25 Apr 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Apr 25, 1898
Page
1
The president sends a formal message to Congress announcing a state of war with Spain and requests a formal declaration from the National Legislature. The action marks the entry of the United States into official hostilities with Spain.
Washington April 25 the house approved a war declaration against Spain after the president transmitted a message detailing diplomatic breaks and Spain's withdrawal of envoys. The vote followed a proclamation of war dating April 22 and authorization to deploy land and naval forces.
Tampa report says the US cut the Havana cable ten miles offshore, with the Mangrove old converted cruiser handling the line. The action isolates Capt. Gen. Jance from Spilin and ports while a Cuba blockade expands and censorship broadens through Key West and toward Punta Gorda. Navy orders block newspaper boats, hindering accurate information.
London April 25 Spaniards held a meeting to protest yesterday’s Trafalgar Square gathering where Cuban atrocities were denounced. Several English and Irish speakers voiced support for Spain during the event.
New York reports a broad naval blockade of Cuba and captures of nine ships including the steamers Buena Ventura Podor Miguel Jover Catalina Saturnina and the schooners Mathilde Candidia and Antonio. Most prizes to Kay West with Saturnina to Ship Island. Several additional Spanish and American vessels are moving or poised for capture as the war progresses.
London special dispatch from St Vincent dated today reports the Spanish fleet may sail today. It is described as formidable with four first class cruisers and six torpedo craft. The report notes the torpedo ships have transferred about 2,000 tons of coal to the cruisers.
Washington reports note no proclamation yet for a blockade of Porto Rico or the Philippines. Officials say naval forces are not ready to act, but usual practice may lead to a blockade notice if an admiral deems it justified to prevent Spanish ships at Manila from escaping.
Washington on April 25 reports the president will appoint Theodore Roosevelt of New York, then assistant secretary of the navy, as lieutenant colonel of the United States volunteers. He will serve in a regiment of cowboys and mounted firemen raised by Roosevelt and Dr. Wood. Dr. Wood, Roosevelt's family physician, will be colonel of the regiment.
Madrid reports spread rumors of seizures by warships and U S movements while the press discusses Spain's failure to deliver the U S ultimatum. Analysts say non-delivery leaves the United States with leverage and questions reservations tied to Cuban independence. Spain's pride is contrasted with diplomatic loss.
Washington reports Commander Forsyth at Key West says three more Spanish prizes were captured by Sampson’s fleet. The Detroit towed the prize steamer Catalans of Cadiz to Key West, while Cush ing and Algonquin arrived with two Spanish schooners seized nearby. The Algonquin aided towing the last two prizes into port. Private Secretary to the Governor discussed a Kansas regiment appointment, with a major in a Patterson command speculated.
Washington reports Secretary John Sherman handed in his resignation at a cabinet meeting, effective at noon, ending more than four decades of public service. William R. Day of Canton, the current first assistant secretary, is expected to succeed him amid reshuffles over Spain and Cuba policy.
The Senate Military Affairs Committee met at 10 in the morning to review the army reorganization bill and to decide if amendments are needed for the volunteer army measure. Critics fault the volunteer bill, while War Department authorities differ on the alleged defects. Senator Hawley, chair of the committee, requested an official opinion.
The resignation is attributed to a long career of public service and deteriorating health nearing a life of service. The secretary tendered the resignation to the president, effective at day’s end, after meeting with cabinet colleagues. Additional remarks await later in the day as news outlets await an official statement. Meanwhile the Senate committee focuses on the army reorganization bill and its expedited passage to enable reforms to begin promptly.
London dispatch says the pope replied he blessed Spanish arms from his heart and hoped to see vindication of Spain’s rights which have been trodden on. The pope’s blessing follows a request by the queen regent for papal blessing on Spain’s military efforts.
Senator H G Jumper of Osage county resigns as state senator and board of charities to Governor Leedy, asking for a volunteer regiment post. Leedy has not acted, and war service would be required for acceptance. Senators Forney and Reser also seek restoration to the senate, while Hatch Senators propose staff appointments if company slots cannot be filled.
Turner, ex United States consul to Cadiz, Spain, resigns as secretary of the state railroad commissioners board and seeks appointment as a Kansas volunteer regimental officer or staff. Gov Leedy likely to appoint him. Sons of Veterans and Women's Relief Corps of Mankato call on Leedy to name Turner, pledging Jewell county volunteers if appointed.
Madrid reports warn Spain’s dangers from within rival external threats as cabinet crises and street protests rise. Financial turmoil hits Bank of Spain silver reserves, securities slide, and gold premiums surge. Public anger targets Jewish financiers amid anti Semitic sentiment, while England is viewed as the only European counterweight to U S Cuba policy. The cont int powers are urged to intervene to curb postwar settlement threats to Spain's institutions.
Junction City April 25. Wil Callahan's volunteers are filling fast with country districts joining. Eugene Farlingy has many volunteers and will be ready when Governor Leedy calls for the Kan sas quota. About 125 men expected.
Two escaped U S convicts, numbers 293 and 437, were captured at Rock Creek fourteen miles southeast of Topeka at 9 o clock today after a pursuit by citizens armed with Winchesters. One escapee sustained a possibly fatal wound during the surrender.
Bangkok April 2 United States Minister Barrett proposes that after the United States captures the Philippine islands America should negotiate with Great Britain to exchange them for Britain West India colonies.
Reports from St Vincent Cape Verde Islands indicate the Spanish feet vessel remains at port while other ships are seen departing, with confirmation anticipated tomorrow at 4 46 p m.
The War Department outlines state quotas for infantry and select batteries. Regiments are listed by state, with both infantry and cavalry allocations where applicable, detailing units and armaments to be supplied by governors. The document repeats the April 23 1898 proclamation and requests timely wireless reports on available equipment and readiness.
Washington April 25 Theodore Roosevelt resigns his post as assistant secretary of the navy to take effect at the president's convenience after the commencement of active military news.
Hong Kong reports United States cruiser Olympua and Commodore Dewey departed port amid confusion over a formal declaration of war. Consul Wet notes no official notification from Washington about war status.
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