The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-18

Washington, May 1s.-Considerable
pressure has come upon the administra-
tion from congressional quarters to have
the campaign hastened, and there is
thought to be signs Of resumption Of
the plans Of the military leaders for the
invasion of Cuba at the point where they
We're suddenly suspended by the an
nouncement of the arrival of the Spanish
flying squadron at Martinique. At army
headquarters there was no sign of inn
mediate departure, but in view of the
fact that three times at least everything
has been prepared for movement to
Tampa 1t may be presumed that every
thing Is in trim for departure at short
notice without open manifestation OF
preparations.
The general impression Is that a par
Sicular effort is not TO be made just now
TO pursue the Spaniards SO long as they
keep within the confines OF the gulf OF
Mexico and the Caribbean sea, but that
Sampson and Schley in combination will
encircle Cuba, maintain the blockade
and convoy troops across the Florida
straits, IL necessary, meanwhile simply
keeping a watch on the Spanish squad
ron to see that II does not do mischief
either to the American feet or, by escap-
ing into the Atlantic, attack seaboard
cities.
The department processes 10 feel no
apprehension that Admiral Dewey or
his men are endangered by their occu-
patton Of Manila harbor on the present
basis. but this cannot be said of the un-
fortunate inhabitants of Manila, IL the
present situation Is protracted unduly.
1t is no small matter to organize and
transport an expedition of Il, 900 or IL, 900
soldiers 5000 miles across the sea at short
notice, and the indications are that
Eyithin a week some OF the geldiers at
least will be on their way from San
Francisco.
Reports from Key West show that the
condition of the Winslow is worse than
was supposed, and 1t will be probably
necessary to have her come to Norfolk
for repairs. One shot smashed her low
pressure starboard cylinder, and an
other traversed one Of her boilers. It
would be possible to get along under one
boiler and reduce the starboard engine
from a quadruple to triple expansion
but the efficiency of the boat would be
very much lowered thereby. Following
n few days later the news Of the terrific
assault on the Winslow and her disable
ment came through the mails an official
report from Commander McCalla OF an
engagement the little boat was in a day
or two before she came to grief. 1t re-
fleets great credit upon the officers and
men Of the craft. and was promptly
made public by the navy department..
II reads as follows:
1.-The Machias Wilmington, Hudson
and winslow proceeded in as far as the
obstructions would allow. The Machias
took up position about 2100 yards north
east of Diana cay. The Wilmington,
with the Hudson and Winslow, proceeded
TO enter the inner harbor between
Romero and Blanco Gays, where felt
quite certain there were no mines, the
depth of water by the chart being one
and three-quarters fathoms. The yes
sells found no trouble in entering and
were soon steaming into Cardenas bay.
opened fire on Diana cay signal station
and sent the launch with Ensign willard
I'm charge to take possession OF the sta
tion. find the wires and explode the
mines, II possible. or cut them. No
wires were found. however. although
strict search was made for them on the
island and by dredging around Il. Mr..
Willard accomplished the work in an
excellent manner. destroying the station
and all government property, which had
been abandoned In very hurried man.
ner. and as signal OF his success hoist
ed the American flag on the signal sta
tion and brought on board the Spanish
nag. together with the signal apparatus"
There are Indications that the war de-
partment has been brought TO see the
wisdom OF the suggestions thrown out
by General Merritt that his expedition
should consist OF not less than I5, 900 mer.
and that at least third Of them should
be seasoned troops from the regular
army capable OF meeting on even terms
the veteran Spanish soldiers who garri-
son Manila. To endeavor 10 overcome
the Spanish force with less than half
their number Of troops would seem TO he
n senseless proceeding in view Of the
fact that there is no necessity for such
= esurse. General MerriN t,ok occasion