The times., 1898-05-05
GONE TO STOP THE OREGON.
Rcar Admiral Ghernrdi's Theory OF
the Spanish Fleets Destination.

New York, May s.-Some phases of the
war with Spain were freely discussed by
Rear Admiral Gherardi. U. S. N. retired
with reporter at his home in East
Thirty-third street yesterday 1t was the
first time the famous naval officer had
spoken for publication since the outbreak
of hostinties. Referring to Commodore
Dewey's brilliant victory at Manila he
said:
Dewey has done wonders. His VIC
tory at Manila was a splendid piece of
work. President Mckinley should recon-
mend to Congress the adoption of spe-
cial vote of thanks to Dewey.
What will be done by Admiral Samp-
son in Cuba? / have idea OF course,
he will do just what the authorities at
Washington tell him to do / do not see
what benefit is to accrue from lombard
ing Havana unless the city is invested by
land force. Bombardment is not cap
ture. / read that it is the intention to
establish a base of supplies at Cardenas.
l cannot believe that. i am quite ia
miliar with the Cuban coast, and L do
not think Cardenas is the place to select.
1t is shoal water there"
In your opinion, what is the destina-
tion and purpose of Admiral yillamils
fleet that sailed from Cape Verde?"
u have reasoned that point out" was
the reply, land it Is my candid opinion
that it sailed to intercept the battleship
Oregon and gunboat Marietta. At this
time the Oregon is a very important
quantity. Spain realizes that. and will
do all she can to prevent her arrival in
| American waters. That would be my
| policy if l was situated as the Spaniards
| are. Certainly. under similar circum-
| stances, that is what Great Britain
| France or Germany would do. The Ore
| gon is in a perilous position. In view of
| the absence of definite information of the
| intention of the Spanish fleet our naval
authorities are literally hanging between
| heaven and earth. If they Should dis-
patch re-enforcements to the Oregon it
! might turn out that the Spanish fleet
would suddenly appear in some unex-
! pected place and there might be disas-
| trous results.
'Eilamil has some excellent material
| in his squadron. That fact cannot be
| overlooked. Still, if ne should intercept
| the Oregon the latter would give him
very hard battle. 1t would practically be
| a case of six against one, because the
! Marietta is too small TO be of much use
| She might however, succeed in destroy
| ing some of the Spanish torpedo boats.
Now, you see" and here the admiral
made a rough sketch. If the VilIamil
| fleet encountered the Oregon the Spanish
| cruisers can attack him from both sides
| At the same time the torpedo boats
might be in a position TO do great deal
| Of damage If the Nictheroy is with the
| Oregon and is equipped with armament
and ammunition II might make a mate
rial difference. Ii battle occurs off the
| Brazilian coast you may make up your
| mind that Spain Will be minus several
| boats before IL is over"
Have you any idea. Admiral that the
| Spaniards will make any descent on the
| Atlantic Coast?'
Il hardly think so Her ships would
| be at a great disadvantage They would
| be much in the same position that our
| vessels would be in should we sail to
| Spain and lombard cities there. Each
vessel would be too far away from a
| base of supplies"