The times., 1898-07-07

With the lapse Of another day that
brings no intelligence of more critical
developments at Santiago. the anxiety
in military circles, so depressing but
few hours since, is gradually subsiding
and is being succeeded by a degree of
confidence.
A few hours hence Gen. Shafter viii be
re-enforced by fresh troops. supplies of
war and provisions. to say nothing of the
batteries so badly needed. If the enemy
precipitate another general fight before
these re-enforcements have arrived Gen.
Shafter viii be in position 10 dictate
terms. either in battle or under truce.
and the fan Of Santiago will be speedily
accomplished.
The following reassuring message was
received from Gen. Shafter yesterday.
Playa del Este, via Haiti, July c, 1885.
The Hon the Secretary Of War, Washington,
Camp near Santiago. p. m.-Cap;s Alger and
Sewell and Mr. Corbin well. / feeling
better. Had hoped TO be up this morning, but,
~ eveFything's quiet, / viii remain still Gen.
Wheeler Is feeble but remains with the com
mand Gen. Young leaves for Key West today.
Gen. Hawkins slightly wounded in feet. All
Others well SHAFTER, Commanding
This dispatch was filed by the general
on the 5th instant.
The War Department up to a late hour
last night professed to be in complete
Ignorance OF yesterdays developments at
the front. 1t was not known whether
fighting had been resumed or not, but the
possibility Of general conflict was Unan-
lmously discredited
There may have been some skirmishing
between the outer lines IN fact il is
idea prevails in military circles that even
with their re-enforcements the Spaniards
have remained under cover of their forti-
fications. This may not nave been the
result of any disinclination on the part
Of the Spanish to go out and meet the
American invaders in their depleted ex-
hausted condition; rather. ii may be
taken as an indication that the Spaniards
hope to prevent Sampson from entering
the harhor.
When news Of yesterdays develop
ments has arrived il may be found that
the War Department was over-confident,
and that the fighting was, in fact, re-
sumed. but throughout high military cir
cles there is a firm conviction that be
yond some irregular skirmishius. per
haps. the situation at Santiago is un-
changed
The Navy Department likewise is in
possession Of no intelligence indicating
that Admiral Sampson mas forced the
harbor or even attempted It The belief
is general, however, that he is lombard
ing his way TO the city, and VIII soon be
in position to cooperate with the land
forces.
Military officials are rapidly losing
confidence IN the Cuban cooperation and
with the news of each days develop
ments at Santiago the realization grows
that this fight is wholly ours. Why Gen.
Garcia with 1900 Cubans failed TO inter-
cept Gen Pando and az least delay his
arrival at Santiago has not yet been eX-
planned. The reports of the two days
battle show a loss OF less than 50 Gu
hans which indicates that the insurgents
were not in the thick Of the fray. This
estimate Of the Cuban loss may be in
correct, but there is no information 10
the contrary.
Further still. military men have found
occasion TO criticise the Cubans for sew
eral deplorable demonstrations Late in
telligence Of the destruction Of Cervera' :
feet relates that the Cubans gathered on
the coast and poured a murderous fire
into the Spanish sailors swimming
ashore. most of them naked and wound
ed Then. when the J. COS prisoners had
been corraled they had to be vigilantly
guarded by an American force against
the Cubaus who wanted 10 murder them.
As one military official said yesterday.
That may be the idea of war as born
in Spanish blood, but those prisoners
were ours and not for the Cubans 10 mur-
der IL the insurgents want 10 retaliate
for past indignities, let them capture
prisoners Of their own and treat them
as they like.