The herald., 1898-03-23
NOT FOR SALE
Brazil Will Keep the Torpedo Cruiser
Tupes

xupSS
WASHINGTON March %. - Negotia-
tions for the purchase of ships abroad are
going steadily forward, but there was a
disappointment in this connection today.
The authorities have been exceedingly anx-
ious to get the big torpedo cruiser Tupes,
built for Brazil. She is one of the most
formidable torpedo craft afloat, her size
placing her in the cruiser class. while her
torpedo armament gives her the effective
ness of a torpedo boat and cruiser COM
bined. 1t was learned positively today,
however, that the Brazilian government
would not part with the Tupes, and this
closes the negotiations.
In a small measure this was offset by
the success Of the navy in securing trim
little Yarrow-built launch, which, though
small, will serve as a harbor torpedo boat.
Her speed is sixteen knots or better. Her
armament consists of two Hotchkiss one
pound quick-fire guns and the torpedo tube.
She is one of the same class of craft as
the Moxito built for the Brazilian navy.
The price paid for her was less than s25, 900,
with her complete armament, delivered at
New York. eing so small she will be
shipped over on one of the Atlantic liners.
She has not yet taken on the dignity Of
a name.
The navy department was notified today
of the arrival of the cruiser Cincinnati
and the gunboats Castine and Wilmington
at Port Antonio, Jamaica. This iAland
about the same distance from the south
shore of Cuba as Key West is from the
north shore.
The Marblehead has gone from Port
Tou,po 10 Dry T>ortuCou Tho official Ic
state that there is a mistake in the Key
West dispatch saying that the Massachu-
sets, as we'll as the Texas. passed out yes
terday for Hampton roads. Only the Texas
has made this move, although the Massa-
chusetts may follow later.
OFFERS OF SUPPLIES
LONDON, March 22.-The return of the
United States ambassador, Col. John Hay,
to London from Egypt has brought 10 the
embassy a swarm of war munition men
and brokers who have options upon war
ships. Some Of them renew efforts to sell
to the United States obsolete craft at pre-
posterous prices. Two brokers offer one
ship at $750,000.
New contracts for ammunition and guns
will probably be made on the return of
Commander Brownson, U. s. NJ, from
Paris.
The first installment of the Vickers-
Maxim company's contract for guns,
amounting to 5000, including many half
inch quick-firers, was delivered today.
The United States cruiser New Orleans
will take on heavy cargo of powder, shells
and guns. She will descend the river to-
morrow and load several tons of brown
powder.
OPINION CHANGING
KEY WEST, March 22.-Within the last
few days minority sentiment has been
growing that the court has been unable to
determine definitely the cause of the ex-
plosion. Still, it is true that majority
hold to the conviction that the report will
find and will prove that the Maine was
blown up intentionally
The Marblehead has arrived from Port
Tampa, via the Tortugas, after supplying
the Massachusetts with ammunition.
M'kINLEY'S MESSAGE
WASHINGTON, March 22.-Speaking of
the Cuban situation, the Post tomorrow
will say: Having formulated no plan to
solve the problem and being anxious to
gain all the time possible, the president will
not Immediately make any suggestion to
congress. The message which he will send
on Monday will treat alone of the Maine,
and congress will be informed that the
president will, at later day, communicate
with it on the Cuban situation.
THE NUMBER KILLED
HAVANA, March %. - Chaplain Child
wick has completed his mortuary report,
which shows that 257 men and two officers
perished in the disaster; six succumbed
to their injuries while living in the San Am,
brosio hospital; one died on the Spanish