The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-23
RIGHT OF BLOCKADE.
Diplomats Say No Question Can Il o Raised
BY Powers.

Dipiunais say NO question Can ID hdisou
BY Powers.
Washington, April 22.-Members of the
diplomatic corps say that no question
can be raised as to the right of the United
States to declare blockade. This being
conceded, foreign powers will accept ii
as binding. Speaking of the blockade.
she military attache of one of the leading
foreign establishments here said:
Ihe right of blockade is clearly recog-
n1zeo and this blockade of Cuba will be
universally respected by foreign powers.
ihs limited extent of the blockade is
oouptiess due to the necessity of making
bnc blockade effective. Unless effectiy.
a blockade is not binding and with the
extended seacoast surrounding Cuba it
would be very difficult if not impossible
10 maintain an effective blockade of the
entire island. The blockade will have
the effect of stopping all commerce, even
IN neutral ships to and from the ports
covered by the Presidents proclamation.
But at the same time it should be under.
stood that neutral ship may take her
own chances OF running the blockade.
In that case sne acts at her pnril and she
can under no circumstances expect in
demnlty from either of the belligerent
powers.
Inc military aide, who is recognized
authority on war strategy expressed the
opinion that the Spanish stratepjsts
would adopt waiting game and a retire
ment OF their naval forces until the
United States heet, eager for contest,
went in quest of them.
The foreign representatives are begin
ming to feel much uneasiness over the Sit
nation OF foreign subjects residing at Ha.
yana and other points covered by the
blockade.
There is no doubt this government
would give ample time for foreigners to
withdraw and in case of non.conbatants
1t IS usual to give at least twenty -four
hours notice of a bombardment but there
might be serious difficulty in the way of
such notice in case the Spanish forts
open fire on the American ships. A ru-
NOR was circulated during the day that
Spain would sell Cuba to Austria. This
was dismissed as groundless by leading
diplomatic officials. whose position would
make them aware of any such move.
For several days the foreign embassies
and legations have been aware that the
United States would make an official de-
claration against privateering and this
was conveyed to them tonight in the form
of circular note. AS rule this give,
much satisfaction, particularly to the
commercial powers.
| The French government which is
least anxious to cripple Spain by stopping
her privateering in none the less ready
to SEQ it stopped because of the near ad-
vent of the international exposition at
Paris, when the ships OF the world will
be centering at French ports
SAGASTA'S HAND STRENG THENED
London, April 23.-The Madrid CORE
spondent of the Standard telegraphing
Friday night. comments upon the great
extent to which Senior Sagasta has
attitude toward the United States and
his advice to the Queen Regent to consult
all the political leaders,
marshal Campos, after his audience
with the Queen Regent publicly declared
that he had advised her to stick to the
Liberal cabinet and If that were inlpos-
sible then to call upon the Conservatives
came necessary in default of other solu-
lions, he himself would always be ready
to assist the monarchy and his country
though he had no personal ambitions.
FLYING SQUADRON AT ANCHOR.
Washington, April 22.-There were all
sorts of rumors at the Navy Department
today as to the movements of the Flying
Squadron but careful inquiry disclosed
the fact that SO far Commodore SChley
has not received his sailing orders. Even
should the department. abandon its origi-
nal intention of maintaining this naval
force at Hampton Roads ready for imme-
date service at any point on the coast
that might be threatened, it is understood
that the change will not be made until
other provision is made for just such ser
vice as that. 10 allow Commodore Schley
to 90 to sea on long cruise leaving ex-
posed the great cities of the Atlantic coast
and numberless unprotected small towns
without some kind of a naval force to
keep off the torpedo boats and gun boats
would be very bad strategy, SO that IN
less something unexpected happens, Com
modore Sehley is likely to be detained
nearby Hampton Roads until Commodore
Howell's patrol fleet is ready to replace
it.
ORGANIZING TROOPS AT
CHICKAMAUGA.
Chattanooga, Tenn, April 2a.-The
work Of organizing the troops centering
at Chickamauga into brigades and divis-
ions has been begun. The cavalry and