Evening star., 1898-06-24
AT THE WHITt HOUSE
Matters Discussed at the Cabinet
Meeting Today.
NO ALARM over CAMARA'S FLEET
Probable Proclamation Extending
the Cuban Blockade.
SOME OF THE CALL E r S


At today's cabinet meeting Secretary
Day stated that he had received every as
surance this country desired that Germany
has not interfered in any way in Ameri-
can affairs in the Philippines, and that she
will not interfere in an Objectionable man
ner. 1t is also said that Germany is sim
cerely friendly to the United States.
1t is said that the administration IS glad
to make public assurances to the country
that Germany is not meddlinS in American
affairs The various stories of Germany's
unfriendly attitude, even though emanating
from Madrid, had begun to arouse preju-
Gice in this country. The German ambas-
sador saw this and has acted promptly to
allay feeling. Secretary Day has frequent
ly denied stories of Germany's alleged med
dlesomeness. end did not hesitate to deny
the last story, but this did not have the ef-
feet that full official denial will have.
Gratifying News.
All the news at the cabinet session Is
said to have been gratifying. In addition
to the diplomatic sky being cloudless, the
administration finds cause for congratu!a-
ton in the safe debarkation of Gen. SEaf-
ter's troops at Santiago and In the gen.
eral situation. domestic and distant.
Secretary Alger had no kilograms to read
from the Santiago expedition, but he be-
lieves in the adage that mo news is good
news" and is not in the least alarmed. He
is certain that the juGicious American COM
manders will take care of their soldiers
and at the same time bring honor to their
country.
The fact that young Hobson has been re-
moved from Moro Castle was welcome
news. and it is hoped that in the campaign
now beginning he and his companions will
mot be roughly treated.
Admiral Cnmara's Bluff.
The official information that the fleet Of
Admiral Camara is evidently sailing to-
ward the Philippines excited nothing but
lively interest among the cabinet officials.
Not the slightest alarm was caused. The
President and his advisers feel that it is
immaterial whether Camara is really go
ing to Manila or whether he is out on
bluff. Some of the officials are inclined to
behave that the Spaniards are making &.
merry bluff.
While the present fleet is stronger than
the one Dewey whipped there is every con-
fdence that the hero of Manila will be able
to whip the new Spanish armada. This
that the big monitor Monterey will soon be
at Manila and that the Monadnock will
get there ahead of the Spanish fleet. These
vessels, with the present fleet, will be able
to give good account of themselves.
If the Spaniards are really going to Ma
nilla it is thought that they have calculat
ed that they will catch the American fleet
in foul condition from long service and
tod for 6afa will at
be made acquainted with the prospects
and he will take steps to get his ships in
as good condition as possible.
No alarm is felt that the Spaniards may
arrive ahead of the expedition to sail from
San Francisco next week No chances will
be taken in letting this expedition get off
too late, but it is said that the expedition
will reach Manila before the Spaniards.
1t will soon be seen whether the Span
iards are in earnest in going toward the
orient. Every mile they make will be
watched by American consuls and minis
ters. They will probably not get so far
away from home that they cannot be called
back.
No official of the administration will ad-
init that fleet will now be sent to the
Canaries and Spain, but the talk has been
without defense. and a swift American
fleet would have its own way in Spanish
waters. Spain is thought to realize this and
may not let her fleet get so far away that
it cannot be recalled in time to protect
Spanish territory at home.
Extending the Cuban Blockade,
There was no talk in the cabinet of a
proclamation by the President placing more
Cuban ports under the blockade, but it is
thought this may be done. 1t was deter
mined by the navy few days ago to
place Batabano and ports on the Isle OF
Pines IN a state of blockade. This will go
into effect SO soon as vessels dispatched
by Admiral Sampson arrive in that vicin-
ity. A formal proclamation of the block
ade is necessary as a legal warning to
neutral countries and vessels. The Presi-
dent may issue the proclamation at any
time through the State Department.
Massachusetts Hospital Ship.
Assistant Secretary Allen of the Navy
and Sherman Hoar of Massachusetts today
laid before President Mckinley the request
of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Asso-
citation to be allowed to fit out and equip
a hospital ship. The President Immediately
issued a commission to the association,
WHICH is recognized as an aid society and
as within the terms OF the Geneva conven-
ton.
The association has bought a splendid
ship, the Bay State, and has equipped and
fitted her at an expense of $4,000
{. a. Siegfried. medical inspector of the
navy, at Newport torpedo station, will have
control of the work and will be assisted
by officials of the Massa achusetts associa-
ton.
The ship will go to southern waters and
will bring sick and wounded soldiers to the
north for treatment. The Ship will make
many trips of this kind. A large corps OF
competent surgeons and nurses will be on
board.
The ship will give preference to Massa-
chusetts soldiers in caring for the sick and
wounded. but will not discriminate against
those from any other state
Mr.. Murphy Wants a CommissIon,
d. 1. Murphy, ex-commisisoner of pen
s!ons. wants an army position, and a dele
CATION of his friends visited the White