The evening times., 1898-05-31
CIRCULATION STATEMENT.
TUESDAY. MAY 81. 1898.
Santiago and Porto Rico

Santiago and Porto RICO.
Many things combine to support the
theory that the concerted movement OF
the Army and Navy now being started
from Florida has for its object the cap
ture of Santiago and the Spanish
squadron in its harbor, and the invasion
and occupa ton of Porto Rico. 1t is
stated that last night more than thirty
transports were already loaded with
troops, and it is believed that they have
put to sea- General Miles will be al
Tampa in time to sail with a second
division.
situation and conditions Santiago
indicate that land attack Will hs nee
essary to insure the capture or destruc-
tion of Admiral Cervera's squadron as
an alternative to a strictly sea attack,
in which the advantages would be on
the side of the Spaniard. Their high
forts, mounted with modern guns,
would deliver plunging flra upon our
ships, only one of which at a time
could pass the narrow chanaei between
the powerful land batteries. Such an
attempt is discouraged by the naval
authorities, who, however. also see that
an effective blockade ut this season of
the year is impracticab,a, unless t
.-ould be Immediately established by
fling the channel at the harbor mouth
with obstructions. That, again, might
entail heavy losses of men and vessels.
SIS it would have to be done righ. under
L
We could not effectuaily reply to from
the water.
At this season of the year Commodore
Schley is liable at any hour to be
compelled to run for a port to save his
squadron from destruction by one
of those tropical hurricanes which
frequently sweep the dangerous
shoaly southern coast of Santi-
ago province. Before he could
return Cervera might very likely
succeed in slipping out. 1t would take
some time to procure, assemble, load
and sink hulls in the channel, even if
it were otherwise feasible. Probably
the shortest way out of the difficulty is
to be found in the plan with which the
Government is credited-to land an
Army Corps of infantry and artillery,
mostly regulars, with a siege train. ef-
feet a landing near Santiago and gain
possession of a range of hills overlook
ing the bay.
In this way it may be possible to
get above the principal defenses, bonn
bard them in connection with the NOR
tar batteries of the squadron and at the
same time get the drop on the Spanish
ships. Thus Cervera might be COM
PEELED to make a run for the open sea,
and there meet Schley or be pounded to
death in the trap.
As larger expedition than appar-
emily is needed for this enterprise ap-
pears to be under way, it is not i'm
probable that flock of transports
loaded with American troops may ap-
pear off the coast of Porto Rico before
many days, and lay off and on at a safe
until the Navy has silenced the
forts and batteries of San Juan. From
in possession of the depart
ments, it is not expected that Spanish |
resistance will be very important, af-
ter successful landing, as our CORDS |
Of occupation will considerably out
number the forces of the enemy on the
Island.
A good reason for the Porto Rican
movement at this time may be discov-
cred in the bad effect upon the native
population which the fiasco of Samp-
sons previous bombardment has had. /
They regard the inconsequential action
and speedy retirement of our squadron
As Spanish victory, and are more in
lined to take sides with their oppres-
sors than ever before. arguing that, il
Spain should succeed in holding the
Island and they were openly disloyal,
here would be a general massacre af-
er the war. 1t would be very saIutary
10 dispossess them of this notion by |
thoroughly cleaning up everything
Spanish on the premises, and that, We
believe, is what the President and Cen
sral Miles wish to do.
We must not forget the possibility
hat Commodore Schley may have
ound chance. under his discretionary
powers. to engage his adversary, but
hat he should do so under existing cir
would surprise us. We re-
yard 1t as probable that the country
will have to wait several days yet be-
ore receiving any news of battle ON
ca or shore.