THE OMAHA i DAILY BEE. ESTABLISHED JUNE 19 , 1871. OMAHA , THUBSDAY MOHNING , MsfcY 5 , 18 , )8-TA\rELVE PAGES. SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS. ' SAMPSON HAS SAILED Blockading Fleet Leaves from in Front of Havana Harbor. IMPORTANT BATTLE EXPECTED SOON Supposed .Intention is to Head Off the Spanish Flotilla. DEWEY IS NOT TO HAVE ALL THE GLORY None but the Smaller Vessels Left to Keep Up the Blockade. DECISION TO STRIKE A DECISIVE BLOW Flrnt Crnxli of Modern Ship * of Some where Near Eauiil Strength to lie Ilcportcd Soon. ( Poi-yrlsht , H98 , toy 1'rcsn Publishing Company. ) KEY WEST. May 4. ( New York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Tno dis patch boat Triton sailed from here with Ad miral Sampson's war ships 'edit/ and lay off Havana with them. It Is expected that the war ships will sail Immediately emit from there , the destination probably being Poito nico. The fact that the big battleships and mon itors coaled to the fullest capacity before steaming away Is taken to Indicate the plan of occupying considerable time. The blockade - ado Is still rigidly kept up by the smaller cruisers under the temporary command of Captain Converse of the Montgomery. Admiral Sampson has divided his fleet as a result of a prolonged conflict between the ships held almost under the guns of Morro castle , and after assigning the rest of his command to maintain the blockade , ho headed across Into Key West Monday night , which brought the battleships Iowa and In diana , the cruisers Cincinnati and Detroit and the dispatch boat Mayflower trailing along after him. All have been coaling hero ever slnco and when they started couth today had their bunkers filled to their ut most capacity. Off the Cuban coast they will bo joined by two of the three double- turreted monitors , probably the Puritan and the Amphltritc , and then Admiral Sampson will open the sealed orders which were de livered to him yesterday. It Is pretty generally understood that ho made ns strong n protest as an admiral can do to going to sea blindfolded for a second time. Ho has received voluminous replies from hcadnuarters , but they directed him simply to take on all the coal ho could an3 sail. These Instructions are taken to mean that the government has decided to permit Bomo of the smaller vessels of tht lleet to continue the blockade , and allow Sampson to head off Span's formidable squadron , which Portugal pushed from the Cnpo do Verde Islands n few days ago. It Is possible that before Admiral Samp- eon leaves Cuban waters ho may stop at Matanzas and complete the Asork of destruc tion he began last Wednesday. The govern ment Is showing Its Intentions to land sup plies there by keeping the Panther's army of blue Jackets on board , as well as by ar ranging for the prompt transportation of the laud forces now at camp at Tampa , when that Is necessary. The government Is still holding consulta tions with the Insurgent leaders. A party of half a dozen Influential Cubans selected by General Emello Nunez , the famous filt- buster , have left here In the government tug Loydon to bo landed In Cuba somewhere east of Matanzas. They are expected to reach Gomez with Important dispatches by Thursday night. Their mission Is to tell Gomez where and how and when supplies , runs and ammunition will reach them. The crow ofthe swift United States iteamcr Eagle , formerly the yacht Almy , la positive that ono Spanish gunboat was sunk In the flght at Clenfucgos , and a torpedo boat badly damaged , as It was necessary to top the Spaniard's gunnery , which was sur prisingly excellent. Ono shot knocked two feet off the Eagle's bowsprit and two flew over Its decks. The gunboat Eagle was alone at the beginning , and tha Spanish probably had ten boats , but the little ship edged In as close as possible. The Eagle's people say the Spaniards did excellent shooting. The : rulser Marblehead , steaming up , got a warm reception , but made the Spanish run In short order. Both the ships fired over 100 shots. BAD CONDITIONS IN POHTO HICO. ( torlom * Revolt In Liable to Break Out at Any Time. . ( Copyrleht , U9S , by l'rc s Publishing Company. ) ST. THOMAS , Danish West Indies , May 4. ( Now York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) On the steamship Morcornnr.la , which arrived hero from Ponce , Porto Rico , is Sonora Henna , mother of the president of the Porto Rlcan Junta , who has been compelled to leave by the perse cution of the Spanish officials. Refu gees report the garrison at Ponce depleted to defend other ports on the Spanish coast , and It Is claimed that a small body of Insurgents could take the town. Tbo rebels expect the arrival of Colonel Larrot hourly to Initiate a revolt. The government Is distributing arms , but refuses any to natives , who uro suspected of rebel tendencies. The price of food Is still advancing. Rice has gene up 200 per cent and the papers me commenting bitterly on the rapacity of the food speculators , whose largo supplies wore expected to cause a break In prices. Officials have confiscated the coal supply of the Pence gas works , but the manager has boon ordered to continue the light service In eplte of the confiscation. The prisons arc filled with political suspects , including Jose Barbosa , the liberal leader. Three women are In jail , the wives of suspected Insur gents arrested In Havana by Blunco's orders. Several editors have been expelled. C.ROHOE BUONSON UEA. Queen IlcKcnt May ( Copyright. IfcSS , by l're I'ublUhlng Company ) LONDON. May 4. ( New York World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) The Dally Chronicle's Vienna special says : "I have reason to believe that the Idea of the res ignation of the regentshlp by Maria Chris tina Is being seriously considered by the queen's Imperial family In Austria , with a m , view to avert an anti-dynastic movement and save the throne for the youthful king. An exchange of Ideas on the subject Is going on between the queen regent and her Aus trian family , but the most Influential mem bers Of Decidedly opposed to her resigna tion. " Think the Coble In Lifted. MADRID. May 4. 2 p. m. It la believed in Spanish circles here that a vessel belong ing to the fleet of Commodore Dewey has ucceedcd In lifting the cable In Manila bay , connecting with Hong Kong , but that the commodore has not been able to use It , as be did not have with him the necessary tele graphic apparatus. There la BO conQrmator ; * tbU report REORGANIZESTHE SQUADRON _ eir Orleann Taken the Plaee of the Crnlner Ciilnmliln In Commo dore Schley'n Fleet. ON BOARD FLAGSHIP BROOKLYN ( oft 'ort Monroe ) , May 4. It Is the general xpcctatlon here that the flying squadron will go to sea within twenty-four hours , or is soon as the New Orleans arrives. Commodore Schley has been notified that he cruiser Columbia has been detached front he squadron and that the New Orleans will take Its place. So far as fighting ability la onccrned the New Orleans Is superior to ho Columbia , being more heavily armed and dthout BO much free board and upper work * o act as a target. The squadron as now constituted will con- 1st of the Massachusetts , first class battle- hip ; Texas , second class battleship ; Brook lyn , armored cruiser ; New Orleans , of the , ype of the Raleigh and Cincinnati , and the Scorpion , a fast armored yacht , with four vo-lnch and four six-pounder guns. The Minneapolis has not yet been officially ctachcd and may yet Join the squadron. The squadron Is now accompanied by a first : lass tug for dispatch and water purposes , ind the collier Sterling. On the ships to- Jay fire and collision drills were gene trough with In remarkable shape. On the Brooklyn the two score of hose connections wore made and the tarpaulins spread In less , han n mlnuto and a quarter , while water as ready to bo let Into the magazines. During the collision drill the water tight : ompartments were closed and the mat to lover a break In the hull prepared for use n less than two minutes. DAY OF "EXCITEMENT IN COHTES. Sciior Cannlejnn Uricen Union In De- MADRID , May 4. Public attention ccn- ercd again today In the lower house of the Jortcs. There was a repetition of the great crowds of yesterday , the police and Ivle guards , besides the secret police , mingling with the people. The galleries of ; he House were packed and many women tvero present. Several prominent senators ccupled scats beside the deputies on the floor of the chamber. Senor Revertcr , minister of finance In the Canovas cabinet and hero of the ex-com- munlcatlon Incident last fall , defended the policy of Scnor Canovas. Senor Canalojas , editor of El Heraldo , re plying , dwelt upon the "weakness and vacll- atlon of the government of Canovas which fostered Yankee boldness. " The principal speech was delivered by Senor Romero y Robledo , former minister ot .ustlce and leader of the Weylerlto party , who maintained that America fostered the Cuban rebellion and meant "war from the commencement. " Scnor Morel's policy of autonomy "ho char acterized as a farce and as absolutely cr roneous. As for the Cubans , ho declared that they did not desire autonomy and as 'or the rebels that they never Intended to accept It. "Tho present conflict , " he continued , 'proves ' the real Intentions of the Yankees. Spain must now face Its International enemy , and It should not waste a single peseta to glvo the Cubans autonomy , which would bo ono step toward Independence The war requires the o'nergy of all classes to defend the king and the fatherland. " In the course of the debate a formal prom ise was made on behalf of the old con servatives to support the government while the present situation continues. COALS OP FIRE ON HIS HEAD. Cuban Pilot Retnrnn Good for Evl' to a Spaniard. ( CopyrlBht. 1E3S , by Press Tublishlns Company. ' KEY WEST , May 4. ( New York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) When La borde , the Cuban pilot on the Marblehead boarded the prize ship Argonauta off Clon- fuogos a Spanish officer looked at htm om inously and said : "Seems to me I have seen you before , Laborde replied promptly : "Yes , you are the man who spat In my face when I was a prisoner In Cabanas , but now I've go you and you will see how differently prla oners are treated by Americans. " Cortljo did not find It convenient to con tlnuo the conversation longer. Laborde thinks he ought to have been given Cor- tljo's sword. WAR SHIP OREGON LEAVES IUO Snlln Northward , Fttllou-ed by th < Murlcttn and Nltchroy. ( Copyright , 1S9S , by Press Publlshlns Company. RIO , May 4. ( New York World Cable gram Special Telegram. ) The Oregon and Marietta sailed this morning ; the Nlctheroy follows tonight. The purchase of the Nlctheroy greatly pleased the Brazilian gov crnmcnt. The diplomatic corps Is surprise ! at the prestige of American Interests sc cured through the tact of our diplomat ! and consular representatives. The Temcra rlo Is still at Buenos Ayres. .ovM Not Like It. ( Copyright , IMS , "by Tress PubllehlnK Company. LONDON , Mny 4. ( New York Worl Cablegram Special Telegram. ) The Dally News' Odessa special says : The talk of an alliance between England and America 1 attracting serious attention In this country The Idea Is palpably unwelcome and dls tasteful and some political scribes In th Russian press discuss all kinds of nonsensl cal and historic reasons to show why sucl nn alliance Is Impossible. They scout thi kith and kindred argument as too silly am sentimental , saying that Russia has alway been studiously solicitous to maintain mos friendly relations with the Washington gov ornmcnt and keeping ever In view the slgna advantages she was likely one day to reap from that friendship when her great SI bcrlan railway Is completed and she i firmly seated on the Asiatic shores of th Pacific , Russia has copiously and rcndll ; granted all kinds of concessions and fa cllltles to American syndicates and capital Ists for great over-sea traffic which th Siberian line will Inaugurate between th two continents. At St. Petersburg It ha been perfectly well understood that this ex traoidlnary complacency toward the Unite Slates foreshadowed nn eventual Itussq , American alliance. It Is easy to under stand , therefore , the displeasure aroused i this country by a reported probability of a : Anglo-American alliance. A' ! Quiet nt Iliivnnn. ( Cvpyrluht. ll , by 1'ren I'uMlihlnK Company LONDON , May 4. ( New York World Ca blegrara Special Telegram. ) British Con sul General Collan cabled today from - Havana vana to John McLcod , member of the Hous of Commons In London : "Quiet now prevails In Havana , after th excitement caused by the opening of th blockade. No news of outside events ha been received , British subjects have th protection of the cruiser Talbot , which I lying here. " This \vas \ In response tn a cable from Me Leod asking on behalf of Gollan'a friend at Inverness what was the present state o affairs at Havana. Ciollan's message under went several hours' delay at the hands o the censor. Tbo Talbot U a new seron class cruiser earning eleven guns and has a speed of twenty knots. Sinned a UrltUli Vnoht. GIBRALTAR. May 4. A British steam yacht , which has just arrived here , w to leave Malaga , Spain , because trolled and atoned * STILL NOTHING FROM DEWEY favy Officers Disappointed Over the Delay in the Beport , NTERESTED NOW IN SPANISH FLEET Ilcport tlmt the VenneU Are nt Cndli In Disbelieved , n * They Have Not Had Time to Hcncli that Tort. WASHINGTON , May 4. A sensation was caused throughout the city by the news hat came this morning of the arrival of a easel , supposed to bo the dispatch boat McCullocb , at Mlrs bay , forty miles from long Kong , the cable terminus. The officials Immediately fell Into an air of expectancy waiting for some word from Admiral Dcwcy that wbuld not only con firm officially the stirring news of the bat- lo of Manila as reported by the press , but clllng what had happened since the cable vas Interrupted. Up to the close of office hours no word had come from Hong Kong , and the officers who bcllove the McCulloch was really In Mlrs bay were put to devising Ingenious explanations of why the receipt of a cable gram had been delayed. These touched upon the twelve hours dlf- 'orence In time , the distance from Mlrs bay : o Hong Kong , which had to be overcome > y the messenger , and the slowness of cable communication owing to the number of relays on the enormously long circuit from Hong Kong to New York. Some of the other naval officers , however , ivho steadfastly contended that Admiral Dewey would not have sent away his ds- | latch boat until ho had completed bis d'e- latch and received the surrender of Manila , pointed out that If they were right In that issumptlon It would not bo possible for U.o McCulloch to reach Hong KOH.J before to morrow evening. Great interest is felt In the reported re- .urn of the Spanish Capo Verde fleet to 3adlz , but while admitting the possibility of the fast vessels of the Spanish flying squadron making the passage In the five days hat the vessels have been out from St. Vln- cent , the naval officers were disposed to re- ; ard with great suspicion news of this kind emanating from Portugal , because of the 'ecognlzed sympathy of the Portuguese with he Spanish side. Valne of n Fnlne Hint. It would bo worth a good deal to the Spanish admiral commanding the flying squadron , supposing ho were on his way across the Atlantic , to throw us off our uard by having us believe that ho had returned to Spain. The Navy department has secured two vessels In San Francisco , the Australia and the City of Pekln , which will bo loaded with coal and supplies and rushed off to loin Commodore Dowey's fleet. Whether or not they will carry troops will bo deter mined positively when the commodore Is heard from on this matter. The Navy department Is hurrying together an exceptionally large stock of ammunition to go forward by the City of Pekln to re cruit the ammunition of Commodore Dowey's fleet. The first shipment of pro- Jtl [ cctllcs left New York yesterday and addi tional shipments will be made until the full quota of powder and shot will be In San Francisco within the next ten days. There will bo a total of more than 10,00 ( projectiles of various caliber and weight For the four big 8-lnch guns of the Olympla there will be COO 8-lnch stcc armor-piercing projectiles , weighing abou 900 pounds each ; for the C-lnch guns of the Olympla , Baltimore and Boston and other ships , there will be 1,000 steel projectiles The other shipments will Include about 10- ' 000 6-pound rifle balls , 2,000 6-lnch sheds 3,000 3-tnch balls and 3,000 1-pound balls. The Navy department is fortunate in hav ing laid In an ample stock of projectiles of all weights and sizes so there will be no delay In getting a full supply ready for shipment to Commodore Dewey. The supply of powder Is not so readily obtained , as powder has been distributee to ( the several fleets and ships as fast as 1c 1 has come from the powder mills. Bu owing to the emergency In the case of the Asiatic fleet , powder Intended for olhe uses will be forwarded to San Francisco am sent to Commodore Dewey. Navy Department Ha * Powder. The recent explosions at powder mills have not crlppllcd the Navy department In securing supplies of powder , but t ev Iiav caused some delay In filling tha or..crs o the War department. No official news has como to confirm thi report from Hawaii that the lalamH havi been tendered to" the Unite 1 States fo ; war uses. It Is said that If tie Incoming mall brought the proposition it woul < scarcely be trusted to bo telegraphed her on account of Its Importance , but would b forwarded by the railway malls , which would bring It hero In about five days. Without exception the naval officer : would , welcome the possession of Hawaii a this moment , as affording a magnificent bast for naval operations In the Pacific , but I Is said President Dole's proposition nun be submitted to congress , so It will be fo the legislative branch In the end to pn ° 4 on this offer. The fine British cruiser Blake left Glbral tar today , bound straight for Rio Do Janeiro and It Is supposed here that It goes to observe servo any engagement that might threatci between the Oregon and the Spanish fleet. The monitor Wynndotte has been orderec to Bath , Me. , where It will be manned by volunteers. The nomination today of a number of ma Jor generals and brigadier generals Is an In dlcatlon of the purpose of the president tt avail himself of the full number of the troop called for by his proclamation and even t follow the call by another very soon , for 1 is evident that there are not enough com mands to go around properly among the of fleers already nominated. Assistant Secretary nooacvelt , soon to be Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt , today recclvec several gratifying telegrams from the west announcing the rapid organization of Colono Wood's regiment of mounted riflemen. Major Brodle telegraphed from Prcscott Ariz. , that at 6 p. m. today the four troop of the regiment recruited In Arizona wouk leave for San Antonio , Tex. , the mobillzln ; point. From Now Mexico came n telegram stat Ing that 250 men had been enlisted toda ; and they would leave Friday for San An tonlo , and the troop organized at Guthrle O. T. . sent word that It would leave to morrow for the railing point. Besides Major Brodle , Major Hcrsey o Now Mexico has been appointed , leaving bu one vccancy In the grade of major in th rcetmcnt. Applications for enlistment are coming I from the cast In large numbers , but th most rigid testa for qualification are being Insisted upon. Wnteulnir for Dlnpatchen. ( Copyright. JiW. by 1'reti 1'ubllihlne Company. HONG KONG , May 4. ( New York Worl Cablegram Special Telegram. ) The reve nue boat McCulloch to bring dispatches 1 nue boat McCulloch U expected hourly t bring dispatcher SPAIN WANTSQHttRVENTION till Hope * that EurFiWlll Step In and Cnll Off tkerWnltcd State * . ' CtpyrlKht , 1S9S , by 1'rnn Vu1 > U hlng Company. ) MADRID ( Via. the frontier ) , May 3. Now York World Cablegram Special Tele- ram. ) The lost twenty-four hours have een anxious ones for ; the ministers ntul nu * horltlcs of Madrid. Bagasta went twice to ee the queen and offered to resign If she jellevcd : a conservative or military cabinet ould do better to defend the dynasty and jonarchy than the present government , whoso members stick to their posts now nly out of a sense of loyalty to the crown and Eclf-rcspcct , as they don't want to bo ccused of abandoning the reins of stotu In he midst of war. Most of all they fear poplar - lar revolutionary passfons. The civil authorities ; In Madrid got so larmcd at the attitude of the republicans nd CnrllBts that they'/runkly told Sagasta hey could not answer for order much longer. Barcelona authorities" also report a very crlous condition of things. Republicans are working upon the masses , discontented by he rise In price of all provisions and the lose of many factories 'and consequent loss n Cuban and Philippine markets. The queen asked Sagasta to remain In jfflce. Ho consented , subject , however , to getting her permission , ( or proclaiming a tote of siege In Madrid- Now that martial law Is the pile the press s Buffering. Anyone circulating news about he war can be sent to military prisons. Courts-martial wore had this morning on nach of the Carllst , social and military Inde- cndcnt republican papers , which had been clzcd. Their editors were prosecuted by or der of military Judges. Troops with officers are confined In barracks. Cavalry and In- antry patrol tl o streets from night until junrlsc. Insldt all public buildings courts are crowded with foot and horse police. In the rest of the kingdom precautions , .hough less visible , are fcqually severe , be cause the court and government apprehend graver movements. If a fresh reverse oc- urs In Cuba or with regard to the licet hlgh- mnded measures will b'o considered neces sary to keep adversaries of the monarchy and ' popular classes down until the moment comes when the rulers of Spain can declare that Its honor has been satisfied and the Imo has come to appeal to European gov ernments to step In and get honorable terms of peace for Spain. If national feeling runs too high against Sagastft and Moret , when really there Is most danger the queen will probably ask Marshal Campos to form alert lort of government for the national and monarchical defense. The old matshal has told her he will be readyi to do so directly she sends for him. The Bagasta cabinet days are numbered. QUESTION OP COAt/ CONSIDERED , Problem Which Ever'Confront * the SiiniilMh Ifleet. ( CopjrlKht. U9S. by I'ress Tubllihlnp Company. ) LONDON. May 4. ( New York World Ca blegram Special Telegram , ) In all Spanish naval plans to raise the Cuban blockade the question of coal capaclty'and ' coal consump tion of a Spanish flcetjlsfof paramount Im portance. H. W. Wilson ! .author of "Iron clads In Action , " the , most noted Hying Srlttsh naval expert , .gives a precise state ment of Just how much coal he considers necessary to operate th'o Spanish squadron ic writes : , , - Various and very discrepant statements are made respecting the Spanish cruisers' coal capacity andupconle'are uncertain of what quality of coal Is on board , whether the best Welsh steam or the rubbishy Span ish or German coal. Of thft latter three tons will only do the work of two tons of the former. Spain had not large stocks of coal , so It Is probable there Is much of the poor stuff In the bunkers. v Calculations on coal and endurance must be somewhat reduced If Welsh coal Is not on board. Besides the coal carried In the bunkers some can be stowed In bags for a Jongvoyage. . The quantity thus carried Is naturally uncertain , but about the extreme JUnit for the size of the ship Is allowed. A l Spanish armored cruisers have economical triple expansion engines , but their stokers are believed to bo Inferior In speed , and the use of coal will bo economical until the | American fleet or cruisers are sighted. If the Spanish fleet , meets Sampson east of Porto Rico It must cither run or flght If It fights Spain will be smashed hands down. If It'runs a Yankee cruiser fresh from port full up with coal'and In fine trim will quickly overtake the ship and attack it. Other Spanish ships will stop to give help. Sampson's battleships will como up and send the Spaniards to the bottom. Destroyers are very dangerous In smooth water , but In a heavy sea ore not so for midable. Therefore Sampson should attack as far cast as may bo. As coal burns In boilers when the bunkers are empty the coal protection goes. This is serious In de stroyers , where the engines and boilers are protected by coal. Destroyers have been coaled in seaway from large ships , bu rarely. Spain may try to run ,1ts fleet to an un observed anchorage and cjoal there from col liers , but It Is believed there are no col liers with the Spanish fleet. British sym pathy prevents Drltlsli , colliers going to their help. Tbo Spanish transport San Francisco Is reported to bo with the tor pedo boats Arleto , Azore and Rayo full up with coal , of which It transferred much to the Spanish cruisers at Cdpo Verde. Thi whereabouts of the fleet ME uncertain. It is believed to be nt Capo Verde. Torpedo boats could cross with some dim culty under sail. Anchorage might bo used by Spain If off Parla Ocoa bay ( Hayt coast ) . There Is , a vqry good and unfro' quented harbor at jlartlnlque or many on the South American coast. ' They might tem porarily seize an open bay on the United States const , but this lo'vcry risky am means probable destruction. I see nothing In neutrality declarations to prevent Spanish coaling from colliers In ii neutral port provided they do not make i base for a prolonged stay : ( Much depends ou tha attitude toward America of the power owning the port. Weak South Americans can do nothing against , atSpAnlsh tquadron and must let them have anything. Think likely Spain has a rendezvous in , the West Indies an unfrequented anchorage. . Possibly the Spanlsht fleet Is after tin Oregon , but It can retreat to neutral watert. There U still some danger for It. Torpedi boats may bo looking fqrttlt. ' If Spain gets a fleat lntothe Caribbean I will avoid harbors connected up with telc < graph. Still I do 'not sea how It can fall ti bs discovered If American test scouts an well used. Spain might attempt to trans fer coal from a collier or colliers If there ari any with the fleet , at sea , This difficulty I dangerous and requires very export seaman chip. I presume Porto Rico's anchorage I well watched by the American fleet. Puerti de Gulntcn is a likely rendezvous ; lias an ex cellent and defensible harbor and Is out o the track of steamcro. Colombian Neutrality Proclamation ( Cc-pyrlulit , UW , by Prcu Publishing Company. COLON , Colombia. May 4. ( New York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Co lombla's neutrality proclamation forbids th railroads to transport belligerent troopa o either Spain or the United States across tb lithmus , the deposit or sale of any boot on Colombian territory , the disembarking o unllberated prisoner * and the u e of ports as bases of operation ! . H allopri the belllg erents to purchase provision * , but not wn material. RAILROADS \ \ ARE UNDER FIRE ntentato Commerce Commission Gets After the Nebraska Lines. EOERAL GRAND JURY TO INVESTIGATE peolnl Agent of the Commlnlou Taken Counnel vlh Dlntrlet Attorney - torney and the Matter Will lie Thoroughly Sifted. The federal grand Jury , now In session In his city , Is shortly to be called upon to ouslder an alleged violation of the Inter- tate commerce law by a couple of railroads unnlng through the city , presumably the iurllngton and the Union Pacific. The of- cnso charged consists of the granting of cbatcs upon grain shipments to certain avorcd flrms. It Is possible that the matter may result In a sensational finish , although n the other hand It may bo quashed. At ny rate , It promises to be the most 1m- iortaut case that will come up before the rand Jury In Its entire sitting. The case Is being engineered by J. T. tarchand of Washington , special counsel or the Interstate Commerce commission. Lttorucy Marchand arrived In the city on Tuesday evening and was In consultation with United States Attorney Sawyer ycster- ay. After the conference It was decided o bring the matter to the attention 'of the grand Jury nt once. The Investigation may } osslbly begin today. One of the cases Is supposed to be thu ild ono In which J. J. O'Connor charged ho Burlington with Issuing rebates to flrms Iko Phil Armour and Harris Brothers of hlcago. Another of a similar character Is barged up against the Union Pacific rail- 'oad , It Is said. Attorney Marchand hlm- ielf would say nothing about the roads ir the parties that will figure In the In vestigation. Ho stated simply that be had como only to look after the prosecution of certain specific charges of discrimination In lolatlon of the Interstate commerce act which had been filed with the commls- slon. Sennntlon In Promised. Thro may be something of a sensational nature In the case from the fact that It Is cported that the parties who made the iharges are at present disinclined to push hem for various reasons. It Is Intimated hat It will therefore bo Special Counsel Marchand's duty to learn Just what motives nfluenccd these men In changing their minds. At any rate , the whole matter Is o bo laid before tbo grand Jury for Invcstl- atlon. Attorney Marchand himself ex- iccts to be called as a witness. Ho stated hat the Investigation would require a day , and possibly two days. The prosecution of a road for Issuing re- mtcs will prove to bo of considerable Intcr- Kt to Nebraska grain merchants. They openly Insist that the roads running through ho state give certain big firms the best of It by granting rebates upon shipments , This Is In dlrect'vlolatlon of the interstate commerce act , which declares It unlawful for any carrier to charge a greater or less irlco tor transporting any sort of property ban Is charged to any other person. . A violation of the act IB punishable by n maximum One of $5,000 or a maximum Im prisonment1'In ; the penitentiary for two rears , or both , for each offense. Several irosecutlons under this act have been started , but no conviction has yet resulted. It was rumored among the grain commis sion men of the city that one of Attorney Marchand's missions In tbo city Is to bring the attention of the grand Jury to any and all violations of the act , all the roads pass ing through the state to bo brought under Iro. Attorney Marchand , however , denies this , although ho stated that he Intends to pick up from commission men what In- 'orraatton he could about the matter. If Indictments should be returned against any of the roads for a violation of the act , they will be directed against all officials who are Instrumental In the transactions. MANILA CABLESTILL CLOSED , _ General Ilellef In London In that the Town Hnn Surrendered to Com modore Dewey. LONDON , May 4. Inquiries at the office of the Eastern Telegraph company show thai at noon , London time , the Hong Kong- Manila cable was still Interrupted. The re ported surrender of Manila , while probably true , Is ns yet only conjecture. The principal Manila merchants In Lon don , who have been Interviewed on the sub ject , agree that their latest letters show that the Philippine Islands will bo pleased to have this revolt ended , and will view with equanimity America's future action there. They all gladly hall the end of a condition of things which , tbo merchants say , Is qulto as bad as in Cuba. SENDING MESSAGES TO DEWEY War Ship CnrrlcN Conwrrnta- IntlaiiH of HM | Countrymen. NEW YORK. May 4. A dispatch fron Hong Kong to the Evening World today says : Congratulations from Americans to Commodore Dewcy In the shape of a largo number of cable dispatches were forwarder to the daring commander today by the English cruiser Immortalltc , which has left for Manila. The cable to Manila Is still Interrupted No definite news of the engagement of Sun day or the reported bombardment of Man ila has been received. American and En glish residents are Jubilant over Dcwcy't : bplcndld victory. SPANISH FLEET TUH.\S HACK ItctuniN to Cud I/ and Mny PoxNlhly Snll ( or Amerlrn. , IMS , by 1'rcis 1'ubllflilng CViimnny. LISBON , May 4. ( New York World Ca blegrara Special Telegram. ) The Spanish flsct which sailed recently from the Capo Verde Islands Is returning to Cadiz , accord Ing to news received here. It Is Raid to have been ordered to join the Spanish fleet a Cadiz , which Is nearly ready for sea. The combined fleet of Spain will start soon fa American 'waters , It Is reported. San Do in In no In Friendly. ( Ccpjrlsht. 1K > 8. by 1'reei I'ubllrlilnK Company. POHTO PLATA , San Domingo , May 4- ( New York World Cablegram Special Tele gram. ) Our dispatch boat arrived here yes terday. No lights are observable on thi Porto lilcan coast. It Is learned that tin authorities at Ponce , one of the -princlpa towns on tbo coast , have seized the elcctrl < light wires. A heavy war tax has been lm < posed In Porto Itlco and a large voluntec : force has been recruited. Americans here were banqueted last night at a local club Cuban , American and Dominion flags en twined were a noticeable feature of the dec orations. CnrloH In for Harmony. LONDON , May 6. According to a dls patch to the Dally Mall from Brussels. Do Carlos , In the course of an interview , ha declared that he would not provoke a rcvo lutlonary movement In Spain , but on th contrary would prevent. If need be , an Carllst aclUUon while the war continue ! . THE BEE BULLETIN. Vcnthcr Forecast for Nebraska : Itnln ; North 'age. 1 SnniitKon'n Fleet Suddenly Nothing Heard of Dcweyi Getting After the llallrond Talk of Enronenn Intcrve 3 Promotions In the Army. Attnek on n Ilrltlnh Con Nehraakn New * . Itnln Inmienii Guard * ' S , Ilroateh Men Get Toitethe , 4 Editorial and Comment. B Do I n ir * of the llonNe. Trade In the Phlllitilnrn. Ncu * Extieeteil from Dcvrey. O Council Minn " Local Matters , limn NVMH and Comment. 7 General New * of the Farther Went. Snorting New * of the Day. 8 Itellef Work Taken on Form , nurglnra Still Ply Their Trade. 0 Latent Extionltlon Nenn. Go * * ! ? at the City Hull. Judge Munger Wnittn Warm Itoom 1 Commercial and Financial Now * . ' Tales of Teleiirnlihern. Anecdoten of Artemun Ward. Temperature nt Omnhnt lour. Deg. Hour. n n. nt. . . . . . 4H 1 it. m -in ( I n. m IH Z p. in > % 7 a. m. . II ) > S Ii. m 44 S n. in 4I > 4 | i. in 41 0 n. m t 411 r p. m II . < n. in -18 U p. m II 1 n. m 47 7 p. in 4l ! a m .iu N p. m..4. 4:1 : o p. 111 it : DISPOSE OF THE PRISONERS Ollleern Are to Re Confined nt Fort BlePhernon , Git. , Until They Are Eiehiniared. WASHINGTON , May 4. Secretary Alger ias directed that the ten Spanish officers and ho ten privates and non-commlssloned offl- crs taken from the Spanish steamer Ar- -onnuta , and now nt Key West , bo token o Fort McPherson , Just outside of Atlanta , Ga. , for confinement until they are either xchangcd for any American officers and allors who may bo taken by the Spaniards ir until some other method for their dls- p losltion is reached. The civilians taken from the Spanish vcs- cl Panama reached Key West , and are un- : er the charge of the Department of Justice , t Is expected that most 'of them will bo jeld as witnesses before the prize court , hiv vhlch Is to determine the disposition of the Panama , at which the question will bo sct- led whether the Panama can bo rightfully icld as n prize ship , some contention con- icrnlng It having been raised. FLEET GOES TO PORTO RICO View In that Snmpnoii Will Take ConlliiK Stnllon , mid Then Meet SpiuilMh Shlpn. LONDON. May G. A dispatch to the Dally Mall from Key West , sent by way of Tampi n order to escape censorship , asserts of positive knowledge that Rear Admiral Samp son's fleet will steam at full speed to Porto Rico , either to .destroy , qr to occupy the coaling , station as a naval base before the Spanish squadron arrives , and then put to sea and try to engage the Capo Verde fleet. CAN USE THE HAWAIIAN PORT.4. Tender to the United Stnten Mndc by the EKlNtlni ; Government. HONOLULU , April 27. ( via San KrnncJs-o , May 4. ) President Dele has sent n telegram of congratulations to President McKlnley offering to transfer the Hawaiian Island ) ] to the ! United States for the purpono of Its war with Spain , and to furnish the American ships of war In Pacific waters with large quantities of coal , supplies and ammunition. This action was taken by the executive after a secret conference of the Hawaiian cab inet , called to discuss the position to bo as sumed by the government toward the two belligerents. The news of the declaration of war by the United States against Spain was received here today by the Mariposa , which arrived from the Australian colonies with advices from the United States to the 16th Inst. WASHINGTON. May 4. Senator Frye , speaking of the report from Honolulu , said he hoped the president would accept the offer by President Dolo. Members of the senate committee on foreign relations gen erally Interpret the report from Honolulu regarding President Dole's tender to the United States to Indicate a willingness to form an alliance with this country for the war with Spain. They say that for the Ha waiian Islands to have held aloof and in sisted upon remaining neutral would have been equivalent to refusing coal or grantIng - Ing any courtesies to the United States dur ing the war and that the action now taken will put the Islands In the way of doing this country every favor possible. TALK OP REGENT RESIGNING : , Step l Connldered Neeennary to Save the Throne. LONDON , May 5. The Vienna corre spondent of the Dally Chronicle says : "Tho Idea of the resignation of the regency - gency by Queen Maria Christina Is being seriously considered by the members of the Imperial family of Austria , with a view of averting an anti-dynastic movement , and saving the throne. An exchange of Ideas on the subject Is going on between the queen regent and her Austrian family , but Its most Influential members are decidedly opposed to it. " Or-lorn to liny More Mule * . ST. LOUIS , May 4. Quartermaster O. C. Smith received orders from Washington to day to purchase all the mules posslMo until further orders. Acting under Instructions Captain Smith has already bought 3,800 pack mules. The total number of mules pur chased at this point Is now 7,000 , with the probability that it will run up to the 10,000 mark before tbo week Is over , The pur chases will aggregate an outlay In,81. , Loulr for mules alone of $700,000. Several hun dred have been shipped to San Antonio , Tex. CnmrrntiilntlniiN for Dewcy. ( CbpyrlKhl , 1W8 , by ITemi J'ubllelilnsr Company. ) HONG KONG. May 4. ( New York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Congratu lations for Dewey , the first message ho has received fiom America , were forwarded by the Immortallto to Manila today. The cable U cut. Americans and English arc Jubilant here. GLADSTONE GETTING WEAKER HIM Strenirth Sleiullly Deellnen , hut There U No Pronpect of nil Immediate End. LONDON. Mny C. The Dally Chronicle says this morning : Mr. Gladstone's strength steadily declines , though there Is , wo believe , no prospect of en Immediate end. Tbo disease has not gained force enough to ovcrcomo the won derful strength of his constitution , but & natural weakness now supervenes and gains on him , encouraged by Mr. Gladstone's ferv ent desire for the rest which bo so richly has earned. He is confined to his room. Now and again his mind reverts to critical periods In hli career , and to the legislation which fost htm the moat anxiety , but the main thing that fills bis thought * Is religion , and he tpeaki of death a * his call. WORRY IN GERMANY Teutonic Nerves Badly Jarred Over Fntnrt Disposition of Philippines , KAISERLAND WOULD LIKE TO DICTATE Proposes to Be There if the Islands Are to Change Hands. DESIRES TO HAVE A FINGER IN THE PIE Objects to Letting America Dispose of the Fruits of Its Victory , MAY JEOPARDIZE EUROPEAN INTERESTS Think * the Monroe Doctrine nn Ap piled In the Ciine Meattn thnt Uncle Snni Kce > > llnndN oft Enntern Heinlnphere. 1S9J. by Prcm PuMlfhlnff CompAny. ) BERLIN. May 4. ( Now York World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) This morn- Ing's papers Indicate the excited Interest Germans are beginning to take regarding the ultimate fate of the Philippines. Their possessions In New Guinea and China seas will make Germany's consent necessary to any disposal of the Island. Germany would only agree to a transfer of the Philippines to another power provided she received suit able compensation. A good deal of Irri tation Is sure to grow up about the Philip pines. The Kreutz Zcttung says that If tha Monroe doctrine means America for Ameri cans It ought also to mean Americans only In America. LONDON , May 4. ( New York World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) The Chroni cle's Rome correspondent telegraphs that la Austrian , French and Russian diplomatic ) circles It Is considered that Intervention la the Spanish-American war will bo Impossi ble before a decisive battle In the At lantic. Italy seeks to accentuate Its own neutrality , althoiigh desiring a prompt eml of the war. At the request of the Spanish bishops the Vatican Is considering If ho can authorize them to sell a part of the treasures of their churches In aid of th expenses of the war. POWERS MAY PUT IN THEIR OAR. United SliiteM Mny Not DIHIIONC of the iMlnndn nt Their Will. LONDON , Mny 4. The Westminster Gazette this afternoon , discussing the Philip pine question , quotes the assumption of American newspapers "That the United States can do precisely what It chooses with Manila or the Philippine Islands return them , keep them , sell them , or barter them , " Implying that America has only to speak ami no one will venture to dispute- right to dispose of her lawful pr' < co ns she chooses. The Westminster Onaotto soys It much fears that "This'view-VvIll ' entail disagree able surprises , " adding : "In entering Euro pean politics , the United States will prob ably discover that these simple Ideas of doing what you will with your own have become obsolete In Europe. The first symp toms arc to be marked by nn Increase ol the anti-American pressure which , If Great Britain could bo counted on to Join It , would speedily lead to Intervention In behalf of Spain. " After pointing out the futility of expecting' Great Britain to Join In such a movement and the probability of attempts upon thn part of the continental powers at the close of the war to prevent the United States from holding the Philippine Islands , the Westminster Gazette says : "Tho natural tendency of all this Is to bring the United States and Great Britain together , and we hope It will bo fostered by statesmen and by a revival of the arbitration treaty at the first opportunity. " DISTRESS PREVAILS IN HAVANA. Captured Mail Mutter Given America Mnch Vnlunble Information. ( Copyright , 1 ) S , by I'rcBS rublUhlng Company. ) KEY WEST , May 4. ( New York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) The mall captured on the Argonauta has been par tially opened hero and Important Informa tion secured. H shows that the Spanish nro preparing to concentrate their troops In the eastern end of Cuba and confirms statement * of distress In Havana. U has been for warded to Washington , where It will be thoroughly Investigated. It Is thought the capture of mall Is the most Important Incident since the blockade began. It was learned that Havana Is with out beef. All the theaters and public exhi bitions have been closed. Blanco ban Issued orders for the decoration of Havana , hoping thus to exclto the patriotism of the popula tion. The ports of Matnnzas and Cordenaa were declared closed. Mines have been placed at their entrance. Blanco Is organizing guer rilla forces In which ho Is placing prisoner * from the Jails of Havana and other cities. General Marcos Garcia of Santa Clara province and the Cuban traitor , Musso Parra , also are organizing guerrilla forces. The Insurgents recently attacked the town of Alfonzo XII , burning several houses and ransacking stores , etc. Many prominent Spaniards are leaving Cuba , paying large sums for transportation. They are getting Into Jamal9a and Mexico. The lower classes are very Indignant and threaten to mob them. Among those leaving ore Narclso Gelats , Jose Maria Golan , Juan Pablo , Fou- arelt , Frederlco Nasallo and Ignaclo F. Pl- zarro. Telegraph lines are being built by Blanco In various parts of the Island. RIOTERS SACK RA1I.ROAD STATION. Attempt to Liberate Prlnonern , bat Are Prevented by Giinrdn. MADRID , May 4. A dispatch from Tala- verna ( Talavera de la Relua , about thirty- seven miles from Toledo ) announces that rioters there have committed serious dis orders. They attacked and seized the rail road station , burned the cars and then set fire to several private houses and a cafe. After that the rioters tried to break Into prison and release the convicts , but were prevented by the civil guards. Many per sons were arrested. SpnnUh Prldo Humbled. ( Copyright. IIM. by 1'rens ruliIUIilnir Company , ) KEY WEST , May 4. ( New York World Cablegram Special Telegram. ) The Span- Ufa officers captured on the Argonaut * begged the captain of the steamer to let them burn the ship when they saw the Nashville , Marblehead and the Eagle bear ing down on them. When the captain re fused to sacrifice his vessel to Spanlih pride , several officers fell on their knee * and renewed - nowed their pleadings. The Argonauta has on board COO Mauser rifles , thirty-five boxes of ammunltloa u4 $15,000 In Spanish coin. General Cortejo , one of the captured offi cers , commanded the Santa Clara province tinder Wcylcr'u administration. It WM l Enittn Cliira where many paclflcoi inn kllV'i. Arothcr ofilcer la Dr. Garcia oj tit * -r : : . ' , h cioy.