The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-09


tinuation of peace talk to-day and other
evidences in this line are coming to the
surface. Such, for instance, was the
confirmation by the state department
that the Cadiz fleet was returning to
Spain, since 1t Is scarcely conceivable
that the Spanish government would
doom this last remnant of their fleet to
destruction at the hands of Watsons
squadron. which in all probability could
head it off before it reached Cadiz, its
home port. Therefore, the assumption
is that the Spanish government calcu-
lates that at least an armistice prece-
dent to peace will be obtained before
the ships reach Spain. An unusually
definite report was in circulation that
the United States had been sounded in
the interest of peace by the British am
bassador, but when it was brought to
Sir Julian Pauncefote's attention he
authorized an explicit denial and said
he had not communicated with the gov
ernment in any way regarding the ter
mination of the war.
Conditions at Santiago are also re-
garded as favorable just now, according
TO General Skaters dispatch, received
during the forenoon. The impression
prevails that the Spanish are in a des-
perate plight within the limits of the
city, and General Skaters action in al
lowing Linares to communicate freely
with Madrid is an important indication
that there is at least reasonable hope
that the Spanish general contemplates
surrender. However that may be-
every preparation is making for a great
engagement, the final one at Santiago,
ii is hoped, which may begin even as
early as tomorrow, if Skaters REIN
forcements are on hand. The depart
ment has not heard so far of the arrival
of these soldiers, but believe they have
reached Shafter. The greatest difficulty
that has been encountered is in the
landing of troops and supplies This be-
ing the hurricane season, the masters of
the transports have taken their ships
many miles out to sea, necessitating long
journeys by the ships boats, which
make their landings through the surf
with the greatest difficulty and danger
So slow and tedious has been the serv-
ice under these conditions that Secretary
Alger has ordered General Shafter to
secure the transports, one and all, and
place them as near the coast as he
chooses, without regard to the fears of
their masters.
Ten days ago lighters were started
far General Shafter has received only
one. These lighters have been a night
mare to the department ever since The
captains tie up in creeks at the slight
est sign of bad weather, while the char
ter rate of 800 a day runs on. Or
ders have been sent forward to termi-
nate this state of things. even If 1t is
necessary to lose few lighters in the
effort to reach Shafter
The government has not yet deter
mined how to dispose of Admiral Ger
vera. A feeling of highest admiration
prevails here at the gallantry displayed
by the old warrior and the noble spirit
exhibited by him under misfortune
The disposition is to treat him with
as great liberality as conditions will
permit. 1t has been proposed that he
be released on parole. not to engage in
hostilities against the United States
until the end of the war. but il has not
yet been decided to do this, or to con-
fine the admiral technically within the
limits of the naval academy reserva-
ton at Annapolis. All the other cap
tured Spanish naval officers will be con-
fined there. save the surgeons. who will
be allowed to remain with the enlisted
men at the prison station at Seavy's
island, Portsmouth harbor New Hamp-
shire. The st. Louis is due there to-
night or tomorrow with the first lot of
prisoners, while the Harvard is just
about to start from off Santiago with
the remainder.
The report of the appearance of a
Spanish privateer off the coast of Brit
ish Columbia. which appears to have
created such commotion on the north
western coast, came from one of the
government agents in that section.
Moreover. the same person said that
two vessels were taking on coal at a
British Columbia port, which IL was
presumed is intended for the Spanish
fleet should IL make its way into the
Pacific ocean through the Suez canal.
The failure of congress 70 act on the
naval advancement special acts may,
after ALL be beneficial as enabling the
president to arrange with more delib-
Grafton and justice call for rewards
for meritorious officers.