The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-22

WASHINGTON. April 2i-War between
the United states and Spain IS fact
though not yet officially declared so by
Congress.
The stirring events Of yesterday were
guccccded to-day with rapidity by others
of equal Importance eliminating I'm the
afternoon i'm orders for the departure Of
the North Atlantic squadron for Hava-
ma. This practically is an act of war so
the war between this country and Spain
may fairly be said 90 date from to-day,
April 81. 1S9S.
Two minutes after the opening Of the
State Department this morning word
came from Minister Woodford that the
Spanish government having anticipated
and prevented his intention TO present the
Presidents utmatum, he had asked for
his passports. The ministry in public
statement said 30 regarded the action of
Congress as rendering unnecessary furth-
or diplomatic relations with the United
states and placing upon that country the
responsibility Tor the breach OF friendly
relations.
ORDER FOR BLOCKADE
Minister WoOdfords s. telegram resulted
in the calling of "a special Cabinet meet
ing 10 outline "a plan of campaign, or TO
raufy the executive plan OF campaign
already prepared by the strategic board
of tho army and navy. The immediate
result was the order for the North At
lantic squadron to begin the blockade Of
Havana. How much further than this
the Cabinet programme is In deliberatiOn
30 is impossible 90 say now.
All movements of troops VIII be guard
ed with the greatest care from undue
publicity in order to prevent the enemy
from taking advantage OF the in,orma-
tlon.
The North Atlantic squadron under
Captain Sampson makes a splendid array
of fine vessels. comprising baulcships
Iowa and Indiana, monitors Ike the
Puritan. Terror and Amphitrite. armored
cruisers like the New York flagship. pro-
tectcd cruisers. such as the Cincinnati,
Marblehead and Montgomery: gunboats
ike the Nickshurg Wilmington ana An
gapOlls. regular torpedo boats, as the Er-
ricsgon. Gushing. WinslOw and the like,
uOt 60 speak OF the large number of fast
yachts ana other vessels that have been
added tO the fleet boy purchase. This
f0rco is quite competent TO blockade all
the ports in cuba. or al least all OF the
ports connecting by r-Ii with Havana and
60 likely 10 hc used 60 supply that place
3n the event 81 siege with food and muni-
tiOns of war
This statement IS tc be taken with the
understanding that it does not contem-
plate the coming 60 Cuban waters of The
Spanish fleet In such case the probable
policy would bo To- abandon the blockade
and cndeaV0r 90 force the spanish fleet
10 battle
MINISTER WOODFORD'S ACTION
Minister Woodford's actions during the
day as reported 10 the state department
IN "a late telegram. indicated tnat he was
following a perfectly prepared pro-
gramme a significant feature Of bis
message was the statement that the
Spanish government notified him that u
regarded the withdrawal OF Minister Polo
Yesterday as terminating the diplomatic
negotiations. showing that IL was not dis
y,osed 10 acept the expressed intention OF
our government 20 continue Mr.. Wood
ford as a medium Of communication until
Saturday noon.
Nr. Woodford also announced that he
had instructed Consul General Bowen al
barcelona TO cause All American Consuls
IN Spain 10 Immediately withdraw from
fbe country. lie further stated that he
bad Informed the Spanish government
after asking for his passports that he
rad placed the American legation in
ofadrid and American interests in Spain
generally I'm the hands OF the British en-
6aggv. The Ambassador. Right Hon. Sir
Henry DrummOnd Wolfe, IS not az pres
ont in Madrid. 80 American interests Will
be connded TO the British charge, Sir
George G.. T. Bonnam. Bart
10 an intents and purposes this relieves
,ho state Department from further nego-
fiatlons as 70 Cuba, save those relating
"a prlyateering, neutrality observances
and the ike. II was found necessary to
frame "A notice 20 the powers or the
Intention Of our government 10 establish
"a blockade Of Havana. notification re-
ouired by international law.
MORE SHIPS.
The Navy Department to-day aside
from giving the orders 20 the squadron
continued the work OF adding 10 the
navy and purchasing another ship az Nor
folk. as an auxiliary craft and some
frnall yachts.
The news Of the actual beginning OF
war wac received with gravity at the