The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-23
cERvERA's SKILL oyERRATED.
Times Thinks He Has Accomplished
Nothing by Coming.

London, May 23.--The Times, this
morning in an article reviewing the war,
takes it for granted that Admiral Ger
vera's squadron coaled in Venezuelan
waters from four British GOLFERS. 1t
suggests that the cruisers Vizcaya and
Infanta Maria Teresa risked disadvaR-
tage in being reported there in consider
alton of their inability to send dis
patches to Gen Blanco.
The Times says: Even if it took a
longer route to escape observation Adj
miral Cervera's force has been excessive.
ly deliberate in its movements and his
fast cruisers have not yet shown great
speed. His strategy, SO much boasted
at Madrid, is not yet apparent Posi-
bly, his movements are hampered by the
torpedo boats, but the extreme sloWness
Of his ocean steaming destroyed his
chance of dealing an effective blow ut
Key West, at Tampa. or against the
blockading force denuded of its more
efficient vessels by Admiral SIMPSONS
raid on San Juan de Porto Rico. The
high speed of the Spanish cruiser squad
ron so far has not been turned to any
account, and although its arrival at SAN
tago de Cuba may have some moral
value in assuring the Cuban 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 q blockade
of Admiral Cervera at Santiago Gle Cuba
or an attempt to force him to give battle,
the Times article says:
1.-The United States commanders pos
sess 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-
fences of Santiago are probably no more
effective than those of Manila. TO take
the United States cruisers into their har
Dor in face of powerful fire from Ger
veras force. would be risky operation,
but torpedo flotilla if it existed in eth
er fleet, might find opportunities for ef
fectiye employment.
Il Admiral Cervera succeeds in get
ting to sea and obtaining coal he VII
unquestionably hamper the Cuban block
ade. although he can obtain no direct
advantage 1t is evident that the mont
tors greatly delay Admiral SIMPSONS
squadron. Such an incubus imposes
heavy disabilities upon a modern feet,
and a fast squadron capable of pursuing
the Spaniards If they leave the port is
urgently needed. Failing, such a force
there appears to be no reason why Adj
miral Ceryera should not steam to SAM
Juan de Porto Rico. coal, and 60 to sea
again before he could be overtaken. A
recent report confirms 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 Charles
ton or Savannah without difficulty.
a raid on either of these points would
have no important results, but it would
grayely interfere with the operations Of
the blockade. Reviewing the whole field
of operations, the most important lesson
is the effect produced by the presence Of
a small, compact high speed squadron,
which, however, hitherto has been some
what 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 disarranged. BY under
taking a bombardment of the fortifica-
tions at San Juan nothing was gained
The United States has been handicapped
by the lack of Il fast, homogeneous
squadron.
1T would be wise in future to leave
the direction of operations to naval com
mandnrs. Councils have never proved
capable in the course Of war Their
proper function is to obtain information
and to forward to the admirals who
must b.. as Nelson claimed the right to
~. free 10 act when the fitting opportun-
ify arrives"