The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-07-07
IA DECIDED VICTORY.
Work of Skaters Troops Before
Santiago So Regarded.
fully Prepared for the Final strue-
gle, Which, 1t Ii Confidently He
lieved, Must End in the Full
OF the Spanish Stronghold.

Washington, July 2.-The suspense
which followed the receipt of Gen.
Skaters dispatch early Friday morn
ing announcing that battle had been
begun near Santiago was relieved at
1880 this Saturday morning, when
preliminary report of the days op-
crations was received by Gen. Corbin
from Gen. Shafter. AS had been ex-
Pected by the officials of the war de-
partment the fight lasted until sun
down. During the day probably it was
not possible for Gen. Shafter to stop
in the midst of the performance of his
onerous duties to send dispatches to
the department. He was seriously oc-
cupied and the work accomplished, as
indicated concisely in his dispatch,
clearly shows that not much grass
grew under his feet during the day.
The president and the war officials are
Immensely pleased at the information
conveyed in Gen. Skaters message.
While they learned with sincerest re-
greet that so many of the American
troops had fallen in the fight, the
ground gained by the days conflict is
regarded as a great victory.
The battle establishes pretty con-
clusively that the Spaniards are no
match for the enthusiastic and aggres-
sive United States troops. They were
driven from their strong entrench-
ments in front of Santiago back into
the city and the Americans are now
occupying the entertainments and
awaiting only the dawn to resume the
greater battle which will result, it is
confidently believed by the war off,
Gals, in the fall of Santiago before
Sunday night and perhaps before
nightfall to-day.
COrbin the Battle.
Adjt. Gen. Corbin put the situation
strongly and picturesquely this morn
ing while speaking briefly of the ag-
gressiveness and tenacity of Gen. Shat
ter.
1.-THE old bull dog" said he referring
thus half afrectonatey to the distin-
guished commander of the Fifth corps, us
lying right there with his teeth in their
neck. only waiting the coming of day
light to finish the work he has so mag
nificently begun. The engagement yes
tcrday was very heavy for preliminary
fight, but 1t scores a decided victory for
us. regret to know that Shafter has sus-
tanned so heavy a loss, but we may hope
that there are not as he says, many killed.
1t Is, however, pretty certainly to be true
that the loss in an engagement like that Of
yesterday, where the battle line extended
over several miles, will be much heavier
than Is indicated by the first reports. It Is
manifestly impossible, in cases where the
Ho a hoe oil n ov91 Ell H.
ascertain with dedniteness the loss sus-
tanned"
To Cut OFF Retreat.
The military authorities here are
fully considering the chances of such
a retreat of the Spanish army from
Santiago and are endeavoring so to
shape events that Gen. Skaters force
will not only take Santiago, but will
capture the $4,000 Spaniards before
they get away northward to effect
juncture with Gen. Pando. Full in
formation as to the possible lines of
retreat has been placed at the disposal
of the war department..
Germany Not Unfriendly.
Assurance was given at to-day's ses-
sion Of the cabinet of the expectation
of the administration that Germany
would not interfere at Manila. There
was some discussion on this point, but
both the president and Secretary Day
said they had received assurances that
there was no unfriendly action con-
templated on the part of the German
empire. They expressed the belief that
there was no real foundation for the
reports of the unfriendly attitude of
Germany and of radical steps contem-
plated by that government. and indi-
Gated their personal conviction that
there need be no serious apprehension
on that score. Several members of the
cabinet apparently do not share this
confidence in the German attitude
The administration has much conf
dencc in the judgment and tact of
both Admiral Dewey and Gen. Mer-
rift.
The latest advices, it was reported
Camara's Spanish fleet would proceed
through the Suez canal on it's Journey
to the Philippine islands. This, how
ever, is discounted by previous ex-
pectations and preparations, and there
is confidence in the arrival of the Mon
terey, the Monadnock and the Charles
ton off Manila before Camara can DOS
siblT reach there.
Respects Our Blockade.
Berlin, July 2. - The following dis
patch has been received from Hong
Kong:
According to trustworthy Intelligence
from Manila the Spanish governor general
had a few days ago, at his own request, a
meeting with Admiral Diedrichs (the COM
the far east, in order to propose. in be-
half Of the Spanish government, that
Manila should be handed into the provi-
sional charge Of a neutral commander
The proposal was rejected by Admiral
Diedrichs, in view Of the American block
ade.''
Dewey Heard From.
Washingto on, July 2.-The navy de-
partment received dispatch Friday
from Admiral Dewey, dated Cavite,
June ~. He made no mention of reen-
forcements and said he had avoided
committing this government to any
policy and had left Gen. Merritt free,
Dewey Disappointed.
London, July "A dispatch to the
Daily Telegraph from Manila, dated
Tuesday, June IS, via Hong-Kong, says:
The nonarrival of the American troops
has grievously disappointed Admiral
Dewey, but the Americans still count
on celebrat ting the Fourth of July in