The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-05-26

Washington, May 24.-The United
States geological survey has just issued
an important volume, prepared by F. H.
Newell, relating to the use of water for
W irrigation and other industrial
purposes, the product of tn years Of
experience and systematic measurement
1t gives facts concerning rivers in va
rious localities from Maine to Califor-
mia and shows the greatest, least, and
average flow by months. This report
is made up of a number of papers. The
water powers ON the James river are
pointed out and a profile given from
Clifton Forge to Richmond. The water
powers of North Carolina are also de-
scribed by Professor J. A. Holmes and
the possibility of future developments
shown. In the same way the water re-
sources of Georgia are taken up as we'll
as those of SOUTHERN Alabama.
REPORT ON CRUISE OF GEORGIA
NAVAL RESERVES.
Lieutenant Switzerland, in charge Of
the naval militia, has received a pre-
liminary report on the work done by
the Georgia naval militia during the
recent cruise Of the Prairie, which in
augurated the scheme of summer
cruises along the coast. 1t shows that
the work OF the reserves was pa1ticu-
larly good in view of the fact that they
had never been to sea or had the use
of a government ship. That their gun
merry was good is shown by their smash
ing one of the targets. The technical
report of the board of officers appointed
to pass on the work in detail is that 1T
was fair" which is said to be a good
showing for the first cruise.
The Prairie is now out with the
North Carolina naval reserves ard on
her return will take out the Virginia
militia, sailing June 9Th.
THE QAULITY OF THE CUBAN
ARMY.
ex-governor John Gary Evans, OF
South Carolina, who IS a member Of
General Ludlow's staff at n time had
charge Of the city of Havana, called
at the white house today. He returned
from Cuba about three weeks ago. His
dCCOuulo VI SuUdH COhOlUlOll0 i hIooI
interesting. He is a firm believer in
annexation. He said:
IF you could have seen the army
that marched into Havana behind Go
mez, you would have acknowledged the
impossibility of decent self-govern-
ment on that island. Of eli the hetero-
geneous assemblages ever gathered, this
was the worst. Coxy's army was a
company of ~aristocratic gentlemen by
comparison. All this talk about the
patriotic form of the Cuban army is a
myth. They were largely actuated by
a desire for plumber and for office. They
now want to rule the island because
they see their chances Of looting the
treasury will not be good so long as it
remains under American control. To
turn the island over to the Clbans
would be a worse crime against civil
cation than to have allowed the Span
ish to rule it."
McKINLEY'S CONGRATULATIONS
TO VICTORIA.
The president addressed the follow
ing message to Queen Victoria on the
occasion of the anniversary Of her
birthday:
Executive Mansion,
Washington, D. c., May "a.
Ito Her Majesty, The Queen, Windsor
Castle, England:
IMadam:-It gives me great pleasure
to convey on this happy anniversary
the expression of the sentiments OF re-
gard and affection which the American
people cherish towards your majesty,
and to add the assurance OF my W
cordial respect and esteem. May God
grant to your majesty and to d coun-
tries under your government many
years OF happiness and prosperity.
civilian M'KINLEY."
TO RUSH WORK AT PORT ROYAL
NAVY YARD.
Extensive work on the government
naval station at Port Royal, S. c., will
now proceed, after it has been held UP
for sometime by a question raised as
to the title of the water front between
high tide and low tide. The navy
departm emit has not proceeded pending
this controversy, but requested the at
torney general for an opinion as to the
governments rights. Today the navy
department received Mr.. Griggs' opin-
ION that the government title was Sc
cure and in accordance with it, work
ON the engineering shops and other
features of the plant will be pushed at
once.
SATISFACTORY REPORT FROM
MANILA.
The general tone Of President Schur-