The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-09
SANTIAGO NEWS sADDENs SPAIN.
The Alleged Defeat of Attempt to
Land Troops the Only Comfort.


London. June S.-The Madrid cores
pondent of the Times, telegraphing Tues
day, says THE news from Santiago pro-
duced little or no excitement
"At first there was a feeling Of sadness
because only Spanish losses were announc-
ed. Gradually tho feeling changed on
learning that the Americans also suffered,
although their losses have not yet been
reported in detail
I'm any case, there was Justification for
patriotic satisfaction In the fact that the
attack had been successfully repulsed with
fewer casualties than have sometimes oc-
Cured in insignificant sklrmishes with the
insurgents.
THE specialists are. of course endeav-
oring to determine the object the Ameri-
cans had In view in expendlng such large
quantity Of valuable ammunition. Some be-
lieve the real object was 10 occupy the at
tentlon of the Santiago garrison while
landing of troops was effected.
This View Is confirmed by the news that
a landing was attempted at two separate
points, namely, Punta Cabrera and Aqua
dores.
Unfortunately the dispatches on this
subject hitherto received are very meagre
but they agree I'm stating positively that at
both points the Spanish forces effectually
prevented the intended Decentralization
IN the absence of trustworthy news
from the Philippines, the widest rumors
are again afoat. Credulous patriots cling
TO the view that Admiral Cervera can
work miracles, and they believe, despite
all evidence to the contrary, that his
squadron Is well on the way to the Phil
ipplnes.
''The peace possibilities continue to be
discussed. Some sangulne people urge that
negotiations might be opened at once
"Ail sensible people contiue to say, as
they have been saying for weeks past
that, short OF miracles. there Is no doubt
of the final result of an unequal struggle
and that the longer the struggle continues
the greater will be the eacrtnces.
But l still fail to perceive In any In
fiuental quarter readiness to act on this
conviction.
ION analyzlng the opinion that the psy-
Geological moment for trating peace nego-
tiations has arrived, found il was based
not on the consciousness that Spain is
rapidly exhaustlng her resources, but on
the belief that a great majority of Amer
leans have already tired of the war. that
President Mckinley is consequently be-
coming unpopular, and that the peace sug-
gestons of the Paris edition of the New
York Herald were inspired by President
Mckinley himself.
"As for Spain my friends maintain that
she Is in no hurry, as recent events have
shown her powers OF passive resistance
to be far greater than had been supposed.
''The conquest of Cuba, they say, will
require two years at the least and pos
sibly much more, and II the island Is ever
conquered, It viii be, they argue, a white
elephant for the United States
"The conclusion Is that America has
much more reason than Spain to desire
a termination of hostliues. Such an at
titude is hardly likely to serve the cause
OF peace.
II venture even to declare that during
the recent days we have drifted away from
rattan than toward the goal all reason
able people desire 10 reach"