Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-05-02

elected to force more fighting. The
superiority of a superior feet has been
demonstrated in the Pacific and the
same, it is commended, would be in
evitable in the Atlantic in case
the clash comes. From what
ever point Of view considered,
the policy of more fighting
upon the part of Spain promises moth
ing but more Spanish misfortune. Navy
officers think this view must prevail
with the Spanish government and be-
lieve- any end of the war, upon the
basis of Cuban independence, is to fol-
low soon, and that too, without fur
Their notable opportunity for the Amer
lean navy to prove its power and dis
tinguish itself
In official cirlces it is regarded as al
most certain that trouble of a most
critical kind will confront the Sagasta
government within Spains own Dor
ders. 1t is pointed out that the Span
ish people have been led TO believe
that their navy was invincible, and the
bitter disappointment that will ensue
over the result of the first agreement
of the war is likely to precipitate inter-
1.l dissension, if not revolution.
Another result of Admiral Dewey S
victory, it is thought may be action
on the part of the powers of Europe
TO induce Spain to abandon what is re-
garded as a hopeless contest for her.
Representations may be made to Spain
that she would better relinquish her
hold upon Cuba than to risk losing all
of her West Indian possessions and the
Philippines as well. 1t is believed to
be not unlikely that the representa-
tions will indicate that, since Spanish
honor has been satisfied by conflict,
Spain can now yield TO the inevitable,
and accept the good offices of the pow
ers to bring about an adjustment.
In the dispatches from Madrid the
statement was made that Admiral
Dewey effected landing on the west
side of Manila Bay for the men of his
fleet who were wounded in the en-
gagements. 1t was suggested in Off
cial circles that this landing had a
two-fold PURPOSE. 1t was not only
that the wounded might have better
care than they could receive ON ship
board, in the face of another prob
able engagement, but also to carry
out what was known to be Admiral
Deweys purpose to effect junction
with the insurgents as soon as posi-
BILE. The insurgent forces practically
surround Manila on the land sides of
the city, and with the intention of
securing control of Manila as soon as
possible, Admiral Dewey was to OBJ
tain a footing ON the island at the
earliest practicable moment. AS soon
as the junction Of the American and
insurgent forces, the one on sea and
the ether on land, is effected a de-
mand is likely to be made for the
surrender of the city. and, in the event
of REFUSAL a combined attack would be
made upon it The result of such an
attack in the absence of Spanish
fleet and effective shore batteries,
seems foregone conclusion.
No news of a definite character is
given concerning the loss sustained by
Admiral Deweys squadron and it is
scarcely likely in the opinion of ex-
perts of the navy that authentic infor-
nation will be received until Admiral
Dewey has opportunity to communi-
cate officially with the department. It
is regarded as probable that immedi-
ately after the engagements of to-day
Admiral Dewey sent the revenue cutter
McCulloch back to Hong Kong with
dispatches and that the first informa-
ton from him will come from that
point.
The distance from Manila to Hong
Kong is trif1e over 500 miles and it
will take the McCulloch about two days
to make the trip.