The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-06
NOT AT CAPE DE VERDE.
Naval Authorities Believe Torpedo Fleet
Is Much Nearer Havana.

Washington, April 5.-The Navy De.
partment is of the opinion that the effec-
tiveness of the Spanish fleet will be very
much curtailed by the fact that fully SO
per cent of the engineers of the Spanish
navy are Scotchmen who would under or
til Q engine room in case of battle while
the Spanish officers controlled the deck
movements of the vessel
IT is believed therefore a great majority
of the mechanical experts of AIpbonso
XIII. would If war should be declared
either resign their positions in the
Spanish service or request duty on shore.
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy
announces that while the departments has
official advices that the Spanish fiotiIla
of torpedo boats were at the Cape de
Verde Islands he thought the information
rather questionable:
From the best information at the Navy
Denartment it is believed that although
the Spanish government has given out
that the fiotilla expected to touch at the
De Verde Islands 1t nevertheless is many
miles to the westward OF that place and
will arrive at San Juan lie Porto Rico in
few days.
This opirion is strengthened not only
by the official statement of Captain
General Blanco that the fotilla was in
tbe neiohborhood of Martinique but by
the facr that tho Spanish armored cruisers
Almirante Oquendo and Vizcaya had left
Havana and sailed toward the eastward.
This would never have been done II it
had been the intention OF the Spanish
government to keep the f1otilla of torpedo
boats at some point on the west coast of
Africa for the Spaniards we'll know that
their only hope of success Is IN coneentra-
tion of their naval2 forces at the West
Indies or elsewhere.
1t is understood from official sources
that the Spanish fotilla including the
battIeship Pelayo the armored cruisers
Alfonso XIII, Maria Teresa. Carlos ",
Cristobal Colon and Victoria together
with the torpedo destroyer Destructor and
q large fleet of first class torpedo boats
which have modified at Cadiz will Short
ly be sent to join the West Indies squad
ron. 1t is hardly probable that such a
would be made and such
reinforcement sent to the West Indies If
it was the intention of the Spanish gov
ernmenu to keep their torpedo f1otilla in
home waters.
It is apparently the intention of the
Spanish government to conduct such ne
gotiations with the United States, giving
them no cause for action in the mean
time, which will allow them to concen-
trate their fighting ships at some point.
WILL NOT RECOGNIZE INDEPEND-
ENCE. 80
Washington, April 5.-After the Cabi-
net meeting 1t was learned that it is prao-
tioally settled that in his message the
President will not make any recon-
mendation looking to the Immediate
ho xytthhn1diDcy 0f fhis recOYn 6a-
ton is not because of Indifference to the
Cuban cause, but is based upon the fact,
as the President views it, that the insur-
gents have not established any govern
1nent Of their own, or such government
at least. as would warrant the United
States under the we'll defined principles
of International law, in taking such a
step. w.
It is urged in support of this view that
recognizing Cuba as an independent
government the United States might
under certain circumstances be placed at
great disadvantage
In case this government sshould take
possession Of the island and the insurgents
should see fit to infliot capital punishment
upop6mem bers of the present autonomist
governments or other persons against
whom they might have special enmity,
this government, having recognizes their
independence, would then be powerless to
prevent any action the new Cuban gov
ernment might see fit to take, however
to our sense Of justice and
right.
The better and safer way, 1t is argued
would be for the United States to take
control Of the island If necessary to PIE
vent further bloodshed and administer its
affairs, or at least supervise its admins
tration in the interest OF Justice and
humanity until Spain and Cuba them
selves, II possible, have settled the whole
question.
WILL RECOMMEND INTERVENTION
Washington, April Sit is the general
understanding at the Capitol that the
President will recommend armed inter
vention, but not the independence of
Cuba. The sentiment among the Repub-
Iican mep1bers in the House is strongly
in favor Of both Intervention. and the
recognition of Cuban Independence, and
that the Mime affair will be brought
forward in the resolution.
Some Of the extremists want the whole
action of the United States predicted up
on the blowing up of the Maine. There is
general desire among the House Repub-
licans to prevent divergence In the two
sets of resolutions II possible and IL abso-
lutte unity of action can be obtained a
will be started to have the
resolutions passed in the House without
debate.
faction without debate said Mr..
Tawney of Minnesota, "would be the
strongest and most dignif1ed response we
could make to Spain's refusal to accede to
our demands. 1t would show that the
House and the American people are abso-
lutely united"
WOULDN'T REMOVE FLEET.
Washington, March 5.-The statemen
wassmade today by public man in close
touch with the administration. that the
effort to secure a settlement Of the war
between Spain and the insurgents