The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-05
HOBS0N AMONG THE HEROES.
SINKING OF THE MERRINIAC a bril-
LIANT SHOW or BRAVERY.

Highly Appreciate Admiral Ger
vera's Recognition of the Heroic
Nature OF the WOrlx--EXchange of
Prisoners and emotion Certain.
Washington, June 4-From early morn
ing when the first newspaper appeared on
the streets containing the brief statement
Of the sinking Of the Merrimac IN Santiago
harbor, the officials of the navy depart
ment awaited with intense interest official
confirmation and explanation from Admi-
raj Sampson.
IN the afternoon the story came, lacking
in detail it is true, but giving in rough out
lines a sketch of American heroism that
VIII live through generations to come.
There is no doubt that the name Hobson
is destined to be bracketed with that of
Gushing among Americas naval heroes
aud, indeed, it was the opinion Of the ma
jority of officers who scanned the Asso-
ciated Press account of the sinking of the
Merrimac that the exploit surpassed in
brlliancy and as an exhibition of cool dar-
ing even Cushing's famous attack upon the
ram Albemarle.
Reward sure and adequate is awaiting
these American heroes, and Acting secre.
tary Allen has so pledged himself after
| consultation with Secretary Long, who IS
| still confined to his rooms by a lame leg.
Medals and promotion are the least they
can expect at the hands of a grateful peo-
| Pile Meanwhile, they will not languish
| long in a Spanish prison IL the authorities
here can bring about their release, for half
| an hour after Admiral Sampson's bulletin
was displayed on the walls of the navy
department, Col Carter, assistant adju-
tant general, had taken the preliminary
steps TO arrange for an exchange of pris-
ouers, and was learning just how many
| Spe nish officers and enlisted men We're stll
| held in captivity at Fort Mcpherson, Ca.
| where they had been taken from the prizes
| captured by the American naval vessels.
In. addition to these the navy has just
turned over to the military authorities al
! Fort Monroe for safe keeping, another
! Spanish officer supposed to be of high
rank but who has so far managed to con-
ceal his identity The officials are confident
that they have more than enough Span
-ish officers to offer as ransom for the one
American officer and seven enlisted men
| held by Cervera.
The officers, one and all, took note Of the
generous recognition by the Spanish adj
miral of the bravery of the Americans and
his kindly treatment of the prisoners, and
it can be guaranteed that the admirals S
captive has right to expect should he be
captive has Alright to expect should be be
overcome in the end and forced to surren-
der to Admiral Sampson.
The naval situation is believed to be en-
tirely satisfactory. Notwithstanding the
Spanish reports of the clearing away Of
the Merrimac it is not believed for an in
slant that Admiral Sampson will submit to
losing this dearly purchased advantage
and he can be relied upon to prevent the
| removal Of the obstruction.
With the Spanish feet Gagged inside the
harbor they to remain until they are
| starved out or surrender Admiral Samp-
son win be free to detach most of his pow
erful squadron for service elsewhere. This
means, according to common belief. imme-
date attack upon San Juan.
Peace signs have been multiplying; there
has been a notable change in the tone Of
the Spanish press, and although up 10 this
moment, no advances have been made TO
the state department by any of the Euro
! pean powers there Is an indehnable sugges-
| tion In the air that any moment may bring
forth overtures of this kind.
For this reason the campaign against
Porto Rico probably viii be hurried in or
der 10 insure its possession by the United
| States. IL peace Is attained.
70 the Cadiz fleet no fear is entertained.
| Notwithstanding the many published re-
| ports. probably all ascribable to Spanish
| ingenuity to the effect that his feet has
already started for either the West Indies
| or the Philippines 1t can be stated that
the government has information which it
regards as reliable that the Spanish fleet
had not left Cadiz up to yesterday. Mean
while army preparation 80 forward with
| out the slightest sign Of cessation.
To-day bids were opened for supplying
10000 cartridges; two more transports
we're purchased, and arrangement were
I made to use four Of the large Spanish
steamers captured as prizes for the trans
portation Of troops 80 Cuba ana Porto Rico.
Naval Constructor Hobson, whose name
Is on every lip in Washington tonight, IS
well known at the navy department as
he served in the bureau of construction
for several years. His associates regard
cd him as combining great ability as a
student with the eccentricity often accom-
panving genius 1t was remarked by one
of the chief officials of the navy Depart
ment that Lieut.. Hobson was man who
held naval regulations concerning matters
| of form In contempt and was obivlous to
official rules These daredevil character
istics were offset, however, by his recog-
nized ability 10 all branches Of naval
science, particularly naval architecture.
Although the youngest man in his class
at the naval academy, he graduated at
the head of the class, a signal honor,
which led to his being sent by the gov
eminent for course in the naval schools
of Europe. Here he gained new honors.
on returning to this country he served
with the department ana also saw sea SER
vice, and about year ago became in
structor in naval architecture at the naval
academy az Annapolis.
When the war broke out he asked for
ontive service and at the same time in
sisted on taking three naval cadets Of his
class with him Ia order that they might
cain the advantage of practical experi-
enre on shlpboard during the war. AS a
result he ana his three cadets were as
signed to Admiral Sampson's flagship. II
was the prevailing expression at the de-
nartuent tonight that Lieut.. Hobson
| -