Weather To-Day. (For Raleigh and Vicinity: Fair. The Morning Post. THIRD EDITION. 5.09 A. M. VOL. 1 RALEIGH. N. C., THURSDAY, MAY 19. 1898. No. 150 BOMBARDMENT OF TO CRUSH CERVERA’S FLEET. HAVANA Sampson and Schley Have Formed a Junction and Will Jointly Move Against the Cuban Capital. ■■ Of MPS 10 Of LANDED IN CIIOS ST ONCE Plenty of Big Warships Now Available to Afford a Safe Convoy and the Army of Regulars Now Concentrated at Tampa Will Form the First Expeditions. Schley, Sampson and Watson Fixing For Him, But Where Is He? By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—Notwithstand ing that the Navy Department has cabled to every United States Consul on the Northern coast of South America and in the West Indies today for the whereabouts of the Cape de Verde fleet, it is confessed by the naval strategists tonight that they know nothing about where the elusive Spaniards are. JUST WHERE THEY WANT THEM It is regarded as extremely probable that the Spanish vessels will proceed to San Juan, and this is just where the Navy Department would mostlike them to be, as thus located Sampson and Schley could crush them without dif ficulty. The probabilities are that Sampson’s, Watson’s and Schley’s fleets are to gether tonight, arranging the three squadrons in better formations for the capture of • the Spanish fleet, and the reduction of Havana. The navy officials said tonight that monitors are already before Havana prepared to resist any atempt of the Spanish fleet to get into that harbor, should it appear. The secrecy at the Navy Department has been redoubled. SHIIWIB Newspaper Despatch Boat Brings Details of Attack. der the steel decks. But they laughed in derision at the bungling and fruit less efforts of the enemy to hit the ships. Each commander fought his ship in the open, standing out on the unpro tected: bridge of his vessel. Admiral Sampson occupied the Iowa as his flagship and observed the fight, glasses in hand, from the bridge. Shells streamed around and over him, but he was unharmed. The captains, aides and signal offi cers were the only ones exposed, all the others being under cover. The net result of the engagement was that the forts were badly dam aged, and practically rendered use less for any further defensive opera tions of any consequence. ■ H BB Twenty-eight Torpedo Boats and Destroyers Will be Added. MR AND LARGER NAVI EFFORTS TO SECURE PEACE. FITZ LEE’S CORPS WILL BE AMONG THE FIRST TO LAND an all Probability, and When the Regulars Have Been Transported a Big Invading Army of Volunteers Will Follow—Naval Experts in This Country Agree that the Defences at Havana Can be Silenced and Captured by the Formidable Combined Fleets of Schley, Sampson and Watson, While Enough Vessels of the Right Kind Can be After wards Spared and Sent Out to Hunt for the Elusive Fleet of Cervera, and Rid the Seas of Spain’s Principal Squadron—Activity Along all Lines May Now be Looked For, Such Activity as Will Surprise the Public in Its Quickness and Completeness of Results—United States Mediation of European Powers Again Broached—The Alleged Terms, Etc. By Cable to The Morning Post. London, May 18.—A despatch from Paris to the Daily Mail says that negotiations are being conducted to secure peace between Spain and the United States, which the former is willing to make if she is allowed to retain Porto Rica and the Philippine Islands, possibly only the latter. Hanotaux, the French Foreign Min ister, is preparing the way for medi ation, and Austria is working in the same direction. It is likely that the suggested terms will take definite form in a few days. Government has Seized the Telegraph Office at Key West and Sup pressed all Newspaper Despatches Bearing on the Coming Attack on CADIZ FLEET READY FOR SEA. Gibraltar, May 18.—The Spanish fleet at Cadiz is ready for sea. It is expected that it will sail for the Philropines at the end of the current month. It is reported that 11,000 troops will accompany the fleet. Havana. ATEST FROM THE FLEETS. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—Though the does not look to the immediate relief of the unhappy people. The humanitarian object of this war has not been lost sight of, and the wretched reconcentrados will soon be fed and clothed under the protection of the American flag. The condition of the reconcentrados in Cuba, as well as the elusiveness of the Spanish fleet; will undoubtedly lead the administration into resuming the military operations-"which were sus pended when the fleet was discovered to be at Martinique. It was supposed when the fleet was reported that an engagement would soon occur and that the sea would be swept of the enemy. This belief, like many others upon which the naval strategists have based their plan ^f government is now exercising a rigid ■censorship over all the cable and tele graph lines, and refuses to permit news paper despatches relating to the move ments of the fleets or armies of the United States to be filed at the points of mobilization, it became known early today that the fleets of Sampson and Schley are at or near Key West, and have formed a junction. It is believed that these combined fleets will almost immediately move on Havana and bombard that city’s defences, and that simultaneously the troops will be rushed aboard the trans ports now at Tampa and other places .and hurried to the landing place on campaign, has proven to be without Cuba soil which has already been se-1 foundation. It is now believed that lectea. . ,'it is the purpose of the Spanish Admiral Evidence of this was the seizure of to evade a battle not only for the jr _ the telegraph office at Tampa and the^^ protecting his ships from, de struction, but also in the hope that the military arm of the government will Confirmation of Previous Statements Made in These Columns—Bom bardment Near. Special Telegram to The Morning Post. Key West. May 19.—3 a. m.—Schley’s flying squadron, composed of the ar mored cruisers Brooklyn and the bat tleships Massachusetts and Texas and the auxiliary cruisers St. Paul and Scorpion are in these immediate waters, and in direct communication with the Washington authorities. There are abundant indications also of the near presence fleet. of Sampson’s The cruiser New York captured a Spanish bark from Buenos Ayres loaded with provisions for Havana,’ somewhere outside, and she was brought in this afternoon by a prize crew from the New York. The despatch boats from the blockade report everything quiet off Havana. The number of warships about that port indicate that an aggressive move ment of some sort is to begin before long. This is all that can, with safety, be telegraphed tonight. throwing out of all despatches filed there regarding the movements of troops, and the receipt of a large num ber of cipher messages from Schley and Sampson. It is possitively known that Schley is at Key West, and the arrival of the despatch boats there that followed Sampson’s fleet pretty well establishes the fact that Sampson is there also. The next twenty-four hours will likely see a tremendous conflict before Havana. All naval experts here are confident that the Havana defences will be. silenced and captured, and that the army can be landed, while enough of the fleet to destroy Cervera’s fleet can be detached and sent out to hunt for the elusive Spaniards. The public may now look for activity all along the line that will be aston ishing in its quickness and complete ness of results. SANTIAGO BOWB'WDED. North Carolina’s First Regiment of volunteers has been ordered to Tam pa at once. The Flying Squadron has arrived at Key West. The Oregon, concerning whose safety there has been much anxiety for sev eral weeks, is now safe, and by the time these lines appear in print will prob ably be a part of Admiral Sampson’s fleet of fighters. It is believed, according to latest ad vices from Washington, that the com bined squadrons of Schley and Samp son are to attack Havana without de lay, and a large expedition of trained regular troops is to be landed 'on Cu ban soil within the next few days, to be followed by a large invading army of regulars and volunteers, the occupa tion of Cuba to be the result, the troops landing under the protection of the large number of American warships now in Cuban waters, including, as they do practically, the entire United States Navy except the fleet of Dewey in the Philippines. Uncle Sam has now gotten down to business in a very practical way, and there is ample evidence that the United States is how waging real war. This statement is emphasized by the fact that plans and purposes—the movements of the army and navy and aims of the Board of Strategy—are no longer promulgated to the world. Cen sorship of telegraphic and cable com munication is complete, and newspapers and news-collecting agencies, with patriotic desire to aid the government, are withholding from publication such tacts as might be of advantage to the enemy. remain paralyzed until the expected conflict has occurred. The war board has therefore decided not to allow our maneuvers to be dependent upon the whims and cunning of the Spaniards. Had it not been for the presence of the fleet 25,000 American soldiers would al ready have been upon Cuban soil. It is felt that their invasion has already been too long delayed. If the present policy is carried out, under the convoy of battleships and cruisers the transports will be safely escorted from Key West to some land ing place in Cuba. If necessary, the guns of the squadron will clear the way. If it begins at once, the army can be hurried from Chicamauga to Tampa, placed upon transports, reach Key West and be on its way to Cuba before the Spanish fleet can get within five hundred or a thousand miles of the scene of action. The fleet is at the present time out of” reach of. the cable, and unless it has superior methods of communication, is lying in the Vene zuelan gulf in helpless ignorance. If at any time it should learn of this new development and should attempt to frustrate the operations of the army, the battle which the naval authorities are looking for will take place. In fact, iti s hoped that the proposed in vasion of Cuba will decoy the fleet from its hiding place and compel it to give battel. Nothing would please the ad ministration more than this. The Charleston sailed yesterday for the Philippines, and Admiral Dewey is to be given every needed assistance in occupying those islands. This is a matter which just now bids fair to cause a tremendous kick on the part of many of the continental powers, and had it not been for. Great Britain a half-dozen European powers would have ere this attempted to force the withdrawal of Dewey from Manila bay, but this is a story which The Post’s despatches will more fully explain from day to day. . Three American Warships Bombarded Mor- ro Castle at Santiago de Cuba Yesterday This Brief Spanish Announcement Prob ably Means That Much Damage Was Done, In That a Victory is Not Claimed. By Cable to The Morning Post. Havana, May 19.—Three American ships bombarded Morro Castle at San tiago de Cuba today. Only slight damage, it is said, was done. No details of the engagement have beep received here. It is supposed that this engagement resulted from some of the blockading vessels on the south coast of Cuba at tempting to carry out the instructors recently given, viz., to cut the cable between Santiago de Cube and the other south coast' cities, which would result in depriving Cen. Blanco of all communication by telegraph with the outside world.—Post. THIS MAY INDUCE CEVERA TO Activity in the CUBA IN A WEEK. Army Circles—Troops Philippines, Etc. for To Go to Blanco’s Relief—If So It Will Suit the American Admirals Beautifully. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—Orders have been given Commodore Watson, in com mand of the blockading flee' to level all fort’fications along 'he Cuban coast. This is believed to foreshadow a move ment locking to the evacuation cf Cuba as soon as Admiral Sampson and Com modore Schley shall have been able to capture or destioy the Spanish squad ron, and it will incite the Spanish Ad miral tc come to Blanco's relief if any thing can drive him from his apparent purpose of annoying and harassing without making an effective stroke. The fact that the order was sent to Commodore Watson is an indication that Sampson and Schley are to be left free to search out of the wandering squadron which has just left Curacoa, and it is believed that Schley and Sampson will soon be able to bring the And the Only Loss of Life Occurred as Sampson’s Fleet Was Steaming Away—But They Were so Badly Damaged as to Render Them Prac tically Useless for Any Further Defensive Operations of Conse quence-Why the Bombardment Occurred—The Spaniards Fired On the Flag of Truce. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Key West, Fla., May 18.—The news paper despatch boat arrived here to day, bringing the details of the bom bardment of San Juan on May 12th. The most significant feature of the bombardment is the fact that the forts were not completely silenced. In fact it was a shot from the Spanish gun, fired while the American squadron was .steaming away, which killed the seaman. Whitemark, the only man slain during the battle, though the gunners’ mate of the monitor “Am phitrite” died from the effects of heat. Admiral Sampson and all his offi cers and men were greatly disap pointed. They did not give a rap to shell tenth-rate defenses like those at San Juan. They went there fully expect ing the Spanish fleet, including the deadly torpedo-boat destroyers, were ther^, and orders for an attack were given under the supposition that the Spanish fleet was in the harbor. The American fleet was deployed for an attack on the land defenses and the enemy's ships simultaneously, spe cial instructions being given to look out for the dreaded destroyers and to concentrate, the. fire on them if they appeared. Sampson had maps and charts of the defenses and harbor, but they were misleading. The fleet appeared off San Juan at daylight, but the cable had already announced the prospective bombard ment, and the people had fled in ter ror. Some wealthy families paid $300 each for teams to hurry them out of town. Si a-pson sent a tug ahead into the harbor, under a flag of truce, to an nounce that he intended to bombard the place and warning all non-combat ants to get out of the city. The flag of truce was fired on, how ever, and this violation of the laws of war resulted in the bombardment of the city at once, without further notice. The ships did not enter the entrance to the harbor, but remained in front of Morro Castle, and the three forts of San Cristobal, San Carlos and San Geronimo, situated on each side of the entrance harbor. The warships sailed right past the batteries, delivered their fire, and after passing out of range circled and came into line again. This was done three times. The battleships delivered a terrific fire, as did also the monitors Terror and Amphitrite. Morro fort was the chief object of attack, and a storm of shells was poured into it. It occupies an elevation of 125 feet above the sea level, and its guns could, if well handled, have delivered a ter ribly destructive fire. On the first shot a thousand pound projectile from the Iowa burst over it, tearing the big guns from their emplacement, and hurling tons of rock and debris far and wide, and creating havoc generally. The Spaniards must have suffered heavy losses, but they fought bravely. They must have been greatly ex cited, as their shots went far and wide and not one hit our ships squarely, though one struck the ventilator of the Iowa and burst, slightly wounding three seamen. Another wrecked a lifeboat on the New York, killing seaman Frank Whitemark, This was when the ships were retir ing, and the enemy were able to bring a number of guns to bear, showing that the forts had not been completely silenced. The torpedo-boat Porter ran right under the guns of fort San Christobal, and remained there three hours, pop ping away with her one pounders. The Spaniards dropped shells all around her,, but not one struck her. Morro and other forts were silenced several times, but the Spaniards rush ed bravely back to the guns every time the fire slackened and peppered away, but they might as. well have turned their guns the other way as far as doing any damage was con cerned. There was a heavy swell and our guns did not get the range at first, THE LATE SPANISH MINISTER, Senor Polo y Bernabe a Subject of Discus s!on in the Canadian House of Commons —His Connection With Spanish Spies. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Ottawa, Ont., May 18.—In the House of Commons tonight, Mr. Charlton made an attack on Polo, declaring that Spanish spies under him had crossed over into the States. Mr. Laurier, in reply to a query whether he had done anything to pre vent this, guardedly declared that he had not done anything to hasten Polo’s departure. Polo declared today that he would eave Saturday. THE OREGON IS ALL RIGHT. No Longer in Dange. of Capture by Spanish and Will Soon be With Sampson, if Not Already in Cuban Waters Washington, May 18.—The battle ship Oregon is safe from the Spanish fleet. Her long voyage from ’Frisco is practically ended. It was officially announced by Sec retary Long this afternoon, but for obvious reasons her location is not disclosed. Reliable information declares that she is somewhere east of Porto Rico, but many naval officials hint that she is already off the Cuban coast. The gunboat Marietta is also with her, but the dynamite cruiser Buffalo Is not. .>-’-« It is declared positively that she will be with Sampson’s fleet in a short time now. THE CHARLESTON STARTS On Her Long Voyage to the Philippines- Delayed a Few Hours But Well On Her Way Now Probably. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. San Francisco. May 18.—The cruiser Charleston started for Manila today, but another delay of a few hours re sulted, and tonight she was still in the harbor, trimming ship, as her cargo was badly stowed. She will be off some time during the night, however, on her way, carrying -eiief to the hero of Manila. AS TO THE PHILIPPINES. . J apan Will Not Protest Against Occupation by the U. S.—The Disorders There—The charleston Sails. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—The statement cabled from London that Japan in tended to protest vigorously against the seizure of the Philippines by the United States, and. with that object in view, was taking steps to secure the co-oper ation of certain European powers, is not credited by the Japaneses Minister. He said today that he has received no intimation, official or unofficial, of any such purpose on the part of his govern ment, and he is confident that the re port is without foundation. In his opinion the statement carries with it its own contradiction, since it is self- evident that the present position of affairs in the Philippines-offers neither occasion nor reason for a protest by Japan. but when they did shots to By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—The War De- tantalizing'uncertainly with regard Cervera’s movements to an end. to partment today ordered the Tenth N. C. BOYS TO TAMPA. One bit of news of importance can pe relied upon. The invasion of Cuba is no longer to be made dependent upon the whims and uncertainties of Admiral Cervera. The preparations for the landing of United States soldiers in large numbers on Cuban soil, at an early date, are proceeding and will be P ^ he ^. as if 110 Spanish fleet existed. ^Conditions on the island are more 'arrowing now than ever before—not e ' exce Pting the barbarous regime Pennsylvania regiment of volunteers and one of Pennsylvania’s crack regi ments to proceed as soon as possible to San Francisco and embark for Ma nila, The Fifteenth Regular Infantry and parts of the Seventh and Eighth Regu lar Cavalry regiments will also be or dered thither. The greatest secrecy is observed re garding the movements of the army on the Gulf coast, but it is stated to- night on reliable authority that the army will be in Cuba in a week. Secretary Alger issued an order fo ¬ War Department Orders The First Regi- ment There at Once-May Start Today. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washingtop, May 18.—The War De partment has ordered a number of the volunteer regiments of several States to proceed at Once to Tampa, among them being the First North Carolina Regiment, Col. Cowies com- land. Officers and watchers aboard the despatch boats, who observed the fight through glasses, could see men, brok en guns, stone and dust go flying into the air. The loss is not known, but must have been very great. Some shots went clear over the forts and into the town, doing considerable damage. It is reported that several people were killed in the town proper. The Spaniards had some big guns. Their shots, when they struck the water, threw columns of water fifty. feet in the air. They redoubled the fire when ships withdrew. manding. The volunteers are expect- The ended The fight lasted three hours at 8:15 in the morning. men were enthusiastic, r an $ President McKinley is|them the strictest secrecy of all xiestly opposed to any policy that movements. For Uncle Sam Under the Provisions of the Recently Passed Naval Ap propriation Bill—Secretary Long Invites all Shipbuilders to Partici pate in Bidding for the Construc tion of the Vessels — American Shipbuilders Will for the First Time be Given an Opportunity to Construct Torpedoboat Destroy ers. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—For the first time American ship builders are to be given a chance to construct torpedo- boat destroyers. Secretary of the Navy Long today sent out a circular letter to all ship builders, inviting them to participate in bidding for the construction of tor pedo-boat destroyers and torpedo boats, authorized by the naval appro priation bill. Sixteen destroyers and twelve tor pedo-boats are to be built. The contracts will be let as soon as possible, so that there will be no delay. Each destroyer must have a speed of 28 knots, and each torpedo-boat not less than 26 knots. All of the former must be construct ed within eighteen months, and the smaller craft within twelve months. THREE BATTLESHIPS INCLUDED. By Telegrah to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—Among the bids asked by the Navy Department today are those for the construction of three battleships, and thirty-two ather warships. ALABAMA IS LAUNCHED. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Philadelphia, May 18.—The Alabama was successfully launched today. She is one of the finest warships in the American navy, even superior to the Iowa and Indiana, and one of the finest vessels afloat. BEACHED THEIR BOAT And Left Her High and Dry While the Span ish Fishing Crew Fled to Elude Capture. By Telgraph to The Morning Post. Key West, May 18.—The torpedo-boat Dupont sighted a fishing schooner off the Cuban coast yesterday trying to run. the blockade. She put on all sail when ashot was fired across her bow. The Dupont fired seven shots at her, some taking effect while she was flee ing. The crew finally beached her and swam ashore. They then fled and the schooner was left high and dry. BRITISH CRUISER TO MANILA. By Cable to The Morning Post. Hong Kong,M ay 18.—The British second-class cruiser Pique has been ordered to Island of Iloilo, of the Phil ippine group, for the protection of the merchants whose lives and porperty are threatened by the insurgents. MULES FOR' THE PHILIPPINES. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. St. Louis, Mo., May 18.—A telegram has been received from Washington by Lieutenant Colonel G. Smith, the head of the Quartermaster’s Department in this city, ordering the immediate ship ment of 120 mules to San Francisco to go with the reinforcements to be sent to Rear Admiral Dewey at Manila, The mules are heavy-draught animals. DEWEY’S BLOCKADE EFFECTIVE London, May 19.—2 a. m.—A de- spatch to the Daily Telegram from Manila May 13th, via Hong Kong, says that besides the gunboat “Callao,” the Americans have captured some steam ers and several coasting vessels. Nothing has yet succeeded in pass ing the blockade. It is believed that Dewey wants to capture the gunboat Leyte, anchored in of Pampanga river. He has a number launches scouting thereabout. MEDALS FOR DEWEY’S MEN. To be of More Than Usual Excellence the Victory Warrants. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. as THE NEWARK ALMOST READY. The Cruiser to be Put in Commission at Norfolk on Saturday. By Telegraph to The Morning Post. Washington, May 18.—The cruiser Newark will be put in commission at the Norfolk Navy Yard next Saturday, but may not be ready for sea for two weeks yet. Capt. Albert S. Baker, now a member of the Naval Strategy Board, has been assigned to the command of the Newark and will join that vessel on the 21st inst. THE SOUTHERN METHODISTS, The Election of Doctors Candler and Mor rison as Bishops Confirmed—Dr. Hoss Withdrew—Other Elections and Business or importance. Washington, May 18.—Secretary Long has appointed Assistant Secretary Allen president of a board which is to be charged with the selection of de signs for the medals to be awarded to Admiral. Dewey and the members of his ships’ crews in recognition cf their achievements at Manila. Two other members of the board are By Telegraph to The Morning Post Baltimore, Md., May 18.—The trouble over the election of two bishops in the Southern Methodist Conference was adjusted today when Dr. Hoss, of Nash ville (who inadvertently had been elected) wihtdrew, and declined to per mit his name again to be used. It was then decided that Drs. Chand ler and Morrison (who had also been chosen yesterday) should be declared the bishops-elect. They will be ordained tomorrow. The conference selected the editor of the Nashville Christian Advocate, the place held by Dr. Hoss. He was re- elected with practically no opposition. Much interest was taken in the elec tion of the Secretaries and Editors. The salary of each place is $2,500, and the offices are often stepping-stones to the Episcopacy. Two ballots were taken without an election for Secretary of the Board of Church Extension, to succeed the late Rev. Dr. David Morton, of Louiville. The feature of the day’s proceedings was the address of Rev. W. Davidson, fraternal delegate from the British Weslyan Conference. He said: “It is not necessary for me to say that England is entirely on your side in this war. (Applause.) The Barbari ties in Cuba have too long outraged the human feeling. We congratulate you on the splendid victory at Manila. (Great Applause), and I may say also that we have no fears as to the final yet to be appointed. It is the purpose outcome. (Applause.) to secure designs for the medals of .“ But whatever else comes from it, I more than usual excellence, as the I sincerely trust that it will result in splendor of the victory warrants. It is expected that the widest opportunity binding together in still closer fellow- our and and manaing. me volunteers are expect- when a shot struck they w®'uld send ed to reach there just after most of up a cheer, but there was a feeling the regulars start on the first expe-1 that the result had been fruitless, as ditions for Cuba, and the fact thatthe Spanish ships, whom all had so ^^ a f e ordered to proceed at once ardently desired to meet, had not been night to all army officers enjoining upon would indicate that the expeditions of seen. . army. regulars will leave before the end of 1 The men fought under very trying i the present week. 'difficulties, as it was terribly hot un- is to be opened to American genius ('submit designs. To Command the Raleigh I By Telegraph to The Morning Post. to ship our two nations.” (Loud con tinued applause.) ' San Francisco, Cal., May 18.—Lieut. More Red-Legged Grasshoppers. Special Telegram to The Moaning Post. Washington, May 18.—The following storekeepers and gaugers have been , „ _ . _ appointed in the Asheville Internal ;Thos. S. Phelps, Jr., U. S. N., has been,Revenue District: John W Shook, i detached from the command of the'Clyde; Annie A. Wilson, Mount Holly; United States Naval Recruiting Office.:Asa W. Rollins, Grover; M. S. Pollard, and ordered to depart in the City of Hickory; Chas. H. Miller, Watsonville; 1 Pekin for the Asiatic station, to take'Alfred Attinger, Asheville; Wm. M. command of the United- States steam-j Cowan, Watsonville, and Joseph S. ship Raleigh. Bamley, Bamley. . ,