The National tribune., 1898-07-14
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.


There was scant military reason for this
1t was an effort such as explains many
incongruities in Spain's course-hopes
to prevent the overthrow of the totter-
ing dynasty.
If there had been any real soldier
ship in the Spaniards they would have
begun by efforts to prevent a landing.
Then they would have greatly en-
barrassed the march upon Santiago,
and made raids upon our communlca-
tons After the line of investment
was formed they still had great chances
to find weak spot in it at some place,
pierce it, and throw our rear into con-
fusion. They did nothing, but suffered
the investment to be made with as
tonishly little resistance.
After the investment was made, and
particularly after Cervera's squadron
was destroyed, the defense of the city
was hopeless. There was not food
enough to support the people for more
than few days, and the garrison had
but scant supply of either provisions
or ammunition. The people were pro-
vided for in a manner by allowing them
to pass through the lines. They were
allowed to take no food with them,
though, and the feeding of some $4,000
hungry mouths was thrown upon the
American commander.
Then the Spanish General began to
treat for conditional surrender. This
was diplomatic and political rather than
military. If he had been able to march
out, as he proposed, with his flags flying,
and the honors of war, the Spaniards
could say to their people, and to Europe,
that the Americans had been fought to
a standstill that the Spanish arms had
been substantially victorious, and moth
ing settled by the capture of Santiago.
The garrison would simply go elsewhere,
and augment the Spanish forces. The
treating went on for several days, which
we employed in strengthening our lines,
bringing up artillery, and in gettin g
ready for assault.
The matter was referred to President
Mckinley, who very wisely ordered Gen.
Shafter to accept nothing but an uncon-
ditional surrender, and in the event of
this being refused, to proceed to reduce
the place. The firing upon the de-
fenses of Santiago began last Monday
afternoon, and the unconditional sur
render of the place can be expected at
any hour. There may be an assault Of
some portion of the defenses by the
army, to emphasize the bombardment,
but it will be carefully planned be fore
hand, and result in success. The in
vestment of the city is now believed to
be so complete that the Spanish cannot
escape with any considerable portion of
their army. If they did it would not
change the result. There are no roads
leading from Santiago to any other
Spanish stronghold; the retreating force
could carry neither ammunition nor sup
plies, and it could not maintain itself
until it could reach any other point.
In the meanwhile the feeling for
peace is daily making stronger mani
festations in Spain. The capture of
Santiago will greatly strengthen it, and
may lead to direct proposals to our
Government The Spanish Ministry
has gone to pieces on the question, and
the new Cabinet which will be formed
will start in with the object of bringing
the war to an end. The Spaniards find
the whole of Europe strongly opposed
to their continuance Of war which
they have shown such monumental in
capacity to conduct. The Spanish
honor" is seen every day to be too
trumpery an affair for anything but
ridicule. Saving the throne for the
worthless Bourbon dynasty is matter
that really interests none of the Powers
except Austria. IF the boy King is
forced to abdicate, French troops NAV
enter the Kingdom to restore order, as
they have done before, and set up some
other kind of a Government, which
certainly cannot be worse than the