24 May 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
May 24, 1898
Page
1
London reports suggest a major clash near Windward Passage between eastern Cuba and western Hayti with the Spanish fleet under Cervera defeated. Washington and Madrid scramble for details as fleets maneuver and possible engagement looms off Cuba this week.
Washington reports from Admiral Dewey via cable dated May 20 through Hong Kong noting Manila under strict blockade and a great scarcity of provisions. Aguinaldo, rebel commander in chief, arrives from Hong Kong aboard the McCurragh and organizes native cavalry to aid in Cavite. the situation remains largely unchanged with foreign subjects fearing their displacement.
A New York Times dispatch reports strong naval criticism of Admiral Sampson and policy amid rumors of U S forces seeking Cervera near Key West. Officers debate decisions from San Juan to Key West and the timing of movements toward Santiago de Cuba.
Retired officers and observers debate Cervera’s movements toward Martinique or Cadix amid calls that he lacks coal and skill to escape Sampson and Schley. A nonnaval observer speculates Salatine may be complicating orders while Sampson may have acted independently.
Washington May 2 The War Department believes the Spanish fleet under Admiral Cervera will not escape and likely will be captured or destroyed. The president conferred with his campaign council in the war room as officials awaited definitive news on the outcome.
Government reports from consuls and officers indicate uncertainty about Spanish cruiser Cervera's fuel and ability to cross the ocean. May messages reveal belief he lacks sufficient coal to sail, despite hopes he could reach Spain.
A May 2 report from Be ren New Mexico says Santa Fe train No 4 the southbound California express was stopped about five miles south of the Belen station by bandits who boarded the train stole the contents of a through safe after blowing it open with dynamite. Passengers were not harmed as robbers escaped on waiting horses and a posse led by the Las Lunas sheriff pursued them.
Tampa reports 70,000 men and twenty-one transports ready for invasion with gunboats to defend landing parties. Officials say nothing will now prevent it as the Iroquois arrives to boost the operation in Cuba plans.
Report discusses belief that Spanish fleet under Cervera is doomed and cannot escape. It notes news deepening the conviction of capture, references Sampson and Schley, and describes possible routes into the Atlantic. Separate item reports Adjutant General Corbin announcing 107,161 volunteers mustered. Weather note mentions showers and cooler weather for Kansas with possible thunderstorms.
A report from Washington dated May 24 says twenty one transports at the harbor ready for embarkation can carry 15 000 to 16 000 troops plus horses and supplies within 36 hours of orders. Admiral Cervera’s fleet is expected to be destroyed or driven from Cuban waters within two days. The government plans to move against Havana soon with 70 000 troops on standby from Key West, while some officials push to delay until fall due to road conditions for cavalry and artillery.
A Washington special says Cuba invasion could begin immediately with 60 000 men landed daily. 25 000 troops could be transported in 36 hours with two landing points near Havana. Regulars then marines from Key West, gunboats to suppress forts, pontoon bridges to shore, engineers and signals with first wave, strong shore and sea supply fortifications.
Dispatch from Manila reports the German consul attempted to land provisions from a German ship but Admiral Dewey refused permission. The consul threatened to force the landing with two German cruisers, and Dewey warned he would fire on them, causing the attempt to be abandoned.
A Key West dispatch reports rumors that the Mehthouse tender Mangrove has been captured by a Spanish gunboat off the southern Cuban coast. The American vessel, fitted for cable cutting, was said to be grappling for the Santiago cable to sever Madrid’s communications. No confirmation yet.
Washington reports at 3 15 p m the navy bulletin that the auxiliary cruiser St Louis has cut the cable at Santiago de Cuba and San Juan Porto Rico.
Washington reports a new stance that coal cargoes may be treated as contraband of war. Vessels carrying coal to support Admiral Cervera’s squadron could be seized as alien enemies, with ships and cargo libeled or sunk if found far from home waters. Stanton asserts coal contracts made before war are irrelevant to current delivery.
Forty nine carloads of provisions arrived and were unloaded and stored in Chattanooga Tennessee for volunteers. Quartermaster's department reports 629000 dollars in provisions received plus nearly as much more in clothing and equipment for about 4 thousand men in camp. Third Tennessee Infantry arrived from Nashville with 1000 officers and men under Col J P Fyfe, breakfast served, then taken to park. Kansas Bay on the Charleston. Waldo Evans of Hartford Kansas is Ensign on the Charleston, a naval route relief. Evans excelled in geometry and trigonometry at state normal, passed naval exam, previously at Annapolis.
Washington reports consider a second volunteer call for 150000 men, with Cuba invasion now underway. Army expansion to 199400 troops by June 1 aims to equip and deploy most under arms, while Philippines and Porto Rico gains push U.S. colonial aims.
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