The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-05-04
NO OFFICIAL REPORT.
Nation Most Directly interested Compelled
to Wait

WASHINGTON, May 2-It is a curious
fact that the nation most directly inter-
ested of ali the great powers in the COM
bat that took place at Manila yesterday
should be among the last officially to
know of the result. Up to the close of
Office hours to-day absolutely the only in
formation that our government had re-
ceived of the brilliant vic,pry Of Commo-
dore Dewey and the winning Of the battle
OF Manila bay came TO the government
through the medium OF press dispatches.
II the report is true that Commodore
Dewey has begun bombardment and
blockade of Manila il is unlikely that he
can spare vessel from his fleet to carry
the news to Hong Kong, the nearest
cable station; so it is not known when
official dispatches will come
There was some expectation that
through the surrender Of the city the
commodore might acquire control Of the
cable, but even then there might be
practical difficulties in communicating
through il. The officers Of Commodore
Dewey's fleet include at least one lieuten-
ant who is a good practical electrician
and telegraphe-, but it is not known posi-
lively that he is able so work a cable sue
cessfully. Second, fear is entertain
ed that before retiring from the city the
Spanish troops will smash the delicate
and complicated electrical apparatus for
the reception and dispatch of messages
and il is very uncertain whether there is
enough technical skill in the American
fleet 10 repair such damage without aid
from the mainland. The mere cutting
of the cable, as reported by the Spaniards
is not regarded as particularly serious,
since. being hemmed in port by the
American blockading fleet, the Spaniards
wOnld not be able 10 make the cut far
of shore, so that the cable could be easily
grappled and repaired. The greatest
anxiety is felt as to the casualties sus-
tanned iiy the American fleet. From the
stubborn defense made by the Spaniards,
il is feared that before they burnt, blew
up or sunk their ships they managed to
inflict severe damage upon Commodore
Dewey's squadron.
Ii 4OAC OGAto has AAoe RtA7
tion of his men it is feared he will be
much embarrassed in the work Of main
tanning the bombardment of Manila for
lack OF sufficient force. United States
naval vessels are always under manned,
according to European standards, and il
will not be possible, havirs regard for
the safety of the ships, TO spare any Of
the men 10 keep the territory, especially
il the engagement has disabled many If
them. There was some talk this after
noon Of sending troops out frim San
Francisco TO aid in this work, bat this
has not yet taken shape as far as can be
learned and il is likely that the depart
ment will ~ai, to hear from Commodore
Dewey before taking any action.
As to the future of the island il is likely
that the government will retain part. at
least one good port such as Manila, for a
coaling station and base of supplies dur
ing the war. 1t is believed the officials
have not decided what TO do with the
island at the end of the war, bat in their
position the United States Will erjpy r
powerful weapon in enforcing terms Of
peace with Spain Supposing Porto Rico
should next be captured it would seem
that Spain viii have little to encourage
her in further resistance. probably rs the
fall OF Porto Rico would mean the loss TO
her Of her ironclad fleet said to he cross
ing the Atlantic.
There is no talk OF European iuterfe-
renee rs yet. but one Of the most brilliant
results of Dewey's victory yesterday is
that deep impression has been male on
the European people. who can now no
longer afford to blind themselves tn the
fact that man 10 man the American navy
is equal TO any in the world.
The impression produced is likely to
deter the European powers from hasty
Intervention. and the present indications
are that we shall be left To settle our own
affairs with Spain at our own pleasure.
always providing We do not get involved
in the eastern question through obtain
ing possession of the Philippines.