The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-02
VIEW OF ARMY OFFICERS.
Greatest Fear is That Spanish May
Fall Back Upon Pando.

Yesterdays Washington Star SAYS:
Army officers here say that the battle
just begun az Santiago will either result
IN a very speedy victory or the situation
IS likely 10 become extremely trying.
with desperate lighting and great risk.
II is believed that the Spanish are not
well supplied with ammunition. and the
greatest apprehension is that they may
be able 10 retire from Santiago and fan
back upon Pando. taking up Il new posi-
ton further IN the interior. "a Is not
known mere Of course, what steps have
been taken by General Shafter 10 cut of
the retreat OF the Spanish army. but no
doubt IS felt that IL the way Is open for
a retreat the entire Spanish army viii
tan back, evacuaung the city II they
do this it Will greatly retard our opera
tons, for the possession OF Santiago
without having defeated the SfaUish
army will leave our operations very little
advanced.
The object OF General shafter is to ut
terly destroy or capture the Spanish army
in eastern Cuba, and 10 capture the Ger
vera fleet or destroy IL. II the Spanish
army evacuates Santiago and falls back
on Pando's achievements IL will prOba-
bly, take up a strong position further in
the interior. and our army will have 10
follow them, each retreat OF the enemy
and advance Of our army carrying ~
further from the coast and the base Of
supplies, and rendering impossible effec-
tive cooperation by the vessels Of our
feet.
General shafter. according TO his dis
patches TO the Department. has taken
steps 20 cut of the Spanish retreat. but
il is realized that great difficulties lie In
the way Of so dsposing our army as 10
render altogether impossible the retreat
OF the Spanish and great uncertainty Is
felt as TO the effectiveness OF the force
sent TO cut or the retreat.
The Cervera fleet, which was the prime
object OF the naval operations against
Santiago. must, OF course, be left In the
harbor but it is recognized that should
the Spanish army retire from Santiago
1t would still be impossible for our Land
forces 10 capture the fleet, and that
would have 10 be Effected by Simpsons
vessels forcing the harbor.
Moreover. so long as the defences OF
the harbor entrance are maintained ana
the mines have not been removed. the
presence Of the Ceryera fleet i'm the har-
Dor may render the city OF Santiago UNI
tenable 20 our army even after the Span
ish army has retired, II II is able 10 do
so.
Except when intrenched on a few very
NlBn points. WutIe the spanish vessels
could not get the Dr)Oer elevation 10 their
guns. our troops would b subject 20 the
fire Of the feet and not be In position
possibly to return II effectively. II this
situation develops. II is regarded as pro-
bable that Gen. Shaffer will rot occupy
the town at once. but will take a position
on the promontories and endeavOr 90
capture Moro Castle, so as 10 clear the
harbor for the entrance 70 our vessels.
and maintain this position until Admiral
Sampson can force his way through the
harbor and capture or destroy the Ger
vera feet.
When this Is accomplished the main OBJ
tect OF the Santiago operations VIII have
been attained. but N ne Spanish army
has not surrendered General Shafter viii
still have before him the task OF pursu-
inc General fAnares who NAV attempt
stubbor retreat over the same course
along which General Pando has advanced
from ManganilO designing 10 lead our
army far into the Interior OF the Island.
This presents the view In military circles
here OF the possibilities Of the situation.
but II il hoped that General Shafter has
been able TO so environ The Spanish army
as 10 compel a decisive battle and the sur
render % General Linares AZ Santiago.