The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-28
SAMPS0N'S S FLEET
is ON THE NORTH :
COAST OF CUBA

CUASi Uf CUBA
The Dolphin Brings Dispatches from Schley 10
Sampson--Was Greeled with Great Enthusi-
asm--The Mes chaflOg for Fight The
Bolilng of Spanish TIeet Considered Almost
as Complete Victory as Could have been
Expected from an Engagement The Way for
Cuban Invasion is Now Open.
copyright 1898 by Associated Press)
Off the northern coast of Cuba, May
PIP a. m.-Nia Key West, Fla, May
27.J-At 10 o'clock last night the Doll
phin ran alongside the flagship New
York. Her lights showed that she bore
dispatches from Rear Admiral Samp-
son. The commander of the Dolphin
shouted through the megaphone.
II have a despatch from Commodore
Schley to the commander-in-chief."
A cheer went up from the crowded
decks of the New York.
Commodore Schley's dispatches were
dated off Cienfuegos.
absolutely nothing definite can be
said, was the reply which Captain
Chadwick, of the New York made to a
question as to what had transpired.
Since he heard of Admiral Cervera's
arrival at Curacao Rear Admiral Samp-
son has repeatedly said he believed the
Spaniards would go to Cienfuegos or
Santiago de Cuba.
To prove that the American admiral
was almost sure the Spaniards would
be caught. the following may be diyulged
without breach Of confidence. When
the ships of Commodore Schley's diyi-
sion were sailing out of Key West un-
der Rear Admiral SIMPSONS orders the
admiral sent this signal to Captain
Philip, of the Texas:
You are going to nab the Spaniards,
and good luck to you"
Since then the rear admiral has been
cruising around rs purely precautionary
measure. He thoroughly believed Com
modore Schley would bottle up the
Spaniards either in Cienfuegos or at
Santiago de Cuba; but he took all meas
ures to guard against the possible eva
sion Of Commodore Schley by the enemy
and any attempt to make Hayan through
the eastern or western passages; though
there Is little doubt that the com
modore had he met the Spanish ships
could have defeated them. There is
good reason to believe, from a strategic
point Of view, that more can be gained
by the Spaniards being bottled up in
santiago de Cuba, than ia an engage
ment which. though it would result in
Il victory for the Americans, might have
resulted in some damage to our ships.
In the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, the
Spanish fleet will be helpless The
channel leading into the harbor IS mar
row, and the enemy can be either KEPT
a prisoner there by sinking a few hulks
in the channel. or he can be destroyed
by superior force.
If Commodore Schley has successfully
accomplished his object, there now seems
nothing to prevent active operations
upon the part of the army. That is tht
idea Of the best naval authorities. Th,
climate in Cuba is not what il was i
month ago, but it is much better than il
will be month hence, and before
another Spanish fleet can reach These
waters, the naval authorities hone "a
see our troops in possession of a base 81
operations in Cuba. The navy would hC
able to cover the landings of the troon.
and enable the military forces to get
ashore without hindrance.
Intense enthusiasm reigns tonight
among the officers and men over FL,
news, even though it is not absolntel,
certain of the success Of the work i
the last month. The days have passec
slowly and wearily, and no persons hay,
chafed more over the delay and inactiy
ity than they who have been crlisin,
in Cuban waters since the war began
But if Commodore Schley has reall
got the Spanish npat ~ Cant;auo n
Cuba, it is almost as complete vic
tory MS could have been expected fron
naval engagement. The Spaniard'