The herald., 1898-05-24

to make a copy of the famous picture, 1.-The
Battle of Yorktown" which Is one Of the
priceless treasures Of the French national
gallery at Versailles, to be sent to the en-
bassy at Washington. The picture shows
the notable incident in American history
when the British commander, Lord Corn
wallis, surrendered to General Washing.
ton. The picture is about ten feet long and
six feet high. the figures being life size.
The Paper Blockade
The announcement by way of Paris that
the italian government has protested
against the continuance Of the blockade
of the Cuban coast on the ground that 1t
was ineffective, met a prompt denial at tho
state department and 1t can be stated def
nitely that neither In Washington or Rome
have any representations on this subject
been addressed to the United States gov"
eminent. AS a matter of fact. Italy prob
ably is the maritime power Of all others
with which the United States has had alb
solutely no correspondence in the slightest
degree connected with the Cuban blockade.
As to the allegation that the blockade Is
ineffective, 1t Is said, on the contrary, 1t
has been singularly successful and that
so far as known not a single neutral ship
subject to detention has passed the lines
without the express consent of our gov
eminent. The Montserrat, 1t is true, did
enter Cienfuegos harbor before our block
aiding ships had time to get around to the
south side Of Cuba and establish the block
ade, and she did manage to get out at
night. But she is Spanish ship, and Spain
is perhaps the only nation in the world that
has lost the power to protest against q
blockade, being a combatant herself. 1t il
only for neutral powers to enter such pro-
tests, and none Of them has yet the slight
est protest for such action.
Subject to Seizure
With the beginning of the present week
all the Spanish vessels in the United States
which sailed after the outbreak of the war
are subject to seizure, as well as all the
Spanish merchantmen found on the high
seas, save when they left port for the
United States before April 21st last. The
presidents proclamation Of war allowed
such ships lying in our ports or bound for
them thirty days in which to discharge
cargoes, also insured them safe passage
home. That period of time expired last
Saturday night. This, it is expected, will
tend to free the state department from
complications.
Coast Signaling
Under the energetic management of Cap
tain Bartlett, who was recalled from the
retired list into the active service of the
navy department for the purpose, there
has Just been perfected most admirable
and thorough system of coast signaling for
war purposes. The navy department itself
established thirty stations on the coast,
manned by naval militiamen. Then it
called into service 1000 lighthouse employees
and 1000 ilfe-saving men, making a total
force of over 5000 men who patrol the great
shore line from Bar Harbor to Galveston
night and day and in all weathers, watch
ing for the approach of an enemy or for a
signal from any passing United tates war;
ship.
1t has been arranged that all Of these
watchers can communicate In the course
Of few minutes with a telegraph or tele-
phone line and all center in the office of
Captain Bartlett In the naval department,
who is thus prepared to give the war board
instant notice of any significant ship
movements on the coast.
Relief for Dewey
! 1t is said at the navy department that
| 1t will be at least five days before the Mon
terey can be started on her long journey
| from San Francisco to Manila, the delay
being on account of the preparations that
must be made for the very exceptional
service required "a the vessel.