The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1898-07-08

IN the war. 1t demonstrates anew
tho fine quality of the American
navy, the superiority of the Ameri-
can gunners and the invinclble
bravery of the American sailors.
The fact that only one man was
killed is another wonder of the
war. The Importance of the vic
tory of Sampson and Schley's feet
cannot be over estimated. Santi
ago dc Cuba was in itself a point
of no strategic importance to us.
1t was made important by the pres
ence of SPANS crack feet within
its harbor. All talk about the
power of the Cadiz feet is more
or less fustian. The finest of
SPANS fleet has been destroyed,
andthis Is the natural beginning
of the end.
The object of the operations
around Santiago de Cuba has now
been accomplished, whether tina,
city surrenders or whether VIC
withdraw our troops entirely from
it. There can be little doubt that
the original plan of camp align con-
templated the early investment OF
Havana. Santiago de Cuba was
probably never thought of. The
sailing of Cervera's fleet from
Spain presented new problem.
We were all in doubt as to whether
It's objective point was Boston,
Havana, San Juan or the Philip
pines. 1t managed to evade our
fleets and creep into the harbor OF
Santiago de Cuba. where it was
discovered by Commodore Schley,
who then made the fatefnl prcdic.
ton that it would mover get back
home. When this fact was estab-
lished the whole plan of campaign
was changed. The destruction of
Cervera's feet took precedence of
the fall of Havana. Troops that
had been intended for the assault
on the capital city were sent to
Santiago de Cuba TO attack that
place, and thereby assist Schley
and Sampson in the destruction of
Cervera's fleet. This having been
accomplished, the most decisive
blow in the war has been struck.
.,Of course Gen. Shafter will insis,
on the equalization of Santiago de
Cuba, and failure to surrender
would mean the appih,lation OF
the place. But as we have said,
the capture OF Santiago is now
rendered immaterlal.
The elimination of Cervera's
fleet virtually drives Spain from
the sea. All danger Of her harass.
ing our coast is over. Cuba is
now without naval protection.
Porto Rico must rely upon her
forts and land batteries 10 repel
the American foe. We can now
conduct our operations without
fear of phantom fleets sailing mys.
teriously we know not whittier.
The remnant of SPANS navy will
be kept at homo to protect her
coasts. We are In a position to
lombard the Notifications OF
Havana and at the same time send
a powerful fleet after Camara and
invade Spain itself, The destruc-
ton Of Cervera immensely simpli.
fes the problem. To bring about
this result number of our bravest
soldiers have given up their lives
in the fever-haunted jungles OF
Cuba. The surge of American
valor around Santiago, the resist.
less and inevitable advance OF
Shafter, the splendid dash of the
Rough Riders, the cool lntrepidity
of both regulars and volunteers,
all these drove the Spaniards de.
spalringly into Santiago, and a,
last caused Cervera's fleet to make
an attempt TO escape. Shaftei
paved the way for the great naval
victory. 1t was because he had
rendered the conditions at Santiago
de Cuba intolerable that Cervera
resolved to hazard all on a conflict
A