The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-07-12

Washington, July 9.-The great bat
tie expected today did not take place,
although the armistice expired at noon
with the forces on both sides at San
tiagO lined up for battle. The reason
was that the Spanish commander, who
had been in correspondence by telc-
graph with his home government, was
seeking to make terms with General
Shafter by which he might save his
army from capture. He was willing
to give up Santiago without resistance
if allowed to retreat with all his men
and arms across the island, but this
idea was not entertained for a mo-
ment by our government. On the con-
trary, every effort Will be put forth to
seal up all avenues of escape from
Santiago and to compel the final sur
render Of the Spanish army To have
allowed them to make their way un-
mOlested into the interior would have
amounted simply to reinforcing the
garrison at Havana, by these thou
sands of trained soldiers who had
proven their courage IN the fighting in
the trenches. On the other hand to
compel their surrender it is believed
will certainly produce an enormous
moral effect both in Havana and in
Spain itself and thus tend to the early
conclusion of the war.
Secretary Alger and Adjutant Gen
eral COrbin were in communication
with General Shafter at Santiago dur
ing the day. Both officials, however,
declined positively to give out for pub
Ia inc tn q
negotiations that are going on between
General Shafter and General Linares,
or to confirm any of the exciting ru-
mOrs that were flying through the
corridors all day. Nevertheless, it was
evident from their manner that
crisis had been re lched 50 far as San
tiago was concerned and that as mat
terS stood at the close of the day there
was no reason to be dissatisfied with
the outlook. 1t is known that General
Shafter has lost nothing by the armis-
tice; his men are rested, and the COM
missary improved the roads have been
cleared and his artillery is now almost
completely placed in most effective
manner. None of these things existed
at the beginning of the armistice. On
the other hand, the Spanish forces
have largely diminished their slender
stock of provisions and have steadily
lost confidence. AS soon as they
are convinced that they will be hu
namely treated and fed and will not be
subjected to- inhumane treatment (and
the war department proposes that they
shall be thus prOtected). 1t is expected
that there will be many deSertions
from the Spanish lines.
OPPOSED TO TEN DAYS ARMS
TICE.
There is the strongest indisposition
Cn the part of the strategist board to
entertain favOrably the proposition
said to be under consideration at Mad
rid looking to an armistice of ten days
in order to consider terms of peace.
They believe that the United States
has everything to loose and nothing
to gain by accepting such a PROPOSE
tiOn. During that time Camara's s
squadron might find safe Judgement in
some strongly fortified coast town like
Ferrol and thus elude Watson's pur-
suit.
Admiral Sampson contributed moth
further during the day to his first
dispatch announcing the possibility of
saving the Spanish ships Colon, Maria
Teresa and ViZcaya. Telegraphic diff
ficulties have been encountered, but
it is not believed there has been any
thing of Importance for the admiral to
chronicle today.
Naval officials feel that another
change may have to be made in the
makeup of the eastern squadron,
which is to strike a blow against the
Spanish coast, as the battleship Iowa
suffered some hard knocks during the
recent naval battle with CerVera
squadron, and it may be necessary to
substitute one of the other battleships,
pending repairs on the Iowa. No de-
cision on the change has been reach
ed thus far, as the department has
not received the report showing the
exact condition of our ships after the
battle. In the meantime, the Asso-
ciated Press interview with Captain
Robley Evans, of the Iowa, leads the
naval officials 70 believe that the Iowa
Will require considerable overhauling
before she can be ready for trip
across the ocean. According to Cap
tain Evans story of the battle. the
Iowa was struck twice by Spanish
shells. and one shell exploded while
the other is embedded unexploded.
near the water line of the ship. This
last shot may prove troublesome, as
an uneXploded shell near the water
line is not a desirable adjunct to a
battleShip. From the light manner in
which Captain Evans speaks of the
damage it is not regarded as very seri-
Gus by the officials here. yet it is prob
ably enough to keep the Iowa from
accompanying the eastern squadron to
the coast of Spain. A decision as to
whether she will be withdrawn will not
be made until the report is received
on the col1dition of the ship.
Either the assachusetts or the In
diana will be substituted for the Iowa
if it be found necessary to make a
change. Either of them is as formid-
able as the Iowa. Their four large