The record-union., 1898-04-30
Notice Having Been Given That
II Must Leave Cape Verde.
The Administration Not Alarmed Over Re-
ports in European Papers of Powers
Threatening to Prevent Block
ade Of Philippines.


day of alarming rumors, running all
the way from the blowing up of a big
monitor to the detection and punish
ment of traitors, but fortunately all of
them turned out on inquiry to be with
out foundation. Actual events Of i'm
portance were few in number.
The news of the day of most interest
was the departure from Cape Verde of
the Spanish fleet, the stay of which at
St. Vincent has been a source of anx-
iety on the part of the officials here, be-
cause it seemed to indicate that the
sympathy of Portugal for Spain might
lead her to wink at a violation of the
neutrality laws in favor of Spain. Late
in the afternoon a cablegram to the
State Department from Cape Verde,
bearing no signature, announced that
four battleships and three torpedo
boats had started north, and some of
the transports for Cuba, and that the
northern fleet returned shortly, having
been in collision. Because there was
no signature attached, the officials did
not know what Importance to attach
to this message, as these are not times
to accept what appears to be informa-
ton without close scrutiny. The ma
jority Of the naval officers here feel
that the Spanish fleet viii next appear
at the Canary Islands, about halfway
between Cape Verde and Spain, and
lying directly in the homeward path of
the ships. AS the Canaries are Spanish
islands, and possess some Notifications
worthy of consideration, it may be that
the fleet will be allowed to remain there
for some time, as the islands form d
good strategic base. What most con-
Germs the navy officers just now is to
learn when the fleet does arrive. The
cable to the Canaries being in Span
ish hands, the arrival of the fleet would
be kept secret. The intended visit Of
American liners to the coast of Spain
may hasten home the return of the
Cape Verde squadron, for it is believed
that that squadron comprises about all
of the vessels in the Spanish navy that
are speedy and powerful enough TO
warrant an attack upon vessels of the
St Paul class.
Captain Sampson sent a telegram
realtive to the firing at the Matanzas
Notifications, but it was Disappointing
ly lacking in detail, though the few
words contained in the dispatch went
to confirm the official view that the af-
fair was nothing more than a naval
reconnaissance.
No news came to-day from Admiral
Dewey's squadron now on its way 20
the Philippines to do battle with the
Spanish fleet.
The announcement that the State Of
Texas. laden with supplies for the re-
concentrates, is destined for Sagua has
led to the surmise that it is probable
this port. instead of Matanzas, has been
selected for the landing place for the
first attack of the United States troops.
Regarding the harmless rumors that
appear in the European papers and
threats to interfere to prevent the
United States forces from blockading
the Philippines, it may be stated that
this was fully expected. During the
Civil War there were a great many at
tempts on the part of European ma
tions to disregard our blockade and
threats of interference, all of which
came to naught from the firm attitude
assumed by the Secretary OF state IN
the present case the cords OF CUBAN
blockade are much more liberal towards
the Powers than ever imposed before.
yiscount de Santa Thyrso. the Portu-
Euese Minister, stated to-day that the
neutrality decree issued by Portugal
would not permit belligerents to make
long STAYS at Portuguese ports. Under
the usual rules Of international law
this soiourn is likely TO be confined TO
a day or two The Portuguese MIN
lister drew attention to the privileges
permitted under the decree when war
ships of both belligerent nations were
at the same port simultaneously. IN
that case. if the warship OF one Power
leaves port the warship of the other
Power can leave in pursuit WITHIN
twenty-four hours. that much time be-
ing allowed the ship first departing to
proceed on her way without molesta-
ton
Representative Myer of Louisiana, a
member of the Naval Committee. had