly
from San Francisco. and it is very likely
that state volunteers will make up the
quota. The cabinet talked OF this today
and Is only waiting to hear what commo-
dore Dewey wants.
Meanwhile the plans Of the Cuban cam
paign are being steadily developed. and
there is no Indication OF a change of pur-
pose on the part of the military authori-
ties, who are expected to land an expedi-
tionary force in Cuba in very short time.
Admiral Sampson. so far as the navy de-
n fata ai,.;,.
the blockade of the Cuban coast and this
is not likely to be abandoned for the pres
ent, though two or three or his ships may
be sent away temporarily to meet the
Oregon on her way from Rio Janeiro. The
officials naturally feel an interest in this
race OF the magnificent battleship around
the continent. They profess to feel little
anxiety ever the outcome. notwithstand-
Ing report OF the effor. OF the Spanish
squadron 10 cut off the Oregon. The vessel
sailed from Rio on course known only TO
the captain. and the chances of her being
overtaken on the high seas are very small.
Even should the Spanish vessels fall in
with her. it is by no means certain. not
withsiandng their numbers, that she
would be defeated by the combined Span
ish force. as her magnificent armor and
ordnance are superior In every respect to
the Spanish ships.
The proclamation directed against the
Spanish residents OF the United States by
the state department has not yet been ia
sued nor is IL certain that IL will be issued:
probably depending upon the COURSE pur-
sued by the Spanish government, in their
treatment OF American citizens By Spain.
China issued her neutrality proclamation
today. 50 there is no place left on the
AsiatIc coast open 70 the free use OF the
war vessels OF either Spain or the United
States. This IS rather remarkable, in that
II Is the first action OF this kind upon the
part OF China. which has never before Is.
saed neutrality proclamation and ths
naval ofticers are duly g,a,eful for the corr
sltlcFatlon shown by the Chinese govern.
ment In Withholding the issue OF the decree
until Informed that the Americans had Sc
cured a base in the Philippine islands
The army bought a hospital ship today
for the benefit or the troops going TO Cuba.
conmlssary General Nash was retired.
making the fourth commissary officer 20
be retired within As mary months.
Adyices received by the rATy depart-
nleat from the Mlangouomoh show that
the monitor wss roughly handled by he
storm while making her way south 10 Key
West fson League Island. Her decks were
swept ard frequent delays were caused
by the dlSarra ngesnent Of some of :Ae
ships structure. Throughout 1t all. how
ever. the propelilEg machinery worked
splsndliiy.
Washington VIII soon be gay with uni-
forms, as result; oe an order today re-
qulvsng all officers to wear the uniforms
of their proper grades.
Concerning the appo.8 meats OF hrigzdisr
generals il Is said 20 oe the purpose OF The
president so far as possible. 10 take the
candidates fregn the ranks of coiorels sa
the regular army This wiil iissppolut
some OF the ca agiidafaS FOR the important
commands This exceptions, K any are
made. viii be in favor OF those states which
furnish ere or usore hr.g&deS Of troops.
In slsch cases II Is believed the president
wia appoint as brtsadser generals officers