The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-07-26

SfSl III NdLlps
the light of present circumstances and
conditions, many years before affairs
there have so shaped themselves as
to entrust the island to the Cubans
and we finally yield our possession of
them. The transition must be gradual,
ste y step, and the final general
CT of control effected only after
thorough training and demOnstra-
ton of the abilities of the people, be-
ginning by the trial of leaders at
first in minor capacities. This is what
is to be looked for and the gradual
transition will consume a length of
time considerably at variance with
what the people most expect"
A CABLEGRAM FROM GENERAL
MILES
The navy department has received
the following dispatch, timed 1:15 o.
m. today, Mole st. Nicholas:
secretary of War, Washington:
Am disappointed in nOn-arrival of
Colonel Hecker with construction
corps. Colonel Black arrived without
tug boats or lighters. Please send at
least four sea going lighters and tugs,
also General Stones boats at Jack
sOnville, if not already sent, as soon
as possible. Moving along well.
MILES"
There were several events of inter-
est, if not of Importance, at the war
and navy departments today. General
Anderson, at Cavite, sent d message
saying that AguinaldO had declared a
dictatorship and martial law over the
hilippines-sOmething that gave the
cabinet food for consideration at their
regular meeting today. There was no
disposition to force any issue with the
inSurgent chief at this time, but it
is pretty we'll understood hat he will
not be allowed to commit the United
states government in the future treat
ment of the Philippine question.
A VISIT FROM GERMAN AMBAS-
SADOR.
The visit of the German ambassa-
dor to the president and to the sec
retary of state was a bass for the
belief that he had called to make some
representation on that subject and
perhaps as well on the question of
peace as affected by the programme
laid down by WatsOn's projected vOy-
age to European waters. If SO, no Of
fetal confirmation was Obtainable and
a friendly visit was the only explana-
tiOn offered by Secretary Day for the
appearance of the German ambassador
in the dog-days in Washington. The
embassy people were no more cOmmu-
NEGATIVE.
1t would not be surprising if it
should develop that strong European
influences are being brought to bear
to G:ssuade the navy department from
dispatching Watson's fleet to Europe.
But so far they appear to have been
Intellectual, for it is officially stated
that the departure of the squadron is
only delayed, not abandoned.
Although General NJ les reported by
cable TODAY from Mole ST. Nicholas,
Iayti, that he was ",noving along
well'' with the first detachment Of the
military expedition against Porto Rico
the body of his dispatch preceding
this statement gave rise at first to
the apprehension that, like General
Shafter at Santiago, General Miles was
threatened with a costly delay in land
ing his expedition on Porto Rican SOIL
owing to the absence OF lighters and
tugs. It vas said "a the wa depart
ment. later on. that some Of these
lighters We're already on their way
from New Orleans and New York, and
that no sensible delay would arise on
that score.
THE EXPEDITION TO NIPE PAY.
The brief report from Admiral Samp-
son declares the success Of the eXpe-
ditiOn to Nipe is really more impOr-
tant than appears on the surface. The
lay Cf Nipe lies on the north coast of
Cuba. almost directly across the is
land from Santiago. 1t is purposed to
establish a base there which will save
at least two days time in getting sup
plies into Cuba. as compared With the
Santiago route. 1t will also form a
good point of operations against Hol-
guin. not far distant
THE FRICTION WITH CUBASS.
The war department has not yet
been Informed that General Shafters
Cuban allies have quit the American
lines for the reason sent out in print
ed letter by General Garcia. but it is
scarcely doubted that such is the ca Sc
the friction has been growing more
prOr ounced every day since the fall Of
Santiago and it is feared that a sever
ance Of relations cannot be longer
avoided. The Cuban junta is still in
hopes of avoiding such a measure. ac-
cOrding to the statement of Senior Que
sada, one of the Cuban legation here.
HOBSON AT THE NAVY DEPART
MENT
The last and most agreeable event
of the day was the arrival at the navy
department of Lieutenant Hobson, the
hero of the Merrimac. The officials
were not informed of his visit except
through the newspapers. Consequently
when he reached the railway station
here at 2:3S o'clock this afternoon,
there was no official there to meet him
and his reception was truly democrat
ic. Some one spied him, however, and
soon the cry OF "Hobson,' 'Hobson,"
rang out and the crowd closed about
him, shaking his hand and pushing