davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
BLANCO BURNING TOWNS.

KEY WEST, Fla, April 3d.
1t is unoficially stated by Cubans
tonight that Blanco is burning
the interior towns in the island of
Cuba, and it is believed that the
truth of the statement is estab-
lished by the great volumes of
smoke which were noticed rising
from the interior of the island yes
terday. These fires were noticed
between Matanzas and Havana by
persons on the Associated Press
despatch boat Dauntless, and
throughout the night the bright
glow of fires was reflected on the
sky. In places fierce forest fires
were burning.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
MUCH DEPENDS ON DEWEY.
Outcome of the War May BE Influ-
enced by His Fight.

WASHINGTON, April 30-AlI interest to-
day was concentrated on the Philippines,
though it seemed almost hopeless to expect
any news directly from that point, which is
at present at least the critical point Of naval
operations. Indeed, one high official we'll
versed in the plans of the strategy board,
declared that on the result of the engage
ment which Commodore Dewey is expected
to have had with the Spanish fleet to-day or
within day or two at least might depend
to an extent the outcome of the war. When
Secretary Long left the Navy Department
he had received no word from Commodore
Dewey, nor from any point in the east. He
had been very busy during the day and the
same thing was true of Secretary Alger,
both being obliged to give the greater part
of their time to senators, representatives
and other persons of supposed influence
seeking to secure the appointment of con-
stituents TO places in the army and navy.
No word has yet come from the Philip
pines and, as already explained, even if
there has been an action between Commo-
dore Dewey and the Spanish naval force
there, the Navy Department is scarcely in
a way to hear of it for several days. Even
if the commodore should manage to land
at Manila he probably would be unable to
operate the cable owing to lack of skilled
operators and perhaps the apparatus itself
may be disabled before it falls into his
hands. There is good reason to believe that
the commodore will not directly attack
Manila in the beginning. The report that
he took aboard before leaving Hong-Kong
one of the most popular of the leaders of the
Philippine insurgents is regarded as an evi-
dence that the commodore relies largely on
insurgent support to maintain his footing
on the islands. If this be so he would very
likely avoid Manila, the capital, and seize
first another port where the insurgents are
in greater strength and where there are no
Notifications to overcome.
While there is no doubt that one of the
objects of Commodore Dewey is to crush
the Spanish squadron in the East Indies as
the most effective method of protecting the
important trade interests in that quarter, it
is beyond doubt part of his purpose to
seize and hold port suitable for use as
coaling station.
Notwithstanding the rumors that have
come from Europe of interference TO pre-
vent the seizure of the Philippines by Amer
leans, 1t Is not to be supposed for an in
slant that our government Will abandon in
any degree this purpose. The coaling sta
tion is not only desirable. but is absolutely
necessary from a naval point of view, un-
less the United States is prepared TO sur
render all commerce in American bottoms
with Asia, and fully realizing this the naval
officials will proceed with their campaign
undeterred by European threats. Whether
the station VIII be retained after the war
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01

by the United States will not now be de-
termined. 1t is positively asserted that UP
to this moment these European menaces
have taken no official form and thus far
no protests have been lodged at the Naval
Department. III any such should be made
based on diplomatic reasons, it would not
be hard for our government, by pointing to
the wholesale seizures of almost the major
part of the Chinese coast by European
powers, to justify ourselves to seek just
so much of foothold in that section of the
globe as would suffice to give our war ships
a safe home port in time Of stress and af-
ford moderate degree of protection to our
commerce which. in comparison with that
of some of the European powers which have
been most forward in their threats, is by
no means insignificant
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
ORDERS SENT TO SAMPSON
TO BE READY TO DISPATCH PART OF
HIS FLEET TO THE RESCUE.
Exciting Race POssibIe-Departure of
the Crippled Torpedo Boats from
the Cape Verde Islands.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.


WASHINGTON. April SO.-The location of
the first decisive sea fight on the Atlantic
is still a subject of speculation. 1t would
not surprise the Washington strategists,
however, If the fight should take place near
tho coast Of Brazil and that it should come
about through a Spanish attempt to inter-
cept the great battle ship Oregon, which is
now at Rio de Janeiro on it's way to join
the Atlantic fleet. There is more than a
suspicion that the heavy fighting wing of
the Spanish fleet that sailed from the Cape
Verde islands yesterday has designs on the
Oregon and is pointing for the waters
through which she must pass. The Oregon
IS accompanied by the gunboat Marietta.
They might be cut off and utterly an
initiated If the Spaniards were alert and
active. In anticipation of such a move the
Navy Department has directed Rear Ad-
miral Sampson to be ready to sail with a
portion Of his Havana fleet for South
American waters to protect the Oregon If
such a move should prove necessary. A
race against time, therefore, with the Ore
gon the stake is likely to be the first great
spectacle of the war; at least this idea is the
trend of expert naval thought in Wash
-iugton working 81 this writing For the
moment. however, the strategists do not
feel safe in jumping to the conclusion that
the oregon is in jeopardy and of weaken
ing the north Atlantic defenses or the Gu
han blockade by rushing important sec
tion of our fleet to the far south. They are
waiting for further information as to the
Spanish plans for the direction of naval
movements. This information they expect
to have within the next forty-eight hours.
According to an Associated Press dis
patch, the Oregon reached Rio de Janeiro
tonight. The dynamite cruiser Nictheroy.
recently purchased from the Brazilian gov
ernment is also reported to still be in Rio
de Janero harbor. and it is possible she
will accompany the Oregon to the North At
I9u4fc
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
Sixty Heavy Guns Mounted at the En-
trance of the Bay, and other De-
fenSe Works ON the Inside.
NO PROTEST FROM POWERS
EUROPEANS ARE NOT LIKELY TO
MAKE OFFICIAL REMONsTRANCE.
China's NOnaction I'm Regard to Neu-
tance to United States.

HONG-KONG, April 3O.-The British
steamer Memnon, which has just arrived
here from Manila, capital of the Philippine
islands, reports having seen the Spanish
fleet cruising outside Manila. She also met
the British steamer Esmeralda, chartered
by the banking companies of this place,
which is on her way to Manila to take on
board tho specie there. She did not see any
vessels of the United States fleet. The lat
ter is supposed to be close in shore trying
to communicate with the insurgents pre-
paratory to continuing on to Manila.
If reports which are current here are cor
rect the United States fleet has a difficult
task to accomplish. 1t is said that the en-
trance of Manila bay is commanded by from
fifty to sixty heavy guns, well placed, and
1t is added that it will be impossible for
the American war ships to enter the bay
without battle ships or without the
cooperation Of a strong land force.
Therefore, it is believed, Commodore
Dewey will not attempt to force the en-
trance into the harbor, but will blockade the
port until the insurgents move on Manila
Agents of the insurgents here are trying
to charter steamer in expectation of be-
ing able to transport a force of insurgents
to the vicinity of Manila, and capture the
strong fortress of Cavite, inside Manila bay.
The cable to Manila is still intact, but the
transmission of news regarding military or
naval movements in the Philippine islands
is barred.
The British war ships and torpedo boats
at Hong Kong have been forbidden to COM
mence fresh repairs. ..wsaieh would seem to
indicate the possibility of a movement in the
near future on the part of the British fleet.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01

Of hostilities, when they prudently fled from
the port of Havana
II was reported in departmental circles
to-day that the flying squadron was about
To sail from Fortress Monroe. The officials
refused to affirm or deny the correctness
of this statement, but it is assumed that IL
the report is true the vessels are to be used
as scouts to detect the approach OF the
Spanish vessels. 1t is not expected that IN
case the armored ships were sighted by
Commodore Schley an engagement would be
ATTEMPTED unless the circumstances We're
neculiarly favorable, for he has but two
armored ships in his squadron 10
nit AGAINST the four heavily ar
nnored Spanish vessels. He would, how
ever. be able TO hang on the flank OF the
Spanish squadron and annoy IT greatly While
rushing ahead one of his flyers-the Column
bia or Minneapolis-to warn Admiral Samp-
son and secure reinforcements in the shape
of a battle ship that would insure victory in
action.
Secretary Long this afternoon made pub
lie the following telegram from Admiral
Sampson, commanding the blockade squad
ron: The New York. Puritan and Cincin-
natl sheIled Punta Gordo at Matanzas to
prevent the construction OF new batteries
has been ordered 10 prevent any resump-
ton OF this work.
General Blanco's report to Madrid that
French and Austrian consuls at Matanzas
nave protested against the shelling of the
city on the ground that no notice was given
(Continued ON seventh Pageo
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
Naval Officers Relieved.

Associated Press Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, April S0.-There was
feeling of relief among officials tonight
over the safe arrival of the Oregon at Rio
de JaneirO well to the north and out of
possible reach Of the Spanish torpedo cruis-
cr Temerario, which has been lying around
tho vicinity of Buenos Ayres. The keenest
interest is taken in her future movement,
but on account of the extreme reticence cf
the naval authorities the nature of the in
etructions which have awaited her at Rio
de Janeiro are not known. The prevalent
belief, however, is that her orders are to
proceed TO join Admiral Simpsons fleet
without delay.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
Is GERMANY AIDING SPAIN?'

MADRID, April 30.-It is point
ed out here that since Germany has
made no declaration of neutrality,
German factories are not precluded
from supplying Spain with war
materials.
1t is reported that the Spanish
government has purchased two
foreign war ships, but no details
regarding the newly acquired
vessels are obtainable.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
DEcIMATING FIRST REGIMENT.
Considerable Percentage Decide Nos
TO Go to the Front.

to 60 10 the 'FRONT.'
An order was issued yesterday by General
Mckee which will act in the two-fold ca
pacity of stopping further payment of funds
for the support in camp of men who DO
not intend to go TO the front when the
troops are ordered to march, and also 10
make the brigade consist of men who are
willing TO fight, excluding all those who
have made a pleasure excursion Of the
camp who are few, and those who, for
causes which have arisen since the camp
was established, have strong reasons why
they should return to their homes. This
order was communicated to the captains
and through them to the men.
1t was stated last night at headquarters
that the most of the men who would be
sent home would be those who had failed
to pass the medical examination by the
militia surgeons or those who, having been
examined some time ago for enlistment.
would now fail to pass the regular army
examination. The order only reached one
Of the regiments in time for a report last
night This regiment, the First, reported
that it's losses from all causes would be a.
follows:
Company E. OF Evansville. q men,
Company f, of Roachdale, 81 men.
Company Fl, OF Bloomington. "a men.
Company G., of Brownstown, A men.
Company NJ. of Evansville. Is men.
In addition to this three members OF the
band from Bloomington viii also leave
This loss Of men win In no sense weaken
the regiment, as arrangements have al
ready been made to all al vacancies that
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
CAVALRY SHELLED.
Details of the Brief Engagement
Near the Port of Cabanas.


GCopyright 1S9s by the Associated Press)
ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP NEW
YORK, off Havana, via Key West. April
3o.-In answer to a voley fired from Span
ish cavalry on shore at Cabanas, thirty
eight miles west of Havana, last evening.
the cruiser New York sent eleven shells in
the direction of the Spaniards The enemy's
fire was silenced after the first shot from
the New York. Whether any Spaniards
were killed or wounded was not ascertained.
The Spanish bullets were not observed to
come anywhere in the vicinity of the flag
ship, which at once returned to its station
off Moro Castle. The Spaniards would
never have been fired on had they not pro-
voked the attack
The full details of the affair are that the
New York was lying quietly outside the
picturesque harbor of Cabanas, about two
miles off shore, an inspection trip of the
coast having just been completed. The
flagship was accompanied by the torpedo
boats Porter and Ericsson. A return TO
the station off Moro Castle. Havana, was
contemplated. The band was playing its
usual dinner music, when. from hill to
the eastward of Cabanas harbor came the
sound of yoliey firing. 1t was plainly
small arms attack, though no smoke was
seen. The enemy was thought to be hidden
close to the beach and in front of a ruined
white building which sloped as If 1t had
once been the hacienda OF a tobacco plan
tation. Now and again individual firing
was heard and well regulated volIeys con-
tipued at intervals. 1t was conjectured
that one troop of cavalry. dismounted, was
doing the firing.
The officers OF the flagship stood on hes
deck trying to ascertain definitely the ex-
act location Of the enemy. more amused
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
CRUISERS SAIL In HASTE.

NEW YORK, April 3o.-The
United States steamers St. Louis
and Harvard sailed this morning.
Destination unknown. The cruiser
San Francisco left the Brooklyn
navy yard abopt 4:5o this after
noon and proceeded down the bay.
The New Orleans will follow at 9
o'clock tomorrow morning.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
AT THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
1Iovements of the Spanish Fleets Dis
cusSed-The Flying Squadron.

MOVements of the Spanish FIeets Dis
cussed-The Flying Squadron.
WASHINGTON, April 30.-About the only
item of news that came TO the Navy De-
partment this morning from any official
source told of the departure of that part
Of the Spanish Cape Verde fleet which con-
sisted OF torpedo boats and transports fer
the Canarics The fact that two of the tor
Uedo boats were in tow of the big trans
ports naval officers regarded as a sign that
fin the collision which these vessels are re-
ported to have had yesterday the machinery
OF the boats was damaged beyond possibil-
i,y of repair at St. Vincent. 1t is by no
means a safe undertaking to tow torpedo
boat the long distance between Cape Verde
and the Canaries, and it would not surprise
naval officers if one or more of the little
boats were missing when the remainder of
the small feet arrived at the Canaries,
Anxiety is felt as TO the destination of
the more formidable part of the Spanish
fleet that has sailed westward from Cape
Verde. If it is headed for Cuba the Navy
Department calculates that it is likely TO
reach Porto Rico about May z. 1t is not
10 be expected. however. that Its arrival at
Spanish ports would be made public by the
Spanish authorities controlling the cable,
and supposing that it is not detected by one
OF the United States naval vessels which
"lu possibly be sent to Porto Rican waters
as a scout, the news of the arrival or the
heet on this side is likely to be conveyed
by some neural vessel trading between Por-
tC Rico and an outside port.
The strategy involved in the Spanish
movements is rather puzzling to the naval
omcers Assuming that the four cruisers
have actually started on their way to Cuba
II would seem that if they arrive at Porto
Rico they would be in imminent danger of
capture or destruction at the hands of Ad-
miral SIMPSONS squadron, which Is superior
10 offensive power. In other words, the
cruisers would be ldtuated just as were the
oquendo and Vizcaya before the outbreak
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
BATTLE SHIP OREGON SAFE.

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 80, 6
p. m.-The United States battle
ship Oregon, for whose safety fears
were entertained, has just arrived
here from San Francisco, by way
of Cape Horn.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
TO PY6tect German interests.

NAGASAkI, Japan April 3O.-The second
class German cruiser Irene, carrying crew
of over $50 men, has started for Manila to
protect German interests. She is a steel
vessel of 4,40G tons displacement and 5000 in
dicated horse power, built in 1887 and capa-
BILE of steaming about nineteen knots. Her
heaviest guns are four 5.9-inch rifles and
eight 4.1-inch quck-tiring guns.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01

Carriages will not be allowed in the
grounds.
One of the surprises at Camp Mount yes
terday was the large percentage of men in
some companies who have concluded not
to be mustered into the federal service. In
accordance with General McKee's wishes
census was taken of the men who prefer not
to volunteer. In one company, that from
Roachdale known as Company Il,
First Regiment, the wedding out
process found fifty out of 100 ready
to return to their peaceful pur-
suits. No other company fell down so
extensively as this but the percentage was
large nevertheless. OF the fifty who are to
go home from the Roachdale company it
may be stated that the number includes
those who were found to be deficient when
examined by the company and regtmental
surgeons. Governor Mount was not pleased
when he heard of the results.
81 regret, said he that men who did
not intend to be mustered in came over
here and remained in camp at the expense
of the State. 1t was not right for them to
do so. 1t was well understood that the nlii-
tia was brought to Indianapolis TO be sent
to the front, and notice given that
those who did not wish to go, or who
ilI-health or strong family or business ties.
were honorably excused from service. 1t is
unfortunate to have so large percentage.
in several instances, fail to be mustered in.
The men who had no intention of serving
their country had no right to come over
here at the States expense. 1t is not mil
itary spirit These men should be sent home
at once / do not know but what it. would
be best where company falls off so largely.
to send the entire company home, and admit
one that is willing and ready to CO."
The Governor said he had made no arr
rangements to review the troops during tha
coming week. He will mo doubt review them
before they leave the city. The Governor
was somewhat concerned as to the effect
of the large crowd of visitors to-day on the
discipline of the camp He anticipated an
enormous crowd, sfrom the information at
hand.
The announcement that admission would
be by pass beginning with tomorrow has
caused some disappointment to Indianapolis
business men who have been working so
hard for the success of the May Music Fes-
tival the latter part of the week. The all-
absorbing war topic has affected the festival
as it has every enterprise, and as the busi-
ness men have responded every year in
the last ten to keep up this event meeting
a loss each year, they feel bit aggrieved.
The festival has never been treated literally
by the railroads in the matter of rates. To-
day the railroads will bring in immense
crowds Low rates will prevail the latter
part of the week, and If visitors could see
the soldiers in the day time and attend the
festival at night, they would feel amply
repaid in coming to the capital The Gov
ernor said he should certainly favor nothing
that would initiate against so worthy an
enterprise as the May Festival, although
he could let nothing interfere with the camp
discipline 1t is probable request will be
made of the proper officer to permit visitors
TO the camp, under certain restrictions. dur
ing the week.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
Tbe saranac,s Cargo Released.

LONDON, April 30.Advices from Iloilo
say that the cargo Of coal of the American
bark Saranac, which was captured at that
place by the Spanish gunboat Elcano, has
been liberated
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
SPANISH FLEET MAY ATTEMPT To
CAPTURE THE OREGON.
The Big Battle Ship Now in Rio de
JaneirO Harbor, Having Arrived
There Last Night.
GREAT BATTLE PROBABLE
II THE SPANIARDs SHOULD SHOW UP
IN BRAZILIAN WATERS.

Some of the FIeetest Vessels OF the
American Navy Likely to Be Hur-
ried to the South at Once.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01

MADRID, April 80, 10 p. m.-Up to this
hour no news has been received from Ma
Mia.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
RECORD OF ONE COMPANY
FIFTY OUT OF 12O MEN WILL BE ALI
LOWED TO RETURN HOME.
Many Cannot Pass Physical Examina-
tiOn-EvansviIIe's CIaim-COlOne1
Pennington Injured.


Church call, 1890 a. m.
First sergeants' call, 1880 p. m.
Recall for regimental drill, $3.50 p. m.
First call for brigade formation, 4 p. m.
Drill CALL 4:35 p. m.
Assembly, 4:40 p. IN.
Adjutants call for formation of bat
talions, 4;45 p m.
Adjutants' call for formation of regi-
ments, 4:55 p. m.
To the colors, sos p. m.
Mess call 6:20 p. m.
Carriages will not be allowed in the
grounds.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01

were burning.