SPAIN AND AMERICA.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7215, 20 May 1898, Page 1

SPAIN AND AMERICA.

1 ' 1 [By EtKCTiuci r !'ni,i;ostArn.—CorYHionx.] AMERICAN NEWS. (PEIt UKXTKD yiUCHS AtISOOIATJOIC.) Received May 19, at 0.20 p.m. Wa.siiikgton, May 10. Rigorous censorship prevents the move ments of the Spanish squadrons being divulged. The American naval authorities insist) on cutting tho three remaining British cables in tho West Indies, in order to isolate General Blanco and Admiral Cerversp. The coal bunkers of tho auxiliary cruiser St. P.iul took fire, Tho vessel had 1300 tons of ammunition aboard. The flames were subdued utter half a day's hard work. Thirteen of tho crew succumbed to the intoiiKo heat. Streams of water kept her magazine cool. Received May 20 at 0.30 a.m. Washington, May 1!). Mr Lone; declares that tho American warship which whs on its way from a Pacific station, and which it was supposed the Spaniards would try to intercept, is safo. A message has been received at; Washington st ating that Commandant Fortuga has reported to tho Iluytian Government that heavy cannonading was heard all day on Sunday, but a fog prevented a sight) of what is believed to havo been a naval battle. THE SITUATION IN SPAIN. (ri!B UNITED PKESH ASSOCIATION). Received May 20, at 0.30 a.m. Madrid, May 19. A squadron of 12 ship? is ready for soa at Cadiz, and it is reported will proceed to the Philippines, via Such, at tho end of the month, conveying 11,000 troops for the defonco of Manila. HOME AND FOREIGN. (PER UNITED PRESS Received May 20, at 10.10 a.m. London, May 19. The Standard states that tho American volunteers are quite unprepared for war. It instances ono regimont being unprovided with horses. Apart) from tho Federal standing of tho army, tho journal continues, no brigade is yot in marching order, whilst few regiments possess half tho necessary equipments. AUSTRALIAN NEWS. (I'EK UNITED PKESS ASSOCIATION.) Received May 19, at 10.15 a.m. Melbourne, May 19. Sir Geo. Tcrrner's action ro tho Philippines was the outcome of a cablegram from the Agent-Genoral, to whom ho wired to make representations to tho Imperial Government that it was moat important on stratcgetical grounds that) the Philippines should bo in possession of a friendly Power ; also In tho interests of trade, they being on tho ronto to China and Japan. Ho also asked Lord Brassey to assist. Received May 20, at 10 a.m. Brisbane, May 20. The Government have requested tho Deputy-Governor to cable to Mr Chamberlain asking that tho Queon be advised to reserve her assent to the Now Guinea syndicate until tho contributing colonies have been consulted.