davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16

lions OF Cumberland Sound were being rapidly put
in order. There was a general demand for fortifi-
cations all along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and
II was being complied with TO the full extent of the
funds available for the purpose. but 1t has been
deemed advisable to keep the sites OF new fortinca-
lions as quiet as possible for the present.
Orders have been issued directing General Wesley
Merritt. commanding the Department OF the East.
and General Graham. commanding the Department
OF the Gulf, to hurry work on the artillery posts
under their Jurisdiction They will avail themselves
OF all the facilities at their command 10 carry this
order into effect and will direct such movements OF
artillery forces and may be necessary.
Through the efforts OF Assistant Secretary Meike-
John the War Department has Information bearing
the carrying capacity and speed Of every vessel
engaged In the coastwise trade. Mr.. Meklejohn de-
the statement made that the Department will
not buy any vessels preferring 10 charter them IN
every case.
The Department to-day received word from cir
Gus company that In the event OF war twenty-five
elephants would be put It's disposal for active ser.
vice in Cuba Some OF these animals have served
In India. and neither the swamps nor the under
brush In Cuba would interfere with their utility
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
ORDERS AT GOVERNORS ISLAND.

The troops under the command Of General Mse-
rift commanding the Department OF the East se
Governors Island. have not received any orders TO
move so far as could be learned last night. but
several persons who visited the Island were LED to
believe that some important orders had been re-
ceived at the department after o'clock. Just
what was the nature of these supposed orders IL
was impossible to learn. as General Merritt spent
rho evening I'm the city, and Adjutant- General Bar
Der refused to say anything to reporters.
A Tribune reporter went to the island early last
night and while his way there met Lieutenens
Stothar one OF General Merritts aids. who ses9
that he had heard of any orders being rocet'eo
az the departments headquarters up 10 I'D. -.
About 1880 O'Clock Acknowledgement Barber ietS
his house and walked hurriedly In the direction
OF the steamboat landing. He was evidently ex-
pecting General Merritt to return from the CITY.
Tor he started in another direction on being TOO
that General Merritt had not yet come BACK
The report that orders had been issued by the WAT
Department for the immediate movement or prActi.
cnliv the whole Regular Army became known te
the troops on the island early In the evening. ana
caused great rejoicing among the men, Tor most
of them are eager for active service.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
AMMUNITION ON THE MAREEGo.

The steamer Marcngo. OF the Wilson Line. arrived
here Yesterday after sixteen DAYS trip from New
castle, England. She had on board supphe' ana
,nupi,,on for both the War and Navy depart
roon,s According TO her manifest she brought over
~ cases OF cannon IL cases of fittings, IL cases
~ carriage works. 10 cases empty CARTRIDGES %io
cascs empty shells. 3 cases powder bags and cases
- &c consigned 10 order" and 30 boxes OF empty
VI III. consigned 10 the commandant OF the Brook
lyn Navy YARD. ,s .,u ordar" O.. .unnosed
h ho for The War Department and consists or a
Wrber Of guns for coast defence and their anlnu-
hu.nDea - snnolirs The entire consignment comes
ni M .rn,strong & co. Of Newcastle:
iT Tho hiarcngo IL ut her pier at Mortague-st
,i,,,,,n wh,re the stores ara being unloaded and
transferred 10 lighters.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
THE LEVY MADE FOR TAXES. MR.. RUBEN5
SAYS.

1.-THE Brooklyn Eagle" last night. in following up
.ts story OF Wednesday evening last that the Cuban
Republic was levyng blackmail from American
owners 0. plantations in Cuba. published the state
Department correspondence IN regard 10 case at
issue This correspondence consisted OF letter or
7 Atkins & Co.. OF Boston. Mass. to Mr.. Olney.
then Secretary State dated February %, 1896. IN
which II WAS said that the firm had received from
IT'S general manager in Cuba circular letter sent
oIt by Julian A. DomingueZ. Secretary OF the
Treasury OF the Cuban Republic. In which the man
aver Of the plantation was informed that the Cuban
Republic had levied an assessment o. per cent on
the 10000 valuation OF the plantation. Soledad.
OF Atkins & Co.. and that II expected that this
assessment would be paid promptly. The circular
speclncaly said that this sum was for taxes Tor
the Cuban Republic
Mr. Oiney forwarded this correspondence to Senior
re LONE. then Spanish Minister at Washington. at
me same time Informing United States Minister
Taylor at Madrid.
:, In answer TO this correspondence, HOrato S.
a. .y counsel FOR the Cuban Junta. said last
G Esne ne making public OK the letters In the
tna' the Cuoan Republic did have as far back as
1915 government that collected taxes and under
stooq is business m 80 doing The story so far
a. me ietteis 20 Is correct but what the paper
law passed by the Cuban Republic for the purpose
OF levyDg taxes. The statement only goes TO prove
tnat there ~ government in Cuba and that Il Is
exercising all the functions Of nation. including
Furnishing OF those VINO within the jurisdiction OF
the Government resist the law OF the Republic
The very fact that The State Department has been
IN 'lli possession OF the facts published In The
Ga8ie proves that there has been no blackmai
or any crime punishable by the laws of this coun-
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
CONFERENCES At ALBANY.
PLANS FOR MAssING THE STATE TROOPS DIS
CUssED-GovEPNOR BLACKS
T.

.,A.,,. ,,ru IL (cpcciaD -Governor Black sped
hack here from Buffalo to-day with the apparent
design OF being In Albany to carry out any sug-
cos,,ons nj once In regard to war preparations
.h,rh might come from tho authorities in Wash
,ng,o, Adiutant- General Tnghast had several
conferences with the Governor in the course OF the
afternoon
The Adiu:an;-Gcncrals Office was tho scene OF
active work 10 prepare the National Guard for war
.orytce 4 large railroad map OF Ncw-York. which
had evidently been under close examination. was
snrcad out on a table In tho outer office. while tho
time tables Of various railroads had been under
inspection. 1t Is the belief OF the military author
ties OF the State that within ten or twelve hours
all the regiments OF the National Guard desired
can be massed AT Ncw-York.
81 have bought all the tents needed by the
Guard" said Adjutant-Gener% Tillinshast to-day
Have YOU used as yet any Or the mon-dolar
fund appropriated ny the I'cs's'"'"c ioi war pu'
poses"
mot any OF 1t as yet" answered the Adjutant-
General I'VE have relied upon the regular appro-
pratlons so far for all the new supplies the Guard
requires.
Mator-General Roe In to-dnys Tribune said that
the regiments Of the Guard could follow the prece
dent OF the times OF the War OF the Rebellion II
they desired and enlist in the Army OF the United
States as complete organizations
Colonel Phsterer. Assistant Adjutant-Genera
when asked 10 give the particulars OF this precedent
to-day said: In 1861 the National Guard regiments
which enlisted as whole organizations for the war
were gth, litn. JJtn ana iJtn, ana tncy were
given the numbers respectively of the SD, SD sih
18th and 18th regiments OF New-York Volunteers
ITnited States their National Guard numbers were
renewed for them. Then in 1862 the 10Th and 10th
r.oiments OF the Guard volunteered for nine
m0nths and actually served one year. In 1864 the
crth Regiment OF the Guard volunteered for
~nar and became the 18th New-York Volunteers
The President named New York's quota OF troops
axnen,ed in 1861 and the Governor then filled it
r. astv thousand organized State troops called
oui by President Mckinley New-Yorks quota may
He only tWo or three thousand men. and II Is ex-
nected .nev would be chiefly used In manning the
,orts in New-York Iarbor The regulars thus re-
,,nred NJ duty at New-York could then be dis
n,o,ched southwark for active duty.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
CONVENT TO BE A HOSPITAL.
PATRIOTIC OFFER OF THE SISTERS AT KEY
WEST ACCEPTED

Key West. Fla. April 1.-THE Mother Supe-
rior Of the Convent OF Mary Immaculate called
on Commander Forsyth a few days ago ano
offered to place the convent and two school
buildings at the disposal Of the United States
Government 20 be used hospital in case
Of war with Spain. also Offering the services OF
the Sisters as nurses. Commander Forsyth
laid the matter before Captain Sampson, VINO
wrote the following letter OF acceptance:
United States flagship New-York. of Key west
Fla. April H. 1898.
Commander J. NJ. Forsyth. United states navy,
Commandant. Key West.
Sir: I acknowledge your letter stating that
the Lady Superior in charge OF the schools OF
the Sisters OF the Holy Name Convent OF Mary
Immaculate. at Key West. has called on you
and offered, in case Of war. to place the con.
vent and two school buildings at the disposal
of the Federal authorities for hospital service
and that the Sisters tender their personal SER
vices as nurses. ! cordially agree with your
opinion expressed that this Is a most generous
and patriotic tender. and beg that you VIII make
known TO the Lady Superior and the Sisters my
appreciation OF their offer, and accept IN case
It becomes necessary. Very respectfully.
w. r. SAMPSON.
Commander Chief United States Naval
Force, North Atlantic Squadron
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
PROVISIONS FOR THE SPANIARDS
THREE sHIPIOADs CARRIED FROM THIS CITY tt

Obtaining provisions has been one OF the most
serious problems for the Spanish merchants and
military authorities in Cuba. and result every
effort has been made TO purchase a large supply
in this market. Vessels OF the Ncw-York and Cuba
Mail Steamship Company which had abandoned
Cuban ports were suddenly called into service this
week and a large amount OF supplies were sent ny
two OF them 10 Havana and another vessel OF tho
same line will sail for that port to-day. The
steamer City Of Washington OF this line sailed on
% 27 bushels o. corn 125 bags OF beans 24 sacks
OF -four 3S barrels o. bacon l3 terces OF ham, $40
tierces and 1875 packages OF lard A. boxes Of cheese
and 30 bags OF bran.
on the Saratoga which sailed on Thursday for
bushels OF beans 452 sacks OF -four 1863 terccs and
40 packages OF lard. boxes OF bacon and 10 bales
OF hay. "a
similar cargo for Havana.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
DETAILED FOR BALLOON SERVICE.
FOUR OFFICERS SENT EAST TO TAKE CHARGE
At FORT wADswoRTu.

Denver April l5-ScrEcant Baldwin. o! the Signal
corps ~ tho Department 81 the Colorado. received
orders to-day 70 prepare ror his departure for Fort
V-adsworrh New York. and he startoG tonight
With him went Sergeant Burnett % Fort Logan
Sergeant Kennedy ~ Coocy's Ranch. Arizona. has
nlreaay started and Sergeant Myers. stationed in
San Bernardino County. cal. IS probably on
his way These -FOUR VIII take charge Of tho balloon
service which in the event ~ war Will be utilized
I'm tho defence or Ncw-york harbor and city.
These men are the best qualified officers OF the
Signal Corps FOR this service. Tho balloon and
necessary apparatus they will operate went 10 Fort
Nadswolth a week ago II IS not improbable that
nermanent balloon corps will bc established there
Tho rhief o. the Signal Corps has sgnihcl his desire
To extend the cduratiou in balloon manipulation
SO that the numerical strength 81 the corps may be
Increased and its permanent efficiency maintained
several members 81 the corps are already ut Fort
Wadsworih. Lieutenant MaXicll OF Chicago viii
bc given charge OF the corps. He has been ordered
% Wadsworth.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
TO GUARD GUNS AT COAST DEFENCES
INFANTRY ORDERED TO TYBEE ISLAND. sA
vANNAH HARBOR

Baltimore April l5-Three detachments OF four
teen men each were sent to-day from Fort Nc
Horny 10 garrison the Notifications at Fort Carroll.
Hawkins Point and North Point. They are COM
manded by Captain Peter Lcary at Fort Carroll.
I1eutenan: Lamoreaux at North Point and Lieu
tenant Hunter at Hawkins Point. -Four Maxim
ems now on the United States cruiser New-Or-
ieans nj New York. will be sent her and placed In
position at North and Hawkins,ponts.
Atlanta, April la-Gcnera NJ. w. Graham. COM
mnndcr Of the Department OF tho Gulf. to-day
ordered a company OF infantry to Tybce Island at
once Company II. 9Th Infantry under Captain
Rail.y left Fort Mcpherson for Savannah at
o'clock tonight.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
THE GRESHAMS VOYAGE EAST.
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR CUTTING HER IN TWO
AND forthcoming THE PARTS TO MONTREAL
NEW CUTTERS AT CLEVELAND.

Ogdensburg. ~ Y. April 15.-Captaln John
Wikie Collins Of Washington. engineer In -chief or
the United States Revenue Cutter Service. and
James W. Lee. of Baltimore. Naval Constructor
OF the Revenue cutter Service. are ut this post
with James Reilly contractor OF New-Yorf
City. making arrangements for receiving the
Gresham when has been ordered by the Gov
eminent 10 join the feet on the recommendation
OF the above officials the Secretary OF tho Treasury
last evening awarded to Mr.. Reilly the contract
for cutting the steamer Gresham I'm two and pom
looming tho sections down through the St Law
renee canals to Montreal where they will be re-
'oincd.
Tho Gresham IL AZ Cleveland awaiting the
openIng OF the Welland Canal and Will arrive here
on the 18th. under her own power The work OF
separating has been sublct to the St. Lawrence
Marine Railway Company Of this city. After clear
ing from Montreal the Gresham goes direct To the
Norfolk Navy Yard. and Will be lifted out AZ
torpedo destroyer. her armament being one 5-lnch
gun three inch rilod six Gpounders. six machine
guns and S-inch Whitehead torpedo tubes.
She can make iwcnty-one knots an hour.
To-day Captain Collins Will go TO Montreal 20
have the drydock there in readiness. and then VIII
he new revenue cutters building there. They Will
bc known a. the Onondaga and Algonquin.
sister sh0s Of ~" ham, and WIN mr. the same
armament These steamers are being rushed 10
completion SO as 10 arrive here BY May 10. when
they will also be cut IN two and pontooned 10
Montreal Mr. Lee Will remain here to superintcnd
tho work In behalf OF tho Government.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16

commandment and other perils Of war on houses In
Sou'nern cities at premiums ranging from to 2,a
per cent Following are some Of the rates quoted
oy leading underwater: On American steamer,
W 'he West Indies, y per cent: American sailing
,essels Tor the same points. 2s to per cent; neu-
ships tff ro to per cent; neutral steam
american goods, u to 3. per cent according 70
tic Mutual al VGyage President Raven Of
y, decisions have been reported from WashingSoyn
tpa bot1o eot that an enemys goods safe in neu-
Sew, na'ttrha'lonal right. but apart from that II
and 20 me mat belligererts Willingness TO stop
, g.. search a neutral vessel might depend only on
o,tTai "iiIIhGness 10 get into a quarrel with that
we do I,ston During the present state of affairs
VIC "o NOT care To insure for long VOYAGES
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
NAHANr STARTS FOR NETWORK.
IN TOW OF TUG. THE VOYAGE FROM PHIIA
DELPHIA WAS BEGUN.

Philadelphia. April 1.-THE monitor Nahant.
manned by the New-York Naval Militia. left
League Island Navy Yard at 30 p. m. In tow OF
the tug Pioneer. bound for New-York. where she
will be used in the defence Of the harbor
The Nahant Is commanded by Lieutenant Rich
man Lieutenant w - Duncan OF tho New York
Naval Militia is executive officer. and I.euten-
ant NJ X Eyre also OF the New-York Naval MI
litia is navigating officer
started down the river. The Naval Reserves from
Ne j and Massachusetts also gave the New
York naval contingent hearty scndon
The Nahants armament consists OF two l5-nch
smooth bore guns OF the old pattern. and she car
rles a full supply of ammunition and small arms.
be sides being fully supplied with coal and pro-
visions.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
DEALINGS IN WHEAT.

Opening prices for wheat yesterday on the Prod
uce Exchange showed declines OF "A TO . cent from
Thursdays close The May future started Al;
81 0;ss a loss OF " cent. and kept at about that
figure during the morning. The July delivery
opened at % cents. !. cent on. and gradually de-
ciiucd TO 81, cents. The Septembe" future also
declined There WAS extensive foreign buying dur
ing the day. but apart from that there was no
active demand Tho market was irregular through
ouf while III. tone WAS generally easier In the
early afternoon tho bears succeeded in forcing
down prices st!ll further, their main operations
hr,np i'm the July future. Just before the close
th"rc was a break In the May. and all the other
deliveries declined In sympathy. Final prices were
from r.. 10 3 cents lower for tho day
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
RAILROAD FACILITIES INCREASED
DIRECT CONNECTION MADE WITH THE GOVERN
MENr PIER At WILMINGTON.

Wilmington. April ia dispatch from Lewes
Del to THE Every Evening says:
Acting under orders received from the united
ctates Government yesterday. Pennsylvania Rail
road officials began last night the construction OF
mile and a half OF railroad track. to connect the
Delaware. Maryland and Virginia Railroad with
the iron pier at this place. which IS owned by
the Government. 1t IL understood the INK Is 10
ho completcd within three days. Chief Supervisor
7 l. Smith OF the Maryland Division Is per-
sonally experimenting the work
",rhc object In building the connecting INK is 10
rrn cars up to the pier to make connection with
boats so that the handling Of supplies and men
incidcnt TO war preparation may be Facilitated
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
AsBIrRY PARK NEED HAVE NO FEAR.

There has been some fear AT Asbury Park that
IN case Of war Spanish ships might shell that re-
SORT H. J. Bly, and Mrs. s. a. Bly,. owners or tho
Plaza Hotel. Asbury Park. wrote TO vice fresi-
dort Hobart TO ask his view OF the danger. reply
No., roce,ved from him. dated April II. as follows
Rcpving 10 your letter of the 18th inst. no orc
con foreteu what turn affairs may take; or whether
~ nresent condition OF things can only be solved
~ var but i'm any event, IL seems to me that
S22o,n would have more serious business to attend
y, ,han seeking the destruction OF summer resorts
along the coast.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
c,,Ipp1NG TORPEDO FUSES.

The Century Machine Company. whose New-Sork
omco 4. NJ No $40 West Broadway. announces that
tho contrac, for torpedo fuses for the Zanski and
R.plcn guns is being rapidly completed The first
,nstalmcnt Of these torpedo outfits was shipped
on Thursday to Newport, for use on the guns on
tho h,ttle-shlp Vesuvus, now lying at that place
Tho N,suvus has three OF these guns, tho Nlcthe-
row one while three are located az sandy HOOK
IA thc same number az San Francisco. Lieutenant
v,iirsk! IL the inventor OF the gun. ana Rapien
oS the torpedo Considerable interest Is being shown
a., r,val experts In these guns, and. II brought
~ n test I'm action. It is expected that they VIII
prove or great value
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
FOLGER EXAMINES THE NEW ORLEANS.
AMERICAN OFFICERS PLEASED WITH HER PER-
Nal SFoRMANCEs-oNLY ONE STOVE ON


THE CRUISER
The New-Orleans and the San Francisco are stu
at anchor of Tompkinsville and 1t is not expected
that they will 20 TO the Navy Yard for several
days. Captain w. NJ Folger. who has been In
charge as inspector. of the Third Lighthouse Dis
trict, has been appointed TO the command OF the
new cruiser New Orleans with Lieutenant-Co Com
mander Osborn executive officer Captain Foger
visited the ship early yesterday morning. In COM
pary with Commodore Howell. and made critical
examination Of the vessel tina; he will command.
George Robson. representative of the firm Of
Armstrong & Co. of Newcastle. the
vessel and superintended the working OF the ma
chinery during the entire passage Mr.. Robson.
who is skilled engineer. said yesterday that he
was perfectly satisfied with tho manner in which
the New-Orleans acquitted herse: her first trip
the Atlantic. adding that his most sanguine
expectations 10 Ter capabilities were more than
realized This opinion of Mr.. Robson was Upheld
by all the officers board. who were loud in their
praises Of the qualities Of the new warshp.
The New-Orleans lies rather low in the water
Her freeboard Is only about hac high az that Of
tho San Francisco. and she ships considerable
water; in fact she is what naval experts would
call i wet ship" Having been built for use IN A
tropical climate. the New-Oreans has no heating
officers discovered before they were many hours on
board. a large stove stands in the centre OF tho
room. With the exception Of the fires which gen
crate her motive power this Is the only dispenser
ion Of several naval men. is wasted by seemingly
officers hut this will be changed when the naval
constructors take mold OF the new boat II is said
The New-O Orleans far as speed Is concerned
can compare favorably with any OF the American
tuilt cruisers With good weather she can attain
8 speed OF 92i. knots hour under forced draught
Her coal-carrying capacity Is large enough 10 en-
able her to steam at IL hfteen-bnot speed for
twer'y-three days. In fact, IL was said shc had
enough coal on board TO bring her to this port
without stopping al Halifax but the San Francisco
ran short Of coal and had TO put in there TO havo
htr bunkers filed. .
Lieutenant Commander A. =. Nazro. who has had
charge Of the cruiser since she left Gravcsend
nearly three weeks ago. is perfectly satisfied with
Ter performance and says that the United States
can be Congratulated on securing such excellent
war vessel.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
c,,p,N RErI-GEEs RECEIVING RELIEF.

Chairman Barton. OF the central CUBAN feiet
cou,n,t,ec Yesterday received word from Miss
c,.ro par,on that J. X Elwell and the committee
at Tampa have begun the distribution OF relief
sunncs TO the Cuban refugees In that city and key
West There are eight tons or supphcs IN tampa
- aoycntecn I'm Key West. Assistant secretary
Dav OF the State Department. has written approx
ing OF the distribution.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
n.,,.pns CALI. ON THEIR CoNsUL-GEN-
" ERAIA

THE result of the personal letters as we'll as the
,,,I,shod notice issued by Senior Baldasano Consul
General o, Spain at this port was shown yesterday
in the number OF spaniards who called at the Con-
.,,,,te in response the request. More than 200
o.,rord. called there In the day and consulted
sKher with Senior Baldasano or one OF the vtce-con-
smi. Each person left his address that he could
he informed at once In the event Of war between
thu United States and Spain.