The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-23
LEAVE SAMPSON ALONE
LONDON TIMES REVIEWS WORK OF
THE OPPOSING SQUADRONs.
Cervera May He Able to Cause Much
Trouble with Americans Handi-
capped by Monitors.

LONDON, May 23.-The Times this morn
ing, in an article reviewing the war, takes
it for granted that Admiral Cerveras
squadron coaled in Venezuelan waters from
four British Golfers. 1t suggests that the
cruisers Vizcaya and Infanta Maria Teresa
risked a disadvantage in being reported
there in consideration OF their ability TO
send dispatches to General Blanco and then
to have rejoined the flagship at a prear-
ranged rendezvous and to have arrived at
Santiago on the 18th. The Times says:
Even if it took longer route to escape
observation, Admiral Cerveras force has
been excessively deliberate in it's move
ments. and his fast cruisers have not yet
shown great speed. His strategy, so much
boosted at Madrid is not yet apparent.
Possibly his movements are hampered by
the torpedo boats, but the extreme slow
ness of his ocean steaming destroyed his
chance of dealing an effective blow at Key
West, at Tampa or against the blockading
force denuded of it's most efficient vessels
by Admiral Simpsons abortive raid on San
Juan de Puerto Rico The high speed of
the Spanish cruiser squadron so far has
not been turned to any account, and al
though its arrival at Santiago de Cuba may
have some moral value in assuring the Gu
ban garrisons that they are not abandoned,
no naval object seems to have been
attained. The United States commanders
now know where the enemy is and have
had time to concentrate superior forces
and to cover their vulnerable points,"
Discussing the problem of blockade of
Admiral Cervera at Santiago de Cuba or an
attempt to force him to give battle, the
Times article says: 1.-The United States
commanders possess ample forces, but night
and the speed of the Spanish cruisers will
give them chances to escape. The result will
be watched with much interest. The de-
lenses of Santiago are probably more
effective than those of Manila. To take the
United States cruisers into this harbor in
face of powerful fire from Cervera's force
would be a risky operation, but a torpedo
fiOtilla, if 1t existed in either fleet might
find opportunities for effective employment.
IF Admiral Cervera succeeds in getting to
sea and obtaining coal he will unqueEtion-
ably hamper the Cuban blockade, although
he can obtain no direct advantage. 1t is evil
dent that the monitors greatly delay Ad-
miral SIMPSONS squadron Such an incubus
imposes heavy disabilities on a modern
fleet, and fast squadron capable of pur-
suing the Spaniards if they leave the port
is urgently needed. Failing such a force,
there appears to be no reason why Admiral
Cervera should not steam to San Juan de
Puerto Rico, coal and go to sea again before
he could be overtaken. ~ recent report con-
firms the existence of a large quantity of
coal at San Juan, and if Admiral Cervera
can avail himself of this supply and leave
behind his torpedo craft he would be able
to reach Charleston or Savannah without
difficulty. A raid on either of these points
would have no impOrtant results hut If
would gravely interfere with the operations
of the blockade.
Reviewing the whole field of operations
the most important lesson is the effect pro-
duced by the presence of small, compact
high-speed squadron, which, however hith-
erto has been somewhat aimlessly employed
From the moment when it was known that
this squadron had arrived off Martinique
all the plans of the United States board of
strategy were dsarranged, By undertake
ing bombardment of the Notifications at
San Juan nothing was gained. The United
States has been handicapped by the lack of
fast. homogeneous squadron. 1t would be
wise In the future to leave the direction of
operations to naval commanders. Councils
have never proved capable directors of war
Their proper function is to obtain informa-
ton and to forward it to the admirals, who
must be, as Nelson claimed the right to be-
free to act when the fitting opportunity ar
rived"