Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-06-09
FIGHT At SANTIAGO.
Sampson Is Off the Harbor and In
teresting Events Are Expected
INDIAN AGENTS WANT TO co TO WAR
The French and Other Ministers hegsTo
the Present Situation as 1ntolerable
Third Call May Soon BE Made
-Report Of Battle Denied.


WASHINGTON, June 3.-lt was plainly
noticeable at the navy department.
Yesterday that the officials were ex'
pectinp news OF the first Importance
but that they did not look Tor ~ I'M
mediately. The frmness with which
they have insisted that Commodore
schley could have had no general en-
gagement with Spanish forces sh'ps
and forts at Santiago as was Reported
appeared to be based on full knowi'
edge of the plans under which the
commodore is acting, and the greatest
concession that they would make TO-
ward admitting that fghtha taken
place there Tuesday was to say that
possibly Schley had detected some
earthworss going up and had razed
them with his shells. They were con-
fident he made no attempt to enter the
harbor -,
It is believed now, however, with
Sampson in the field and in command
off Santiago, with an augmented force,
that interesting events may be looked
for. These are expected, too, notwith'
standing the fact that no troops have
vet started from Tampa, as was estao'
ilished by inquiry at the war depart
ment Yesterday. The insurgents
are known to be in force in the neigh
borhood of Santiago, and through
Capt. Dorst the war department
not only has been communicating
with them, but has supplied
them fully with good weapons and
an abundance OF ammunition. The
headquarters OF the best Of the Cuban
generals. Garcia, are distant from San
tiago only IS miles, SO that it is posi-
bic Sampson feels strong enough with
their support to begin the assault by
sea upon the doomed Spanish fleet and
forts without awaiting the arrival OF
the United States troops from Tampa
The trend of the news that came TO
Washington from unofficial sources
during the afternoon all went to sup.
mort this belief, so there is some ground
for the expectation Of the officials that
important information may be expect
ed shortly.
INDIAN AGENTS WANT TO 90 TO WAR
WASHINGTON, June 3.-All the army
officers who have been acting as Indian
agents on reservations have made ap-
plication to be allowed to rejoin their
regiments in order to take part in the
war. This has aroused storm Of pro-
tests from the religious and philan.
thropic people who have taken the In.
dians under especial protection and
who think that their comfort is OF
more Importance than the war. Sec.
rotary Bliss has, however, sided with
the army officers who are IA in
number. He announced yesterday
that he thought 1t was quite
proper and natural that they should
desire to join their regiments and
90 to the front, and that SO far from
placing obstacles in their way. he
would assist them as much as possible
The necessary orders will soon be Is
sued. This will open up the way fo'
IA civilian appointments as lndiaI
agents, for which there doubtless vii
be scramble. 1t is urged by thost
who have opposed the request OF thu
army men to be relieved from thes'
duties that the result may be to occa
sion disorder among the Indians l
is said that the red men obey arm.
officers better than civilians and tina
thew are better satisfied under thei
rule, because they feel that justice
done them in the matter OF rations
distribution of supplies, etc, abou
which they are little suspicious whe'
the distribution is in the hands Q
politicians.
PAVING THE WAY FOR PEACE.
LONDON, June st is understoo
: that M. Hanotaux and other minister
: regard the present situation as into
cradle. A protracted war; besides d'
stroving commerce, would necessitat
postponing the coming exhibition.
is hoped that the new commerci'
agreement between France and tt
United States. will smooth the wa
to French intervention, in whic
certainly Austria and perhaps M
gland or other powers will 1ol
Russia, it is asserted, would
willing to undertake the office
mediator to save France the necessi
of becoming prominent Count
Rascon, the Spanish ambassador
London, who has been Interview
on the subject, admitted that VI
means ruin for Spain, and he sal
1.-THE sentiment is growing in favor
: seeking an honorable peace viii
America, considering her unprepare
I ness for war Of invasion, would al
| welcome in preference to a protract
/ struggle involving heavy sacrifices
1 money and men. This being so, no
| basis of understanding may be fou
leading to peace
A THIRD CALL MAY SOON BE MADE
WASHINGTON, June S-Unless the
10 is a change in the plans of the war
a. partment a third call for volunte'
Ia will be made necessary before
=, additional 75, 900 volunteers are m
Ne tered into service. So 1t was hint
Yesterday morning in well.inforn
: circles. Enlistments are slow.
IL REPORT OF BATTLE DENIED,
", W. PORT Au PRINCE. June S,-No fri
- news was received from santiago