The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-04-23
THE HAVANA BLOCKADE
Will Be Accepted as Binding by the
Foreign Powers,
SPANS FLEET AT CAPE VERDE.

Military Attache Of "A Foreign Lega-
tion Points out the Danger to which
the Spaniards WIN BE Subjected II
They Attempt to Reach This Country
Washington, April 23.-Nothing has
yet been received by the government
indicating that the Spanish fleet has
left Cape Verde Islands. What may be
the purpose Of the Spanish govern
ment as to the disposition Of this fleet
is not known, but the belief among
high officials is that the Spaniards will
hesitate before sending the pick Of
their navy into American or even Gu
ban waters. 1t must be realized, it is
said, that, cut off from a coal supply.
they would be at great disadvantage.
and would run very great risk of total
annihilation. Nor is it believed that
Captain General Blanco will be in a
hurry to preCipitate a conflict and
therefore it is not expected that Cap
tain SIMPSONS fleet will have very
much to do during the next few days
but to prevent supplies from entering
Havana. Nevertheless, it is believed
that hostilities will not be delayed
longer than is necessary to get our
army within supporting distance.
When that is accomplished our navy
will not delay an hour, but will i'm
mediately attack the Notifications
around Havana.
Members of the diplomatic corps say
that no question can be raised as to
the right of the United States to de-
clare a blockade. This being conceded.
foreign powers will accept it as bind
ing. Speaking of the blockade, the mil
itary attache of one of the leading for
eign establishments here said:
The limited extent of the blockade
is doubtless due to the necessity of
making the blockade effective. Unless
effective, a blockade is not binding, and
with the extended sea coast surround
ing Cuba it would be very difficult, if
not impossible, to maintain an effective
blockade of the entire island. The
blockade will have the effect of stop
ping all commerce. even in neutral
ships, to and from the ports covered
by the presidents proclamation. But
at the same time it should be under
stood that a neutral ship may take her
own chances of running the blockade
In that case she acts at her peril and
she can, under no circumstances ex-
pect indemnity from either of the bel
ligerent powers"
This military aide who is a recog-
nized authority on war strategy, also
pointed out the two strategic moves
open to the Spanish navy, one or the
other of which, he believed, would be
adopted. He said
THE first and probably the best
strate. lie move by Spain would be to
concentrate and hold their fleet at the
Cape de Verde Islands and the Canar-
les, and wait until the American fleet
came on them. They would then have
the advantage of position base of sup
plies and ample coal. 1t would be a
waiting game, but it would promise
much better results than seeking de-
cisive naval engagement far away from
the base of supplies and from coal. The
only serious difficulty would be that 1t
would necessitate the abandonment of
Cuba and Porto Rico. Whether the
Spaniards are willing to make so great
u sacrifice as a strategic move for ul-
innate naval success remains to be
seen. If not, then the Spanish navy
must choose the other strategic move
of making a dash to this side and risk
ing everything on the chance of a de-
cisive victory at the outset. 1t would
be a desperate move, but if successfully
executed 1t would prove of inestimable
value not only in its material results,
including the defense of Cuba and Porto
Rico, but also the sentimental intu-
thusiasm. But it would be most
hazardous move, as the Spanish ships