WAR NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XX, Issue 4478, 26 April 1898, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Hayti and the Coal Supply Fro© Coinage of Silver England and America A French View of the Suggested AllianceConvoying an Atlantio Liner Bishop Moorhouse's Message to Amerioa The Blockade of Cuba Expected attack on Matanzas Capture of Spanish Vessels Proclamation fey the Spanish Government. War Taxes m Amerioa. Spain Reoogaises Privateering. Washington, April 24 Spain reserves liberty of action relative to the seizure of ooal as contraband of war.

The authorities of Hayti have notified that they will not supply coal to Spanish ship 3. April 25 Spanish vessels entering American ports without the knowledge that war has been proclaimed will be permitted to discharge their cargoes, but if any are found loading coal for Ouba they will be detained.

The blockade of the Cuban coast is to be continued until the time is opportune for an attack. Eight of the blockading squadron have left the neighbourhood of I Havana It is believed their destination is Matanzas, where operations are expected to-day. Fifty thousand troops defend Havana. They are confident of victory, and depend on the forts and heavy artillery. The blockading squadron was five miles distant when the Morro. Castle opened fire. An American gunboat captured the Spanish steamer Miguel Ijover, with a cargo of cotton and grain valued at 400,000d01. The cruiser Detroit also effected the capture of the Spanish steamer Oatalina, and the further capture was made of the Spanish vessel Buena Ventura, which was run ashore m a sinking condition, and is believed to have been scuttled by her crew.

The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives has proposed war taxeß yielding, 100,000,000d015, and a bond issue of 600,000,0G0d015. Madrid, April 25 The Spanish Government has decided to concur m the Declaration of Paris regarding neutrality regulations. The Government has officially proclaimed that war has commenced. All treaties with America have been annulled. The Government will not recognise their letters of marque, and allows American -vessels thirty days m which to leave Spanish ports. ' « -„„ Spain's official statement insists oil privateering rights. The Government is allowing the free coinage of silver. London, April 25 Great Britain has issued a proclamation declaring her neutrality. Owing to the danger from privateers, two cruisers will convoy the steamship Oity of Paris to New York. The Bishop of Manchester cabled a message to New York sympathising entirely with the Americans. Hong Kong, April 25 Advices state that news of the approach of the American squadron from Hong Kong was received with great enthusiasm at Manila, all the residents volunteering for service. Sydney, April 25 The Governors of all the colonies have received Mr Chamberlain's neutrality notification. Perth, April 25 The^ Spaniards here have started contributions to the Madrid Bed Cross Fund. Paris, April 24 The Hepublique Frqncqiae newspaper, commenting on the exchange of friendly declarations between Great Britain and America, says it would be scandalous and immoral for Great Britain to sign an alliance with America, as it would precipitate a general war.