New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-03
GREAT BATTLE IMMINENT.
CRUCIAL FIGHT OF THE WAR.
SAMPSON AND SCHLEY EXPECTED 10
DESTROY CERvERAS SHIPS.
THE TROOPS INTENDED FOR SANTIAGO
WILL PROBABLY BE SENT TO SEIZE
PORTO RICO.

WILL PROBABLY BE SENT TO SEIZE
PORTO RICO.
TBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE1
Washington, June 2-The contingency, clearly
foreseen and provided for in the orders sent TO
Major-General Shafter last Sunday. which
might render superAuous the beginning Of ex-
tended Army operations in the vicinity OF San
tlago, has now acquired important proportions
in view Of the extremely formidable naval con-
centration which is reported off the southern
coast Of Cuba. and there has been a consequent
improvement in the prospects OF an immediate
invasion Of Porto Rico, with the likelihood OF tho
occupation Of San Juan itself before the middle
of June
NAVY MAY NEED NO HELP
Army officers In Washington believe tonight
that the reported arrival Of Admiral Sampson
of Santiago and the presence there OF the peer
less Oregon signalize the confidence OF the naval
commanders that Cervera's squadron may be de-
stroyed without depending on assistance ashore.
end that quickly following the reconnotring
skirmIsh of the Iowa. the Massachusetts, and
the New Orleans. decisive engagement would
be undertaken. Should this conviction prove
we'll founded the troops now on the way TO
Mole st. Nicolas will not go south through the
Windwari Passage, bat will continue their east
erly course past Cape Haytien. and promptly
begin the vigorous campaign which has been
mapped out for the seizure Of Porto Rico.
Since the departure Of General Miles from
Washington the probability that Army co-opera-
ton would be imperative at Santiago has mate
rally diminished, particularly since the effective
ness Of Commodore schley's communications
with the insurgents ashore became fully known
and clearly appreciated by the officials here now
charged solely with supporting actual operations
OF fleets and armies.
MINE FIELDS LITTLE FEARED.
The Commodore's certainty that he had Ger
vera securely in the harbor. and his request for
naval rather than military reinforcement. nave
given rise to unquestionng assurances on the
part OF the highest authorities that he can safely
be trusted to carry out the responsibilities which
have been imposed him. His demonstration
that the Santiago batteries were Insignificant to
degree that removed them from serious con-
sideration as essential elements in the defence
Of that harbor. although theoretical strategists
had laboriously figured out that naval guns
could not be sufficiently elevated to reach them.
has cast grave doubts on the efficiency OF the
alleged mine fields with which the channel has
been presumed TO be protected and It is the i'm
preston Of naval officers here who probably re-
fleet the opinions OF the naval commanders on
the scene, that an attack on the Spanish squad
ron inside the harbor would be attended with
scarcely greater hazards than an engagement
with It in the open sea- and with infinitely i'm
proved chances OF accomplishing It's complete
defeat.
NEWS EXPECTED HOURLY.
In view Of the extreme latitude now allowed to
fleet commanders. whose discretion is practically
unlimited by war boards or other officials distant
from the front. II Is evident that no in
Washington, Of whatever exalted authority, can
predict tonight the character Of the next report
from the combined armored squadrons. Un-
ouestonably TO them the crucial battle Of the
war Is imminent. unless all signs fail, and 1t may
be a matter Of hours rather than days before the
receipt OF news OF an occurrence which may ter
inmate the war. or in any event. draw the line
sharply for the conduct OF all succeeding opera
/ tions.