Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1898-05-05
GREAT JOY AT THE Ma
TIONAL CAPITAL.
MAY BRING WAR TO AN END
Gives Spain . ForotaSte OF what She
May Expect II sho Persists In Car
FyIng on the COnflIot-POwerS
May Now intervene to Bring
Pressure on spain TO
Yield Cuba

WASHINGTON, May Mot since the
dark days of the great civil conflict of
third OF a century ago have the peo-
pie Of this city been so profoundly
moved by war news as they were last
evening.
The first battle of the Hispano-
American war has been fought, and
victory lies with Admiral Dewey's
squadron under the stars and stripes.
When the news came indicating a
great victory for the American squad
ron, the enthusiasm OF the people was
let loose and the streets of the city
have rung with cheers throughout the
night
Thus far no official advices have
been received by the government, but
the press dispatches were transmitted
to the President and officials of the
administration as rapidly as they were
received.
The President, in company with sew
eral of his advisers, read the bulletins
in the library of the White house.
The news was evidently of the most
gratifying character to him, but no
statement could be obtained at the
executive mansion concerning the bat
tie, or its possible consequences.
Officials of the navy department
were reticent in discussing the con-
hict, in the absence of official infor-
nation, but they made no pretense of
concealing their great qualification.
Secretary Long declined to comment
upon the subject, but it was evident
that he felt relieved.
Secretary Alger declared that it was
a GLORIOUS victory" but, in common
with other officials of the administra-
ton, declined to make extended com
ment upon it.
The absence of any statement OF
specific injury to the American vessels
in the Madrid advices was construed
as convincing indication that they had
not suffered appreciable injury, and
this was especially pleasing to the
naval students of the news.
Not only was the preservation of
the American ships and men consid-
cred in itself happy outcome, but
was commented upon as indicating
clearly that Admiral Dewey and his
associate Office RS and the men under
their command had discharged SPLEEN
didly their several duties, in directing
and executing the fight
In this connection it was pointed
out as little less than marvellous that
the American squadron escaped with
out severe injury, because, notwith-
standing the disparity in the naval
forces, the Spanish feet, assisted by
the shore batteries, should have been
able to inflict severe damage to its foe
before itself being destroyed Its
failurs to do so was applicable only
upon the hypothesis of perfect and
swift work by the American squadron.
WASHINGTON, May Am opinion
freely expressed by naval officers is
that the very decisive victory of Ad-
miral Dewey's fleet will mean prob
ably an early end of the war, without
further naval battles of Importance.
The American feet, it is suggested, is
now supreme in the waters of Spain's
Pacific possessions, and indications
were strongly toward the slipping of
the Philippines from her control
1t was said that, only by quickly
yielding to our demands, in Cuba,
could this loss possibly be sverted.
Spain, it is argued, was confronted
with a situation which promised
1aught save disaster in case she elect
ed to force more fighting. The SUI
periority of the American feet has
been demonstrated in the Pacific, and
the same, it is contended, would be
inevitable in the Atlantic in case the
clash come.
From whatever point of view con-
sidered, the policy of more fighting
on the part of Spain promises nothing
but more Spanish misfortune. Navy
officers think this view must prevail
with the Spanish government and be-
lieve an end of the war, upon the bs.
sis of Cuban independence, is to fol-
low soon, and that, too, without fur
Their notable opportunity for the
American navy to prove its power and
distinguish itself