The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-03
ATTACK BY LAND AND BY SEA.
1KOOPs MAY BE ALREADY ON THE
WAY TO SANTIAGO.


commodore SchIey May Sink OBJ
structions at the Mouth of Santia-
go Bay to Prevent Egress of the
spnniards-Grave Danger That the
American Fleet May Be Driven
Away by Hurricanes.
New York, June "A special 10 the Fri
hume from Washington says "Commo>
6ore SchIey's reconnaissance before San,
ttago bay, as far as its result is known
10 the authorities here, fully confirms the
impression of Gen. Miles and the other
military and naval officials last week that
Admiral Cervera's squadron was at Sant-
ago and that land and sea forces would
become imperatively necessary to the con-
duct of an effective campaign against him,
unless he undertook to force his way out
OF the trap before he was surrounded and
overwhelmed.
1T is true that Commodore Schley's ex-
change of shots with the shore batteries
has demonstra ted that they were weak at
fairs at best, but 1t is not believed that
he would attempt to send his ships in
single file up the narrow tortuous chan
mel, perhaps thoroughly mined, in order
TO destroy the Spanish cruisers, when
that result may be reached with less haz-
ard Having satisfied himself of the i'm
potency of the land Notifications it is con-
sidered probable that he viii now block
the channel by sinking one or more worth
less hunks at the entrance.
That he did not follow up the tremend-
Gus advantage he gained in the utter de-
moralizaton of the Spanish land forces is
taken as an indication that he had this
ultimately III view.
ut is hardly thought that the Spaniards
will venture on a yenturesome movement,
but will remain at anchor in the upper
harbOr trusting TO the scattering of Ad-
miral Schley's vessels by the terrific hur-
ricanes which are 10 be anticipated on the
Cuban coast at this season of the year.
The knowledge of this danger will PROP
ably hasten the placing of obstruction 10
navigation an the channel in order that the
Spaniards might be blocked should the
American fleet be forced to seek shelter
at Mole ST. Nicholas, which is the nearest
harbOr of any importance.
The approach OF the cyclone season and
the necessity for speedily relieving Com
modore Schley of his vigilance is of meal
culable Importance in their effect upon
the military invasion, as it will be impos-
sole to land troops on the most con-
Venient coast in stormy weather.
Whether all the military force with
which il is proposed TO infest Santiago has
left Tampa or not army officials at Wash
ingtOn say frankly they do not know, and
with the rigid censorship now exercised at
Southern ports, which effectually checks
the disseminat ton of the desired informa-
ton, is is impossible to speak with GER
tanty.
Secretary Alger has admitted to the
members of Congress, who control appro-
priations, that an immediate invasion has
been ordered and that operations in Porto
Rico would probably follow.
The orders which were addressed to.
Gen. Shafter last Sunday have been di-
vuged by the President to no one except
Miles and COrbin, and it is extremely I'M
likely that these officials would abuse the
confidence reposed in them. II is not nee
essary that any other government officials
should be informed Of such affairs.
1t is known the seige guns trains and
large force of cavalry could have passed
by Key West by this time without any one
being the wiser.
The army as well as the navy has sud
denly lost interest in Havana and Philip
pine affairs, and even the alleged move
ments of the Cadiz fleet have ceased to
cause any apprehension. Interest at this
time Is conferred exclusively in the Sanu-
ago campaign, and confidence is general
that on its prompt and successful conclu-
sion depends more than anything else the
future course and limitations of the war"