The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-06-21
Would Land His Troops at Aqua
dores But That Place
Is Covered.
BY MORRO'S BIG GUNS
Will Require Two Days For Debarkation--S
Officials Refuse to Exchange Hobson--
How He is Regarded

I Of the degree to which the practice Of
| carrying in supplies to Havana has ex-
| tended, the naval officers have determ-
| ined to tighten the guard lines around the
south of Cuba. AS soon as Santiago has
fallen and Ceryera's fleet has been dis
posed of, Sampson will be able to spare
a sufficient number of vessels Of the small
I er type to make it almost certain that
nothing shall cross between Jamaica and
Cuba on the south without passing the
| inspection of the American ships.
The refusal of the Spanish officials to
exchange Hobson causes disagreeable
| feeling here. While there is no positive
obligations upon belligerent to exchange
prisoners, yet it is universal practice In
| civilized warfare. The regulations of the
war department lay down specifically
how the exchange of prisoners are to take
place and regulation 100 Of general orders
for government of armies in the field
says:
The exchange of prisoners of war is an
act of convenience to both bellgerents
If no general cartel has been concluded,
it cannot be demanded by either Of them
A belligerent is not obliged to exchange
prisoners of war. A cartel is void as soon
as either party has violated it,
In the present case there has been no
general cartel, that being the military
term by which the exchange OF prison.
ers is regularly specifically carried out
Pending such a general ARA cement, the
belligerents almost invariably carry out
the exchange in anticipation of a cartel.
iS hob
sued at no distant date and the ex-
change thereafter proceed, number for
number, rank for rank wounded for
wounded, these being the general condi-
tons under the American regulations.
AS to Hobson, the authorities here are
convinced that the Spanish officials are
taking advantage of the distinction &C
corded him in the United States. Under
the rules Of war, a prisoner is valued
solely by his rank, and it is considered
dishonorable either to under estimate a
prisoners rank in order to cause a more
advantageous exchange, or to take a
higher rank for the purpose of obtaining
better treatment. In the case of Hab-
son his rank is assistant constructor,
which is equivalent to lieutenant, Junior
grade, should be the sole basis for his
exchange, yet it is obvious to the au-
thorities here that the Spaniards hold
him not as lieutenant but as a popular
idol of the Tn tied States.
In this respect his detention ceases to
be that of prisoner of war and becomes
one of hostage. The holding hostages,
usually for a ransom or other benefit. is a
MEDIEVAL custom, if ever, resorted to in
modern warfare. But even as a hostage,
Hobson would be entitled to an exchange
Tor prisoners of greater rank or greater
number. 1t is being recalled that Admit |
raj Cervera won praise the world over
by his gallantry in making the first Of
fer to exchange Hobson and his associates |
so the present refusal to exchange Hob |
son is the more unaccountable 1t is also |
recalled when Colonel Cortejo, confined at |
Mcpherson, was exchanged, it was |
strictly on the basis of his rank, with
out consideration of the incidental fact,
most important to General Blanco. that
Cortejo was a close relative of the former
captain general
The navy officials attach no significance
in the half-masting of the flag over Nor
70 Castle after the recent bombardment.
as indicating that Hobson and his as
sociates had persisted. Moro is being
spared to protect Hobson, and moreover
It is hardly supposed that the Spanish
flag would be lowered out of consideration
Of an American loss. If the usual prac-
tees of warfare were followed. Hobson
and the Americans would be removed to a
place of safety, instead of danger. for
prisoner of war is entitled, under civiliz-
ed usage, to protection against undue
exposure or harsh treatment The put
ting forward Of prisoners as a shield is a
relic Of barbarism. As a rule the places
where prisoners are confined. where hos
oitals exist. and where works OF art. IL
orary, church and charitable institutions !
are located are designated by yellow flags
and commanders direct their fires so as to
protect these points as sacred. If Hob
son is kept at Moro, either to ensure
protection for that place or TO expose him
% danger, it is said to be a breach Of
he rules OF civilizer warfare.