The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1898-06-30

| WASHINGTON, June IS. Spain has
! been driven from the Atlantic ocean.
! That is why the president yesterday
ordered the boldest of the war plans
put into execution. A fleet is to be
assembled at Santiago for immediate
operations against the coast of Spain.
This is not a new proposition. 1t was
suggested by the strategy board at
the beginning of the war. When
Dewey was told to go 10 Manila and
capture or destroy the Spanish fleet,
there was recommended by the board
of naval experts a joint proposition
that the flying squadron, then in
Hampton roads, be sent across the
ocean to attack Cadiz; but al the time
the latter suggestion was not deemed
wise Cervera's fleet was at large.
Exact information respecting the con-
dition of the Spanish reserve ships
was wanting. Furthermore, the pres
ident felt that the direct purposes of
the war required that something be
done on this side first. So the war
went on with the plan to attack the
Spanish coast held under considera-
ton.
The president realizes that it is
blows with the ships than with armies.
His aim is to bring this war to a sue
cessful termination with the minimum
loss of life. The operations of the
navy have thus far produced the most
effect upon Spain, and they have been
attended with very little loss. The
president is determined to continue
and emphasize this kind of campaign
ing.
Still another consideration influences
the determination. The president is
getting tired of the continuous mis- |
of the events of the |
war to the Spanish people by the Span |
ish government. With a measure of |
effrontery and mendacity never APP |
preached by any other nation the |
Spanish commanders claim victories, |
and the Spanish people seem to be-
lieve them. If anything can put an
end to this self-deception it will be an
American fleet on the Spanish coast,
destroying what little remains of
once boosted navy, bombarding de-
lenses and laying an embargo on
Spanish commerce.
The first objective point of Commo-
lore Watson's squadron is Cadiz The
principal navy yard of Spain is there.
It will be destroyed. Should CANA
as fleet, now at Port Said and alleged
% be destined for the Philippines, not
pass through the Suez canal, but re-
urn to the defense of the Spanish
coast, Commodore Watson will give IL
)attle. On the first indication of Ca
nara's return. swift cruisers, proba-
,ly Schley's squadron, will be sent to
enforce Watson. Camara's ships will !
DIN those of Montojo and Cervera.
)iscredited by the Spanish Government.
MADRID, June 2S.-The Spanish Off
ials here assert that there will be no
in Admiral Camara travers-
ng the Suez canal, as the accompany
ng transports, they add, have all the {
GAL the squadron requires. 1t is be- ,
leved here that the Spanish ships will
inter- the canal to-day. The Spanish I
overnment does not credit the report |
hat an American squadron is to visit :
panish waters, but, the ministers say
hey have taken all possible precau- |
ions, that the ports are all ready and !
hat %, 600 men who have been called
ill be distributed among the princi- !
al Atlantic and Mediterranean ports /
Spain.
The Blockade Extended.
WASHINGTON, June 2s.-The presi- a
ent has issued a proclamation extend q
lg the blockade of Cuba to the south
N coast from Cape Frances to Cape c
ruz, inclusive, and also blockading y
an Juan, Porto Rico 4