Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-05-06
THE GENERAL WAR SITUATION.
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in the matter of supplies and a con-
structor of high ability is to go out at
once to repair the damages sustained
in the battle of Manila. Preparations
for suitable CONVOY for the supply
ships was also indicated by the choice
of a commander and officers for the
cruiser Charlestown now at Mare is
land. 1t is stated at the navy de-
partment that having received the
surrender of Manila the commodore
would be able to secure any quantity
of labor and Of such material. as q
maritime city like Manila affords for
the repair of his ships. He also would
be able to place his wounded in COM
fort in some one of the Manila hospi-
tails or other public buildings.
No news could he learned al the navy
department relative to the movements
of Admiral SIMPSONS ironclads, bat
from the confident tone Of the few OIL
Gals acquainted with the policy of the
department it is inferred that they are
expecting to hear very soon of news
from this squadron almost as interest
ing and important as that received
from the Philippines. last Monday.
A high official of the administration,
today. almost demolished the theory
~ 1
succor the Oregon. now on her way
from Brazil to join the North Atlantic
SQUADRON. lie declared that the navy
department was under no apprehen-
sion about the oregon, as it did not
consider that the Spanish admiral of
the Cape Verde squadron would be VII
ling to risk a combat With the Oregon
even with the great odds in his favor.
as. even If overwhelmed in the end, the
Oregon would certainly destroy one of
the Spanish ships and perhaps more,
and the Spanish government could not
afford to exchange pawns ct this Stage
of the war.
That left open as possible points of
operations for Sampson either Porto
Rico or some port on the Cuban coast
but just which theory is 10 be accepted
is not even limited by the. department
officials.
Notice came to The state department.
from Brazil. today. that that government
: To
cause to regret such action on the par,
of the Brazilian government. for however
beneficial the delay has been 10 the
United States in getting its warsAips safe
ly along the Brazilian coast, the issue of
the proclamation just now is likely to be
still more beneficial in closing Brazilian
ports to the Spanish flying squadron if it
should be headed in that direction.
1t may be noted. however that while
the first reports Were received with lttle
credit the advices coming to the navy
department. though not conclusive, in
ciined the officers to the belief that the
Spanish flying squadron really has turned
back from Cape Verde TO consolidate with
the home squadron at Cadiz.
Great pressure is being brought to bear
Dointments to second lieutenancies au-
thorized by the recently enacted Hull bill.
The list Of applicants includes many
bright young men. for the regulation re-
nuires them to be under 81 years. Among
them are former students at West Point.
newspaper men and Others with political
influence back of them.
The navy department will ship 23tthV
pounds of powder to Commodore Dewey
to add to the stock ne now has left. Thisi
will be ma !e up of about $4,000 pounds of
the grades used for the big S-inch guns,
G0,0o0 pounds for the G-inch guns. 309ol
pounds for me 5-inch guns and lesser
amounts for other classes of guns This,
with the large number Of S-inch armor-
piercing projectiles. shells and G-inch ana
5-inch rifle balls. viii make the shipment
of ammunition ii very large one. The
powder and sho; together will give 3aa
rounds for the big guns ana several thou
sand rounds for the rapid-fire guns.