Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-04-28


WASHINGTON, April 27.-It was re-
ported last night on semi-official au-
thority that within the coming ten
days 6. 900 men will be ordered to Cuba
They will be conveyed to the island,
probably to Matanzas, in transports,
which will be accompanied by three
war vessels. The troops, after
landing, will fortify themselves.
at once begin the distribution of
food among the starving recon-
centradoes and supply the insurgents
forces with provisions. It is also said
that this expedition will be under the
command of Gen. William r. Shafter,
of the department of California, who
was summoned to Washington last
night. The war department yester-
day issued instructions to governors
of states for the disposition of the
regiments as they are enlisted. The
volunteers probably will go into local
camps, pending their removal to the
federal stations which are to be imme-
diate1y established for their reception.
All officers above the rank of regi-
mental officers will be appointed by
the president, who has commenced
consideration of the list of military
nominations. He will name ten cr
twelve major generals and twice AS
many brigadier generals. In the Sc
1ections due regard will be given to
geographical distribution.
A Decisive Battle Expected.
CHICAGO, April 27.-A dispatch to the
Chicago Times-HeraId from Washing
ton says:
Navy department off1cials confidently expect
chat within three days decisive battle will
have been fought between the American ana
Spanish naval forces operating In the waters OF
the Philippines. It is learned from most re-
liable source that Commodore Dewey's squad
ron, which left Hong Kong Sunday for Mars
Bay has now left that place for the Philippine
islands under instructions sent several days
ago by Secretary Long. Steaming at the rats
of ten knots an hour the fleet ought to reach
its destination by this afternoon, and it is ex-
pected by Secretary Long and other depart
ment officials that the vessels will be In action
Immediately after arrival, unless the Spanish
men-of-war should prefer to remain inside the
mined harbors. OF primary Importance. the
officials declare, is the immediate capture or
destruction of the Spanish vessels. After this
has been accomplished it will not be difficult
matter to secure the fall of Manila or Luzon
and of other ports by simply conducting a
blockade such as the North Atlantic
squadron is doing with reference to Cuban
ports 1t is understood that Commodore
Dewey's plan OF campaign contem-
plates the capture or destruction OF the Span
which is to be compared to the protected cruis-
ers of the American squadron AS Commodore
Dewey has not a large squadron. 1t Is appre-
ciated that he will not have sufficient vessels
TO carry on a blockade to last any length OF
time. He will. however. be able to blockade
the principal ports In which the Spanish troops
are stationed, and the insurgents in the island
will probably give him assistance by contribut-
ing their land operations
More Spanish Vessels Captured.
KEY WEST, Fla, April 27.-The big
steamship Panama, of the Ceballos
line, which left New York Wednesday
for Havana with Spanish refugees on
board and a very valuable cargo, in.
cluding, it is understood. stores fol-
the Spanish army, was captured last
night about 90 miles from Havana
by the little lighthouse tender Man
grove, now belonging to the mosquito
fleet. The Mangrove mounts two six.
Founders and four SS-caliber revolving
guns She is commanded by Lieuten
ant Commander w. 81. Everett and 6
crew of Is men. The Panama is about
$500 tons and a very valuable prize
She was towed into Key West this
morning.
The United States gunboat, New
port, Capt B. F. Tilley, has brought
in the Spanish sloop Paquete and the
Spanish schooner Plreneo, Cuban coast
ing vessels, which she captured of
Havana this morning.
Cabinet Meeting UneventfuL
WASHINGTON, April 27.-The cabine
meeting to-day which lasted from L
to one o'clock was uneventful so far a
its deliberations were made public
The matter of the prizes already takeI
by our fleet in Cuban waters was inc;
denta1ly referred to, particularly tn
case of the Buena Ventura This an,
all other prize cases go sto, the priz
court which is the United States dis
trict court having jurisdiction OF tn
port where landed All nations. it