The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-14

both offensive power and armor to the
Spanish vessels. though she might hold
her own by superior management and
gunnery. II Sampson has taken his whole
feet. the monitors Amphitrite and Terror
would make up more than q balance OF
power against tho spaniards allowing the
cruisers Montgomery. Detroit and Marble
head as force sufficient to take care
OF the Spanish torpedo boat destroyers.
The latter, however. are almost untried
elements in actual warfare. Some naval
officers fear that they are much moro dan
gerous foes than the ordinary stratcgiats
allow in their calculations.
Torpedo Boats At 81. Pierre.
ST. PIERRE. Martinique. May Rome
Spanish torpedo boat 10 at Port de France.
Six others are lowering around. the coast.
Tho American auxiliary cruiser Harvard
will be allowed to remain here for an in-
definite PERIOD for tho purpose OF making
repairs to her machinery. but must give
twenty-four hours notice before leaving.
Six Spanish cruisers are reported to have
lacks confirmation.
ssilinG of transports Fostpane1.
TAMPA. May 1s--It IL thought the aight-
ing OF the Spanish feet win cause post
ponement OF the sailing OF the fleet of
transports for Cuba. Now that there u
another chance for q decisive conflict be-
tween the fleets. army movements VIII walt
until the conflict, which II hoped win re-
suit in the destruction Of the enemy. with
actually take place. Should Admiras
Sampson prove victorious. no doubt is en-
ter,ained that orders viii he given for In
stant embarkation. and the opportunity
the army has been longing for win be =.
hand.
May Not He Heard From soen.
MADRID. May 3o--i0.s0 p. m.-Thero
was great excitement among public officials
On the news OF the arrival Of tho Spanish
fleet at Martinique. The feet win leave
Martinique Immediately for nm unknown
destination. and. I. = added. some days
may eiarse before the Spanish ships are
heard from again.
Midnight.--A dispatch from Martinique
says that only one of the dcstroyers with
the Cape Verde squadron entered The port
to send dispatches, but that the squadron
did not enter.
The cabinet Ccnsiaers the Situation.
WARRINGTON, May 1.-THE cabinst
session today lasted only th.rty-five min
utes. The news that the Spanish hest
-
750 miles south OF Porto Rico. clears tho
atmosphere. and the governments limo cf
action viii not be cloudef by any uncer-
tainty. 1t is now believed to be The pur-
pose OF the government TO order schiey's
squadron TO ciose up on Havana. ard
troops. meanwhile. will be kept in readi-
ness for a forward movement as soon a.
will be though, otportune.
The troops destined for the Philippines
will not be delayed moment longer than
IL necessary to put them In condition for
active service, and speaking generally. the
government. which has been waiting for
some time for definite information Of this
whereabouts OF the Spanish feet. In
short time will direct an aggressive move
ment all along the line.
Just what may be the mission Of the
Spanish feet at Martinique is not known
here, nor Is II regarded as important.
Martinique is a French colony. and II -
assumed that in accordance with the law
OF nations the Spanish feet will not -
allowed to take on a supply OF coal ~
that port.
Under ordinary circumstances they
would bs permitted TO purchase a sum-
eient supply 10 take them 10 the nearest
home port. but this does not apply to .
feet engaged in hostile expedition. ana
should the French government permit the
feet 20 coal, II will BE- regarded as an un-
friendly act. II not a hostile one. against
this government. fer which they would ~
held accountable.
MIA N0t Iamd TeeuEh Gnnnepa