The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-07-10

entertain favorably the proposition said
to be under consideration at Madrid. look
Ing to an armistice Of ten days. In order to
consider terms OF peace. They believe that
the United States has everything to lose
and nothing to gain by accepting such
proposition. During that time Camara' s
squadron might find safe lodgment in some
strongly fortified coast town, like Ferrol,
and thus elude Watson's pursuit. However,
history shows that the directors Of success
full armies are always averse to ceasing
military operations until conditional capit-
ulation Is achieved, and that it requires the
strong hand of diplomacy to bring about
the short pause before the final consumma-
ton of peace necessary to reach common
understanding.
Sampson Is Silent
Admiral Sampson contributed nothing
further during the day to his first dispatch
announcing the possibility of saving the
Spanish ships Colon. Maria Teresa and
vizcaya. Telegraphic difficulties have been
encountered, but it is not believed there
has been anything of Importance for the
admiral to chronicle today.
Watson's Squadron
Naval officials feel that another change
may have to be made in the makeup of the
eastern squadron which is to strike blow
against the Spanish coast, as the battleship
Iowa suffered some hard knocks during the
recent naval battle with Cerveras squad
ron, and 1t may be necessary to substitute
one OF the other battleships, pending repairs
on the Iowa. No decision on the subject has
been reached thus far, as the department
has not received the report showing the
exact condition of our ships after the bat
tie. In the meantime the Associated Press
interview with Capt. Robley Evans of the
Iowa leads naval officials to believe that
the Iowa will require considerable over
hauling before she is ready for trip across
the ocean.
Plenty of Battleships
Either the Massachusetts or the Indiana
will be substituted for the Iowa, If it be
found necessary to make a change. Either
of them is as formidable as the Iowa. Their
four large guns are of the 1S-inch type.
While those Of the Iowa are 12-inch. In
other respects their batteries are similar to
those of the Iowa. They are commonly re-
garded as rather better sea-going ships
than the Iowa.
The department has not decided to in
crease the number of Watson's ships, as
has been reported. as it is felt that the list
announced yesterday is quite ample to take
care of Admiral Camara's squadron, now
returning hastily to protect the coast of
Spain Camara's only armored ships are the
the Pelayo and Carlos V, the former of 5000
tons and the latter Of 5000 tons. They are
cutranked in every point by the ships of the
American squadron-armor armament,
speed. size and number of guns and general
effectiveness.
The Iowa's Condition
According to Capt. Evans story Of the |
battle, the Iowa was struck twice by Span |
ish shells, and one shell exploded while |
the other is imbedded, unexploded, near
the water line OF the ship. This last shot |
may prove troublesome, as an unexploded |
shell near the water line is not desirable |
adjunct to a battleship. From the light |
manner in which Capt. Evans speaks of the |
damage, it is not regarded as very serious |
by the officials, yet it is probably enough to |
keep the Iowa from accompanying the east |
ern squadron to the coast of Spain. A de- |
cision as to whether she will be withdrawn |
will not be made until the report is received |
on the condition of the ship.