Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-25

optcfdi 10 the IeSISleT.
Washington, March 24.-The feeling
is strong here tonight that SPANS
action in ordering her torpedo fiotilla
to sail to-day from the Canaries for
Puerto Rico and Cuba may upset the
plans the administration is formuat-
ing for Intervention in Cuba, and may
precipitate hostilities in very few
days.
1t is certain that if our naval officers
had their way the Spanish torpedo
fleet would never be allowed to reach
land this side Of the Atlantic, but
would be met at sea and destroyed or
compelled to turn back.
Callers on the President this after
noon strongly urged him to take this
stand, but the administration is not
ready for such prompt and radical ac-
ton, and so the torpedo flotilla will be
allowed to come on to reinforce SPANS
already formidable fleet in West Indian
waters
The news that the fiotilla had sailed
from the Canaries created intense eX-
element here to-day. When Secretary
Long heard the news he is said to
have uttered the single word: War"
1t was the general feeling that Spains
act was a defiance to the United States.
as it had been intimated to her that
this government would regard with
great disfavor the appearance of her
torpedo f1et in Amrican waters at this
time She has diregarded this hint,
no doubt foreshowing thereby the
course she will pursue when the Pres
ident proposes to her, next week, as he
now promises to do, that she allow this
government to send supplies on war
ships TO
FEED ALL THE DESTITUTE
in Cuba and at the same time tells her
that the reconcentrados must be sent
back to their farms and homes.
Spain's reply to these requests will
be curt refusal, everyone in Wash
ington except the President seems to
believe.
But if she refuses the President de-
clares he will carry out his plan by
force, thus precipitating a war In
which Spain will be placed in the ut
terly indefensible position of fighting
to prevent US trying to save the lives
of her own subjects.
The day was one of unexampled
activity in all official quarters. Adj
vices came early that the Spanish
torpedo flotilla had sailed from the
Canaries for Porto Rico, and from
this moment the most energetic war
like measures followed one another
in constant succession. The movement
of this fleet has been watched with
the keenest interest, as it was felt to
involve serious possibilities which
might compel the United States gov
eminent to protest against the move
ment as of hostile character. I'M
mediately on the receipt of the official
dispatch from one Of our naval at
taches abroad, briefly announcing the
sailing of the feet, the fact was made
known to the President and an earnest
conference was held between him and
Secretary Long and Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt The seriousness of the
movement was fully considered, and
the President was advised that naval
strategists regarded it as essential
that this torpedo fleet should not be
allowed to reach western waters.
What if any conclusion, was reached,
is not known.
LATER IN THE DAY,
the Spanish minister, Senior Polo
Bernabe, called at the State Depart
ment and spent some time with Judge
Day 1t was naturally inferred that
the approach Of the Spanish fiOtilla was
one of the subjects referred to.
Whether, however, there was any sug-
gestion against the move was not dis
closed by either Judge Day or the
Spanish minister both Of whom main
tanned the strictest reticence regarding
their conference and refused to speak
concerning it. Following the fiotilla
announcement important news fol-
lowed rapidly. The first was this an
nouncement by Secretary Long indi-
eating the placing Of our squadron and
feet on a war footing:
admiral Sicard has been granted
leave, very much to the regret of the
Navy Department, and altogether on
account Of his health.
Captain Sampson has been made
commander of the fleet at Key West
Captain Evans has been ordered to
take command of the battleship Iowa
THE orders to the squadron in
Hampton Roads have not yet been
issued"
Although the announcement did not
so state it, it soon became known that
Commodore w. s. Schley was slated
to command the flying squadron"
This announcement was recognized at
once as OF unusual Importance at this
juncture The next important move
was a determination TO create a joint
commission from the war and navy
departments, 80 al TO bring them into
harmonious action
ON ALL MEASURES.
Captain Barker, the naval aide OF
Secretary Long, was designated to rep
reenuf the NAVY I1pna in this