AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 291, 21 May 1898, Page 3

AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS.

A CRITICISM. (B 7 electric teleohaph.—copyright). (Received May 20, 12.29 a.m.) London, May 19. Tile Standard states that the American volunteers are quite unprepared for war and instances one regiment as being unprorided with horses. Apart from the federal standing army, that journal continues, there is no brigade yet in marching order, whilst a few regiments only possess half the necessary equipments. [Reprinted from our Special Editions of Thursday and Friday. | AMERICAN CASUALTY. Washington, May 17. REPORTS from Havana state that eighteen of the crew of an Amorican boat, engaged in picking up torpedoes at Cardenas, were killed by the explosion of a torpedo. General Merritt anticipates severe fighting at the Philippines, and requires at least five thousand regular troops, besides volunteers, otherwise he will be reluctant to take command. FRUSTRATED DEMONSTRATION London, May 18. The New York correspondent of the Times state that it is the impression that France proposed a naval display in the West Indies, in order to enforce the Powers' intervention on behalf of Spain, but Great Britain's attitude prevented it. FRANCE AND AMERICA. Washington, May 18. Tho action of France in allowing tho Spanish fleet to coal at Martiniquo has caused a feeling of resentment in America. A great league of American ladies, who pledge not to purchase goods of French manufacture, has been formed. Paris, May 18. The French Government has -at creased the duties upon products imported from America, especially frozen and canned meats. THE PHILIPPINES. Hong Kong, May 18. The Governor of the Philippines has instituted a Native Assembly. It is believed that half the natives will continue favourable to Spain. Hongkong, May 18. Emilio Aquinaldo, chief leader of the rebellion in the Philippines, which was ended in December last by the Spanish buying off the leaders and deporting them to Hongkong, has left Hongkong for the Philippines, to lead the natives in an attack upon Manila. He is accompanied by 17 rebel chiefs who were deported with him. The Governor of the Philippines has instituted a native Assembly. It is believed that half the natives will continue favourable to Spain. Madrid, May 19. A squadron of 12 ships is ready for sea at Cadiz. It is reported they will proceed to the Philippines via Suez at the end of the month, conveyiug 11,000 troops for the defence of Manila. CRUISER ON FIRE. Washington, May 18. The coal bunkers of the auxiliary cruiser St. Paul took fire. •The vessel had thirteen hundred tons of ammunition on board. The flames were .subdued after half a day's hard work. Thirteen of the cretv succumbed to the intense heot. Continuous streams of water kep the magazine cool. THE SPANISH SQUADRON, Washington, May 19. f Rigorous censorship prevents the movements of the Spanish squadrons being divulged. CUTTING THE CABLES. Washington, May 18. The American authoiities insist on cutting the three remaining British cabled in the West Indies in order to isolate General Blanco and Admiral Cerveras. WARSHIP SAFE. Washington, May 18. Mr Long, Naval Secretary, declares that the American warship which was on its way from the Pacific station to the Atlantic, and which it was supposed the Spaniards would try to intercept, is safe. REPOETED NAVAL ACTION. Washington, May 19. A message has been received at Washington stating that Commandant Fortuga says it has been reported to the Haytian Government that heavy cannonading was heard all Sunday, but that a fog prevented c»ny sight of what is believed to have been a naval battle. THE SPANISH MINISTRY. Madrid, May 18. Senor Segasta has been successful in re-forming the Cabinet. General Carreas retains the portfolio of Minister for War, and General Castilla, formerly second in command in the Philippines, assumes the control of Fereign Affairs.