The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-03
VIEWS OF
Another Such Defeat VIII Force Spain
to Seek an Armiaficn

WASHINGTON. May AT the foreign
legations intense interest is shown in the
news of the decisive victory of the Ameri-
can fleet at Manila. 1t was stated by a
high diplomatic official to-day that another
such victory would end the cause of Spain
and would force her to seek an armistice
and peace. The universal belief in diplomat
ic quarters is that this stroke in the Philip
pines will be followed Immediately by ag-
gressive action in Cuba. Aside from the
immediate effects of the Manila engagement
foreign representatives here say it is likely
to precipitate an International convulsion in
Spain. This has been apprehended by the
European powers, and has been the chief
cause of their activity, as it threatens to
bring the war to the continent of Europe.
Official advices of the Manila tight have
not been received at any of the establish
ments representing the great powers of Eu-
rope. From the fact reported from Madrid
that Commodore Dewey had opened COM
munication with the British consul at Ma
Mia, 1t is expected that the first reports,
other than those of a Spanish character.
will come from British sources. 1t is under
stood that the British consul at Manila, Mr..
Rawson Walker, has assumed charge of
American interests in the Philippines, and
NANACA RaNh Io IL dL present
charged with the important duty of protect
ing the lives of the Americans on shore at
Manila and wher 1t is believed that
Commodore Dewey will give his first atten-
ton to looking after these Americans
ashore.
The cable from Manila, it is learned. is a
British. and not a Spanish cable, and it is
believed that British operators have charge
of the cable station. While they would be
subject to Spanish censorship, yet there is
no doubt this British ownership would in
sure a more prompt and unprejudiced trans
mission of official and unofficial reports than
if it were not a British cable. The cable
goes to Hong-Kong and thence by way of
Alden and the Red sea and continental Eu-
rope and London.
Diplomates say no step toward European
intervention is likely to be FASTENED by this
disaster of Spain. 1t is looked upon simply
as a war reverse, which cannot be turned
into political channels by Spanish appeals
10 the great powers. This is the view alike
in British, French and German quarters. 1t
was rather expected from the British, but it
Is nonetheless apparent among French and
German officials. who regard the time for
mediation or Intervention as past. One of
the members of the diplomatic corps said
that grave fears were entertained of the eff
feet of the reverse in Madrid. The govern
ment there is threatened on two sideS-one
the Carlists. the other the Republicans. HUI
initiation over the defeat naturally will find
expression against the Sagasta regime and
the throne itself. Whether the authorities
will be able to resist popular indignation
is much doubted by those conversant with
affairs at Madrid. To-day's cable advices
that martial law may be proclaimed bore
out the view of diplomates as to the gravity
of affairs.
One of the naval aids attached to an en-
bassy here said the battle at Manila dis
closed the inadequate preparation made by
Spain, and gave good reasons for popular
resentment at Madrid. He said it was now
made plain that the quiet and constant
States were for a good purpose. and had
worked vital results. He pointed out that
within eight days of the ISSUANCE of the
declaration of war the Americans had sailed
200 miles and had struck a decisive blow.
iris, at the outset of Il campaign. was of
double Importance, as IL carried enthusiasm
to the victors and brought confusion and
generalization to the ranks of the Spanish
forces in all quarters. This naval attache
expressed surprise that the Spanish defenses
at Manila had divided into two parties. first
the engagement of the ships and second the
defense of the city. Until the city was TAX
en-. he said, the real results of the opera
lions could not be determined, as Commo-
dore Dewey's fleet had not yet passed the
hanger line, in that its coal was reduced
and its ammunition depleted by the engage
ment of yesterday. He said also that the
weakness Of Spain in the Philippines doubt
less was an indication OF the same weakness
IN Cuba and Porto Rico. The Spanish au-