The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-07

morning, when the first newspaper
appeared on the street containing
the brief statement of the sinking of
the Merrinac in Santiago harbor, the
officials of the navy awaited with in
terest official confirmation from Ad-
miral Sampson. In the afternoon
the story came, lacking in detail, it
is true, but giving in rough outline q
sketch Of American .heroism that will
live through generations to come.
There is no doubt that the name
Hobson is destined to be bracketed
with that of Gushing among Ameri-
cas- naval heroes and, indeed, it was
the opinion of the majority of officers
who scanned the Associated Press
account of the sinking Of the Merri-
mao that the exploit surpassed in
brilliancy and as an exhibition of
cool daring even Cushing's famous
attack upon the ram Albemarle.
Reward sure and adequate is await
ing these American heroes ana Act
ing Secretary Allen has so pledged
himself after consultation with Sec
retary Long, who is still confined to
his room by Il lame leg, Medals and
promotion are the least they can OK
pect at the hands Of grateful peo,
pie. Moreover they will not languish
long in Spanish prison if the au-
thorlties here can bring about their
releaase, for half an hour after Samp-
sons bulletin was displayed on the
walls Of the navy department, Col.
sCarter, as the adjutant general, had
taken the preliminary steps to arrange
for an exchange Of prisoners, and
was learning just how many Spanish
officers and enlisted men were still
held in captivity at Fort Mcpherson,
Ga, whore they had been taken from
tho prizes captured by the American
naval vessels.
In addition to those the navy has
just turned over to the military au-
thorities at Fort Monroe, for safe
keeping, another Spanish officer,
supposed to be of high rank, but who
has 30 far managed to conceal his
identity. The officials are confident
that they have moro than enough
Spanish officers to offer as ransom
for the one American officer and
seven enlisted mon hold by Cervera.
PRAISE FOR ADMIRAL CERvERA. .
The officers one and all took note
of tho generous recognition by the
Spanish admiral Of the bravery of
the Americans and his kind treat
mont Of the prisoners, and it can be
guaranteed that the admirals lines
will fall in as pleasant places as any
captive has right to expect
should ho be overcome in the end
and forced to surrender to Sampson.
The naval situation is believed to
be entirely satisfactory. Notwith-
standing the Spanish reports of the
clearing away Of the Merrimac it is
not believed for an instant that
Sampson will submit to losing this so
dearly purchased advantage, and he
can be relied upon to prevent the re-
moval of tho obstruction. With the
Spanish fleet Gagged inside tho har-
bor, there to remain until they are
starved ont or surrender, Sampson
will be free to detach most of bis
powerful squadron for service else
where. This means, according to
common belief, an Immediate attack
upon San Juan.
Y Peace signs have been multiply
ing; there has been notable change
in the tone Of tho Spanish press, and,
although up to this moment no ad.
yances have been made to the State
department by any OF tho European
Powers, there ia an lndefinable sug.
"A 4 u.