The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-06
FOREIGN PRAISE FOR HEROES.
London Papers on the GnIiantry of
American Naval Fighters.

American Naval Fighters.
LONDON, June 6.-All the papers refer
in terms of the highest praise to Naval
Constructor Hobson's daring exploit at
Santiago de Cuba, but some doubts are
thrown on the statement that the Merrimac
so completely blocks the channel as the
American reports assert. The Times, in an
article reviewing the operations of the
week, says:
cit is most probable that Admiral Cervera
has deliberate intention to stay at SAINT
iago, therefore, to open the channel would
be of very little use to him. 1t seems clear
that his squadron was not prepared for
war or fit for sea when it left the Cape
Verde islands, and there is good reason to
doubt whether the Cristobal Colon even
shipped her big guns at all. Hobson's ex-
plot is one of which the American navy
may well be proud. The idea that the
wreck can be removed by the use of a
little dynamite is opposed to all experience.
Madrid describes the affair as brilliant
Spanish victory, but from dreams OF such
victories there is an unpleasant awaken
ing Admiral Cervera's period of evasion is
now ended, and, beyond creating an UNI
reasoning panic in America, he has accom-
pushed nothing. The naval game in the
can be said of it except that events nave
conformed strictly to law, and that no new
and unexpected development can be traced.
Santiago now invites capture by mlhtary
action, and Admiral Cervera's ships, unless
seuttled, cannot avoid capture.
The Times, commenting editorially on the
exploit says: THE perilouS operation was
executed with splendid gallantry by httle
band of volunteers who almost miraculously
escaped. The destruction and fall OF SAINT
iago are now only a question or time, Wltn
the disappearance of all the hopes 1ounueo
upon the Spanish fleet. SPANS sympathlzers
recognize that her case is hopeless, emd
such warnings as that of the st. petersburg
Novosti, yesterday. until the combinat lon
assumes more tangible form than there Is
Spain's disposal whenever she seeks IL
frankly and sincerely. but her game is clear
~ lost and it is quite out OF the qtes9h tho oe
status quo"
The Daily Chronicle remarks: Added to
the other dangers was the danger of sharks.
The incident gives fresh lustre to the re-
nown of the American navy
The Daily News says: "All English sailors
will join with the Americans in admiration
of this exploit under the point-blank ire of
the Spanish batteries. Whether the Merrl-
mac was intended to be sunk or to clear a
fair way through the mines cannot anect
the praise due men who heroically Volun-
teered to face almost certain death IN the
service of their country: If the United STATES
can count on self-sacrifice of that kind IN
great emergencies, the Santiago forts Will
be powerless to prevent Admiral sampson
reaching the Spanish squadron shouid that
measure seem good to him."
The article proceeds to argue that it us is
premature, however, to suppose that the
Channel is absolutely closed, or that It
would be impossible to destroy the nulk. II
saws: English torpedo officers could devise
MANY methods of floating out dynamite
charges. unless. the hulk lies far outside Se
Moro Castle, in which case II CANNOT pc
blocking the channel completely. If the
Merrimac's masts and tunnels are still yisi-
BILE she sunk somewhere near the hve,
fathom mark and has left the deep channel
clear. In any case, the feat does not end
the war If the channel is blocked, 1t is
equally so to the ingress of American yes
materially assist in the defense against a
land attack. 1t is, therefore, probable that Eat
CIIha hut for Porto Rico, the seizure OF
which would be effective check upon
Spain's naval enterprise, as cutting OH her
last naval base"