The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-06-24
INyASION-THE OUTLOOK.

1t begins to look now that the grav-
ity of the attempt upon Cuba is being
better understood in Washington. The
talk there now in official circles is not
to leave General Shafter at the mercy
of the Spaniards. Late, but better late
than never. He ought to nave so, 900
troops. If a great defeat should come
to his little army by reason of over
whelming forces of the Spaniards, or
by superior arms, or any other cause
there will be an expression of greatest
indignation throughout the United
States. Those of our men who are
only armed with the Springfield rifle
are at a disadvantage in meeting the
enemy. Their weapon can only kill
1900 yards, while the Mauser is a
deadly weapon and accurate at 1000
yards. There ought to be 10000 or
5000 additional troops sent just as
soon as possible. 1t is stated by Ad-
miral Sampson that the Spaniards in
front of Guantanamo and Cabanas are
from 10000 to $4,000. In Cuba it is
generally understood that the Spanish
force largely exceeds 100, 1000. We do
not recall an estimate lower than 140,-
900. General Shafter has only ID, 800
men and officers, with a prospect of
receiving 5000 soon perhaps. While
not disposed to find fault overmuch,
conceding, hat the government has
accomplished some praisewOrthy re-
suits in the last two months, it is ap-
parent hat there is a lack Of soldiers
and of proper arms. Instead Of well
arming the force in camp or On eXpe-
ditions, they are using old rifles in
place of the best modern guns.
The news from Cuba is that our
troops will have to meet a desperate
enemy in force, and that the fighting
must be extremely fierce. All along
newspapers that were informed as to
Spanish history and character prophe-
sled that invasion would demand the
best troops, and that resistance would
be brave and spirited. Now authori-
ties are talking Of desperate fighting
ahead. This great republic is invading
with a small force-that is a fact.
The Washington Post Of the 21st
inst, says that our army is not to re-
main at Santiago. 1t says:
primarily, the purpose is to cap
ture or destroy Admiral Cervera S fleet
of warships in the harbor, out Blan-
co.'s army, and hoist the American and
Cuban flags over the city. This &C
complished, General Cereals insur-
gent forces, abundantly equipped, will
be left in charge of the city and its de-
lenses, while Skaters soldiers will be
withdrawn for use elsewhere. AS a
basis of military and naval supplies,
Santiago will be of no small import
ance in the impending movement upon
Porto Rico"
But after all, with victories here and
there, the prospect of peace or OF free
Cuba is not in view. The Post says
Havana must fall. 1t thinks an at
tack upon Havana will not long be de-
layed. This is we'll doubtless, provid-
ed an army equal to the work is sent
forward. We can not help from
thinking that it is playing desperate
at this stage Of the game to begin a
conquest of Cuba with an army of 49,
900 or 20, 900 men. One serious reverse
would give the war an extension of six
months or a year. SPANS case may
be desperate at home, but in front OF
Skaters little force are more than
100, 900 Spaniards to be met.
Rdh Moore. of FavettaviIIe Ind.