Evening star., 1898-07-04
Glorious Work mt Santiago

For three days the American FORCES AN-'
fought those of Spain at Santiago oy fah1
and by sea. Although details are iheaser'
enough is known to assure the nation thde
a victory has been won: that the southeast
ern stronghold OF Spain has been brought
10 the point of capture. and that the once
feared fleet of powerful Spanish vessels
has been destroyed. The distance and the
lack of sufficient wire connection have COM
biTed to put the world at least a day be-
hind the full facts in understanding the
situation. We now know in fair detail the
glorious story of Fridays desperate fight
ing: how the American troops. in the face
of the greatest difficulties, opposed by
Stubborn foe fighting from behind en-
trenchments and aided by the use of smoke
less powder. nevertheless steadily advanced
successfully winning points of vantage un-
i'll at the close of that first bloody day the
Spanish forces had been practically driven
back to their inner line of defenses. We
also know fairly well the story of Satur-
days work. which cost so heavily and the
first accounts of which caused the nations s
heart to ache. Little now is known of the
exact manner in which the Investment of
Santiago was completed by Saturdays
action 1t is clear that the Americans not
only maintained their holdings, but ad-
vanced still further toward the city. and
aided by the ships, caused terrible damage
to the town itself. The American losses
were heavy-so heavy. indeed, that in the
first accounts were suggestions of failure
Of the general plan; of an inability to follow
UP the advantage already gained General
Skaters intimation that he needed rein
forcements to complete the campaign
against the city depressed the country.
The people had begun TO realize that war
costs heavily. and that all Victories are not
SO cheaply bought as was that OF Dewey at
Manila The tidings that the Spanish ships
had been destroyed came therefore as does
a cool breeze to heat-stricken men.
According to the message just received
from Admiral Sampson destined to become
famous in history, Admiral Cervera ard
his fleet issuing from the harbor and at
tempting to escape wers engaged by the
American ships. The two Spanish torpedo
Gestroyers were sunk within four miles OF
Santiago, the Vizeaya, Oquendo and .Iaii1
Theresa were burned ard blown up within
twenty miles ann the Colon was captured
sixty miles from the harbor from which ii
had issued in this desperate effort to es-
cape
The disparity between the American and
Spanish naval losses in this fight is sugges
tive of the marvel of Manila One Amer
lean was killed and two wounded. Will.
the Spanish losses aggregated hundreds
and 1900 Spanish prisoners fell into Amer
lean hands, including Admiral Cervera.
The nation rejoices in this marvellous
success. Ii sends it's thanks to SAMPSON
and his men. and it honors them for the
manner in which they have sustained the
prestige Of the American navy and the
American nation.
For the brave soldiers who have fought
so well under Shafter there is also unstinted
praise. Their work OF the last few davs
assures the collapse of the Spanish cause
1t cannot long withstand such determined.
brave and skillful assaults as those thus
far directed against 1t by Uncle Sans SOL
diers and sailors
Dewey is reinforced and in control at Ma
Mia, the Ladrones have fallen Ceryera.s
ships are demolished. and Santiago is at
our mercy, Now for Porto Rico. Camara,
the Cararies and the coast OF Spain,
Hurrah for the Fourth of July,