Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-05-18
A Game Of Hide and Seek.

Spanish squadron must be credited
with being very foxy. He persists in
appearing and disappearing at the
most unexpected times and places, and
keeps us guessing as constantly as be-
fore he crossed the Atlantic. When it
was known that he was at last in
Western waters it was expected the
long -looked-for naval battle of the Ii
tans with the accompanying annihila-
ton of the Spanish squadron would
take place at once. But the Spanish
admiral is like the Irishman's flea. At
a given moment we may know where
he is but there is no telling where he
be when we get to that point. He evil
IDENTIFY proposes to select the time and
place for the coming battle. Delay is
his policy and the situation gives him
many advantages. If he hoped to rush
in to the relief of Havana his plans
have miscarried. for both Schley and
Sampson are supposed to be nearer
that point than he is now. If he wants
the oregon he is evidently on the
wrong course, and in the meantime
there are rumors that the oregon,
Marietta and Buffalo will be reinforced
by the Montgomery, Yale and st.
Louis and thus a flying squadron
formed that the Spanish admiral will
be very shy of tackling. The Ameri-
can fleets are gradually closing in on
him, and when they once get him cor
nered Spain is likely to be given occa-
sion to complain that the vandalism
OF Manila has been repeated. 1t is
a game of hide and seek, and it is a
tragic spectacle, these great fleets of
iron sea monsters maneuvering for the
grand death grapple that the world is
awaiting with breathless interest
The exact purpose of the Spanish ad-
miral cannot be foretold. 1t is quite
evident that he will not accept battle
at a disadvantage if he can help it, and
the superior speed of his vessels give
him to some extent control of the stu
alton. II he should go to Cienfeugos
his ships would be protected by the
shore batteries, ard he would be in
communication with Havana. But,
having drawn the American squadrons
to Havana, he may slip through the
Mona passage, and gain the Atlantic
north of our big war vessels, and be for
a few days, at least, free to prey upon
our coast commerce. Ultimately he
would be brought to account, no doubt,
for the vessels would soon run short of
coal, but. in any move he may make,
his squadron seems doomed to destruc-
ton, and his real object is to do as
much damage as possible before the
squadron has been overpowered. Either
Of the American fleets is an overmatch
for the Spanish Cape Verde squadron,
SIMPSONS superiority in fighting pow
er being beyond dispute, while Schley,
though in his case the advantage is not
50 marked, would doubtless be able to
give a good account of Cervera's cruis-
ers if they could be tempted within
gunshot. Did the game turn upon d
question of comparative strength.
whether at long bowls or in closer
fighting, the Spaniards would have no
chance of victory and little of escape.
But, unfortunately. it turns mainly. if
not entirely, upon speed, and here Ger
vera has a decided advantage over
Sampson. and a slighter, but still dis
tinct, one over Schley.
\ battle may be fought in day or
two, or the game of hide and seek may
continue for a week or more. On the
whole, the situation from the American
standpoint has been improved. The
Spanish squadron has gone out of its
direct path to Cuba in order to eyade
SIMPSONS fleet. and time has been
given for both Sampson and Schley to
move nearer to Havana. Even though
the Spanards should gain Cienfuegos
| the advantages gained would be in
large measure offset by the combina-
| ton Of SIMPSONS and Schley's squad
rons in a. blockadng and attacking
| force. The Spanish fleet having moved
to the west of Curacao, the Oregon APP
pears to have a clear path before her
and will soon be beyond danger of cap
ture. The small vessels left to main
tain the Cuban blockade are in some
danger, but the government can read
lily advise them of the situation, and
thus provide for their safety.
Bailey of Texas, could not let tho