The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1898-06-02
VAR NEWS.


harbor of Santiago de Cuba. There is
so little doubt about it that the naval
campaign is proceeding upon the as
sumption that Admiral Cervera is in
capable of doing any harm. Within
a few days, the exact conditions of San
tiago de Cuba will be known without
shadow of doubt.
In spite of assertions to the contrary
Commodore schley was not absolutely
sure of his game when he last commu-
nicated with Rear Admiral Sampson
and the commodore will not take act
i've steps to block up the entrance of
Santiago harbor until he is perfectly
certain that Admiral Cervera's ships
are inside. However, he may have
done this already, as Commodore
schley's last communication, forwarded
Thursday, only reached Rear Admiral
Sampson yesterday.
The commodore stayed three days at
Cienfuegos. He signalled to his ships
II believe the Spanish fleet is in the
Harbor." On this belief message
was sent to the American admiral.
The details, if Commodore Sch.ey
found out that he was mistaken are
not yet known. At any rate, acting on
the admiral's instructions. the commo-
dore then moyed east, arriving outside
Santiago de Cuba on Wednesday morn
ing, May 25th.
The topography of Clenfuegos and
Santiago de Cuba Is almost Identical
Both harbors are about six miles long
with narrow entrances about 800 yards
wide and protected by highlands. A
whole fleet could lie in the harbor Of
either place and not be visible from the
outside.
j Alter his experience at Cienfuegos
it is probable that Commodore Schley
was very conservative in deciding
whether or tot he had caught Admira
Cervera. From the tone of his dis
patches it is evident that the commo
dore soon gained much second hant
and external evidence which pointed
to Admiral Cervera's presence in thu
inner harbor. This evidence was ap
parently strong enough to make th'
commodore feel certain the object o
his trip had been accomplished, but il
view of his previous experience, b.
woule not risk decisive statement un
til further ascertaining the fact TO
himself.
Before this dispatch Is published j
is likely that Commodore Schley he
! sent some vessel into the entrance c
the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, or ha
obtained from a reliable source ashor
! information as to the exact numbe
+ and the names of the Spanish warshir
sheltered by the hills about that place
SANTIAGO POORLY PROTECTED.
Contrary to the generally expecte
q opini on, the harbor OF Santiago de CT
ba is poorly protected. Like Havan
!, and San Juan de Porto Rico, it b.
:, its Moro castle, which is even a bette
target than those OF HAVANA and Sa
Juan. The only danger to be feare
is from the mines which have bee
= laid in the channel of Santiago stint
= war was declared. But, counterminin
would probably render these mini
i harmless. should it prove desirable fl
! Commodore schley's slips to enter Il
harbor. Such a step however, is Vi
;. likely. It may be noted that since ii
! commencement OF the naval operation
the moral effects of the mines b
been grea t. This condition promis
to continue and will probably mark tt
naval operations to greater exte
- than ever imagined in the past.
THE BLOCKADE.
VI The blockade OF northern Cuba &C
8, con tinues uheventeful and is apparel
Mr.. P. Ketcham, of Pike City, Ca