Arizona republican., 1898-07-18

Germany, and even England, that the American navy was a vastly greater force than it's merely theoretical strength.
 It is beginning to be understood also that the practical experience gained at Manila and Santiago Is worth as much as doubling the fleet, in view or the fact that no European nation has yet sent a modern warship into serious action. One effect has been to sup press all cynicism and sneers at the American people as boastful, but un- practical fighters This attitude has disappeared in the continental press and public expressions of opinion ars almost universally respectful.
 The most important effect of the o'5- struction of Cervera's fleet is the full concession by all classes or Europeah opinion that the United States is en- titled to adequate fruits of victory. IL is accepted today in every European capital that it is a foregone conclusion that all of spain's colonial possessions are lost to her. It by no means 1oi- lows. of course, that Europe is willing to see the United States solely pront by the Spanish disaster. The pest opinion in the diplomatic world tooay' however, inclines to the bea1ed tna' America might annex the Philippines and Porto Rico and establish prodec- torate ever Cuba without exciting more than formal protest by any of the European powers, while the conces- sion of two or. three naval stations m the Philippines would remove all Eu- ropean opposition.
 The European advice to Spaln' to sue for peace is, of course, unanimous and it is believed that the Madrid government will devise some means to control the domestic situation sum ciently to conduct negotiations openly before many days. This, however, oe- bends upon the changes which are taking peace almost from hour to hour in the Spanish capital. The week 8 evolution of public opinion in Madrid furnishes an interesting commentary on the situation.
 The first shock of the disaster IS over. The press and public are criti- cising Cervera's attempt to escape from Santiago. The criticism IS, CT course, colored by the result Some newspapers which extolled the feat while it was believed to be successful, as one of the cleverest and bravest deeds ever done at sea, are now de- nouncing it as idiotic and suicidal. Much is made of the statement$ from Admiral Cervera to the effect that the squadron was taken out by imperative orders from Madrid and against the judgment of the officers of the war ships. The report that Blanco and Cervera are at loggerheads no doubt arose from Cervera refusing to obey this order from the captatn-general until it came to him direct from the minister of marine.
 The home authorities carefully avoid information on this subject, but it is believed by the public, and has given the finishing touch to the unpopularity of the Sagasta ministry. A promi- nent French journalist who has just returned from tour in the southern provinces says that of thirteen large towns visited only one, Cadiz, favors the continuance of the war.
 Here in Madrid it is difficult to gauge public opinion. The city is so tihronged with soldiers, civil guards and police that the people do not dare to express their views: Signs are not wanting. however, that the end is com ing, for the military are beginning to fraternize, with the people. which will speedily destroy the governments power to use the army to control a popular outbreak. Another sign is published allusions to the dynasty more and more unveiled. Even Ell Liberal declares that what has to be saved is the fatherland, and that any person is it's enemy who relegates il to the second place in these hours o1 imminent danger.