The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-27
BOmbardment Of Cities Along
Atlantic Coast
Is a Part Of Spain'S War
Programme.
BIG NAVAL VICTORY
Won by the Fleet of the United
States
Is All That Will Prevent the
Proposed Attack.

London, April 27.-It is reported here
from Madrid that the destination of the
Spanish fleet, which is said to have
been at sea for some days, is unknown
to anyone but the minister of marine,
Admiral Bermejo. But it is added that
news is expected before long at the
Spanish capital of the bombardment of
American coast towns.
The reports from Madrid also say that
the Spanish naval authorities are sat
dsied that Spain can easily force the
blockade of Cuba when she desires to
do so, but in the meantime, it is ex-
planned, as the. governors of Cuba and
Porto Rico have advised the Spanish
government that they do not need the
fleet, the government has decided to
utilize the warships elsewhere"
Chicago, April 27.-A special to the
Times-Herald from Washington says:
Secretary Long of the navy depart
ment declares Havana will not be bonn
barded until serious danger from the
Spanish fleets is eliminated.
A1G says the OnAIeQ states cannot 9f-
ford to risk the loss of a warship until
the armadas are destroyed or are no
longer menace to be greatly feared
1t might be an easy matter to silence
the guns of Moro Castle and the
neighboring shore batteries, but in the
conflict American ships might be Grip
pied beyond easy repair. The navy of
the United States has a long coast line
to defend, which compels a scattering
of its vessels, and it labors under the
additional disadvantage of not knowing
the objective point of the -enemy's fleet
The American navy is not so strong
but that the loss of a single ship might
prove fatal in a naval engagement
There is the additional consideration
that when troops have been landed in
Cuba there must be a fleet able to keep
r. the line of supplies open and to coop
crate in the reduction of Spanish
strOngholds. 1t is a common habit to
despise the power of Spain, but naval
officers say it is a mistake in the case
of the armadas. A chance shot or two
might weaken the American squadron
just enough to give the enemy a vic
tory in the expected sea fight, and the
navy department will not take that
chance.
The secret service of the department
has sent word that Spanish ships were
to sail to this side, and it is thought
possible the armada which left Cadiz
several days ago may be on the way
across the Atlantic. The fleet at Cape
Verde Islands will also move in order
to obey the neutrality laws of Portugal,
and they may also cross to this side.
Naval officers and government Off
Gals generally are anxious for a chance
to test the merits of the two navies.
They are confident of victory for the
American ships, and the sooner the sea
fight comes the better it will please
them. With the danger from the Span
tsh armadas removed or minimized, the
taking of Cuba would be a compara-
lively easy matter, and the eyes of the
tacticians are turned across the sea
Tor movements of the enemy's fleets
1t is intimated in naval circles that
plans have been made for the union of
the squadrons of Admiral Sampson and
Commodore Schley if the Spaniards
should attempt to mass their offensive
power in the hope of catching either
one of the squadrons unawares, to be
destroyed before the arrival of REIN
Gorcements.
1t is thought fleet cruisers will
be sent out as scouts as soon as news
is received of a movement of the ar
madas to cross the Atlantic, and it is
surmised that that is what the Column
bia and Minneapolis are doing now.
The tactics of the Spaniards are a
mystery, but it is suspected they will
make an attempt to lombard some of
the big cities on the North Atlantic
coast. 1t is possible that the move
ment of the Pelaya and her consorts is
what the American warships are scour-
Ing the ocean to intercept.
If they should be discovered ap-
preaching the United States the scout
would scud back to the nearest port
ana send a message to the flying squa-
oron- The American navy is thus tied
up to some extent until the enemy
shows his hand.
Preparations are going on for the
movement of a force of regulars into
Cuba as soon as possible. 1t is rumor-
e9 that the force may be $1,000 instead
OF o'OOO. The object is to establish a
odse OF operations, open communica-
lIon with Gen. Gomez and feed as
many OF the reconcentrados as can be
The daring act Of Liutenant John c.