Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-26
official news comes that Cervera is out Of
the way.
Wants Action at Once.

tend to the conviction that the President is
now thinking of invading and capturing
Porto Rico before the march is made upon
the Cuban capital. man of highest prom
inence said today that there is a strong
feeling for invading Porto Rico first" 1t
is known positively that there is division
OF opinion as to what should be done, and
that the President will determine the ques-
ticn when Schley and Sampson are definite
ly heard from.
The Capture of Porto Rico.
The proposition by some of the admin
istrations advisers is that the capture OF
Porto Rico would knock another leg from
under Spain, in that it would deprive her
of a base of supplies and greatly embar-
rass her in a division of her forces and
energies. The estimate is that $4,000 sol
diers would be sufficient for capturing and
holding Porto Rico. While operations
against that island are in progress the re-
mainder of the volunteer troops can be
seasoned first and made ready for Cuba
1t is also put forward that the loss of
Porto Rico, with the certain knowledge of
the eventual loss of Cuba, would cut the
war spirit of the Spaniards to a minimum
and accrue to an earlier peace.
Attltuue OF Europe.
While the military and naval advantages
of the capture of Porto Rico first are fully
considered, the attitude of Europe is an
other feature not lost sight of. 1t is said
that Europe would be sure to regard this
as step to acquire territory and might put
in an objection. At the same time she
might use this step to force Spain to sur
render without further delay.
1t is regarded as a foregone conclusion
that Porto Rican campaign would stir Eu-
rope to action of some kind. Her diplomats
would put together the Philippine seizure
and the Porto Rican seizure evidences
that Uncle Sam was seeking new ground
at too great pace. They might not be
tempted to talk saucy in this direction. but
they would, it is said, put the screws down
hard on Spain.
The Invasion of Cuba.
If Cuba is to be first invaded the fact
cannot be concealed long. The Presidents
orders will be revealed in some direction.
Secretary Long has given an idea of how
IT any ships he can spare as conveys If it
is found to be true that Cervera is trapped.
Secretary Long and the war board fully
believe that Cervera is in 5; -.dago. Their
information is to the effect that Schley was
in front of Santiago twenty-four hours
after Cervera entered. Schley, it is said.
was probably unable to find out about Ger
vera for several days. He could not see
inside the harbor from outside. He was
forced to organize some dangerous expedi-
ton to get precise information. He prob
ably called for a landing party which un-
dertook to make long trip to find If Ger
vera was inside with his ships. This being
the case information may come from him
at any minute.
The President desires that an invasion
shall not be started until 1t is assured of
safety. He does not think reserve squad
ron has left Cadiz. Either Cuba or Porto
Rico could be invaded before that squadron
could get to this side. The Oregon could
be Used as one Of the conveys for an ex-
petition.
A Basis for Caution.
A basis for caution in an immediate in
vasion of Porto Rico is the whereabouts of
the Spanish torpedo boat Terror which
left Martinique few days ago, and is sup
posed to have joined another boat of like
character. These would be dangerous to
troop ships not we'll protected.
1t is also urged as Objectionable to Por-
to Rican invasion the fact that a number
of ships would be required to remain at
San Juan all the time, thus dividing the
United States force.
The most powerful argument with the
President for going to Porto Rico prior TO
Cuba is that there are now enough SOL
diers fully equipped to take and hold Porto
Rico, while it may be some time before
enough are equipped to take Cuba Several
weeks may elapse, it is said, before 100000
soldiers can be armed and equipped for the
Cuban expedition.
Orders Being Prepared.
Late this afternoon 1t is said on good au-
thority that the necessary and multitude
nous orders for the invasion of Cuba and
Porto Rico are being prepared and will be
ISSUED Immediately upon news being re-
ceived from Sampson or Schley that they
have Cervera where he will be harmless.
The belief was advanced at today's con-
ference that not more than 25,OOO soldiers
would have to be sent to Porto Rico to
overcome the 13, 600 Spanish soldiers on the
island
The American troops would probably not
be landed at San Juan following a bonn
bardment by the fleet.
They would be landed at some unfortifled
point and would make an attack upon San
Juan from the land side, a bombardment
taking place simultaneously from .he sea-
No doubt is expressed of the easy con-
quest Of the island.
Some Callers Today.
President Mckinley saw few visitors to-
day, early engaging in what is considered
enc of the most important conferences of
the war. and dismissing the visitors on
hand.
Representatives Dinghy and Grosvenor
were among the first to confer with the
President They are thought to have talk
ed over pending legislation. They were
asked about the Hawaiian annexation BILL
but answered that there was nothing TO
be said. Representative Hit, chairman of
the foreign affairs committee of the House
called later. but did not see the President.
Col Bingham, superintendent of public
buildings ard grounds. took to the White
House today piece Of the cable cut at
Cienfuegos. The piece was about six
inches long and six in circumference. In
cutting the cable at Cienfuegos several
sailors lost their lives, and the Spaniards
were shelled by the Wilmington and other