SPANISH RESERVE SQUADRON.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 290, 19 May 1898, Page 3

SPANISH RESERVE SQUADRON.

TO BE EEADY THIS WEEK. (Received May 18, 7pm.) Madrid, May 17. . The Spanish reserve squadron is equipping at Cadiz. It will consist of five cruisers and two merchant liners. They will be ready for sea this week. [Re-printed from our Special Editions of Tuosday and Wednesday.] THE SPANISH FLEET. Washington, May 16. Admiral Corveras'fleet, at the request of the Dutch authorities, left Ouracoa on Sunday. The strategy of Admiral Cerveras and the secrecy observed in the movements of his squadron have disconcerted the naval experts at Washington and upset far-reaching plans. Washington, May 17. It is reported that three additional cruisers have been sighted off Mar* tinique. They are believed to be the Cardinal Cisueros, the Princess de Asturios and the Catuluna. Some American experts believe that the Spanish fleet is steering for Cienfuegos, but they are of opinion that it is not likely to "reach that port before the fleets under Admirals Schley and Sampson have effected a junction. Others interpret the delay of the Spanish fleet at Curacoa as evidencing the intention of the Spaniards to intercept the American battleship Oregon from Rio Janeiro and the cruiser Marietta on its way from San Francisco. The cruiser Nichtheroy, which was purchased from Brazil by America, left Bahia on the 9th inst. for Key West, and it also is in danger of being intercepted. FIGHT AT HAVANA; AMERICANS RETIRE. Washington, May 16. Keports from Madrid state that two Spanish gun boats at Havana attacked five smaller warships of the American fleet. One of the American warships was seriously damaged and all were compelled to retire. The accounts received at Washington discredit reports circulated at Madrid. The Americans declare that an attempt was made by Spanish vessels to decoy ships of the blockading squadron under the fire of the batteries, but it proved unsuccessful. SPANIARDS SANGUINE. Madrid, May IG. The despondency in Spain caused by the defeat at Manila is to a large extent dispelled, and the Spaniards are very sanguine of the success of Admiral Cerveras' squadron. THE PHILIPPINES. London, May 16. The Australasian Agents-General are urging upon Mr Chamberlain the desirableness that the Philippines, which dominate the Australasian trade route to tho East, should be in the possession of a friendly Power. Melbourne, May 17. Mr Turner has communicated with Queensland and New South Wales, suggesting that they join in making representations to the Imperial Government in roference to the annexation of the Phillipines. It is understood that Mr Byrnes considers it injudicious to take any step at present. Mr Eeid's reply has not been communicated to the press. AMERICAN SUCCESSES. Washington, May 16. A sharp fight between the American warships and the shore batteries at Cienfuegos has taken place. The forts were destroyed and many Spaniards killed. There were only slight casualties on the American side. The Americans cut the cable connecting Cienfuegos and Havana. Washington, May 16. The American cruiser Wilmington attacked Cardenas end silenced the shore batteries. Three hundred Spaniards were killed. EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. Washington, May 16. Two American war correspondents were captured by the Spaniards at Cardenas, and it is feared they will be shot at spies. The authorities at Washington are trying to exchange two Spanish officers taken prisoners by the Americans for the captured correspondents. Later. General Blanco has agreed to exchange three American newspaper correspondents for Spanish officers captured by the Americans. SPANISH GUNBOAT CAPTURED. Hong Kong, May 16. Admiral Dewey captured the Spanish gunboat Callao, when entering Manila harbour in ignorance of the blockade. NEWS FROM MANILA, Madrid, May 16. The Governor of tho Philippines has f been authorised by the Madrid Government to concede the reforms demanded by the insurgents, but has been instructed to stipulate as a condition of their being carried out that the rebel natives shall resist the invaders of the country. IMPATIENCE IN AMERICA. Washington, May 18. The postponement of the invasion of Cuba, the delay in sending troops to the Philippines, and the fruitless manoeuvres of Sampson's _ squadron, are causing a display of impatience throughout America.

ADMIRAL SCHLEY'S SQUADRON. Washington, May 16. Admiral Schley's squadron put into Charleston on Sunday, and received instructions to immediately proceed to Key West. BREACH OF "NEUTRALITY BY FRANCE. Washington, May 17. Complaints are made by America against France having granted coaling facilities to the Spanish fleet when it arrived at Martinique. THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEER ARMY. Washington, May 17. Out of 125,000 Americau volunteers summoned, 65,000 have been mustered as an army.