New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-02
GREATLY PLEASED.
tRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBJNE.l

to- night over the news Of the annihilation Of
the Spanish naval force in the Philippines by
Commodore Deweys squadron. Not word was
received officially from American sources. but
the admission Of Spain that all her best ships
had been destroyed and that the American fleet
had landed forces between Cavte and Manila
dispelled all doubts as to the completeness OF
the victory.
GOOD NEWS TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
The press dispatches were transmitted to the
President and officials Of the Administration as
rapidly as they were received The President. in
company with several OF his advisers. read the
bulletins in the library Of the White House
early in the evening but later he went to his
office the second floor Of the mansion. where
until late hour he continued to peruse every
dispatch with the deepest interest The news
was evidently Of the most gratifying character
to him. but statement could he obtained at
the Executive Mansion concerning the battle or
IT'S possible consequences.
Secretary Long declined to comment the
subject. but 1t was evident that he felt relieved.
ment that a conflict at Manila was inevitable.
and. while no great fear Of the result ex-
pressed. there yet deep concern in the
heart Of every official. To-night's news removes
a great weight from the minds OF all.
When serrr1r, Bliss saw the first dispatch.
briefly recoun5ng the victory Of the American
squadron. he ,xpre ssed his qualification at the
result and gave uttcrance TO the hope that
Commodore Dewoy's feet had not suffered
greatly Senator Hanna and Chauncey NJ De-
pow of New York who We're with Mr.. Bliss at
the time were delighted with the adv'ces. and
made no conconlment Of their pleasure.
Secretary Alger declared that It was "glori-
GUS victory" but in common with other ofl-
Gals ~ the Administration. declined to make
/ extended comment on 4.
ordinarily Washington is the quetest of cities
on sunday but as bulletin after bulletin was
posted in front of the newspaper offce.. each
conveying Information more gratifying than It's
predecessor. tho crowds In tho street. became
urroarlou- ny 10 O'Clock the streets were
crowded with people all discussing the one ex-
citing topic ~ the hour Hundreds gathered in
front Of the bullctin-boari and very scintllla
: news was received with enthusiastic cheers
7, was a spontaneous outburst ~ patriotic feel
ing that scn-c.ly knew bounds Commodore
Dcwcy's name was on every tongue and his
praises sung in the rejocings of the people
MAY CAUSE REVOLUTION IN SPAIN
In Official circlos Il is regarded as almost
certain that trouble ~ a most critical kind will
confront the sagas,a Government within spaln's
own borders Il Is pointed that the Spanish
pcople have beon led TO believe that their Navy
was nvinclble and the bitter disappointment
that viii ensuc over the result of the first en-
sagcmcnt Of the way IS likely to precpitate IN
tcrna dissension II not revolution
~ the Army and Navy Club a large COM
pany read and commented upon tho story Of the
engagement as It was presented in the bull
letins At the club downtown. at their homes.
and wherever scen the officers free in
giving vent to the pleasure they felt At the
news. and declaring the confidence which they
had entertained throughout that the American
ships and their officers and would demon
strate their superiority over the Spanish fleet
IN Philippine waters. The absence Of any state
ment Of specific injury to the American vessels
In the Madrid advlccs was construed as a con-
vinrng indication that they had not suffered
apprecable injury. and this especially
pleasing 10 the naval students Of the news.
Not only was the preservation Of the American
ships and men considered in Itself happy out
come but It was commented on as Indicating
clearly that Commodore Dewey and his officers
and men had splendidly discharged their duties
in directing and executing the fight II was
pointed out as little less than marvellous that
tho American squadron escaped without severe
injury because Notwithstanding the disparity
in naval forces. the Spanish feet. assisted by
the shore batteries. should have been able TO
in1ict severe damage on it's foe before itself
being destroyed. Its failure to do
plicablc only on the theory Of perfect and swift
work by the Americans.
The rejoicing was greatest among naval off,
GERS whose preparations for war had been
proven II the most effective character and whose
fellow officers had demonstrated their splendid
superiority over the enemy None OF them had
ever doubted the result II Commodore Dewey
succeeded In securing n battle. the chief fear
having been that the Spaniards would compel |
the American commander to hunt them out
~ dangerous harbors. where some American
cruiser might have suffered the Names fate |
Even then the naval authorities here were con-
ndent that the men OF the Olympia. the Raleigh.
the Boston. the Baltimore. the Concord. the Pc
trel and the McCuoch would effect landing to
destroy the harbor systems find ready
way Of destroying the Spanish ships.
Even to the most sangulne officers. however.
the thoroughness OF the victory and the rapdity