The times., 1898-03-06
WE COULD LAY THEM WASTE.
The American Fleet Would Ter
rorizc the Spanish Coast.

IpGtZt Tue SllHisISi 1baSi
In the event of war with Spain The Unit
ed States could do almost irreparable in
jury to its opponent. Spain has nine large
cities all unprotected and among the
wealthiest Of the kingdom. Five Ameri-
can battleships could wipe them out Of
existence and that. too. even before Spain
could strike a blow on American soil.
While Spanish vessels were trying to
drop shells into New York. Boston or
Philadelphia American vessels would un-
doubtedIy be bombarding Barcelona, Ca
diz and Malaga.
The Spanish coast lire is not as long as
that of America, and it would not take
American vessels as long TO make the
rounds as il would take the Spanish war
ships to make successive attacks upon
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charles
ton, Mobile and New Orleans.
Suppose the American fleet approaches
from the west. Of the coast Of Portugal
it could divide, two vessels turning north
ward and three keeping on an eastward
course toward Gibraltar.
In about thirty-siX hours they would be
off Corunna. This is one of the best de-
Tended cities in Spain. Two frowning
forts guard the entrance TO her harbor-
San Diego and San Antonio they are
called-while on the heights back of the
city stands on watch a grim old citadel
that was a terror to the enemy that ap-
preached by land or water in the olden
days. But these forts and this citadel are
not armed as are our ironclads. 1t is
doubtful If, with the negligent policy of
Spain in recent years the armaments Of
the fortresses have been kept up to date
Having reduced Corunna TO a waste of
debris and death, American ships would
would hurry onward 10 the next impor-
/ tant city. which is Santander, on the
north coast, about 250 miles east of Co
runna Santander's population is about
Il, 00O. and she is rich in public buildings
and manufactures. She is spoken of as
a very busy city. Her Notifications are
not so extensive as those of Corunna
All Spanish cities of Importance are
guarded by citadels built many years ago.
At Santander batteries have been placed
as additional protection With these
American ships must engage. Standing
out of range, if possible, of the shore
guns as they did at Corunna, they would
repeat the dose here that was administer
ed TO the first city Santander has a mag
nifcent mole and docks, of which she is
very proud. These would be destroyed.
Having reduced Santander. this section
return in search of some new enemy to
attack. They might go to the aid of the
three vessels that went eastward and
which have had more desperate work in
hand.
1t has been their duty TO despoil the
. create ana richest and the strongest of
the Spanish cities, those along the Medi-
/ terranean Sea. Before reaching Gibral-
( tar they come 10 CadiZ. The harbor of
this famous Spanish city, which is the
outer gateway to the Mediterranean, is
a fine one. But ii has one fatal defect
( from military standpoint. American
vessels could take their position and pour
into the city a fire that would in a few
hours turn its beauty and wealth into
waste of destruction.
Eastward would the American fleet Of
three gallant ships steam, toward GibraI-
tar. Gibraltar! But England holds Gil
braltar, and the fleet would pass un-
der her frowning batteries without chal-
! lenge.
Malaga. known TO young and old Amer
lea as the place where the grapes come
from, is the next stopping place on this
tour Of death and destruction. Malaga is
built in a vast basin, and the approach to
her harbor is commanded by a fine old
1 Moorish castle once formidable to the en-
emy, but not so much so nov. The har-
Dor Is formed by mole 100 feet LONG.
upon which batteries have been planted
All these would so down before unerriIg
gunners. Malasa's population is about
/ ia, 600
From Malaga about a days voyage lies
Carthagena, famous because, like a good
many south Spanish cities ii was found
ed by the Carthagenians. Its population
is $1,000 With a quick touch and go a
small fleet could send 10-inch shells
enough into the city and batteries to de-
stroy the former and silence the latter
before they could prepare an adequate de-
fense.
Hardly another days steaming wonId
carry American vessels to Alicante. a for
tilted city of 80 63S inhabitants. It's forti-
fcations consist of a strong castle com.
manding the town and bay. II is hardly
likely that the armament of this castle.
which is not Of recent construction. is
very heavy, certainly 10 match for the
big guns Of a warship. Alicante would 90
the way of the others the way OF death
and waste.
Valencia is a Spanish city mu-h read Of
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