The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-27

WASHINGTON. May 2s.-Secretary
Long said. at tho close OF Office hours
today. that no word had come from any
of the scouting vessels. so numerous In
West Indian waters. concerning the Span
ish flying squadron. wherefore he concud-
ed that Cervera was still in Santiago har-
Dor. Supposedly. Schiey Is lying outside
watching the entrance TO prevent the
egress OF the Spanish vessels. but, wh,;e
there Is evidence OF a certain kind on that
fact, there has been no ofiieffiial confirms
alton OF ii. This Is little remarkable,
in view of the fact that 10 Is only .
days run for one of Sehley's swift tor
pedo boats, from Santiago to a cable part
in Hayti
There IS also e curious lack of informa-
tion from newspaper boats on this point.
1t was supposed that the censors might
have excised from the dispatches OF .he
newspaper men any reference TO tho fiess.
but this would apply, according 20 the
statement of the naval department officials
here, only TO that part OF the dispatches
that might relate to the movements and
whereabouts of the United States ferces.
and the censor's rules would no. exclude
reference to the Spanish squadron.
Notwithstanding the officials profess ur-
shaken confidence In Their original belief
that the Spanish squadron Is securely
bottled up in Santiago harber. there Is no
concealment by them OF an intense desire
10 secure some absolutely trustworthy In
formation on that point. 1t Is not TO be
doubted that with the question stiil open.
the beginning OF tho military operations
| are retarded or as long as there exists "a
possibility of the Spanish naval force being
nj large, there is an indispostion TO start
the troop transports for Cuba.
Probably II was this uncertain state OF
affairs that induced the president TO call
"A consultation at the White House today
between Secretaries Long and Ager. Gen.
Miles and the members of the naval war
board, Admiral Sscard Capt. Crownln-
shield. and Capt Mahan. AS stated by
one OF the members OF the conference. the
purpose was 10 go over the whole situa-
ton from the Philippines to Cuba and
Porto Rice, and decide just how far the
plans already laid down should be modified
10 meet existing conditions. This involved
n discussion of such important points as
the proprIety OF the immediate advance OF
the military forces upon Cuba, the credi-
bisiiy or the advices go far had touching
the location OF the Spanish squadron; the
policy Of preceding the Cuban expedition.
or accompanying II, with one directed
against Porto Rico and finally. the ex-
tent OF the military assistance 20 be sent
10 Admiral Dewey. at Manila.
"A already Indicated. the proceedings
were rather in the nature of a consultation
than Of war council wherein a full de-
elsion is demanded at once, so IL Is not
probable all OF these important questions
were disposed of at the council. None Of
the members OF the conference felt author
tied 10 say what had taken place. but
there are thought TO be patent indications
of decision 10 embark military expedl-
,ions In the course OF the next few days.
whether for Cuba or Porto Rico, can only
be conjectured.
ThsFe was a lack Of news today from
Admiral Dewey. and this convinced tho
naval authorities that there could be little
creaence placed in the Madrid report Of
ar accident 10 the Baltimore.
II the rush Of military preparations. the
war department officials have not been
abe 10 give much attention 90 the reguia-
tons for the procurement Of the T5.00o
addition al volunteers called for yesterday
by the president II is stiil uncertain just
how far the national authorities will 20
towards recruiting these forces themselves.
nor is & positively known that independent
organizat. one. companies, baita!ions ard
regiments, raised by Individuals VIII bs
accented en- bloc. IL h. doing the de-
rarfuasn. gs required 70 accept The officers
witt, she men Indeed IL il now questioned
whether under the law. the department.
esi,la. II Il would. accep, the services of
officers un1sr such oopdit.ons. as the gov.
eruors Of the states appear 20 be the only
r,srEens authorized 10 commission neiow
the reggmsnfsi grade. There ara many
other various questions - be settled before
the regulations can bs promulgated. hut.
fortunately. ln the Judgment ~ the de-
pertinent official. Ine notice having hsen
given to the people Of a desire for more
troops by the government. there In TO oc-
casion for haste in deciding upon detA.la