The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-06
SANTIAGO NOW DOOMED


Concluded from First Pageo
the American fleet could get inside the har-
Dor and thus place the city between the
land and sea bombardments.
The arrival at Santiago of General Pando
with reinforcements for Linares occasioned
some comment on the course of General
Garcia and his Cuban troops in not holding
Pando back, particularly in view of the
fact that General Lawton's brigade was
cooperating with Garcia, but it is believed
the latter left Lawton in an embarrassed
position. At the same time the disposition of
the authorities was mainly to meet the sit
uation now presented, rather than to ques-
ton how it had come about.
The Navy Department had no additional
details the annihilated Spanish fleet. and
it was said that the dispatches from Samp-
son and Watson giving the essential facts
were not likely to be followed by minuter
details. except through the mail. Admiral
Sampson was not present when the engage
ment began and Commodore Watson's dis
patcn of last night indicated that he had
reached Santiago after the fight. In the abb
sence of both Sampson and Watson the di-
rection of the fight would have fallen to
Commodore Schley. and. being in the heat
of the engagement on the flagship Brook
Ign, it seems probable that he gave the sig
nails by which American ships Unanswered
and selected their various points of attack
The department officials feel the same sem
timents of gratitude for all the officers par
ticipating in the great battle, as it is felt
that each OF them contributed to the utmost
according to the circumstance of his posi-
ton.
Secretary Alger on leaving the Cabinet
meeting at 1885, said that the President
had sent telegram to Admiral Sampson
and General Shafter asking them to confer
as to what the present situation demanded.
Secretary Alger said that it was his under
standing that the bombardment had not be-
gun, nor would it take place until perfect
understanding between the two officers had
been reached. 1t is expected that the two
officers will reach a conclusion as to the
advisability of Admiral Sampson making an
attempt to enter the harbor and assist in
the bombardment. General Alger also said
that when all the facts have come to be
heard it would be seen that the extreme
heat and the severe work done by the troops
have contributed as much to our losses at
Santiago as the fire of the enemy.
In the opinion of the best informed war
officials General Shafter and Admiral Samp-
son will perfect plan of action against the
city. 1t is fully realized that the attempt
to force an entrance to the harbor will be
a hazardous venture. The channel leading
into the bay, as is well understood is very
narrow and vessels passing through it will
be subjected to a terrific fire from the bat
teries on both sides as we'll as from the
MORO and other permanent Notifications
Naval officials believe that before Admiral
Sampson can gain an entrance TO the harbor
he will have to demolish the shore batteries
and render MORO useless as fertilization
commanding the channel entrance
Rumors were current at the War Depart
ment this afternoon that SIMPSONS fleet
already had entered the harbor. This could
not be confirmed in any official quarter.