The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-02

men wOnld demonstrate their superior
ity over the Spanish fleet in the Phillip
pine waters The absence of any state
ment of specific injury to the American
vessels in the Madrid advices, was con-
strucd as a convincing indication that
they had not suffered appreciable injury
and this was especially pleasing to the
naval students of the news Not only
was the preservation of the American
ships and men considered in itself Il
happy outcome, but it was commented
upon as indicating clearly that Admiral
Dewey and his associate officers and
the men under their command had dis
charged splendidly their several
duties. in directing and exc
cutting the fight In this connec-
tion ii was pointed out as little less
than marvellous that the American
squadron without severe injury, because
Notwithstanding the disparity III the
naval forces. the Spanish fleet, assisted
by the batteries should have been able
to inhict severe damage to its foe before
itself being destroyed. It's failure to do
so was explicable only upon the hypothe-
sis of perfect and swift work by the
Americans.
An opinion freely expressed tonight by
naval officers is that the very decisive
victory of Admiral Dewey's fleet will
mean probably an early end to the war,
without further naval battles of inn
portance. The American fleet. it is suG-
gested, is now supreme in the waters
of Spain's Pacific possessions, and in
dications were strongly towards the slip
ping Of the Philippines from her control.
1t was said that only by quickly yielding
to our demands in Cuba could this loss
possibly be averted. Spain, it was arg
ued, was confronted with situation
which promised naught save disaster in
case she elected to force more fighting.
The suDeriority of n superior fleet has
been demonstrated in the Pacific. ana
the same. it is contended, would be in
evitablc in the Atlantic in case the clash
comes. From whatever point of view
considered. the policy of more fighting
upon the part of Spain, promised moth
ing but more Spanish misfortune. Navv
officers think this view must prevail with
the Spanish Government. and believe an
end of the war. upon the basis of Cuban
independence. is to follow soon, and, too,
without further notable opportunity for
the American navy to prove its power
and distinguish itself
Judge McComas. Senator-elect from
Maryland, after expressing his joy over
the result OF the conflict, struck a key
note of the expected result of the can
nonading ut Manila when he said that
it was likely to have tremendous effect
not only in Spain, but throughout Eu-
rope. He expressed the belief that il
would turn the tide of European senti-
mcnt towards the United States.
The idea advanced by Judge McComas
was expressed by others tonight. 1t is
regarded by some as likely that the de-
cisive victory gained by Admiral Dew
ey'S squadron may open the eyes of
Spain to the seriousness of the conflict
upon which she had entered. In official
circles it is regarded as almost certain
that trouble of most critical kind will
confront the Sagasta government within
Spain's own borders. 1t is pointed out
that the Spanish people have been led to
believe that their navy was inyincible.
and the bitter disappointment that will
cnsue over the result Of the first en-
gagement of the war is likely to precipi-
tate internal dissension if not a reyolu-
ton
Another result of Admiral Dewey's
victory, it is thought. may be action on
the part Of the powers of Europe to in
duce Spain to abandon what is re-
garded as Il hopeless conflict. Repre-
sentations may be made to Spain that
she would better relinQuish her hold up
on Cuba than to risk losing all of her
West Indian possessions and the Phil
ippines as well. 1t is believed to be not
unlikely that the representations will III
dicate that. since Spanish honor has
been satisfied by a conflict, Spain can
now yield to the inevitable and accept
the good offices of the powers to bring
about an adjustment.
In the dispatches from Madrid the
statement was made that Admiral Dew
ey effected a landing on the west side of
Manila Bay for the men of his fleet who
were wounded in the engagement. 1t
was suggested in official circles thar
this landing had a two-fold purpose. 1t
was not only that the wounded might
have better care than they could re-
ceive ON ship board, in the face Of other
probable engagements, but also to carry
out what was known to be Admiral
Dewey's purOpse-to effect a junction
with the insurgents as soon as possible
The msurgent forces practically sur
round Manila on the land sides Of the
city and with the intention of securing
control of Manila as soon as possible
Admiral Dewey was to obtain footing
on the island at the earliest practicable
moment. AS soon as the junction of
the American and insurgent forces. the
one on sea and the other on land, is
effected, a demand is likely to be made
for the surrender of the city, and, in the
event of a refusal, combined attack
would be made upon it. The result of
such an attack. in the absence of
Spanish fleet and effecteive shore batter
les, seems foregone conclusion.
No news of a definite character is
given concerning the loss sustained by
Admiral Dewey's squadron and it is
scarcely likely in the opinion of experts
of the Navy. that authentic information
will be received until Admiral Dewey
has opportunity to communicate officially
with the department. 1t is regarded as
probable that Immediately after the en-
gagements of to-day Admiral Dewey
sent the revenue cutter McCulloch back
to Hong Kong with dispatches and that
the first information from him will come
from that point.
The distance from Manila to Hong
Kong is q trifia oynp COO ,,,;Iao ocd n