The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-10
TROOPS LINED
UP FOR BHTTLE
The Armistice Ended at Noon Yesterday, but
the Expected Great Battle Did
Not Begin.
WILLING TO GIVE UP SANTIAGO
The Spanish Commander, However, is Trying to Make
Terms With General Shafter by Which He Can Save
His Army Wished to Retreat With all His
Men and Arms Across the Island, But
This Idea Our Government
Can Not Entertain.

Washinton, July 9.-The great battle
expected to-day did not take place al
though the armistice expired ut noon
with the forces on both sides at Santa
go lined up for battle. The reason was
that the Spanish commander, who had
been in correspondence by telegraph
with his home government, was seeking
to make terms with Gen. Shafter by
which he might save his army from cap
ture. He was willing to give up Santa
go without resistance if allowed to re-
treat with all his men and arms across
the island, but this idea was not enter
tanned for moment by our government,
On the contrary, every effort will be put
forth to seal up all avenues of escape
from Santiago and to compel the final
surrender of the Spanish army. To have
allowed them to make their way un-
molested into the interior would have
amounted simply to reinforcing the gar
rison of Havana by these thousands of
trained soldiers who had proven their
courage in the fighting in the trenches.
On the other hand to compel their sur
render it is believed will certainly pro-
duce an enormous moral effect both in
Havana and in Spain itself and thus
tend to the early conclusion of the war.
Secretary Alger and Adjutant General
Corbin We're III communication with
Gen. Shafter ut Santiago during the day.
Both officials. however. declined posi-
lively to give out for publication any dis
patches relating to the negotiations that
are going on between General Shafter
and General Linares, OF to confirm any
Of the exciting rumors that were flying
through the corridors all day. Neyerthe-
less, it was evident from their manner
that a crisis had been reached so far as
Santiago was concerned. and that as
matters stood at the close of the day
there was no reason to be dissatisfied
with the outlook. 1t is known that Gen.
Shafter has lost nothing by the armis-
tice; his men are rested, the commissary
improved. the roads have been cleared
and his artillery is now almost complete
ly placed in a most effective man
ner. None Of these things existed ut the
beginning of the armistice. On the other
hand the Spanish forces have largely d.
minished their slender stock of proyi-
sons and have steadily lost in confl-
dence AS soon as they are convinced
that they will be humanely treated and
fed and will not be subjected to inhu-
man treatment tand the war Depart
ment proposes that they shall be thus
protected it is expected there VIII be
many desertions from the Spanish lines.
There is the strongest indisposition on
the part of the strategists to entertain
favorably the proposition said to be un-
der consideration at Madrid looking to
20, lay m
slider terms of peace. They believe that
the United States has everything to lose
and nothing to gain by accepting such
a proposition. During that time Ga
mara's squadron might find safe lodge
ment in some strongly fortified coast
town like FerroI and thus elude Wat
sons pursuit.
Admiral Sampson contributed nothing
further during the day to his first dis
patch announcing the possibility of saw
ing the ships Colon, Nizcaya~and Teresa.
Telegraphic difficulties have been en-
countered, but it is not believed there
has been anything of Importance for the
admiral to chronicle to-day.
Naval officials feel that another
change may have to be made in the
makeup Of the Eastern squadron. which
is TO strike a blow against the Spanish
coast. as the battleship Iowa suffered
some hard knocks during the recent
naval battle with Cerveras squadron,
and it may be necessary to substitute
one of the other battleships, pending re-
pairs on the Iowa. No decision on the
change has been reached thus far, as
the Department has not received the re-
port showing the exact condition of our
ships after the battle. In the meantime
the Associated Press interview with
Captain Robley Evans. of the Iowa.
leads the naval officials to believe that
the Iowa will require considerable over
hauling before she is ready for trip
across the ocea. According to Captain
Evans story of the battle. the Iowa was
struck twice by Spanish shells, and one
shell exploded while the other is embed
cd. unexploded, near the water line of
The ship The last shot may prove
troublesome, as an unexploded shell near
the water line is not a desirable ad
junct to n battleship. From the light
manner in which Captain Evans speaks
of the damage ii is regarded as not very
serious by the officials here, vet it is
probably enough to keep the Iowa from
accompanying the Eastern squadron TO
the coast Of Spain. A decision as to
whether she will be Withdrawn will not
be made until the report is received on