The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-23
AN ABORTIVE RAID.
London Times Ridicules Samp-
son and CriticiseS Board
of Strategy.

London, May 23.-The Times this morn
ing, in an article reviewing the war, takes
1T for granted that Admiral Cervera' S
squadron coaled in Venezuelan waters
from four British golfers. 1t suggests
that the cruisers Vizcaya and Infanta
Maria Teresa risked a disadvantage in be-
ing reported there, in consideration of
their ability to send dispatches to General
Blanco, and then to have rejoined the
flagship at a prearranged rendezvous and
to have arrived at Santiago on the 18th.
The Times says: Even if it took a
longer route to escape observation, Ad-
mira1 Cervera's force has been excessive
ly deliberate in its movements, as his fast
cruisers have not yet shown great speed.
His strategy, much boosted of at Madrid,
is not yet apparent. Possibly his move
ments are harnpered by the torpedo boats,
steaming destroyed his chances of an ef-
fect1ve blow at Key West, at Tampa or
its most. efficient vessels by Admiral
SIMPSONS abortive raid on San Juan de
The high speed of the Spanish cruiser
squadron SO far has not been turned to
any account, and although it's arrival at
that they are not abandoned. no laval OBJ
United States commanders now know
Whe ere, the the enemy Is ana nave had time
cover their vulnerable points,
of DAs9GnSSng the proPle 81 blockade Ghl
or an attempt to force hi INTO give battle,
me T ff Gni efG sfa aay Commanders nossess
ami ample forces, but night and the speed of
the nc Spanish nj cruisers will give them IN
watched with much interest. The de-
fenses of Santiago are probably no more
the United States cruisers into this har-
Dor in the face of a powerful fire from
ton, but a torpedo fiotiiIa. if it existed in
either feet, might find opportunities for
ON-
IF Admiral Cervera succeeds in get
ai hamDer the 3han ne b1"cKa 1
although he can obtain no direct advan-
tage It Ills, is evident that the monitoFs
ron Such an incubus imposes heavy dis
abilities upon a modern fleet and a fast
iards if they leave the port is urgently
needed: Failing such a force, there ap-
vera should not steam to San Juan ia de
Porto Rico. coal and go to sea again, be-
Quantity of coal at San Juan, and if Ad-
supply and leave behind his torpedo craft
he would be. able to reach Charleston or
Savannah without difficulty.
"A raid on either of these points would
have no important results, but it would
greatly interfere with the operations of
Reviewing the whole field of operations
produced by the presence of a small, COM
pact. high speed squadron, which, how
ever, hitherto mas Deen somewhat aim
lessly employed. From the moment when
it was known that this squadron had ar
rived off Martinique all plans of the Unit
ed States board of strategy were disar-
BY undertaking a bombardment
of the Notifications of San Juan nothing
was gained. The United States has been
handicapped by the lack of a fast homo
geneouS squadron.
1T would be wise in future to leave the
direction of naval operations to naval
commanders. Councils have never proved
capable directors of wars. Their proper
function is to obtain informa ton and to
forward it to the admirals, who must be,
as Nelson claimed the right to be- free to
act when the fitting opportunity arrived"