davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
ABOUT The COAL QUESTION

Washington, April 23.-It is very hard to
secure from the naval authorities an adj
mission touching the movements of the
squadrOns or individual ships. Secretary
Long has reasoned that if he undertakes
to answer questions of this character
even though they may not be of import
ance shrewd and correct inference might
be drawn from his refusal to answer other
questions and the enemy might profit
thereby. The navy department is pre-
pared to take immediate advantage of
any action Of congress in the direction Of
providing for coal depots and has already
outlined plans for the establishment of
such depots and has ascertafned the feas-
Utility of stocking them at very short
notice
The attitude of the British government
upon the question of making coal contra
band is awaited with keen interest in
naval circles Operating for the south of
Cuba as our ships must necessarily do #
anything like a complete blockade is to be
maintained, the problem of supplying
them with coal is a question Of the great
est Importance. This may be done ex-
pensively and uncertainty owing to the
danger forage by the enemies ships,
through the use Of steam Golfers sent
from the United States, Il is highly de-
sirable- however, that in an emergency
our ships may have the opportunity to
draw upon some Of the British coal supply
In the West Indies. 1t is believed, how
ever. owing TO the guarded manner in
which Mr. Balfour replied to the direct
question as to governments making coal
contraband that Great Britain will adopt
a middle course. She will probably refuse
TO allow one of the warships Of the COM
batants to take on a full supply Of coal
at any British point But on the other
hand. she probably will allow any such
ships arriving at her port short Of coal
10 take on a supply sufficient to take them
to their next port. thus applying the COM
mon rule of neutrality.
The decision Of the British government
that the Spanish cruiser Audaz, now I'M
der repairs at Queenstown, can not be
detained under the neutrality laws is rot
without some benefit 10 the United States
inasmuch as we now have the torpedo
boat Somers, just purchased from Ger
many, in dock at Falmouth, England,
repairing damages sustained in the pas
sage over from Germany. There was
some fear that she might be subject to de-
tention.
Lieutenant Commander Cewles. who ran
the Fern back and forth between Havana
and Key West during the exciting days
succeeding the Maine disaster, has been
assigned 10 command the Topeka. Lieu
tenant Commander WinsIow takes COM
mand OF the Fern in place Of Captain
Cowles. being detached from the s. Louis
Tor That plrpose-
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Washington, April 22--President Nc
Kinley was an early riser today and at
O'Clock Mr.. Webb c. Hayes and Cen
erai Hastings. his guests. had joined him
at breakfast. He was in excellent spir-
its. The president is gaining a little
more rest now than usual and it is said
that he has not appeared so well phys
ically for a couple of weeks as today.
President McKinley's proclamation call
ted to the governors of the states until
Monday, the plrpose being to avoid any
unseemly demonstrations on Sunday.
The president also concluded to defer
at least until Monday the message TO
congress recommending that a declara-
ton of war be passed. Senator Davis,
chairman of the committee on foreign re-
lations, some days ago expressed II to
be the view OF the committee that a dec
laration OF war should he made in pa
cific tones by congress. but since then
has expressed the belief that it is not
now necessary. Members Of the cabinet,
however, with only one or two excep-
tions, still believe that a war declaration
is absolutely necessary in order to fix a
proper status of this government. as
enlarge the scope OF the rights of this
government in case of general conflict
and 1t is not unlikely that congress will
be asked to take this step on Monday or
soon theree fter
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
ghe aahita Daily gaole Sunday orrine april a. 1898
How the Cuban Blockade is Working

running the blockade IN that case she
circumstances, expect indemnity from
either of the beligerent powers"
This military aide who IS a recognized
authority on war strategy, also pointed
out the two strategic moves open 10 the
Spanish navy, one or the other OF which,
he believed, would be adopted He said:
1.-The first, and probably the best strate-
Civ naval move by Spain, would be TO
concentrate and hold her feet at the Cape
Verde islands, and the Canaries, and wait
until the American feet came to them.
They would then have the advantage Of
position, base Of supplies, and ample coal
It would be a waiting game. but it would
promise much better results than seeking
a decisive naval engagement far away
from the base of supplies and from coal.
The only serious difficulty would be that
it would necessitate the abandonment of
Cuba and Porto Rico. Whether the Span
iards are willing to make 50 great sac
rifce as a strategic move for Ultimate
naval success, remains 10 be seen II Ict,
then the Spanish navy must choose the
this side and risling everything on the
chance Of decisive victory at the out
set. 1t would be desperate move. but If
successfully executed It would prove OF
inestimable value, not only in its mater
iaI results, including the defense Of Cuba
and Porto Rico, but also the sentimental
influences inspiring enthusiasm. Bpt it
would be most hazardous move, as the
Spanish ships would have the Atlantic
between them and the home ports, with
little or no chance Of replenishing their
coal supplies. What course the Spanish
strategists will adopt 1 do not know. hut
all things considered it seems to me likely
that they viii ladopt a waiting game and
a retirement of their naval forces until
the United States feet, eager for a con-
test, goes in quest of them
The foreign representatives are begin
ming to feel much uneasiness over the
situation of foreign SUBJECTS residing at
Havana and other points covered by the
blockade. So long as the blockade is peace
full the foreign residents are not likely
to suffer. But in case OF q bambard nent
the foreign element might be put in !, OPP
ardy along with the native population. IN
less ample time were given to '0r5i 'aars
to withdraw. For that reason earnest in
quiries are being made at the embassies
and legations as to what notice the United
States viii give foreign residents at Ha-
vana and elsewhere of the immense bonn
bardment. There is no doubt this gov
eminent would give ample time for for
eigners to withdraw, and in case Of non
combatants it is usual TO give at least
twenty-four hours notice of a lombard
ment, but there might be serious difficulty
in the way of such notice. in case the
Spanish forts open fire on'American ships.
as it is hardly to be expected that the
ships would remain under fire for twenty
four hours without returning the fire. I'm
der the existing circumstances members
of the diplomatic corps are looking for
notification giving ample time for the
withdrawal of all foreign colonies.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
RIGHT or BLOCKADE DEFINED

Washington. April 23-Members Of the
diplomatic corps say that no question can
be raised as 70 the rfghs 81 the United
States 70 declare Z blockade. This beng
conceded foreign powers vii accept e. as
binding. Speaking Of The blockade Z milf
tary attache o. enc q the leading foreign
establishments here SAID: The r5ght q
blockade IS clearly recognized and thIs
blockade % Cuba VIII be universally re
spected BY foreign powers The limited
extent OF the blockade 5 doubtless due
to the necessity OF making TIE Blockade
eaeclive- Unless effective, 3 blockade Is
not binding. and with the extended sea-
coast surrounding Clos = woald 10 very
difficult Il rot impossible - rnsi11ala al
effective blockade o tae e-ure Island TIE
blockade VII have the eject og Stepping
al commerce. even IL neutral ships. 70
and from the D3Tts covered BY Tia presi-
deni's proclamation SUI a. The same
tine il should be un3erscco that q aeu-
tral ship nay lake lex OWE cAaassa sS
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
NEUTRALS IN CONCERT

Berlin, April I&-Nlin singular una
nimlty the German press OF every stripe
IS condemning the United States. Al the
newspapers q Germany inapute selfish
and base motives 70 America and praise
the attitude Of Spain. II contrast 10 the
''uu6igni6ed course Of America
There has been a lively exchange o.
notes in regard 70 the proposed concert
Of action UpoH The part q some of the
powers for the protection q Neutral Gags
L IS understood thai Germany. France.
Austria and Italy have aboat agreed %
se-d 9 strong note 70 both the United
States and Spain. warning ihem 70 exsT-
else the greatest caution n dealing WIKI
neutral shipping. adding that othsrwlse
fgI repzration vii ae insisted Epoa-
These powers also intend % Sand vesse.E
20 TIE seat q war. - observe the naval
and other operations Germany All p-o6-
ably seud the EoeaIg Wilhelm Great
Britain and Russia are ST.! hanging
back The German government Is ssroug
y Ince1ses az the sale % The Hamburg
American u7e-z No-E.z15le Ez3 Cs1Ezz-
pa 10 4 Spanish company Is t5s vessels
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
WAR TAX ESTIMATES

WashfaytOn April 9Th war revenue
bill. il Is esrlrnste5 VAL produce about
$40 .59B 90 in revenue. The tax on beer
ard te-meuted liquors IS Increased from
s. 70 s. a barrel but 10 rebate Tor IN
used beer and destroyed stamps f. a.
lowed TIE tax on tobacco an suuT T.
Increased 70 L cents a pound; upon cigars
% 81 per thousand. weighing more than
three pounds per thousand. and 3 o.
cigars wesghing less than three pounds
per Thousand: s. upon cigarettes weighing
more than three pounds per Thousand.
and & o. cigarettes weighing less than
Ihree pounds per thousand
a compromising AK q haif THAI s-uou-t.
xh.ch IS TIE amount % the increase upon
ire stock Of cigars aid cigarettes OF
hand. TIE following Ice1ses are placed
or tobacco dealers. Dealers II lszf 80
bzcco vase sales Do aJt exceed Slg9o
snail pzy 81 license: ta0se whose sasss
exceed 1850. a.. dealers n tobacco
whose szses d no- e1ceea 1850. = -.
r excess q thas am77at. 81
TIE provasI5as u THE stamp act inc.u6s
p-opr.ssz-y -e3lciae ard similar pfsezra-
tson6. a tax Of ! cant on 80 pzcksea.
boxes. hso;-zes etc. Ealc1 raj a. =
osuss - less. +. csass ba<<sea = ard -
csats. ceats between = AID = cents
ceats h-s1Ssssu = cszS ard g. a.6 ~ earn
& esas o. Traction faers5s zosTe :hat
za5azr AZ zs'sfes1a& cez-E.
TIE SANE s1hsss1le app -sa % paTfuzery
ard eos-zezscs. Chewing ga= Il - pay
I ceat .oF packets se1lzS =: : czzts 4zs
2 cezts for FzSkAzes sxess4.5g cezis-
G4-Ssr szs AT n.zsrAl z4ters z-s -
pay ! cAat per Pct 40 zszes > eez1z
Pc 81 BSzss, ss5s2sz.sS o. sl1ss CO.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
NAVAL PREPARATIONS

London. April s2-The United States
cruiser Topeka is safe. II was not thu
cruiser which collided with the lAIastross
Tuesday evening after leaving Falmouth
The steamer Jessamirsd. British. has ar
rived at Cardiff In damaged condition
she reports having been in collision with
the Aloatross. The captain OF the Aba
tross. on arrival az Falmouth last even
ing. reported that he had been IN coils
Ton with a steamer AZ midnight on Tues
day. which afterward flashed a light and
disappeared. He expressed the belief
that she foundered and was under the
impression that she may have been the
Topeka.
Cleveland. Ohio. April s1-Navy ex-
perts have decided to buy for the govern
meni the powerful and speedy tuS Will
lam Kennedy OF this port. she IS % feet
long and can steam 500 miles without r.
coalinE. She viii be sent 10 the Atlantic
coast Immediately 70 Join the Atlantic
squadron. Navy officials are inspecting
several other largo tugs here with
view 20 their purchase. Each tug sent
from the great lakes will be htted with a
s-pound rapid-fre gun.
Cleveland. Ohio. April 23-The revenue
cutter Gresham has been ordered TO sail
at once FOR the Atlantic coast. She VIII
be cut in two az OgIiensburg IN order %
permit her 10 pass through the canal.
II is said the Canadian government viii
offer no objection TO the Gresham pass
ing through the canal
Milwaukee. Wis. April 2s-The United
States naval recruiting board concluded
It's sitting in this city today. Twenty
three men and seventy boys were enlist
ed and will be taken 20 tho receiving
ship Vermont at Brooklyn tomorrow by
Boatswain Pierce. From here the board.
with the exception OF Surgeon McCluTg.
will go 20 St Louis
Detroit. Mich. April 2s.-Commander
Gilbert Wilkes. OF the Michigan naval
militia. has received orders to proceed
at once TO Norfolk with his command.
After n conferences with his commission
ed officers. Commander Wilkes announc-
ed that his command would be ready 20
proceed to Norfolk within three days.
Philadelphia, April 27-The monitor
Miantonomah. which sailed from League
Island yesterday afternoon. passed out
TO sea at fun speed al II . o'clock this
morning. bound south. II Is bSlieved she
viii touch at Charleston on tho way to
Key West.
Washington. April 23.-The secretary Of
the navy today sent 10 tho house COM
rnlttee on naval affairs an urgent request
for immediate action on a toint rc>olu-
ton creating n United States auxiliary
navy for seacoast defense.
Falmouth. April 23-The Uhited states
torpedo boat Somers s. ready for sea
She has steam up but q Is reported that
she has great difficulty IN getting crew,
Ensign Hazeiton. her commander. has
started for London.
New York April Z3-The American hne
steamer 81. Louis. from Southampton.
was sighted on Fire Island az 40 ?. M
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
SPANISH FLEET RuMORS

London, April 23.-A report has reached
the United States embassy here 10 the ef-
feet that in spite OF denials the Spanish
feet left the Canary Islands several days
ago.
New York, April 2S.-The steamer Rojan
Prince. which arrived here today from
Naples, reports that on April Il. in lati-
tude Sc. longitude 10. she passed an IN
known cruiser and three torpedo boats
steaming ives, at full speed, supposed TO
be Spanish.
Madrid. April 2s.-It is again rumored
here that the Spanish squadron has sailed
from the Cape Verde Islands. but its des-
tiHation IS not given.
s.. Vincent. Cape Verde Islands. April
23.-1r a. m.--The Spanish fleet : s.ul here
either awaiting orders or reinforcemeu-s.
Belfast. April ga foreign gunboat
passed east Of Inistrahull Island. on the
north coast OF Ireland ~ O'Clock this
morning
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
NO FEARS For The OREGON

Washington, April 23.-The navy depart
ment is fully aware of the whereabouts of
the battleship Oregon and the gunboat
Marietta, but for prudential reasons the
officials positively decline to say where
the vessels are. whether or not they have
been ordered to return to San Francisco,
or in fact to make any statement respect
ing them further than that they have no
apprehension for their safety. Ii is known
that the department has taken steps to
have he Oregon met by friends and warn
ed of the outbreak of hostilties and of
the presence Of the Spanish torpedo Te-
merrairo at Buenos Ayres on her way TO
the North Atlantic squadron.
Buenos Ayres. April 23.-The Spanish
torpedo cruiser Temerrario sailed this
morning. No information could be OBJ
tanned regarding her destination.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
SHERMAN WILL RESIGN

Washington, April 23.-There seems to
be no longer any reasonable doubt that
Secretary Sherman will leave the cab
met. Assistant Secretary Day is his
probable successor. although so far he
has persistently declined to allow his
name to be used in that connection. The
president, however. it is understood, will
insist on Mr.. Day taking the Office.
The Evening Star today says:
ION the best information it can be
stated that Secretary Sherman contem-
plates leaving the cabinet and that he will
probably withdraw within the next few
days. 1t is generally understood that he
will be succeeded by Judge Day. now as
sistant secretary Of state.
Secretary Sherman Will withdraw from
the cabinet because Of a breaking down
of his health and inability to keep up with
the strain Of the present situation.
The fact that Mr. Sherman's health
has been failing since his entrance in the
cabinet is well known. President Nc
Kinley and all Of the cabinet members.
together with hundreds of close personal
friends of the secretary have noticed his
condition. but owing to the sincere desire
TO have Mr.. Sherman remain at the head
OF the state department his attention was
never called to what he himself had not
observed.
Secretary Sherman's physician has ad-
vised him that he ought not attend 10 any
work in the department and should retire.
HE IS the only person who has spoken
to the secretary on the question Of his
health.
The almost unanimous opinion is that
Secretary Sherman viii retire 10 his home
and devote whatever time he chooses 20
the management Of his personal affairs
The opinion that Judge Day will Sue
coed Secretary Sherman is based on the
knowledge that President Mckinley de-
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
BUENA VENTURA REPORTED

Washington, April 23-The following is
the official report of the first capture of a
prize during the existing war between
Spain and the United States:
Key West, Fla. April % 1898
Secretary of the Navy, Washington,
D. c.
Nashville went to sea this morning
Returned at 10 O'Clock with Spanish
steamer Buena Ventura prize taken off
Sand Key light. Bound from Ship Island
to Norfolk. Loaded with lumber. deck
load of cattle, and TO load with coal.
CSigneO HARRINGTON"
"'Harring ton'' is Captain p. F. Harring-
ton, commanding the monitor Puritan at
Key West. He is the senior officer Of
that station, and as such received from
Commander WaShburn Of the gunboat
Nashville the report of the seizure Of the
Spanish merchantmen and forwarded it
TO Washington.
Liverpool April 2S-Larrinaga & Co,
the owners Of the Spanish steamer Buena
Ventura captured yesterday off Key West
by the United States cruiser Nashville,
has issued a signed protest against her
capture. They say che cargo Of the steam
er belongs TO British merchants and was
insured in Great Britain. They add that
the steamer left Ship Island on April "A.
so her captain was not aware of the out
break OF war. Finally, the owners of the
Buena Ventura claim the capture was
illegal. as there had been no formal dec
laration Of war and the ultimatum OF
President Mckinley 70 Spain had not ex-
pired when the steamer was seized.
Madrid, April 23.-The capture OF the
steamer Buena Ventura by the United
States gun'boat Nashville of Key West
yesterday has aroused the greatest indig-
nation, the Spaniards claiming that hos
Titles are not yet supposed TO have be-
gun. The newspapers 81 the city oharac-
terize the seizure Of the ship as an act OF
piracy. and being in defiance OF the inter
national law, characteristic OF the Yam
KEGS" 1t Is announced here that Spanish
warships yesterday refrained from the
easy capture OF two American merchant
vessels. because war was not declared and
they desired 20 respect international law.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24

tifcates Of Indebtedness. after June l.
issued by any association, corporation
etc. are 20 pay cents on each 500 o.
fers or shares or certificates Of stock :
cents on each 500 OF face. On bank checks
and drafts exceeding so. 2 csnts.
Bills Of exchange. drafts a. sight. or
prom!ssory notes for circul ation, noe ex-
ceeding 500 cents; between 500 and $40.
% cents: 500 and $50. Is cents. $50 ard
500. % cents; $50 and $40. % cents; ssse
and sl.0OO, 30 cents: s1.oos and $500. 81;
s. so and $3.50. $50. and fSg each Ss.Soo
in excess Of $500. 81.
Foreign bills Of exchange, letters o.
credit. including express money orders
are 20 pay the same rate as o2ls OF ex-
change or promIssory notes. except wnen
drawn il sets OF three or more when each
biz Of each set where the sum payable
does NOS exceed $50. Scents Above that
there is graduated scale. running s. for
g. 500 and 50 cents for each $500 add
tional Bills OF lading. receipts for goods
merchandise, etc, for export. 10 cents
each; express packages upon all such as
pay. not 20 exceed % cents; between p
cents and 81. cents: IN excess Of 81. 3
cents. Indemnifying bonds. 50 cents; AL
other bonds required in legal proceedings.
Is cents; certificates Of profits on each SEQ
Of face value. cents; certificates % dam
age or otherwise. issued BY a peri war
den. Is cents.
Chairman Dingley made ne following
statement regarding the revenue TO oe
raised from the bill. The statement says:
''The ways and means committee esu-
mate the increased revenue that viii DC
derived from the war measure proposed
would be from so OOO, 900 to 500 900 900. dis
tributed as follows: Fermented liquors..
SIS 600 900; tobacco. $1,000 90 cigars. IS Oo0.-
900; dealers in tobacco and cigars. s5.0oo.-
900: stamp taxes on documents. telee-
grams. ETC., $50 0oo. 900: stamp tax on wines
minerals, etc. undetermined; tonnage tax
on vessels engaged IN foreign trade. 81
900. 600. Tea and coffee are not touched.
as al the measures proposed for war
revenue are internal revenue taxes"
1t is learned that the pending revenue
and bond issue bill will provide that the
bonds shell be redeemable in not less
than ten and not more than twenty years
at the pleasure Of the government. in
stead OF fve-twenties, as at first pro-
posed. This change Is made in difference
to the wishes OF the treasury officials
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-24
NEW YORK TAKES THE PEDRO

ST. Louis, April ga special TO the
Post Dispatch from Key West. Fla. says:
The cruiser New York arrived this morn
ing. The steamer she caqJsred is the
Pedro. not the AipAonso XII
Philafe,phis, April 23.-The Maritime ex-
change this morning received the follow
ing dispatch:
key West. Fla. April 22-Steamer Pc
d-o. from Antwerp. etc, for Pensac cola,
Fla. arrived here this morning, having
been captured by a warship. The Pedro
Is a Spanish freighter Of !, So tons, and left
Antwerp March 3"
New York. April 23.-The New York
Journal prints the following from Key
West today:
The Journals dispatch boat Echo ar
rived this morning with the following
dispatch:
Friday. April . con board Anita fiji
teen miles east Of Havana, of Cuban
coast)-One OF the first shots fred in
anger from the gun % an American iron
clad across the bows of an enemy's ship
since the close Of the war, was hurled