Final Struggle Begins

Washington, July 12. - Secretary Long, Admlral Sicard, Captain Mahan and Captain Crowninshield of the naval war board held a conference this morning with the president at white house. On leaving the conference Secretary Long said nothing had been rteceived indicating that a decisivo engagement was on at Santiago on tíie part of either the army or fleet. In answer to an inquiry, the secretary said he expected to get news of the fall of Santiago at any hour, but that his expectation was based largely upon his hopes. The indications are that all truces are off and that the final struggle may even now be on. WHAT WATSON IS TO DO. Hls Ultímate DestlnaHon Believed to Be tbe Fhilipplnes. Washington, July 12. - The purpose of the president in dispatching Commodore Watson to the other side of the Atlantic lies deeper than any of thé reasons that have been omcially assigned. The decisión of the administration to give Watson a formidable fleet of ships, including aix colliers of great capacity is based on the intention to ultimately send him to the Philippines, to reinforce Dewey. It was said this morning by an officer of tl United States whose identity cannot be given, that Commodore Watson will cruise the Mediterranean until Spain sues for peace; then he will head for the Suez canal and hurry to Manila. While in the vicinity of Spain he will give Cámara battle if he gets a chance, and he will bombard a few Spanish ies if the president considers it advisable. His presence, which will almost stop Spanish Bhipping, and which will prove very threatening to the security of Spain, will have a salutary effect ia hastening Spain's overtures for peace. In the meantime the United States will keep a watchful eye on Germany. DISTINGUI8HED PBISONERS. L.it of Offlcerg Rescaed from Cervera's Sinking Shlps, Portsmouth, N. H., July 12.- Following is the list of the captured offlcers brought by the St. Louis: From the Vizcaya - Captain Búlate, Second Captain Roldan, Lieutenants Capriles, Quorija, Suanzes, Lenjo and Pazos; Ensigns Costro, Castanada, Manjon and Sobrini, Chaplain Piesa, Surgeon Turara, Cadets Morris, Manjon, Vega, Quesada, Fossi, Obertin and Bentitz, Captain of Infantry Baleato. From the Cristóbal Colon - Commodore Don José Paredes, Captain Moreu, Captain of Marines Leon, Lieutenants Marina, Butrón, Cal and Pereds, Surgeon Numez, Sub-Lieutenants Oiinciba and, Victor Lerbe, Paymaster Cobanillaz, Second Surgeon Monezez, Chaplain G-ronero, Engineer Chapelle. From the Maria Teresa - Admiral Cervera, Commander Maccrohan, Paymaster Mellado, Lieutenants Bruquetas, Irnaz, Qeron, Cervera and Carrasco, Ensign Moreno. From the Furor - Lieutenant Carlier, Engineer Curnca. From the Pluton - Lieutenant Vosea, Ensign Bordo. To Enfilado Spanlgli Trenches. New York, July 12.- A dispatch to the Tribune from Siboney, via Port Antonio, says: "The light artillery that arrived Saturday will be sent forward and placed in position for enfllading the trenches in which the Spanish forces are strongly intrenched. The delay in pushing forward the heavy siege guns is disappointing. They may be ne-eded to reduce the main fortifications of Santiago. Engineer and artillery offlcers are po8itive that they have located aceurately the Spanish batteriea which were so destructive in the earlier fighting. The troops which came yesterday will be used as reserves and not sen' ahead too rapidly." Goaa to Hawai i Julv 'tO. San PranoiBco, Cal., July 12.- Major General Otis Ís authority for the statement that the regiment to be statlonod at Honolulú had not yet been selected. Rear Admiral Miller, as the naval representative of the United Staets, will take formal part in the raising of the flag at Honolulú. The United States steamship Mohican and the gunboat Bennington will, with the cruiser Philadelphia, particípate in the demonstratlon. The admiral expects to sail on July 20 on the Phlladelphia. The cruiser will carry no troops. After the ceremonies of annexation the admiral expects to return here to resume charge of the naval establishments on this oast. Sampaon's Reporta Are In. Washington, July 12.- Ensign Palmer arrived in Washington today, bringng with him a series of reports from Admiral Sampson, including the reports of his subordínate officers, describing the engagement resulting ín the destruction of Cervera's squadron. These reports are under examination and such parts of them as are deemed suitable for publication will be given to Jie press later. No Protest Affainst Colwell. London, July 12. - The foreign office officiais here deny that the Spanish amassador has protested against the communication which a New York newspaper alleges Lieutenant Colwell, ;he United States navy attaché here, recently made to the authorities at Washington regarding the situation ol affairs in Spain. Brooklyn Captures a Steamer. Playa del Este, July 11. - The Norwegian freight steamer Bratton was captured yesterday by the Brooklyn. She had on board a cargo of supplies :or Santiago sent by merchants at kingston and Port Antonio on specula;ion. She was tied up until the fleet enters Santiago. Merely a Skirmlsh Sumlay. Washington, July 12. - A cablegram 'rom General Shafter was received at the war department late last night saying that the bombardment of Santiago would begin to-day. It appears that the affair of Sunday was only a preliminary artillery skirmish.