The National tribune., 1898-05-05
OUR VICTORY In THE PHILIPPINES. !

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There is glorious, old-time ring in
the news from the Philippine Islands.
It is a story the like of which has not
come to our ears for third of century,
but it sounds marvelously similar to
those which electrified the American
people in the brave old days when John
Paul Jones, Hull, cambridge, Decatur,
Perry, Chauncey, the Porters, and Far
ragut were making the Flag the emblem
of imperishable glory.
So far the tale has been told by our
enemies. Nearly all our information
has come through Spain. We might be
well content to have it continue so.
Even Spanish bombast and rodomontade
cannot conceal or even dim the splendor
of the achievement by which they have
suffered an irreparable blow. Their own
story of their disaster is the highest
tribute to the superb gallantry, enter
prise and seamanship of the American
sailors. 1t shows that Admiral Dewey
and his splendid command have success
fully emulated the deeds Of their prede-
cessors at Algiers and Tripoli, on the
high seas wherever an English or a
French ship was met, at New Orleans,
and at Mobile.
A small squadron of five American
ships, on the other side of the globe
1900 miles from the nearest American
port-sailed boldly forth to attack a
Spanish squadron in its own waters, and
supported by forts which have been held
and developed as Spanish stronghold
for over $50 years. Arriving there the
attack was immediate and truly Ameri-
can in its impetuosity and determination.
1t was a match for Nelson's quick, reso-
lutte assault on the French feet at the
battle of the Nile, and upon the French
and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar. 1t was
as overwhelmingly successful as they
were. Within two hours after the first
gun was fred the Spanish feet was ami
hilated. This we know from Spanish
sources. How much harm was done the
forts we have yet to learn, but probably
they were nearl y as roughly handled as
the ships were.
Our own losses are as yet unknown.
We can only congratulate ourselves over
the wonderful fact that, despite the
apparent superiority of the Spanish
strength, we did not lose ship-prob-
ably did not have one disabled.
The consequences of the splendid
victory must be far-reaching and i'm
portant beyond any words. 1t will
exalt American seamanship unspeakably
in the estimation of the world. 1t
makes us at once a frst-class naval
power. No matter how many or how
few ships we may happen to have, no
nation in the world will willingly dis
pute the seas with us. We can sail the
ocean on equal terms with the best of
them, for we have men equal to any
achievement, and money and resources
sufficient to give them fleets capable of
fighting all the navies of the world, COM
bined, if need be-
Since the battle of Trafalgar, in 1905,
|. there has been no achievement by
European feet to compare with the
triumph Of the American squadron be-
fore Manila, and until it is equalled or
surpassed the American sailors must be
conceded to be the foremost in the world.
Its effect upon the contest with Spain
must be highly important-may be de-
cisive. 1t may bring. the Spaniards to
their senses by showing them how foolish
is the attempt to prolong the struggle,
which can only result in still deeper
humiliation and more crushing losses.
If SO, they will lose no time in opening
negotiations for peace.
Tur DrariJapt hoe cfrnoly n ,on,,Ior