The record-union., 1898-06-05
AMERICAN
HER0ISM
AT SANTIAGO.
Hobson's Va|or Linked
With History.
Surpassed in the Bri||iancy Of
Cool Daring
Even Cushing's Celebrated Attack
Upon the AIbermar|e.
Reward Awaiting the Heroes Who Success
fully Forced the Entrance and Sunk
the Merrimac in the Narrow
and Mined Channel.


morning, when the first newspaper APP
peared on the street containing the
brief statement of the sinking of the
Merrimac in Santiago harbor, the oih-
cials of the Navy Department awaited
with intense interest official confr1na-
ton and the explanation of Admiral
Sampson. In the afternoon the story
came, lacking in detail. it is true, giving
in rough outlines a sketch of Ameri
can heroism that will live through gen
erations to come There is no doubt
but that the name Hobson is destined
to be bracketed with that of Cushing
among Americas naval heroes and,
indeed, it was the opinion of the ma
5ority of officers who scanned the AS
sociated Press account Of the sinking
Of the Merrimac that the exploit sur
passed in brilliancy and as an exhibit
ton of cool daring even CushingS ia
nous attack upon the Albermarle Re
ward sure and adequate is awaiting
these American heroes, and Acting Sec
retary Allen has so pledged himself,
Z,
who is still confined to his room by
lame leg. Medals and promotion are
the least they can expect at the hands
of grateful people Moreover, they
will not langush long in a Spanish
prison. If the authorities here can bring
about their release, for half an hour
after SIMPSONS bulletin was displayed
on the walls of the Navy Department
this afternoon Colonel Carter. Assist
ant Adjutant- General, had taken the
preliminary steps to arrange for an
exchange of prisoners, and was learn
ing just how many Spanish officers
and enlisted men We're still held in
captivity at Fort Mcpherson, Ga,
where they had been taken from the
prizes captured by the American naval
has just turned over to the military
authorities at Fort Monroe for safe
keeping another Spanish officer sup
posed to be of high rank. but who has
SO far managed to conceal his identity.
The officials are confident they have
ransom for the American officer and
seven enlisted men held by Cervera.
The officers and all took note of gen
erous recognition by the Spanish Ad
mral of the bravery of the Americans
and his kind treatment of the prisoners,
and it can be guaranteed that the Ad
mirars lines will fall in as pleasant
places as any captive has a right to
expect should he be overcome in the
end and forced to surrender to Samp-
son.
The naval situation is believed to be
entirely satisfactory Notwithstanding
the Spanish reports of the clearing
away Of the Merrimac, it is not believed
for an instant that Sampson will sub
NIT to losing this so dearly purchased
advantage, and he can be relied upon
TO prevent the removal of the obstruc-
ton.
The Spanish fleet Gagged in the har-
Dor there to remain until they are
starved out or surrender, Sampson will
be free to detach most of his power
full squadron for service elsewhere.
This means. according to common be-
lief. Immediate attack upon San Juan.
Peace signs have been multiplying.
There has been a notable change IN
the tone of the Spanish press, and AL
though up to this moment no advances
have been made to the State Depart
ment by any of the European Powers,
there Is an indefinable suggestion in
the air that any moment may bring
forth overtures of this kind. For this
reason the campaign against Porto Rlco
will probably be hurried, in order 10
insure it's possession by the United
States before peace is attained.
OF the Cadiz fleet no fear is enter
tAined, Notwithstanding the many pub
lished reports, probably all ascribaple
to Spanish ingenuity, to the effect that
this fleet has already started either Tor
the West Indies or the Philippines. 1t
can be stated that the Government has
information which it regards as reliable
that the Spanish fleet had not left Ca
diz up to yesterday.
Meanwhile. army preparations go for
ward without the slightest sign of ces-
sation To-day bids We're opened for
supplying 1,5OOO 600 cartridges. two more