The record-union., 1898-05-02

Committee on Foreign Relations, called
during the morning and had a talk with
Mr.. Roosevelt. The leading naval Off
Gals took the view that no reliable in
formation was likely to be received as to
operations in the Philippines for pos
sibly week. 1t was pointed out by an
official high in authority that Commo-
dore Dewey might not be able to strike
decisive blow at the outset. If the
Spanish fleet came out and risked an
engagement, then, it would be pointed
out, decisive results might be expected
soon.
But they might adopt the same tactics
Of the Spanish ships on the coast of
Cuba, keeping in shore and avoiding en-
gagements. Moreover, it is said that
Commodore Dewey has considerable lat
itude as to the course to be adopted and
the situation may be such that he will
defer an engagement until he has time
TO open communications with the in
sUrgents on the land. There is a pos
sibility also that if the Spanish fleet
does not come out for an enga agement
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 has been cut off for several
days
Observation-Disclosures no news
from the Philippines had been received
here up to 4 p. m, and rumors to the
contrary are baseless. Secretary Long
has gone to the country.
After talking with naval officials, Sen
ator Davis said he did not expect any
authentic information for a week. If
an engagement had occurred or was
about to occur, then the first reports ne
cessarily would come from Spanish
sources, as they controlled the cables,
and the Senator had no doubt the re-
ports would be colored to show Span
ish victory and a corresponding Amer
lean reverse He thought the public
should be prepared for this. The actual
results would not be made known until
a dispatch boat had returned to Hong
kong. which being 600 miles from Ma
Mia would defer authentic information,
perhaps until the latter part of the
week.
The Navy Department received official
confirmation of the arrival of the bat
tleship Oregon at Rio JaneirO. This was
the subject Of general satisfaction, for it
means very material strength for Ad-
miral SIMPSONS fleet within a fort
night The Oregon has been making
13 knots or about 320 miles day and it
is calculated that she will cover the
1900 miles between Rio and Cuba in
ten days. She must coal, however, be
fore starting northward, and this will
take several days. Once with the block
aiding fleet Admiral Simpsons first line
will be of four superb battleships of
practically the same strength and
equipment
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
ment owing to pressing needs. Other
guns are available, however, and the
Topeka will be in commission within
few days.
Captain Richardson Glover called dur
ing the morning to say good-by to his
naval associates before leaving to take
command of the gunboat Bancroft at
Hampton Roads, where she will arrive
tomorrow morning. The Bancroft
then will go to Cuba to join Admiral
SIMPSONS feet.
Captain Mahan, the we'll known naval
author and strategist, is expected daily