The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-07-15

In season for his purpose, ana awaited pat-
tie instead In the larger bay, where his de-
feat sealed the fate Of Manila.
1t is therefore evident that Subig Bay
must have intrinsic military Importance,
and 1t possesses q natural site for defence
In Isla Grande or Grand Island, at Its
mouth, situated exactly like Corregidor
Island, at the entrance Of Manila Bay. 1t
appears that the SpaniRrds were recently en-
gagged in fortifying Isla Grande, and forthiS,
again, 1t is not difficult to and q reason. II
they obtained knowledge some time ago
hat a relief squadron was to be sent to
them from Spain It would be natural to
fortify a harbor near Manila, which would
serve that squadron as a base on arriving.
Thus the intrinsic value Of the capture
Of IslR Grande by the Raleigh and Concord
is manifest; and, although with CAMARAs
return to Spain the question Of the relief OF
the Philippines is now ended, there might
be other thar Spanish ships to which Subig
Bay would be welcome.
But the oVershadowlng aspect OF the
affair lie its international bearing. 1t was
the insurgents who discovered the work OF
fertilization going on at the island, and
tCoOlNVu w oNop I've Sh SNSa'
harbor they found there the German
warship Irene, and reported to AID.
miral DEWEY that she would not let
them attack the Spaniards. The Admiral
acted with his customary promptness.
Tho Irene is o protected cruiser Of 4,4O0
tons and 1913 knots, launched aU Stet-
tin In 1887, and mounting four go.
inch, eight rapid.lre 4.1-lnch and If
teen smaller guns. DEWEY sent to Subig
Bay the Raleigh, o protected cruiser
Of 3,213 tons and 10 knots, mounting
one 6-lnch and ten 6-inch gums, with
fourteen smaller pieces, and also the Con-
cord, q 1,71o.ton gunboat, mounting six g.
inch gum and eight smaller pieces. Their
instructions were to take the island; and
30 soon as the Irene saw them she with
drew to Manila Bay. while the garrison
surrendered without o fight.
AS to the exact object Of the Irene there
is room for doubt. One report is that her
interference was put on humane grounds,
through a fear that the garrison would be
massacred. If so, she will hardly be pleased
at the everything and virtual rebuke ad'
ministered to her by Admiral DEWEY, who
ordered Capt. CoGHLAN to give up his pris'
oners to AGuINALDo, therebyshowing faith
in our insurgent allies. who were long age
directed by their leader to treat captivei
according to the laws of civilized war.
The effect of Admiral DEwEY's act is tc
show unlocking nations that we proposetc
conduct our campaign in the Philippines in
ourown way, and willnot allow them to say
whatports, islands, OF territory shall or shall
not be taken from the Spaniards, either by
ourforces or by the insurgents, whereverth
latter act on parallel lines with US or under
our control. 1t is this that gives the Subif
Bay affair, perhaps. its greatest value. IT.
general result is to strengthen the impress
sion among all nations that We are master
in the Philippines now. The situation il
made simpler instead of more complicated
by the Subig Bay affair, and we are thu
better off for it, thanks to DEwEY's prompt
ness, courage and good sense.