Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-07-05

frcnt and in position. backed by the
batteries Of lighter field pieces, will be-
gin their work of destruction
The present need of reinforcing Shaf-
ter is no longer felt, now that the
Spanish fleet is out of the way. A con-
siderable number of men, however. are
already on the way. and others will fol-
low. The changed naval situation will
bring no abatement in the activity of
the authorities here in carrying the war
directly home to Spain. There is re-
newed determination to get Commodore
Watsons eastern squadron away at the
earliest moment, for the double purpose
OF striking blow at the coast towns of
Spain and of pursuing Admiral Cam
aras fleet, which has halted at the en-
trance of the SueZ canal. Secretary
Long made the official statement YES
terday that the fleet would sail at the
earliest possible moment.
/: has been Acting Admiral Sarncon
for some time, but that it will be Ad-
mlral Sampson in fact as we'll as in
name is the prevailing feeling in naval
circles. By singular coincidence his
rank was advanced yesterday to that
or commodore, owing to the retirement
of Admiral Kirkland
The release of Hobson and the other
heroes of the Merrimac incident is like
ly to be another result of the events
transpiring now. 1t may now come
about either by the surrender Of the
city,which would include the surrender
or Hobson and other American prison.
ers in the city, or else by the exchange
OF Hobson for Admiral Cerv.ra or some
other high ranking naval official.
Enect of the Fleets Destruction.
With the Spanish fleet destroyed the
way Is partly cleared for the advance
Of the American squadron into the har-
Dor Of Santiago. If Cervera's armored
cruisers could clear the Merrimac at the
entrance to the harbor the American
ships can follow the same course Thus
with Skaters guns laundering on San
tiago from the land and SIMPSONS from
the harbor, the fall of the city is as
sured beyond further question. The au-
thorities here, military and naval, say
that Santiago has already made its best
fight, and that It's occupation is only n
question Of time, and very brief time.
Shafter States His Position.
General Skaters strong position was
shown in a series of dispatches. The
one that gave the situation most con-
cisely was to the effect that Shafter had
demanded the surrender of Santiago at
noon today on pain of bombardment.
Thereupon the foreign consuls at San
tiago made a Joint representation, re-
Guesting that women and children in
the city have until today noon to with
draw before the bardment begins.
The Spanish general declined to sur
render at the time first set by Shafter.
At present truce exists. pending the
expiration of the twenty four hours
asked by the foreign consuls.
The following Is the reply Of General
formal, commanding Fourth Spanish
corps at Santiago to General Shafter's
demand to surrender:
"Sir:-I have the honor to reply to
your communication of today, written
at $50 am. and received at D. m. de-
the surrender of this citv. IN
the contrary case announcing to me
hat you Will lombard this city. and thar
l advise the foreign women and chill
dren that they must leave the CITY be-
fore 10 O'Clock tomorrow morning. II is
my duty to say to you that this CITY will
not surrender, and that / will inform
The foreign consuls and inhabitants of
the contents of your message"