The age-herald., 1898-03-16
GOVERNMENT BUYS
 ANOTHER VESSEL. Large Yacht to Be Fitted Out TORPEDO DISPATCH BOAT The Situation None the Less Grave,
 Though No Exciting Incidents. POLITICS AND STOCK SPECULATION Gang That Hung Around Cleveland, Augmented by Hanna's Friends. MANIPULATING THE STOCK MARKET Any Attempt on the Part of Reed to Adjourn Congress Will Be Utterly Ignored by the
 enate-Significance of Quesada's
 Presence at Hobarts Reception.
Gang That Hung Around Cleveland, Augmented by Hanna's Friends.
MANIPULATING THE STOCK MARKET
Special to The Age-Herald. BY HAROLD EVERETT CLAY.

Washington, March 15-The government bought another vessel this afternoon, the Mayf1ower, formerly the property of ogden Goelette. The boat was one which the gov- ernment has had it's eye on for some time. It is one of the largest yachts in the world It is the size of our own gunboats, and has protected deck. It has been ordered to New York to be fitted out at once as a torpedo dispatch boat. It Is especially val uable on account of its speed.
 The situation is none the less grave to- night because there have been no exciting incidents in the developments of today. The greatest anxiety exists here over the forthcoming report of the court of inquiry. . In official circles the excitement is feverish.
 Politics and speculation have begun to show their heads. The same crowd which haunted Washington at critical periods during Cleveland's administration is here and, augmented by a new set of financiers, the friends of Senator Hanna The man. ipulation of the stocks is the cause of the various reports put out today. One of these has it that Mckinley has changed his policy over night, and is now for peace at any sacrifice. Another, that the new au- tonomy scheme of Spain will be indorsed by this government. In spite of all the ru- mors of peace, however, the navy depart- ment is more vigorous today in its prepara- tions than at any time since the war cloud appeared on the horizon. The army is equally active. Orders have been sent to Fortress Monroe for a battalion to start at once for Mobile, and another for Sa- vannah.
 Will Be Ignored
 Any attempt on the part of Reed to ad- journ congress will be utterly ignored by the senate. That body will remain in ses- sion, said Senator Morgan to me taday, until the fate of Cuba is definitely settled There is no fear felt that Mckinley will fail in his duty as he sees it, but there is fear expressed in regard to some of the influences about him.
 As I wired last night, the reception of Senor Quesada, the Cuban representative, by the vice-president, is full of sgnifi- canoe. He was the most conspicuous per- son in the room next to the Prince of Bel gium His appearance at such an official function has set the diplomatic corps on the qui vive. Foreign officials say that in any other country than this such a recep- tion would practically be a recognition of the government he represents.
 Result of Official Discussion
 learn that his invitation was not sent In any haphazzard sort of way, but was the result of an official discussion in line with the present policy of the administra- ton to recognize the independence of the Cubans.
 Congress stands ready to squelch any suggestion of compromise, just as the Cubans did to reject any proposals that Is not based the independence of the Island.
 Representative Underwood will try to have one of the new cruisers bought of Brazil named the City of Birmingham
 Birmingham now being one of the great Iron and steel centers, should be repre- tented in the nomenclature of our floating ,teel defenders. He is to have an inter- riew with the secretary of the navy tomor- low on the subject.