The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1898-05-12
So AIMS TRICKERY
A Cruiser Said to Be
Lying in Wait for
the Oregon.
MEETING CAUSES NO ANXIETY

CAUSEO NJ ANAlElI
War Department Considers Her Capable
OF Doing Battle with Entire Spanish
Squadron-sampson's Fleet Leaves
Key West Suddenly.
Washington, May Ga crack Span
ish cruiser, believed to be the Alfonso
XIII, is reported at Barbados, in the
West Indies. There are conflicting
reports on this point. however, and if
a cruiser is there, she may be the Car
los V, which left Madrid some time
ago for cruise along the Spanish
coast. Supposing that any cruiser is
in that section, she would be almost
in the pathway of the Oregon, coming
and thus exposed to cap
ture. As to the Oregon herself, the
opinion is expressed that she is in no
particular danger at the hands of
Spanish feet. She will probably keep
close to the Brazilian coast within the
limit, where she cannot be
except by a breach of the
neutrality laws.
News of naval battle in Atlantic
waters, ending in an American victory
of equal if not greater importance than
that gained by Com modore Dewey off
Manila last Sunday, is both anxiously
awaited and confidently expected at
within the next 10 days.
Despite the reticence of navy depart
ment officers regarding feet move
ments, it is generally reported that an
stroke is about to be deliv-
ered,. and that the next news from the
North Atlantic and flying squadrons
will be of sensational character.
The harbor of Key West is once
again empty. Six of Admiral samp-
sons most formidable ships, the New
York, Indiana, Iowa, Cincinnati, De-
troit and Mayfower. came into port
early today, and after coaling, sailed
for an unknown destination. 1t is
from these vessels that the next import
ant news is expected. The other ves-
els of the North Atlantic squadron are
still maintaining the blockade Of the
ports of Cuba.
Lisbon. May 6.-News has been re-
ceived here to the effect that the
Spanish Cape Verdes squadron returned
to the Spanish fleet near Cadiz. which
is nearly ready for sea. The combined
feet of Spain, it is said, will shortly
start for American waters.
Destination of Sampson's Fleet.
London, May GA dispatch to the
Daily Mail from Key West, sent by
way of Tampa in order to escape CEN
sorship, asserts of positive knowledge
that Rear-Admiral Sampson 8 feet will
steam at full speed to Porto Rico,
either to destroy or occupy the coaling
station as naval base before the Span
isl squadron arrives, and then put to
sea and try to engage the Cape Verde
feet.
Cienfuegos Bonn barded.
New York, May GA special to the
Press from Key West says Cienfuegos
has been bonn barded. Not only did the
Marblehead silence the batteries of the
town on the afternoon of April 20, but
shelled the town itself, playing havoc
with the buildings and driving thou
sands of the inhabitants to the inter-
ior. The shooting at the forts was at
1000 yards. As soon as the forts were
disabled. Captain McCalla ordered that
the 5-inch guns be given an elevation
to reach 5000 yards.
Spanish warships Sighted.
Philadelphia, May Captain Allen
White, of the Allen steamship Turin,
which arrived today from Glasgow via
st. Johns and Halifax, states that
Sunday when off the banks after sun
down he sighted in the distance war
ship with cruiser ahead, followed by
two boats, thought to be torpedo boats.
Captain White signaled the mysterious
craft, but they made no reply.
Prisoners Of War.
Washington, May Secretary Al
ger has directed that the 10 Spanish
officers and the 10 privates and nom
commissioned officers taken from the
Spanish steamer Argonaut and now at
Kew West, be taken to Fort McPher-
son, just outside of Atlanta, Ga, for
confinement until they are either ex-
changed for any American officers and
sailors who may be taken by the Span
iards, or until some other method for
their disposition is reached. The
Spaniards will be placed under guard
of detachment of soldiers detailed for
that purpose.
The civilians taken from the Span
ish steamer Panama Gre held at Key
West and are under the charge of the
department of Justice.
Paris, May 5.-An American diplo-
mat of prominence here is quoted a.
saying that European Intervention is
going to OCCUR almost certainly, and
the United States will be disposed TO
welcome It.
submerinc Mines Cut Adrift.
New York, May 1.-TWO more SUBJ
marine mines. formerly part OF the
lefenses Of New York harbor. have
been cut from their cable and adrift.
The first was at Island beach, near
Barneoat. N. j., the second came
ashore at Seagirt, N. ]. This makes
the second batch Of mines 70 come
ashore on the Jersey coast. Six mines
=. LII. -