Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-05
A "RED-LETTER FOURTH.

Truly VIII yesterday pass into history
as a red-letter Fourth of July. Truly was
1t an anniversary of the birth of the ma
tion, on which the American people were
justified in rejoicing with great joy. 1t
was a day marked by a sunburst hat
dispelled a depressing cloud. While not
operations at Santiago to be questioned,
IL must be confessed that the current run
vesting the city was dlscouraging. The
gist Of the news from Shafter. even up TO
an early pour yesterday morning. was
tina he had decided that he could not
take Santiago by storm, and had called
for more men. Thu the prospect of an
immediate capture Of the stronghold APP
peared TO be dissipated, and the hopes
raised by our successes of Friday seemed
doomed to disappointment. To say the
least, when the vast majority of the
American people sought rest Sunday right
they we've apprehensive and anxious.
But almost simultaneously with the
blending with the dawn of the shadows
OF that darkest hour that is just before
day. was flashed over the wires the state
ment that Cervera's squadron had been
destroyed, and ere the sun rose there was
full confirmation Of the momentous
news. In a few hours a change had
taken place that gave q new face 10 the
conditions and the prospect. The work
that rendered both our land and our naval
movements at Santiago a necessity, and
upon which so much depended. had been
accomplished. The obstacle that more
than all else had barred operations by
us elsewhere had been removed. The fac
tor that counted more than anything else
against the ability OF Shafter to plant
with his present force the American flag
over Santiago was no longer to be reck-
oned with.
The situation now is that General SHAFT
ter has demanded the surrender of SAN
t!ago under threat of bombardment. hut,
upon the representations Of the foreign
consuls there. has allowed until to-day for
the removal of the women and children,
The Spanish commandant has, it is I'M
deYstood, refused to comply, but the
probabilities are hat when the limit OF
time shall have expired he viii take
counsel with discretion. However, should
he then still prove defiant. there is little
reason TO doubt that the combined guns
OF Shafter and Sampson win bring him
TO his senses in short order. With the
destruction OF ceryera's squadron the cap
tnre Of the city has been rendered easier
by moro than one half. Ceryera's cooper
alton with the Spanish land forces was
a potential factor in the defence OF San
tiago. and in giving Shafter pause in the
matter OF attempting to carry the place
by assault.
AS we sec Il. shafter. aided by samp-
son. now has tho fate OF Santiago In ais
v hands. and we believe that the cap-
ture or surrender Of the city, following
ispon the annihilation OF Ceryera's ships.
VIII make for early peace Hut whether
or not Spain shall. after this double dis
aster, continue for the nonce blind to the
utter hopslessness of her cause. or navy
win DO LEFT free TO teach her a lesson that
<x';i speedily opsn her eyes. 1t will be
tieft free 10 cooperate with an over
wfelminT American army in reducing
1febarA, or to dictate peace at cadiz or
r canaries. II need ba. Yes. Monday