Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-06-23
Spanish VS.. American Methods.

ltHllt1l III our EoNCI W IbI Ill
powerful flying squadron to operate
along the Spanish coast has caused
great CONSERVATION among the Dons
1t takes Il long time for an idea to pen
citrate the dense atmosphere of their
self-conceit; but they are gradually
gaining an increased respect for the
American Navy. AT the beginning of
the war they confidently expected that
they would soon be able to sweep our
ships from the sea. This may seem
strange to people in this country, ac-
customed as our citizens are to keep a
close and intelligent watch of public
events; but it must be remembered
that the great mass of the Spanish
people are densely ignorant. Compar-
ativcly few newspapers are published
in that country, for the reason that
comparatively few of its people are
able to read them. 1t is really surpris-
ing how little is known about the
strength and resources of the United
States even among that class of Span
ards who are accounted educated. A
very large number of the people of
Spain still hug the sad delusion that it
is one of the great Powers of Europe,
and that the United States or. as they
usually designate our country, America
is vastly inferior to their country in
all the elements of power and great
ness. 1t was not so long ago that
General Weyler, the notorious Spanish
butcher openly and with apparent
seriousness, advocated the sending of
Spanish army to invade this country.
Such a suggestion is not entirely lack
ing in certain elements of grim humor.
1t also illustrates very clearly how lit
tie Spain understands or appreciates
the forces with which she is now called
to contend. Spanish brag and buster
will avail nothing in the present con-
test 1t is a case where blood and
iron" Will win the day
1t has not been SO very long ago that
the Cape Nerd fleet sailed away from
home territory with great pomp and
ceremony. with every assurance that
it would speedily destroy the entire
American navy and then proceed Ieis-
urely to lombard Atlantic and gulf
coast cities OF to levy heavy tribute
upon them. The entire country was to
be at its mercy and the suggestion was
made that New York and Boston
would he captured and destroyed and
the residents driven inland to escape
it's fury.
Now even Spanish egotsm is begin
ming to suspect that some of these
plans may. possibly. have miscarricd,
1t is doubtful if even the Spanish gov
eminent is as yet fully alive to the crit
zeal condition Of Cervera's fleet 1t is
ttI tttIil tlIeIl lIlt S4toil llictNS VI tIit
Spanish people are still awaiting re-
ports Of glorious victories from it. 1t
the reaction when this fleet is destroyed
or captured by the American forces-as
1t is no wonder that the Queen regent
is anxious to abdicatc the throne be
of Spain to humilating appreciation
Of their own impotency.
SO busy have the Spaniards been
with plans of aggression that they
have, apparently overlooked the posi-
biity of an American movement
against their own shores. 1t is evil
dent that they are poorly prepared for
such q move on the part of this COIN
Try. This is indicated by the feverish
haste with which they are striving to
put their scacoast ports into a better
condition fer defence, and the general
tone Of alarm pcrVading official circles.
1t is true that Spanish officials affect
to see in this report a ruse to keep the
Cadiz fleet at home; but they can
scarcely blind themselves to the fact
that this feet would scarcely be a
match for any of the great squadrons
of this country, and that We're it to
come to this side Of the Atlantic it
would meet with & reception 50 hearty
| that it would never return again.
There has been marked difference
between the Spanish and United States
governments in their attitude towards
/ the people of their respective countries
| Spain has adopted a policy Of dtccp-
ton. Her people have been systematic
cally deceived by false reports Of al
! legged Spanish Victories, and have thus
! been lead to believe that their army
and navy were meeting with large
measure of success in their contests
with the forces of the United States
hundreds Of Spaniards have been