The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-07-16

ties. II, however, the succession of ma
tional disasters which began at Manila has
not yet broken Spain's pride and the pres
ent losing fight is to be continued, Spain Is
likely to have a fair warning from Euro
pean opinion that another six months Of
warfare will probably see Porto Rico and
the Canaries go the way of the Philippines,
the Ladrones and eastern Cuba. and an
American army slowly but surely fighting
its way to the gates of Havana.
The announcement of the successful con-
clusion of the siege evoked comparatively
little enthusiasm, in strong contrast to the
exultation displayed upon learning Of Ger
vera's defeat. Dewey's victory and of Hob
sons heroism.
or this we are gratif1ed that the suspense
was ended, but there was none Of the ire
mendous excitement which has greeted the
arrival Of comparatively insignificant good
news from the front. Every ono seems
weighed down with an appreciation OF the
terrible responsibilities involved In the mat
ter. The full extent Of these responsible
ties had not been definitely determined on
at late hour. but the necessity for provid-
ing safe transportation across the ocean for
so large number of prisoners complicated
the conquered territory, urgently requiring
can forces from the sources of yellow fever
infection, constitute a situation OF the ut
most gravity.
War Department Waiting
The War Department authorities are I'M
able to- make any positive statement Of the
plans they are maturing to solve the prob
lem. Secretary Alger is in favor Of CHI .r :.
tering neutral vessels to carry the prisoners,
unless Spain pledges herself In advance not
to modest or detain the American transports
which are available. Many officials fear
that Spain will consent to no arrangement
whereby the American vessels can be used
for the prisoners anc In this case recourse
will of necessity be made to European
ships. The possibility that the restrictions
of neutrality will not permit the employ
ment Of the vessels flying the flag of nom
combatant nation will force the United
states to use its own transports, and In that
case the prisoners will be discharged, II
permission can be secured. at Lisbon, Por-
tugal, and American warshps will convoy
the expedition to that port. Commodore
Watsons raidlng squadron being utilized
for the purpose.
The prisoners wifi probably be embark
ed inside OF Santiago harbor, as we'll as
at Guantanamo, and no efforts will be
spared to get them out of the way within
the next ten days. In the meantime, with
their arms and ammunition taken from
them, only small United States force will
be required to guard them, and the ener-
gies of the War Department will be d.
rected to securing the speedy removal of
most Of the American forces from Cuban
soil.
Now for Porto Rico
II Is announced that General Miles will
start for Porto Rico within week. With
the Presidents approval he perfected all
arrangements for his expedition to seize
that island before he left Washington and
the plan will now be promptly carried into
effect Orders have already been sent to
Admiral Sampson to render General Miles
the hearty assistance of the navy in effect
ing landing at Porto Rico and number
of vessels of the fleet will start for the is
land at once to institute an effective block
ade and reduce such Notifications as might
interfere with the Decentralization of the
military forces. When the first report
came of the outbreak of yellow fever near
Santiago, 1t was feared that all the regular
troops from that province would necessar-
lily be brought north to avoid infection,
but the prompt measures taken to prevent