Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-03-15
HOPE FOR TEE DlST,
Should War Come, However, We
Are Fully Prepared.
SOME SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS.
House Committee Favors Building of
Battleships-New Military DEPART
ment, with Headquarters at At
lanta, to De Established.

there is to be peaceful outcome of the
present threatening difficulties, but
meanwhile prepare with serenity to
meet their duty If events should shape
themselves otherwise. The most fm-
portant and significant developments
OF the day were the decision of the
naval appropriation bill a provision for
three new battleships and a conclusion
on the part of the secretary of war to
issue this morning an order crenting a
new military department, including
within it's confines that part of the
country which would be in all lilleli-
hood nearest TO the field of hostilities in
case it should come to that.
New Military Department.
The order will create a commotion in
the south. The present department OF
Texas is abolished and the headquar-
tiers which has been at San Antonio,
Tex, for SO many years are abandoned.
In place of the old department is Great
ed new one. the department of the
south. Gen. Graham, at present COM
mander OF the department of Texas,
will command the new department.
This department will include the states
of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ala
bama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
All of these states save the last are at
present attached to the department of
the east under command of Gen. Mer-
Titt, of New York. 1T is said at the de-
partment that Gen. Merritt is fully COM
pensated for the strength of the forces
of the two regiments OF artillery now
recruiting. Headquarters of the new
department Of the south will be at At
1anta. Ca, chosen because of its fine
strategical value from it's excellent rail-
road connections. At present the gov
eminent has no accommodations in At
lanta for the headquarters of the de,
partment, so it will be obliged to hire
the most available buildings.
Gen. FIager Given Carte Blanche.
For the first time the officials of the
war department admitted that they
were straining every nerve to improve
that part of the defenses of the country
confined to their care. 1t is without
question the most unusual mark of con-
hdence in all executive officer to en-
power him to give orders without limit
for the purchase of war material, yet
this is what the president and Secretary
rAlger have done in the case Of Gen.
Flagler, chief of ordnance. And the Of
hcer has not shown any disposition to
shirk this large responsibility, but has
instructed every concern capable Of
supplying war material, such as rapid
lire guns, shot, shell and ammunition,
to go to work at full capacity.
May Secure the Amaxonas.
The navy department has now rea-
son to believe that it has secured the
two warships Amazonas and her sister
ship now building In England for Bra
Azil It was stated at the cabinet meet
ing by Secretary Long that the naval
attache at London, Lieut.. Colwell, had
almost completed the negotiations for
the sale. So far, however, the final no
itifcation from him that his offer has
been accepted has not reached the navy
department.
Y stiIl silent.
The day passed again without word
from the court of inquiry, according to
the statement of Secretary Long, who
says that he has received nothing what
ever from the court itself or from Judge
Advocate Mark.
Offer Their Services.
In anticipation of rupture between
the United States and Spain, naval Off
GERS on the retired list have notified the
secretary of their willingness and read
mess to perform any duty liz the line
of their profession that he may deem
suitable for them. There are many Of
fcers on the retired list in the full en-
joyment of health and mental vigor. de-
spite the fact that they are now 81 years
of age, whose ability and experience
would undoubtedly be of great advan-
tage to the nation in case it proved nee
essary to go TO war in the defense Gifts
honor and dignity. Notable among
these is Rear Admiral John &. Wall,sr
recently retired for age, and now en-
gagged on special duty as president of
the Nicaragua canal commission.
Cabinet officer Talks.
z Washington, March 12-Most of the
time OF Fridays cabinet meeting was
taken up in the discussion of measures
which have been put into operation for
the acquisition of naval vessels by the
government. One of the members soid
after the meeting:
ut is now altogether probable that we
will secure two vessels that are under con-
struction for the Brazilian government II
is not possible at this time to say lust how
many ships In all the government win he
able to secure. 1t has options on number
that have been offered but nothing ia like
iy to be definitely accomplished in the way
OF acquiring them until an examination 10
made into their condition. for which mr..
pose naval officer has been dispatchad
abroad. We do not want lot of vessels
tnat other nations contracted to be built
and now find are not up to expectations
should not be surprised but what the
president would be able to get about five oy
six vessels in ALL The fact is notorious that
there are not great many really good YES
sells to be had but should not be surprised
II we were able to get half dozen for
midable ones at least. The SCI, 900, 900 an
propriated for war preparations will be
expended in this country, except such as
may be used in the purchase Of ships and
In the acquisition Of munitions Of war that
are not obtainable here.
Eyes, think the sympathy Of the Brit.
tsh government in this controversy is with
fhe United States. At any rate, she does
mot side with Spain. I do not mean by this
statement to have you infer that the Eng
1tshmen Will openly advocate our cause and
extend us substantial help. but will give
uS their moral support"
An Official Denial.
The statement was persistently cir
culated Friday afternoon, and in some
pases the report came from those whose
bources of information should be re-
liable, that the administration was in
possession Of limitations or informa-