Evening journal., 1898-03-19
COURT IN SESSION YET.
From Key West Dispatch, Time For
1t to Report Seems PrOblematiCal.
FOR COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT.
Spanish and Cuban Representatives Gather
In Washington to Arrange One with
the United states senor Angulo
Does Not Expect War.

DOCS MOI EAlttl ~ ar
WASHINGTON, March 19.-An air Of
suspense Is noticeable in the navy de-
partment, due to the approach of the
time for the delivery of the report of
the court Of inquiry. 1t is not known
lust when the document will come to
Washington. and of course in view of
The reports Of the determination Of out
side parties to obtain possession of it
before the department receives the re-
port the officials. If they know. viii not
say how the papers are to be brought
10 Washington.
All that IS known definitely is that
the president has suggested that the
report be made as soon as possible, and
IN consequence It is expected TO reach
this city IN the course of two or three
days The cabinet yesterday talked
over the matter and the time stated
was the general opinion Of the members
when they had heard all that Secretary
long had 20 report on the subject.
There Is an impression that Lleuten-
ant Commander Mark will bring the
document though it is within Admiral
sicard's power to choose any other Off
ser. A cabinet officer expressed the be-
def that the report win require careful
consideration on the part of the presl-
aent and his cabinet before being given
20 the public, which would seem 70 post
pone publication TO some time about
The middle of next week, although moth
Ing is certain on that point
The new naval policy embodied In the
creation OF another squadron TO rem
aczvous at Hampton roads was also dis
.ussed at the cabinet meeting and re-
ceived unanimous approval. In fact,
some surprise was expressed at the de-
lay on the part Of the navy department
Ia taking some such step to insure the
protection OF the more valuable coast
ports along the north Atlantic, the
gathering Of q uselessly surplus fleet
at Key West being regarded In the ma
ture Of putting all of our eggs in one
basket.
The San Francisco reported her ar
rival from Lisbon at Gravesend. I'm
der his orders the commander will
divide his crew with the Amazonas and
sail at the earliest possible moment for
the United States. conveying the new
ship. Beyond the Amazonas, her Sis
ter ship Abreuall and tho Mayfower no
purchases of ships have been made by
the navy department A number Of
neet steam yachts owned in the United
States are being offered to the depart
ment, and Il is probable that some OF
these VIII be purchased.
Secretary Long takes the view that.
failing to secure the torpedo boat de-
stroyers he wants, the best plan is for
him TO equip some Of these speedy boats
with torpedo tubes and light batteries
and improvse torpedo boats. The navy
department is convinced that the Span
lsh government has not acquired pos
session of the Narese, the italian
armored cruiser The department itself
had the vessel i'm mind as a possible
acquisition. but abandoned the idea up
On learning that she could not be made
ready for service In less than three OF
four months, which practically put her
out OF consideration as an emergency
purchase
The gunboat Newport reported hel
arrival by cable to the navy depart.
ment from Greytown. She win bring
back 10 the United States the Mica.
ragua canal commission and then vii
be attached at once to the north At
lantio squadron.
The Marblehead Is at Tampa Tit
little Bancroft. on her way across tn
ocean has reported by cable her ar
rival yesterday at Horta, Fayal Sh
appears to be making about as goo,
time as her larger cOnsort, the Helena
The Samoset arrived at Key West yes
terday as did the Montgomery, Will
the Detroit sailed from that port fo
Tortugas The Machias has arrived q
E9ston where she win have slight re
pairs made