The age-herald., 1898-06-05
NEW HERO IN
 NAVAL HISTORY

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 Medals and promotion are the least they can expect at the hands of a grateful peo- pie Moreover, they will not langush long in Spanish prison If the authorities here can bring about their release. For half an hour after Sampson's bulletin was dis played on the walls of the navy department Colonel Carter, assistant adjutant- general, had taken the preliminary steps to arrange for an exchange of prisoners and was learn ing just how, many Spanish officers and en- listed men were still held in captivity at Fort McPherson, Georgia, where they had been taken from the prizes captured by the American naval vessels. In addition to these there has just been turned over to the military authorities at Fort Monroe for safe keeping another Spanish officer supposed to be ofShigh rank, but who has so far managed to conceal his identity. The officials are confident they have more than enough Spanish officers to offer as ransom for the one American officer affd seven enlisted men held by Cervera. The officers, one and all, took note of the gen. erous recognition by Admiral Cervera of the bravery of the Americans and his kind ly treatment of the prisoners, and 1t can be guaranteed that the admirars lines will fall Tn as pleasant places any captive has a right to expect should he be overcome in the end and be forced to surrender to Sampson.
 situatfon Sati factory
 The naval situation is believed to be en- .tirely satisfactory, notwithstanding the Spanish reports of the clearing away of the Merrimac. It is not believed for an instant that Sampson will submit to losing this so dearly purchased advantage, an1 he can be relied upon to prevent the removal of the obstructiuon.
 With the Spanish fleet caged inside the harbor there to remain until thy are starved out or surrender, Sampson will be free to detach most of his powerful squad ron for service elsewhere. This means ac- cording to common belief, immediate at tack upon San Juan.
 Peace signs have been multiplying; tn rs has been notable change in the tone of the Spanish press, and though up to this moment no advances have been made to the state department by any of tn Eu- ropean powers, there is an indef1nable sug gestion in the air that any moment may bring forth overtures of this kind For this reason the campasg gn against Porto K co probably will be hurried in order to ensure it's possession by the United, States before peace Is attained
 Of the Cadz fleet no fear is entertained. Notwithstanding the many published re- ports to the effect that their fleet has a.. ready started either for the West Indies the Philippines, it can be stated that the govrnment has informat'o on which it re- gards as reliable that the Spanish ships had not left Cadiz up to yesterday. Meanwhile army preparations go forward without the slightest sign of cessation.
 Today bids were opened for supply 'ng 100000 cartridges; two more transports were purchased and arrangements made for the four Spanish steamers captured prizes to be utilized as transports.
 The Name of Hobson
 Hobson Is the name upon every lip in Washington tonight. His associates regard him as combining great ability as a student with the eccentricity of the accompanying genius. It was remarked by one chief off, cer tonight that Hobson was a man who held naval regulations concerning matters of form in contempt and was obliyious to official rules. These dare devil character- istics were offset, however, by his recog- nized abaility in all branches of naval science, particularly naval architecture Al- though the youngest man in his class at the naval academy, which led to his being sent by the government for a course in the naval schools of Europe. Here he gained new honors. On returning to this country he served with the department and also saw sea service and about a year ago became instructor in naval architecture at the naval academy at Annapolis. When the war broke out he asked fSr active ser vice and at the same time insisted on talk ing the three naval cadets of his class with him in order that they might gain the ad- vantage of practical experience on ship board during the war.
 As result he and his three cadets were assigned for service on Admiral Sampson's flagship. It was the prevailing expression at the department tonight that Hobson was just the character to take the lead in such a hazardous feet that his expert knowledge of naval construction would permit him to sink the Merrimac in such a position as to prove most effective in blockadng the channel.