New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-15
THE SURRENDER OF SANTIAGO.

Santiago ia ours, and with II. according to the
reported terms OF the surrender the whole east
ern end Of Cuba and all the Spanish forces which
have been ostensibly operating there. This tri-
umph, illustrated by splendid vaor and fortitude,
and bloodless in its final stage, is OF immense
practical value and cannot fail to have a great
moral effect After the first thrill Of pride and Joy
IN the conquest the strongest emotion which the
news produces Is gratitude that no further sac
'rihce Of life was required to compel surrender.
and for this blessing 1t appears that the coun-
try Is chiefly indebted to General Shafter His
troops would have responded with ardor TO any
demand and been equal 10 any task which he
might have set them. They have made under the
bitterest conditions such record for courage,
discipline. endurance and the possession OF that
lofty spirit which will not be denied as to leave
no doubt on that score. But he aud they have
won a far more valuable victory than a des-
perate struggle could have given them. for there
IL no new loss to he deducted from the gain
1t must be a source Of sincere qualification to
everybody TO see General Skaters name signed
to the dispatches which announce the result Of
his campaign. and all the more because some
anxiety II not distrust had been awakened by
the recent proceedings which he had briefly re-
ported. 1t was feared that he might prove TO
have been too patient and chednlous. that
crafty foe was contriving to secure an impor-
tant advantage from delay and that the only
result OF negotiation would be a more arduous
and less complete victory. General Shaftcr has
been finely indicated. He knew the kind OF
man with whom he was dealing and accurately
estimated the influences which were gradually
compelling him to accept the inevitable. After
his interview with Toral on Wednesday the
American General reported to Washington that
he believed he had made strong impression on
his adversary. His dispatch. though encourag-
ing. was not convincing; but he was right. He
had not merely made n strong impression, but
proved his case. And this surrender uncond-
tional excepting as to the return Of the prisoners
Of war to Spain proposed by our Government
Is the logical consequence OF the operations
which General Shafter weakened by sickness
and unavodably depressed at times In spirit
but with unhinching persistence, has been con-
Quoting around Santiago from the moment Of
his skilful debarkatlon The feet gave him IN
valuable assistance and indeed, made n ire
mendous contribution to the argument which
showed the Spanish commander what he had to
do But the American Generals achievement is
q conclusive proof not only Of his military skill,
but OF moral qualities which military skill does
not invariably include.
The stipulation TINT the Spanish troops shall
be sent home. curOusly divulged on Wtdnes-
day In a dispatch from the front. Is novel and
extraordinarily interesting. Upon first con-
sideraton It seems both humane md sagacious,
and Il must, we think, produce great effect In
Spain and throughout the world. II Is benevo-
lent In that 1t provides the surest alienation OF
the distressful conditions to which brave men
have long been subjected and safe passage
to the land which most Of them can scarcely
have expected ever to see again. 1t Is prudent
since 1t promises to relieve the United States