davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03

ready 10 sail at an hours notice Their
7 coal bunkers were filed almost two weeks
I ago.
/ Late last night a package of sealed
orders were sent out TO the two warships
from the Office OF the Almirante on La
Machina wharf. Early this morning prep
arations for their departure were begun
Boat after boat. loaded down 20 the gun
wales with provisions of every kind. start
+ ed out from Havana wharves for the Viz
caya and Oquendo."
| The Evening World correspondent
! boarded the vizcaya at 10 o'clock He
was received most courteously by Cap
I tain Eulate in his cabin
"All I know about it, said the viz
| caya's commander, 'is that we are GO
ing away. but where I have not the faint
est idea. Our orders are sealed. and ]
miles out at sea"
| correspondent was put on board the
Triton. with orders to follow the cruis-
ers. The correspondent narrative con-
tinues:
LAS soon as the two ships reached the
open gulf they turned to the westward
and ran three or four miles down the
coast in that direction. After they had
reached point on the coast about five
miles westward Of Havana, they turned
completely around and headed for Morrc
again.
THE watchers on the Triton were as
| tonished- Could it be that the vizcaya
and Oquendo had changed their plans and
were returning to Havana? Under a
speed of about II knots an hour they
passed Moro for the second time, the
Vizcaya leading the Oquendo by half a
mile
Down the coast to the eastward of Ha-
vana the two men-of-war passed in pro-
cession. At a distance of seven miles
from land the Triton paralleled their
speed. AS the sun dropped down below
the horizon the Vizcaya and Oquendo be-
came lost to view in the shadow of the
long green hills OF the shore.
THE two ships had increased their
speed a little by this time and were jog
ging along at about fifteen knots. They
kept we'll within the fve-mile limit. Most
of the time they were not more than a
mile from shore. The Triton followed the
Vizcaya and Oquendo until they rounded
Point Guanos.
Point Gueanos is twenty-eight miles
to theeastward of Havana-Had either of
the two men-of-war had any idea of go
ing to United States ports they certainly
would have turned north of Point Qua
nos. But they did not.
AT a speed of 16 knots an hour they
kept on to the eastward. The course
that they followed is the one indicated on
charts as being the most direct route TO
Porto Rico"
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03

cause for our resentment. Whatever the
phraseology of the resolution itself, the
report accompanying il will dwell largely
upon the incident. Some of the members
Of the committee are disposed 10 regard
as positive the proof of Spanish compile
ity in the Maine affair and TO resent IL as
an act Of war, and there is good reason
for believing that there has been more OF
less discussion in the committee on the
advisaDility of a declaration OF war on
account Of the explosion, rather than a
recognition of Cuban independence mere
"; at any rate the Maine Incident will be
thoroughly exploited and made the basis
Of much that may be said. The committee
feel this the safe course in view of Spain S
recent action regarding the reconcen-
trados.
Senator Frye saw the executive on be-
half of the committee before the meeting
today and gave the members the benefit
of the views of the chief executive
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
EIGHT HUNDRED NEWSBOYS

Milwaukee. Wis. April "A remarka-
bic demonstration took place here today
relative 20 the departure 81 the revenue
cutter Gresham. which was expected 10
.eave for the coast today. but which has
been delayed until wednesday next 20
await the arrival 81 boiler from New
York for one of her launches. Eight
hundred newsboys waving American Tags
and headed b. the Milwaukee Journals
Newsboys' band usrshe1 % the dock
where the Gresham was fuporsd. Captain
Davis. commander n the Gresham. Or
dered the band and boys on board tae
cutter and ia a short address thanked t79
youngsters for ne denomination and pat
rlotic spirit shown. Three r1using cheers
we're given FOR the EMP and her captain.
officers ana crew and TIE boys and thous-
aads ~ spectators Joined IN s.nrnE
America" The unanimlty with which
me vast asssrnblsEs Joined IN singing ths
national anthem was one Of che stfik.as
features q the demonstration
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
NAVAL CONSULTATIONS

Washington. April 2-The fact that
neither branch OF congress was in ses-
sion today was responsible for the pres
ence OF a great number of the members Of
both houses at the state, war and navy
departments. In many instances they
came to attend 10 matters of private bus
mess. but in others, at the request OF
officials. This was the case at the navy
department where a committee consist
ing OF Messrs. Hanna, Chandler and Platt
Of Connecticut were in consultation for
a long time with Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt.
They remained with the assistant secre-
tary for probably an hour discussing ques-
tons pertaining to the vessels provided
for in the naval appropriation bin. The
conference between the assistant secre-
tary and senators followed Immediately
a meeting OF the strategic board, which
consists OF Mr.. Roosevelt. Captain Crown
inshield and Captain Clover.
During the morning there was also
meeting of the joint board OF the army
and navy on the plan of defense. This
board consists of Captain Barker Of the
navy and Colonel Wagner of the army.
They are considering the question Of the
most desirable point in the south to be
used as a central base OF operation In
case of hostilities. While they were in
session they were furnished a statement
showing the total strength Of the Spanish
navy including a description of each ship.
The question the board is now considering
was two years ago the subject of inves-
tigation by the war department and the
question of the practicablity OF Mobile.
Tampa or New Orleans as base OF sup
plies for an army concentrated in the
south was then reviewed. General Miles
is of the opinion that 100. 600 men could be
transported 10 any point on the gulf or
the Atlantic coast in the south within 4s
hours after the call TO arms. The fact
that this can be done was demonstrated
by the feat performed by the railroads
during a recent big celebration in Wash
ington. when 10000 men were brought In
10 the city and taken out again inside OF
"a hours.
Secretary Alger had a number of callers
during the morning. including Senators
Pasco, Cullom. Carter and PIatt Of Con-
necticut and Representatives Hull. Cor
liss and Dingley. Shortly after L o'clock
the secretary left for the White House.
where he had some matter Of business 10
transact with the president During the
morning he also saw a number of chiefs
Of the department and General Miles The
$500. 900 allotted 10 the quaTtermasters Of
the emergency fund IS for the purpose %
meeting any expenses incident 80 the ship
ment Of troops, stores, gurs and other
munitions OF war that can not be made
from the annual appropriations
General Greeley chief signal officer re-
ports that the work incident 20 the con-
nection by electricity Of the forts and
posts comprising the defences at the sea
coast cities Is getting well started Prob
ably within ten days the connections will
be made at New York City and within
a few weeks a, all the other places a.
which II IS proposed 10 Introduce this
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
COMMERCIAL MEN SPEAK

New York. April 2.-The New York
Board OF Trade and Transportation a. a
special meeting today unanimously adopt
ed a resolution which recognizing the
gravity of the crisis between The United
States and Spain and the magnitude Of
the calamity which war will entail upon
both nations" enthusiastically commends
1.-THE wise and conservative course o. the
president IN his firm determination u eN-
haust every reasonable means 70 main
tain peace with honor and 10 adjust the
relations OF Cuba In a manner sat.sfac-
tory to the people OF this country"
The resolution also commsnds the action
OF congress in supporting the president
in his efforts 10 prevent hostiliues. pend
ing an adjustment by peaceful methods,
and concludes: we appeal 70 tho repre-
seutatlves Of the nation In congress -
continue 20 cooperate with the president
and 20 accord him every opportunity 70
exhaust peaceful negotiations. and 10 war
cannot be avoided let Il be waged under
the guidance Of our president, who pre-
emlnentIy combines the experience % n
soldier with the conservative wisdom o.
"a raf-fcffc afafeen1au''
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
MESSAGE WILL SATISFY ALL

Washington, April "A very important
member of the house VINO saw the presi-
dent says that the president in his mes
sage will recommend action which will be
perfectly satisfactory to the Republicans.
and which, with possibly a few exceptions
will rally them and the country to his
support. He says the diplomatic cores
pondence will be such that the Republi-
can party and the country will be proud
Of it and further that the legal facts in
the case are very ably handled by Attor-
ney General Griggs. The message prob
ably will not be sent in before Tuesday.
The Maine affair, it is said, will not be
touched on probably. This is regarded as
very unfortunate by many prominent Re-
publicans who believe that if we are to
have war the blowing up of the Maine
constitutes the strongest ground. AS a
sample of the expressions that are heard
today the opinion of Representative Hull
of Iowa, one of the house leaders, can be
given. 81 regard war as inevitable as the
future" said he.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
WHO'LL BE COMMANDER

Washington. April 2-Secretary Long
pushed the naval preparations ahead as
rapidly as possible. He saw the bureau
chiefs frequently.
Admiral Walker arrived in Washington
at o'clock this morning and shortly az
forwards reported in person 10 Secretary
Long. The admiral has been at the head
of the commission investigating the route
OF the proposed Nicaraguan canal His
return renewed the comment as 10 his
possible choice for taking supreme COM
mand OF all the United States naval
forces on the Atlantic. While he is on the
retired list he IS none the less subject TO
duty in case of need. and there is reason
TO believe that. aside from duty, the ad-
miraI would regard II privilege TO re-
new his active service.
The proposed assignment has not been
given any consideration by Secretary
Long and II this matter should be taken
up there are naval officers in the active
list, notably Admiral Bunce, who would
enter into the question.
Admiral Walker looked bronzed and
rugged after his trip along the canal
route. He would not discuss what the
commission had accomplished nor refer
to his future In connection with the navy.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
NO HOPE OF AVERTING 1T

washington, April " cry Few mems gers
Of congress who were seen early today
believed there was much hope of averting
war and those who did based their belief
solely upon the theory that Spain at the
last minute would yield. Most OF them
looked upon war as a certainty and al
ready were discussing its probable dura-
ton, cost. etc. The only thing that seemed
to be established definitely regarding the
presidents message to congress on Mon
day or Tuesday, unless Spain backs down,
was that the president would not ask for
further delay. Whether he would make a
specific recommendation or not seemed
undetermined. He had said within a few
days 70 prominent leaders of his party
that when ne sent the case TO congress
he would share with that body the re-
sponsibility for whatever course was de-
cided upon. On the other hand there was
an opinion that the president might wish
congress to assume the initiative. IF he
puts all the responsibility on congress"
said Republican representative, sit will
sober that body, perhaps"
The prevailing belief was that he would
make a recommendation. There was said
60 be an attempt on the part or certain
conservative senator's 10 prevent any
stronger action by congress than the rec
ognition of Cuban independence in the
hope that the negotiations might then be
re-opened and war averted. But the pre-
vailirg sentiment at the moment seemed
to be to go farther and enforce recognition
by armed Intervention. This was the po-
sition taken by General Grosvenor of Ohio
in his speech last Thursday. General
Grosvenor said that if war were declared
he was in favor of authorizing the presi-
dent to call out 2,OOo.O 900 men and use as
many as might be necessary TO make
the war short, sharp and decisive. The
ultra-conservatives were basing their OPP
position to Intervention on the ground of
Spain's recent revocation of the reconcen-
trado decree and her measures for feeding
and otherwise relieving their misery.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
SAYS THE CUBANS Did,

Washington, April 1.-The Spanish min
lister here, Senior Polo, has given public
ity to the following.
On Friday. the 18th uItimo, after the
Spanish court of inquiry had made its re-
port. the Spanish consul general in New
York filed officially with the United
States district attorney in New York an
affidavit by man named John D. Ben
nett, Of POI Forty-fourth street, New
York City. Mr.. Bennett announces him
self as an inventor OF explosives. and tells
how he was called upon by Gonzale de
Quesada. Horatio S. Rubens and others of
the Cuban junta in New York. who were
greatly interested in his explosives. which
he says. ''eInit light and flame and have
four times the strength of gunpowder; -
He does not say that he sold any explos-
ives to the Cubans.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
IN THE FULL COMMITTEE

Washington, April 2.-The full senate
tically agreed TO accept the recommends.
ton of the subcommittee for a resolution
recognizing the independence of Cuba and
recommending armed Intervention if nee.
essary to secure il.
This conclusion was reached today after
a session that did not continue for more
than an hour, and so far as can be
learned there was no division of opinion
expressed in the committee as to the pro-
priety of this course. Senators Gray
Daniel and Turpie were absent but the
opinion was expressed that none of them
would make any opposition to the report
ing Of the resolution.
The general lines of the Foraker resolu-
committee on foreign relations has prac-
ton will be followed in the resolution re
ported by the committee.
The full committee today gave most OF
its attention to the text OF the report
resolution and which has been prepared
by Senator Davis.
After the committee had been sitting for
a brief time Mr.. Davis called a carriage
and made a hurried trip to the White
House for the purpose of comparing views
the president on some of the points to be
made.
The committee also had Admiral Irwin
before them for some time today exam
lining him as a torpedo expert. on the
Maine disaster and also on the strength
of the Spanish torpedo f1otilla and the
best course for this country to pursue in
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
ELKS ARE FOR WAR

Washington. April assistant Secre-
tary Meiklejohn OF the war department
received a telegram today from Mr.. J. r
Dewar. secretary Of the Omaha lodge OF
Elks No. 90. saving that that organiza-
ton had unanimously adopted the follow
ing resolution:
Whereas. The kilograms tonight indi-
cate unavoidable war with Spain and
this lodge having elected so prominent a
member as the assistant secretary Of war
OF our country; therefore be IL.
Resolved. That we offer our greetings
and assure him. the president OF the Unit
ed States. that all Elks will b. found 10y al
10 home and country. To this end We
pledge our lives and sacred honor"
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03

method Of Communication. The range
finders and other apparatus designed 80
measure with accuracy the speed and dis
lance Of passing vessels also viii be in
stalled promptly at the various places
along the coast where they are now need
ed
The officials OF the navy department say
thar the cruisers San Francisco and New
Orleans probably viii consume about
fourteen days in their voyage across the
Atlantic. They should reach New York
about the 10Th instant.
The bureau OF construction and repair
OF the navy department has given direc-
lions 20 the officials at the Mare Island
yard to devise means for the protection
OF the tools and machinery necessary 70
the proper work OF repairing the vessers
now going on. The hope il now expressed
at the bureau that its work Will not be de-
lsyed as Ions as was originally thought
would be the case.
The navy department was advised today
OF the arrival at Norfolk Of the cruiser
Montgomery and Of the revenae cutter
Woodbury.. number OF repairs will os
necessary 10 the former vessel.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
NO DELAY BEYOND TUESDAY

Washington. April Representative
Adams of Pennsylvania, who is acting
chairman of the house committee on for
eign affairs, saw the president and state
department officials today and afterwards
consulted with members of the senate
committee on foreign affairs. Mr.. Adams
refused to talk on the subject of his con-
versation with the president, but II is I'M
derstood that he told the executive it
would be impossible to prevent the foreign
affairs committee or the house from TAX
ing immediate action and that a delay
beyond Tuesday was impossible.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
NO NAVY YARD VISITORS

Washington, April 2-The secretary OF
the navy issued an order today closing
the Washington navy yard to visitors.
This order takes effect tomorrow morning
and will operate as long as present condi-
tons exist. The action was based upon
a recommendation of the commandant of
the yard, who said that the number OF Wis
itors had become so large of late as TO
interfere seriously with the proper pros
ecution of the important work now in
progress. The commandant says that II
was specially desired that the yard should
be closed to all visitors tomorrow, mas
much as il was intended to complete the
work of the Vesuvius so that she would
be enabled to leave on that day If nee
essary.
The navy department has been informed
OF the departure of the gunboat Marietta
from Callao. Peru. 10 Valparaiso. Chill.
Although the officials would not say so.
it is generally understood that this vessel
has been detached from duty on the Pa
cifc station and ordered to join Captain
SIMPSONS feet at Key West with as lit
tie delay as possible. Similar orders, it is
understood, will be issued TO the COM
mander of the battleship Oregon. now on
her way from San Francisco to Caliao,
and about due at the latter port
The old fashioned steamer Standish. at
tached to the naval academy. having &C
complished the business which brought
her to Washington. left here last evening
for Annapolis. She brought cargo Of old
guns which mad been stored at the acad-
envy and were somewhat out OF repair.
They will be put into as good condition
as possible at the Washington gun factory
and shipped 70 points where they can do
the rnnst pnnH
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
SENATE SUB COMMITTEE

washington, April 2.-The senate COM
mittee on foreign relations resumed its
sittings at II o'clock today for the purpose
of considering the report and resolutions
prepared by it's subcommittee on recog-
nizing the independence of Cuba. This
report was presented by Senator Davis,
chairman of both the full committee and
the subcommittee. and commented upon
freely by all present.
It is understood that the resolution
agreed upon by the subcommittee fol-
lows in the main the lines of the Foraker
resolution. but there is reason to believe
from what can be learned that there is
a disposition to make direct reference in
the resolution TO the Maine disaster as a
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
SPYING ON SPAlN'S SHIPS

New York. April 2.-The Evening
World prints a copyrighted dispatch
dated April 1. on board the Worlds dis
patch boat Triton. via Key West, which
says:
THE Spanish warships vizcaya and
Oquendo no longer lie like big watch.
dogs across Havana harbor. They are on
their way to Porto Rico. The worlds dis
patch boat followed them until this was
made certain.
They left their moorings at O'Clock
this afternoon and started eastward along
the north coast of Cuba. For days both
of the big Spanish cruisers have been
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03

three harbor defense vessels II the secre
tary of the navy should concur in the
wisdom OF this course. The opinion was
generally expressed that three light ves-
sells could De built at no greater expense
than one battleship and that they could
be built in time for use in case OF war
with Spain. while battleship could not
be constructed quickly enough 70 meet
the present emergency. The committee
decided TO let the house provision con-
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03

About half past II Secretary Long
brought over some friends 10 present to
the president. He stated that there mad
been no new developments.
When asked about the recall OF Minister
Woodford at Madrid, ne replied that if
the recall had been made it was unknown
to him. He said sugges lively in this con-
nection that If such-an action had been
taken he would certainly have been made
acquainted with it.
Secretary Alger, who called with some
department papers, also denied the report
of the recall. He said ne had never heard
of il
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
NO ARMY RECRUITS NEEDED

Washington, April 2-Ad3utant General
Corbin pronounced absolutely false the
report circulated in New York that the
war department had issued orders to add
600 men 10 the army. No such orders,
he said. have been issued or were contem-
plated. The army regiments are now
practically full with the exception Of 4
men needed TO fiji companies 10 their full
quota and only an insignificant number OF
men are needed. unless congress by leg
islation provides for a larger army.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03

The Spanish consul general in New
York took occasion to investigate ,he
character Of the man who makes the affl-
davit and not only fled a copy of rhe
document IN the district attorneys office
but sent a copy 10 the Spanish minister
here. The affidavit, It is said. will be laid
before the senate committee on foreign
affairs. which meets today and is pursu-
ing a line of investigation regarding the
Maine, in the belief that SPANS official
responsibility can he fixed
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
THREE HARBOR DEFENDERS

washington, April 2-The Senate COM
mittee on naval affairs today discussed
informally the naval appropriation bill
and decided 70 recommend an amendment
striking out the provision for one Of the
three battleships and substituting for Il
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
ARMY REORGANIZATION

Washington. April at is the present
program that the bill for the reorganiza-
ton of the army shall be taken Up and
passed by the house on Monday.