Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-05-06

80. news from commodore dewey dt
,,,ni1s was the dominant feeling in
Washington to-day.
interest in the movements OF Adj
r,,al SIMPSONS fleet, supposed to be
-, ,,s way to Porto Rico to intercept
Inc snanish Cape Verde feet, was far
,o.s keen than the desire to hear what
befal the gallant Dewey, after he de-
s,royed the Spanish feet on Sunday
-as+ The genuine public and even
biob officials of the administration
have begun to speculate that mis-
forune may have attended the at
tsmnt of the American feet to reduce
tho Notifications of Manila. There is
no fear of course, that any OF
newey's ships were captured by the
Standards. for the latter were prac-
ticallv swept from the seas in Sun
davis action. But the American fleet
might have been so seriously crippled
in its attack on Manila by the power
ful guns of the shore batteries that it
would have all it could do to maintain
itself until relieved or until it could
get away into more friendly waters.
These fears, however, are not shared
nv naval officers who know Commo-
dore Dewey. and are familiar with
conditions in Manila.
The officers profess to feel no anxiety
because Dewey has not found means
10 communicate with Washington.
They have no doubt he captured
Manila and this being so. he has had
his hands full since in strengthening
his position.
TRYING TO KEEP ORDER,
looking after his wounded, and repair
ing the damage his feet must have
sustained in its two hot fights, These
navas officers say Dewey's report Will
he here in day or two and will be OF
kind that will fully meet the expec-
tatons raised by his splendid victory
over the Spanish fleet.
The department is taking steps TO
render effective aid to the commodore
in the matter of supplies, and con-
structor of high ability is to go out at
once to repair the damages sustained
IN the battle of Manila. Preparations
for a suitable convoy for the supply
Sims was also indicated by the choice
Of commander and officers for the
cruiser Charleston, now at Mare Island.
1t is recalled at the Navy Department
in this connection, that having receiv-
Cd the surrender of Manila the COM
modere would be able to secure any
quantity of labor and Of such material
as maritime cities like Manila afford
for the repair of his ships. He also
would be able to place his wounded in
comfort in some of the Manila hospitals
Or other public buildings. 1t is always
desire of prudent naval commander
to get his wounded ashore at the earli-
est possible opportunity. as they stand
better chances of recovery.
No news could be CLEANED at the
Navy Department relative to the move
ments of
ADMIRAL SIMPSONS IRONCLADS,
bit from the confident tone of the few
officials who are acquainted with the
policy Of the department. they are eX-
peeung to hear very soon of news from
MS squadron almost as interesting and
important as that received from the
FhlHppines last Monday. A high Of
"er OF the administration to-day al
most demolished the theory that Adj
"ifai sampson was going to succor the
oregon now on her way from Brazil to
'o'n the north Atlantic squadron. He
"''ared that the Navy Department
vas under no apprehension about the
oregon. for the reason that 1t did not
outsider that the Spanish admiral of
te cape Verde squadron would be
"'l'lhg TO risk combat with the Ore
'N even with the great odds in his
'"oF' as even if overwhelmed in the
'N' Tie OregOp would certainly de-
0' one OF the Spanish ships and per-
laps two and the Spanish government
0'o not afford to exchange pawns at
sage OF the war. That left open
% possible points of operations for
'"pSoh either Porto Rico or some
rg' on the Cuban coast. but Just
'oeory is TO be accepted is, not
Gals. '''e 'ep"' ''''eh' oi''-
,- ~''ee came to the State Department
n'dzil to-day that that govern
i 'ad declared neutrality. There
a. no cause to regret such action
we part OF Brazil, for however bene-
S.''l The delay has been to the United
alona " getting its warships safely
\. 'ne Brazilian coast the Issue of
lie ,.,,, 'a''ation Just now is likely to
xli.s more beneficial in closing Bra
p'' : TO the Spanish flying squad