Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1898-07-08
OFFICIAL PAPER BuRLE|GH co.
GLORIOUS NEWS FROM SANTI-
AGO,

LOKlOO NEWS. FNOM -.
AGO.
The Fourth of July this year was the
most notable of any similar Independ-
ence Day for thirty-five years. That
number of years ago was waged the bat
tie of Gettysburg, which broke the back
bone of the rebellion and assured the
perpetuity of the union. This year, the
destruction of the Spanish fleet breaks
the backbone of Spanish resistance, and
seems to promise a speedy end of the
war.
The news seemed almost too good to
be true. Had the most enthusiastic
American been permitted to dictate
from his desires the news that came
from Santiago, he could hardly have
asked more than was reported from the
commanders of the army and navy.
Admiral Sampson has earned the
glory for which he has waited so pa
tiently. He did not allow his enthusi-
asm and desire to distinguish himself to
overmaster his GOODNESS and better judg-
ment. He did not subject his vessels
to the risk of certain destruction and
great loss of life. But he waited grimly
and silently outside the hardor for the
time when he knew the Spanish admiral
must attempt his exit. And when that
time came, right gloriously be improved
the opportunity.
But what of the boosted Spanish fleet
the swift cruisers which were to raw
age u coast line and destroy our line
of battleships and the torpedo boats
which were to sink everything within
reach? They are all charred and bat
tered hulks, slowly sinking beneath the
waves of ocean outside Santiago harbor,
to join the submarine squadron of Mon
tito.
1t was a duel wherein the superior
gunnery of the Americans earned the
victory, just as was the case before Ma
Mia when Dewey's squadron annihilated
the enemy. The American loss was one
killed and two injured. Although. the
Spanish kept up a rapid fire with their
great guns, they accomplished nothing.
On the other hand, when the thirteen
inch monsters of the American battle.
ships vomited their missiles of destruc-
ton, Spanish pride took a tumble from
whose shock Spain will not recover un-
til long after peace has been declared.
The Cape Verde feet was the pride OF
the Spanish navy. 1t has been utterly
destroyed, with the loss of one American
There can be no longer any
question of the fate of Spain on the sea
And at the same time came the news
that Dewey's reinforcements had ar.
rived at Manila, with an additional wal
vessel and supplies. The delay in al.
rival was caused by the capture of the
Ladrone Islands by the fleet and the
seizing of the governor general and the
Spanish soldiery. With his reinforce
ments and supplies, Dewey is master O.
the situation. He will probably not at
tempt the capture of Manila until thu
next detachment Of troops arrive. Blu
he is now in force enough to resist an,
proposed interference of the Germans
upon whom the battle of Santiago vii
have an excellent effect. The German
will learn that a naval battle with tn
Americans means a struggle with tn
best fighters and the best ships tina
ever stepped foot on salt water, so t
speak.
Santiago's surrender is a matter of
day, or even an hour. 1t, with tn
twenty thousand Spanish soldiery, wi
fall into American hands, and Spain wi
receive another shock which may upse
the dynasty, precipitate a revolution
and mayhap promote civil war. But
is to be hoped that the Spanish will Sc
the futility of further struggling wit
America and make overtures for peace
They have already lost the greater POI
ton OF their colonies. If they continu
the war they will lose all. The Main
has been remembered. Spain has bee
roundly thrashed for her cruelty an
treachery. If she desires to remain ;
a nation it would be we'll for her to as
for peace.
Two months from the time the Mort