The War.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 280, 28 April 1898, Page 2

The War.

JINGOISTIC DEMANDS. A FORMAL DECLARATION OF WAR. MORE AMERICAN PRIZES. A MILLIONAIRE'S PATRIOTISM. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH— COPYRIGHT). Washington, April 26. The Democratic Jingoes are demanding the immediate bombardment of Havuna. Submarine mines protect New York harbour. Strict precaution will be taken to regulate the shipping. Patrol boats will stop all vessels, and inquire their character. President McKinley, in his Message to Cougress t recommended a formal declaration of war, in order that America's status may be known, her rights assured, and her duties maintained. He held that Spain was responsible for beginning the war by notifying General Woodford, the United States Minister at Madrid, of the rupture of diplomatic relations before the presentation of America's reasonable demands as embodied in the ultimatum. Congress passed a Bill declaring that a state of war exists, and directing the President to use all foree to carry the war to a successful conclusion. The Bill has now been signed •by Mr McKinley. Reports from Hongkong jtate that owing to Britain's notification of neutrality the remainder of the American squadron left port, the Commodore protesting against having to leave. Mr John Astor, the well-known millionaire, has offered to serve in the first Cuban expedition. He has also presented his yacht to the Government, and supplies a battery of artillery at his own expense. Italy and Canada have proclaimed their neutrality. Canada is disinclined to sell to America two of her Pacific steamers as cruisers. There is a conflict of opinion between the American Cabinet and the army authorities in regard to the invasion of Cuba. Mr Alger, Secretary of War, wishes the regular troops to proceed to Cuba im mediately, but General Miles considers it would bo dangerous to attempt the eccupation of the island with less than 50,000 troops, and prefers to organise and drill the volunteer force before invasion. Mr Sherman, Secretary of State, has resigned. Senator Day succeeds him. America has formally declared war against Spain. The American revenue steamer Wenona has captured the Spanish steamer Saturniua, 2808 tons, belonging to Messrs Larrinaga and Co., of Bilbao. America has purchased all the coal at Honolulu. Two American warships had a chaso after a vessel supposed to be the Spanish Steamer Omanendo. It proved, however, to be an Italian vessel. April 27. A sensation was created in the Senate by Senator Butler declaring that he had reason for supposing that the armour of most of the American ironclads was defective. The announcement was received with shouts of " Traitor !" It is believed that several warships belonging to the Spanish fleet, which SBiled from Cape Verde, are approaching the Atlantic coast. Spain will utilise auxiliary cruisers from the mercantile service to capture the enemy's ships and merchandise, exempting from seizure merchandise belonging to a neutral nation. However, contraband of war to whomsoever it belongs will be seized. The flag of a neutral nation will cover and protect even the merchandise of the enemy unless contraband of war. The Archbishop of Madrid has issued a pastoral letter, in which he commends the Spanish army and navy to the protection of all the saints. The letter, it is stated, almost promises the troops invulnerability to the bullets of the enemy. London, April 27. President McKinley has authorised the London Daily Mail to declare that America will ever remember the goodwill displayed by Britain during the present trouble. Sir Matthew White Ridley has directed that British ports shall supply vessels of the belligerents only with sufficient coal to carry them to the nearest port in their own country. The taking of prizes to British ports is interdicted. Pakis, April 26. The Temps congratulates both America and Spain for adhering to the Paris neutrality regulations. Sydney, April 26. It is rumoured in Newcastle that the American ship Great Admiral, with a large cargo of coal, has been seized by the Spaniards in Manila Harbour. There is a strong demand at Newcastle for tonuage to Eastern ports, but the freights asked are too high to admit of much business. During the last three months over 30,000 tons of coal have been despatched to Manila, evidently in anticipation of trouble. The kerosene market is excited. Thousands of cases have changed hands at advanced prices, and the demands were unsatisfied when holders shut down, awaiting war developments. The Miguel Jover, captured by the Americans, is well-known in Australia. She was formerly the Port Denison, belonging to the MilburnAustralian line, and was recently purchased by a Barcelona firm. Melbourne, April 26. In view of the neutrality proclamation, the lighthouse and Custom officers have been instructed to keep a sharp look-out and report suspiciouslooking vessels. THE LATEST. Washington, April 27. AMERICAN TROOPS FOR CUBA. President McKinley, yielding to the pressure of the jingoes, has decided to send five thousand American troops to co-operate with General Gomez, the Cuban insurgent leader. A BRITISH SUBJECT AS A SPY. Captain Milburn, of the British steamer Myrtledean, was sentenced to death at Havani on a charge of/being an American spy. He dared the Spaniards to shoot 'him, declaring that the city wculd be immediately destroyed. Milburn was released on the intervention of the British Consul.