The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-23
H0BSoN VISITS WASHINGTON.
HERO OF THE NERRIMAC GIVEN
AN OVATION.

10 A&uInnidO's DtctRtOrshiD Proc
InmntiOn ana the Proposed visit
OF Commodore Watson's Squadron
10 Spain-Nipe Expedition an Inn
! pOrtRnt One.
Washington, July 22.-There were several
events Of interest if not of importance at
the war and navy departments to-day.
Gen. Anderson, at Cavite sent a message
| saying that Aguinaldo had declared a die
! tatorship and martial law over the Phil
/ jppines. something that gave the cabinet
4 food fer consideration at their regular
meeting tp-day.
There was no disposition TO force any
issue with the insurgent chief at this time,
| but 1t is pretty well understood that he
wiz not be allowed 10 commit the United
States government in the future treatment
of the Philippine question.
! The visit of the German ambassador to
! the President and to the Secretary of
State was basis for belief that he had
called 60 make some representation on that
subject and perhaps as wen on the ques-
ton OF peace, as affected by the pro
| gramme laid down by Admiral Watson's
projected voyage to European waters.
If so, no official confirmation was obtain
able and a friendly vlsit' was the only
explanation offered by Secretary Day for
| the appearance of the German ambassa-
dor in the dog days in Washington
The embassy people We're no more COM
munioauve. 1t would not be surprising If
it should develop that strong European in
! fuences are being brought to bear to dis
suade the navy department. from dispatch
ing Admiral Watson's fleet to Europe But
so far they appear to have been ineffect-
ual, for 1t is officially stated that the de-
parture Of the squadron is only delayed,
not abandoned
| Although Gen. Miles reported by cable
| to-day from Mole 81. Nicolas, Hayt that
he was moving along well" with the FIRST
detachment of the military expedition
against Porto Rico. the body OF his dis
patch preceding this statement gave rise
at first to the apprehension that, ike
Gen. Shafter at Santiago, Gen. Miles was
threatened with delay IN landing his ex-
pedidon on Porto Rican soil, owing to the
absence Of lighters and tugs
| II was said at The war department later
on that some Of these lighters were al
ready on their way from New Orleans ana
New York, and that no serious delay
would arise on that score
The brief report from Admiral Sampson
at first, declaring the success of the expe-
diton to Nipe. is really more important
than appears on the surface. The bay of
Nipe lies on the north coast Of Cuba, al
most directly across the island from San
tiago Il is purposed to establish a base
there which will save at least two days
time in getting supplies into Cuba es
with the Santiago route. 1t will also form
a good point of operations against Hol-
gum, not far distant, and if Il should de-
Veop unfortunately that restraining
hand must be laid upon the Cubans them
selves, Nipe, in connection with Santiago,
would be an effective means Of doing this.
The war department has moi yet been in
formed that Gen. shafters Cuban allies
have quit the American lines for the Iea-
son sent out in a printed letter by Gen.
GARCIA but il is scarcely doubted that
such is the case, for The friction has been
growing more pronounced every day since
the fall Of Santiago, and it Is feared that
a severance of relations cannot be longer
avoided.
The Cuban junta is slll hopeful Of
avoiding such a measure, according to the
statement OF senor Quesada, one Of the
Cuban legation here
The last and most agreeable event Of the
day as the arrival at the navy depart
mont of Lieut.. lobson, the hero Of the
Merr.mac The officials were not Informed
of his approaching visit except through
the newspapers. Consequently when he
reached the railway station here at 2;S8
O'Clock this afternoon there was no official
10 meet him, and his reception was truly
Democratic.
He succeeded in escaping observation
when he passed through the train shed.
coat and umbrella in hand. and followed
by porter proudly carrying his bag, but
when he emerged from the station some
one spied him, a hooray went up from one
throat close by and IN moment the sta
ton resounded with vociferous shouting
The cry Of "Hobson" "Hobson" and the
crowd closed about him shaking his hand
and pushing about him until he was res
cued by the police ana escorted to his car
riaee.
He stopped long enough 10 announce that
all the men who formed the crew OF the
Merrimac were safe. and In the best OF
health, and that after he had made his
report to the navy department, he expect
cd to return Immediately TO New York.The
officer was driven a. once to the Army and
NaAy Club and after brushing himself up
he drove over to the navy department.
This time he carried with him, under his !
arm. a large official envelope which bore |
in the corner the inscription North At !
lantlc Squadron"
As he approached the office OF the secre- |
tory OF the Navy there ensued another |
demonstration. large crowd had gather I
ed about the doorway ana the park and 1
the hearty welcome 1t gave the young Of |
foer brought bushes 10 his cheeks Sec |
rotary Long came out Of his private Of /