Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1898-06-17
The SlnkinH rthe McrrInmc.

The sinking OF the Merrimac at the
narrow entrance to Santiago lIarbor
Ii one Of those events which almost
reconcile one to war, as aiTor6ing an
opportunity for the noblest traits OF
human nature. The device itself, the
skilltul planning OF il, the scientific
knowledge used in summoniug to its
successful accomplishment the re-
sources Of modern knowledge OF na.
ture's forces, the cool, calculating
'orethought, the calm indifference to
danger md expected death, the eager
volunteering OF four hundred men Tor
a service which required but eight.
the hasty farcwells between the for
lorn hope and their disappointed
companions who could not join the
expedition. the refusal of the men to
sail in uI.der Spanish colors rs though
the Merrimac were blockade-run-
ner pursued by the American fleet.
their grim determination to die under
the American flag honestly flying
| rather than accept nm additional
chance OF safety by sailing under
false colors, the steaming deliberately
INTO the jaws Of death. the co0lncss of
courage which courtcd the double
peril OF deliberate shipwrcck and
fierce bumbardmcnt, the anxious
waiting OF the American fleet outside.
nni the still moro anxious waiting OF
the little launch and its final return
i'll the gray Of the dawn in the pa-
thctiC conviction that the advent
urous shipmates had pcrishca, and
with no real assurance that they had
not persisted III vain; the audacIty Of
the forlorn hope in surrendcring
themselves to the foe whom by their
exploit they had Imprisoned in San.
tiago llnrbor rs ctIcctuully as il they
had locked and barred an iron door
upon them; the chivalric recognition
i'll the Spamiard of the bravery which
had dared so much and achieved so
much. his quick perception Of the
anxiety which lis enemies would feel
Tor their companions fate. and his
sending ont II ia, ssigo io relieve that
anxiety and give information Of the
safety of the adventures unite 90
present IL picture OF combined intel
ligcncc, skill, hcroism, and generous
appreciation iur which we think il
would he difficult to lind parallel.
aud impossible To lind superior, in
the annals Of chivalry. ancient or
modern.
Two ihcn stand out in this drama
as the central figures. though not
more heroic or more chivalric than
the men whom they respectively rep
resent. These men are Lieutenant
Richard Pearson Ilob'on and Ad.
miral Ccrvcra. lionors will fall thick
and last upon the foTmcr--not too
many, not more than he deserves.
For he is apparently as mu dc It as he
ia heroic; and his bravery is of that
unconscious kind winch constitutes
the highest type. 1t is probable, on
the other hand, that tho American
press will give !css credit than should
he given Ia Admiral Ccrvera. Amer
leans have known that the Spanish
were brave fighters. but have not
credited them with tineUess OF feeling,
and especially tot with largencss OF
human sentiment and Rympatby.
Yet there il nothing finer in human
nature than the capacity to see and
to ndmirc noble qualities in ono who
is doing you mortal injury. IL
Wcylcr il nh illustration oi ono type
oi Spanish character, il is fair to be-
licvo thn, Ccrvera is mn illust ration OF
very different type. 1t is pathetic
that such man as Ccrvcra should
be fighting 10 defend such policy
ns that Of Woylcr. When the war is
over. We believe it will 20 found Tint
Ccrvora's chivalric aqtisn will prove
itsclf to be that Of n pcacomakcr, be-
cause il will win the respect 0t nll
americans. The Outlook.