Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-08-18

we in the open. Considering all these
things in the light Of the glorious re-
suit, it is not strange that the Ameri-
can eagle does some loud screaming.
1t is perfectly natural that he should.
In all his long and happy career he
never had better chance, Let him
screaml
Some things have been demonstrated
during this short war. First OF all
indeed so far in advance that nobody
can say just how far-has been shown
the wonderful efficiency OF the United
States navy. To that branch we owe
almost everything that rebounds to the
nations honor in this struggle. II was
ready for action at a moments warn
ing, when war was declared, it sailed
away on its career Of victory. As in
the Gull, so it was in the far away Pa
ciic. When dread lay heavy at the
heart, it was Dewey's glorious triumph
at distant Manila that thrilled every
soul. Our people took courage at once.
If such things were possible half way
around the globe under the American
flag. they were possible anywhere. Gu
ba was blockaded and cut off from
communication. Wherever our ships
OF war coulc get within range OF Span
ish forts without absolute certainty Of
being sunk, they went, laundering
against them. In abject fear, the
Wanted Spanish fleet crawled into
Santiago harbor, contented ii il could
only escape meeting our squadrons.
The land campaign at Santiago was
consequent on the naval movements.
When finally compelled to quit its
shelter by Spanish home sentiment, as
well as by the advance Of the Ameri-
can army, Ccrvera's fleet fell an easy
prey TO our bold scamanship and UNI
paralleled gunnery. Then ii was, when
gloom o'erspread the army before San
tiago, that the fate ofthat city was set
tied. In all its operations. the navy
has not lost single boat of any kind
and scarcely more than half dozen
lives. Could victory be more COM
pletc?
But the army is not to be forgotten.
OF necessity, its movements were slow
er than those of the navy. But in a
period so brief as to astound foreign
experts, a large expedition was landed
in southeastern Cuba and boldly
pushed toward the toe. The same
qualities of energy and perseverance
in the face of obstacles that pervaded
the navy appeared also in the army.
Indeed. the risk and danger and loss
were far greater. In the battles be-
fore Santiago was shown degree o
valor never surpassed The army was
inferior to the navy less by comparison
than in reality. 1t had more worthy
antagonist. The regular troops. ON
whom devolved most OF the fighting.
acquitted themselves as they have ever
done, with honor to the flag. The vol
unteers were just as brave, but owing
to their incxperience and poorer equip
ment, were less effective. Indeed.
what basis of criticism there is finds its
source in the administrative, rather
than the military, branch. We have
made no errors in diplomacy, which,
from first to last, has been aggressive
and tactful, rejecting the greatest cred
it on President Mckinley and his adj
visors. Secretary of the Navy Long
has managed his department with con-
summate ability. The judgment of the
country is not the same regarding Sec
rotary of War Alger. He seems to have
botched matters from first to last. en-
failing severe and unnecessary hard
ship upon the troops in the field. lie is
the only official that comes out dis
credited. He should make room for a
better man.
The war is ended, but our response
bilities have only begun. What shall
be our course toward the territory that
we have wrested from SSpainP The
situation is peculiar. We began the
war with loud and somewhat needless
that our action was I'M
dertaken solely in behalf of oppressed
and without the hope of gain
ourselves. We have ended by taking
Porto Rico outright, also one of the La
drone Islands. We are to take pos
session of Cuba and dispose of it as we
see fit. We are to hold Manila for the
present and negotiate with Spain fur
Their considering the control of the
whole Philippine oroup. Without par-