The times., 1898-06-17
FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES.
Anxiety at the White House Over
the CuintenarI situation.


the CafntenarI Situation.
Six hundred American marines are still
facing fearful odds at Guantanamo, with
no prospect of reinforcement until Sun
day, and probably not until Monday or
Tuesday
The most hopeful Administration Off
cials are forced TO admit that the situa-
ton is extremely serious. Until Gen.
Skaters delayed invasion army has con-
nected with Admiral SIMPSONS command
no one can feel assured that Guantanamo
will not furnish a regrettable chapter OF
American operations in Cuba.
AT the White House yesterday little
else was talked of but the ing -orious de-
feat visited upon Dushwhacking enemy
in overwhelming numbers by mere
handful OF brave marines who fought
against fearful odds in a strange country.
But the news Of this hard-earned VIC
tory was allayed by later intelligence 10
the effect that the Spaniards were bend
ing every energy TO concentrate power
full force at Guantanamo with a view TO
crushing the intrepid invaders before they
can be reinforced.
II is known that Spanish troops are
being conveyed by rail from Santiago TO
a point of rendezvous near Camp Nc
Gala. A.oA
Information from Cuban scouts and
other sources confirms the report that the
Spaniards will If possible, make one last
united attack upon the position OF the
marines now ehcamped on Fisherman
Point, at the lower end of Guantanamo
Bay.
IL must be remembered that Lieut. Col.
Huntington's marines won their signal
victory after nearly 100 hours Of continu-
Gus fighting. without relief or rest. When
Tuesdays battle was over they literally
fell down in complete physical eXhaus-
ton. They are in no condition TO WITH
hold a more powerful attack from the
enemy.
Consequently grave anxiety permeates
official circles Secretary Long said late
yesterday afternoon:
I'VE have no other intelligence from
Guantanamo than has been given us by
the press dispatches.
He denied. however. that his depart
ment regarded the situation of the ma
rines as Immediately peri!ous.
Such a denial was TO have been expect
/ ed vet II is clearly evident that in de-
Tending the first American position on
| Cuban soil Col. Huntington's marines are
/ facing dangers that only American grit
and courage can withstand
The possibility that the Spaniards may
succeed In making another more success
| tanamo before Gen. Skaters command
has arrived has given rise 10 grave ap-
! prehensions both on the part of the Ad-
! ninisrration and department officials.
! But for the resaurcefulness of Admiral
/ Sampson in effecting an alliance with the
/ Cubans Tuesdays operations might have
been less successful. and there is a
| chance that even the most vigilant
! strategy cannot avoid reversal OF the
] a7rEa6Er gained
/ There is scarcely a doubt that Admiral
| Sampson was misinformed as to the ar
rival of re-enforcements; at least he was
| unable 10 anticipate the allay in getting
tn invasion army off from Tampa.
/ Otherwise he might have postponed the
| landing Of marines until morally certain
/ that land re-enfOrcements would De at
hand 20 follow up the advantages gained
by his men.
Less than a regiment OF marines could
not be expected 10 hold a strategic land
position against the entire Spanish army
| in eastern Cuba for ten days, and it was
not anticipated that they would be left
alone TO do it.
| Sampson landed his marines last Fri
| day. expecting Gen. Skaters command
to arrive Saturday or Sunday 1t has not
arrived yet.