Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-03-30
A MISTAKE IS MADE,
Congress Unwittingly Gave Author
ity for Two Admirals.
CIVIL OFFICERS DESIRED FOR CUBA.
4 Proposition to substitute Than for Mill
tary Men to Be Considered-rhs SPAN
ish Prisoners In the Philippines
Think the End Ia Near.

Washington, March IS. Admitting
ly congress. just before adjournment,
gave President Mckinley authority ia
appoint two admirals OF the navy in.
stead Of limiting the grade to one, as
II undoubtedly intended. The discoy.
cry has just been brought to the atten.
ton OF the officials OF the navy depart
ment and has aroused considerable
gossip, especially among the friends
of Rear Admirals Sampson and schley.
Friends of Rear Admiral Sampson
are confident that II anyone is ap.
pointed he will be the man. Friends
Of Rear Admiral Schley would natural
" like to have the honor conferred
upon him, but, approaching the tenn
per OF the administration toward him,
they do not look for II. Although a
forced construction Of the legislation
OF the congress might seem to author.
ize the president to appoint an admiral
OF the navy in addition to Admiral
Dewey, it is said at the navy depart
ment that there Is no intention OF so
doing, as it Is perfectly clear that the
purpose Of congress was simply to pro-
vide for the advancement Of Admiral
Dewey to that grade.
CIVIL OFFICERS DESIRED FOR CUBA
Washington, March rs. --One OF the
matters which will lie early brought
TO the attention Of the president after
his return will be the proposition to
supplant the military with civil Off.
GERS In Cuba and Porto Rico, so far as
practicable. The civil officers selected
will be subject TO the military author
ity, which must be supreme for the
present, as it is the only method by
which the government Of the islands
can be maintained. What is desired
and what has been under considera.
ton by officers Of the administration
il to have civil officers selected who
will come In con tact with the people
OF the islands Military methods,
while best for the management OF the
army, are not always found suitable
In dealing with the people.
THE SPANISH PRISONERS
Washington, March 49, War depart.
ment officials say that the position Of
those Spaniards who are captured by
the United States forces when fight.
ing with the Filipinos will have to be
considered by the president before
any determination can be reached
At present Gen. Otis has full plenary
powers in the Philippines, and the war
department does not seek to interfere
with his management Of the campaign
In any way 1t Is believed, however.
until the president considers the mat
ter, such prisoners will be held as
prisoners OF war.
THINK THE END NEAR.
Washington, March rs. Satisfaction
is expressed at the war department
with the situation In the Philippines.
1t Is said that the dispatches of Gen,
Otis and the press reports show that
the column Is pressing steadily for
ward and that the troops are vigorous
ly In earnest and in good condition.
The belief Is expressed that the insur.
gents will soon get tired Of being con-
stantly fought, defeated and driven
back with loss Great confidence is
expressed in the ability Of Cen Otis
to finish the war because Of his deter
mination to give the forces Of Aguin-
aldo no rest.