The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-05-02

official high in authority that commo-
dore Dewey might not be able to strike
decisive blow at the outset. IL the
spanish fleet came out and risked an
engagement IL was pointed out decisive
results might be expected soon. But
they might adopt the same tactics of
the spanish ships on the coast of China
keeping inshore and avoiding engage
ments.
Moreover, II is said that Commodore
Dewey has considerable latitude as to
the course to be adopted. and the situ-
alton may be such that he will defer
an engagement until he has time to
open communications with the insur-
gents on the land. There is a possibil-
ity also that II the Spanish fleet does
NOT come out for an engagement the
American commander may have to
adopt the same tactics as those Of Ad-.
miral Sampson and blockade Manila as
Havana is blockaded. This was the
view taken by at least two members of
the strategy board. They spoke of
course without positive information, all
communication with Commodore Dewey
having been cut of for several days
After talking with naval officials,
Senator Davis said he did not expect
any authentic information for a week
IL an engagement had occurred or was
about TO occur then the first reports
necessarily would come from Spanish
sources as they controlled the cables
ana the senator had no doubt the re-
port would be colored to show "A Spanish
victory and corresponding American
reversal He thought the public should
DE prepared for this. The actual re-
suits would not be made known until a
dlspatch boat had returned to Hong
Kong which. being 800 miles from Ma
Mia, would defer authentic information
perhaps until the latter part OF the |
week.
The navy department received official |
of the arrival of the bat |
tleship Oregon at Rio de Janeiro. This |
was subject Of general satisfaction,
Tor IL means very material strength for |
Admiral SIMPSONS fleet within a fort
night. The Oregon has been making |
IL knots or about 800 miles a day. and |
II is calculated that she will cover the |
1000 miles beween Rio and Cuba in 10 !
days. She must coal, however, before 4
starting northward, and this will take
several days. Once with the blockad-
inC fleet. Admiral SIMPSONS first line
VIII be OF four superb battleships OF
exactly the same strength and equip
ment.
The new gunboat Topeka. Just arrived
at New York. is ready for service with
the exception of her batteries. These
had been prepared for her. but the guns
were turned over to the war depart
guns are available. however. and the
Topeka Will be in command in a few
lays. Capt Richardson Clover called
turing the morning to say goodbye to
his naval associates before leaving to
AXE command of the gunboat BAN
,roft at Hampton Roads, where she will
arrive tomorrow morning. The Ban
,roft then will go to Cuba to toin Ad-
niral SIMPSONS fleet.
Captain Mahan, the well-known ma
'al authority and strategist. is expect
ID daily to assume a place on the STRAIT
,gic board. The members were looking
or him to-day. He has been stationed
II Rome. but was ordered hone by
able and is about due. He will be a
'aluable acquisition TO the board. The
'oard was in session for a time to-day
'ut their discussions, as usual were
.uarded with much secrecy. IL is un-
lerstood that the course OF the Spanish
ieet, which left Cape Verde on Friday.
5 source of much interest. II. as re-
'orted. the fleet is actually coming this
Vay. IL Will be hailed with delight by
laval authorities. What they have
most feared was that the Spanish ships
.ould nave gone TO the other side. COM
ceiling our fleets TO go TO them. II
hey come TO Porto Rico ii viii meet the
est hopes OF the naval department.
Captain Rogers. who has been at
ne head of the auxiliary board buying
hips in New York. called at the de-
artment to-day. There is some talk
hat he will be assigned TO the command {
Z one Of the American liners now under .
harter. possibly the Paris. which has
lst arrived, after eluding Spanish
hips Z
Secretary Alger's Office was open. but a
he secretary did not come down. The
ficials were busy stemming the tide
work which had accumulated dur {
lg the recent rush. :
Adjutant General Corbln was at
is desk. but he said there were no
rmy developments. his purpose also 5