The times., 1898-05-15

The great naval battle cannot long be
deferred. but in the Immediate situation
there is almost as much uncertainty as
there was when the world did not know
the whereab bouts Of the Spanish fleet.
Now il is certain that the feet is within
striking distance and that il cannot es-
cape even if it wishes to. but when il will
be caught or will offer battle itself. or
where. are SIN unsoIved problems. They
are the problems that the naval war board
worked on ali day yesterday as they did
after the news Of the fleet came on
Friday
The Navy Department is doing every
thing possible 10 strike its blow quick and
hard. Every effort is being made by both
Sampson and Schley 10 reach the Span
iards. The Department has notified all
OF its agents all over the West Indies to
secure all possible news Of the movements
of the feet II is hoped that the Span
iards will be caught today and finally dis
posed Of for all time bur there is quite
general opinion in the Navy Depar lment
that the conflict will be deferred for two
OF three days longer.
Admiral Sampson is now supposed to
have sailed west from Puerto RicoleaYing
the monitors Terror and imphitrite at
that harbOr 10 complete the work of con-
quest already begun. il is the general
opinion. although there has been
nothing official given out at the
department that he viii sail directly to-
ward Havana along the north Of Haiti and
Cuba. thus gaining several hundred miles
on the Spaniards if they also are at
tempting TO reach that point. 1t seems
impossible that Nillamil with the longer
route, can escape meeting him.
The flying squadron, under Schley,
which sailed from Hampton Roads imme-
6iately upon the receipt of news of The
Spanish feet is now far on its way to the
gulf. At late hour yesterday afternoon
IL stopped of Charleston as Commodore
SchIey had been ordered TO receive further
instructions If there should be any change
in the situation. but started away again
without delay The distance from Charles
ton to Havana is six hundred miles. and
the squadron. travelling fifteen knots,
should reach Cuba some time tomorrow
morning. Commodore Schley started from
Hampton Roads with only the battleships
Massachusetts and Texas and the cruisers
Brooklyn. New Orleans and San Francis
co. but he was followed within a few
hours by the ST. Paul and the Minneapo-
lis. which have probably caught him by
this time.
Information Suppressed.
The uncertainty of the situation lies in
the fact that, undoubtedl~ Villamil is
well informed Of all the moves of the
American fleets, and also well acquainted
with the entire situation at all the Gu
ban ports and in other parts of the
Gulf. lie has only one chance, and Spain
has only the one chance, too. He must
strike a hard blow this time or never.
il is certain that he will endeavor TO
strike at the weakest spot If he can find
any weakness in the American side Of
the situation. Ii IS thought possible that
he may be able TO reach some southern
port ia Cuba before he is caught by
either Sampson or Schley. to deliver any
provisions, and perhaps TO take on coal.
II he needs any after the generosity of
France.
The Navy Department yesterday after
noon late made a more stringent order
than any heretofore promulgated as to
the giving out Of news. The fact that
Spain makes its movements without the
knowledge Of anyone except the people in
authority, while those of the United
States are published in full in advance,