The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1898-04-29
The Blockade of Havana.

Inc blOckaue OI hdNdhA.
The result was the immediate order
for the Atlantic squadron to begin the
blockade of Havana.
How much further than this the cab
met progressed in its deliberations it
is not possible to say, for the obvious
reason that the time has now come
when the interests of the government
require that the movements of the ships
and troops should be guarded with the
greatest care from undue publicity, in
order to prevent the enemy from tax
ing advantage of information.
The North Atlantic squadron, under
Captain SIMPSONS command, Els a
splendid array of fine vessels, and this
force is quite competent to blockade all
the ports in Cuba, or at least all of the
ports connecting by rail with Havana,
and SO likely to be used to supply that
place in the event of seige with food
and munitions of war.
This statement is to be taken with
the understanding that it does not con-
template the coming to Cuban waters
of the Spanish fleet. In such case,
however, the probable policy would be
to abandon the blockade and endeavor
to force the Spanish fleet to battle.
Minister WoOdford's action during
the day, as reported to the state depart
ment in late telegram, indicated that
he was following carefully prepared
programme. A significant feature of
his message was the statement that the
Spanish government notified him that
it regarded the withdrawal of Minister
Polo yesterday as terminating diplo-
matte negotiations, showing that it was
not disposed to accept the expressed in
tention of our government to continue
Minister Woodford as a medium of
communication any longer.
Mr.. Woo1ford also announced that
he had instructed Consul-General
Bowen, at Barcelona, to call upon all
American consuls to withdraw.
He further stated that he had in
formed the Spanish government, after
asking for his passports, that he had
placed the American legation in Mad
rid and American interests in Spain
generally in the hands of the British
ambassador. The ambassador, Right
Hon. Sir Fl. ry-Drummond Wolf, is
not at present in Madrid, so American
interests will be confided to the Brit
ish charge, Sir George E. Bonham.
To all intents and purposes, this re-
1ieves the state department from fur
ther negotiatins as TO Cuba, save those
relating to privateering, neutrality OBJ
servances and the like.
Sending of Troops to Cuba.
Captain SIMPSONS feet, which has
been ordered to Cuba, later on will be
supported by troops which will be dis
patched to Cuba as soon as in the opin-
ion OF the president it is possible to use
them advantageously in the occupation
of the island. Meanwhile, as rapidly
as troops can be rushed to Key West
and other points on the South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, they will be hurried
forward. 1t is estimated that it will
take 10 days to concentrate an army
sufficient in size with supplies to make
the campaign.
1t is the purpose to gather these
troops and make sharp, decisive
movement. Immediately upon the
passage of an army volunteer bill by
ICSSJ IIlO OoiuOh6 WIZ Cdii IOA
100, 1000 men. Of this force, it is in
tended to use 80. 900 men in Cuba, in
conjunction with the regular army,
now already assembled or assembling
at points of concentration. The re-
naming 30, 900 men will aid the ar
tillery departments in guarding the sea
coast and in manning the heavy
guns of the coast Defense
The Fowers Notified.
1t was found necessary to frame
notice to the powers Of the attempt OF
our government to establish blockade
of Havana, notification required by
international law.
The navy department today, aside
from giving the orders to the squadron,
continued the work of adding to the
navy, and purchased another ship at
Norfolk as an auxiliary cruiser, and
some small yachts.
The news of the actul beginning OF
war was received with gravity at the
department., and there were many spec
u4atioaa as 70 the ultimate outcome,