The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-02

ity for the American navy to prove It's pow
er and distinguish itself.
Judge McComas, senator-elect from Mary
land, after expressing his joy over the re-
suit of the conflict. struck a keynote of the
expected result of the cannonadlng at Ma
Mia to-day when he said that it was likely
to have a tremendous effect not only in
Spain. but throughout Europe. He expressed
the belief that it would turn the tide of Eu-
ropean sentiment towards the United
States. The idea advanced by Judge Nc
Comas was expressed by others tonight.
1t is regarded by some as likely that the
decisive victory gained by Admiral Dewey's
squadron may open the eyes of Spain to the
seriousness of the conflict upon which she
has entered. In official circles it is regarded
as almost certain that trouble of a most
critical kind will confront the Sagasta gov
eminent within SPANS own borders.
1t is pointed out that the Spanish people
have been led to believe that their navy was
invincible and the bitter disappointment
that will ensue over the result Of the FIRST
engagement of the war is likely to precipi-
tate internal dissension, if not II leyolu-
ton. Another result of Admiral Dewey,s vic
tory, it is thought, may be action on the
part of the powers of Europe to induce
spain to abandon what is regarded as a
hopeless contest for her. Representations
may be made to Spain that she would bet.
ter relinquish her hold against Cuba than
risk losing the whole of aer West Indian
possessions and the Philippines as well. It
is believed to be not unlikely that the ren-
RESERVATIONS will indicate that. since snan-
ism honor has been satisfied by a conflict.
spain can now yield to The inevitable and
accept the good offices of he powe.s to
bring about an adjustment.
In the dispatches from Madrid the state
ment was made that Admiral Dewey effect
ed a landing on the west side of Manila bay
Tor the men of his fleet who were wounded
In the. engagements. 1t was. suggested in
onclal 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
other probable engagements, but also to
carry out what was known to be Admiral
Dewey's purpose to effect a junction with
the insurgents as soon as possible. TIL in
surgent forces practically surround Man;l.
on the land sides of the city, and with the
intention of securing control of Manila IS
soon as possible Admiral Dewey was to OH
tain a footing on the island at the earliest
practcaoie moment. AS soon as the juno
ton of American and insurgent forces, the
one on sea and the otL.er on land, is effect
ed, a demand is likely to be made for the
surrender of the city, and in event of re-
fusal a combined attack will be made upon
it. The result of such an attack. in the all
sence of a Spanish fleet and effective shore
batteries seems a foregone conclusion.
No news of Il definite character is given
concerning the loss sustained by Admiral
Dewey's squadron and it is scarcely likely.
in>the opinion of experts of the navy. that
authentic information will be received until
Admiral Dewey has opportunity to commu-
nicate officially with the department. 1t is
regarded as probable that Immediately after
the engagements of to-day, Admiral Dewey
sent the revenue cutter McCulloch back to
Hong-Kong with dispatches and that the
first Information from him will come from
that point. The distance from Manila to
Hong-Kong is a trihe over 600 miles and
it will take the McCulloch about two days
to make the trip.