The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1898-05-05

protection around the sides and an
arched steel deck calculated to protect
the vitals Of the ship. The other ves-
sells of the feet, save those recently
added to the navy, like the McCullooh,
have lighter steel decks Of this char.
acter, but in all cases, with the excep.
ton of some slight protection in the
shape of gun shields, the personnel of
the ships was exposed to the fire of the
enemy.
AS to the future of the island, it is
likely that the government will retain
possession of at least one good port, such
as Manila, for a coaling station and
base Of supplies during the remainder of
the war. 1t is believed the officials have
not decided what to do with the islands
at the end of the war, but in their pos.
session the United States will enjoy a
powerful weapon in enforcing terms of
peace with Spain. Supposing Porto
Rico shall next be seized. it would seem
that Spain will have little to encourage
her In further resistance, particularly as
the fall of Porto Rico would mean the
loss TO her of her ironclad feet should
it cross the Atlantic.
There is no talk yet of European in
tervention, but one of the most benefi-
cial results of Dewey's victory is that a
deep impression has been made upon
the European powers who can no longer
afford to blind themselves to the fact
that man to man the American navy is
equal to any in the world. The i'm
preston produced is likely to deter the
European powers from hasty interven-
ton and the present indications are
that we shall be left to settle our affairs
with Spain at our own pleasure, always
providing we do not get involved In the
eastern question through obtaining pos
session Of the Philippines.
1t is entirely possible Commodore
Dewey may secure his promotion to the
rank of admiral through the splendid
exhibition of pluck, discretion and sailor
qualities he made in the engagement.
The naval militia of the country is
fastening to extend its aid to the gov
ernment. Commander Emerson of the
Maryland naval militia came to the
navy department and informed Lieu
tenant Gibbons that he had gathered
another battalion of 1870 men which
would be ready soon for active service.
Commander. Little of the Rhode Island
naval militia was also visitor at the
department, and explained that he had
200 men ready for mobilization. Com.
mander Norton of the North Carolina
naval militia called personally and sue
ceeded in having the department change
its order, made in the case of the moni.
tor Nantucket, so as to allow the North
Carolina militia instead of the militia of
South Carolina to take that monitor
from Wilmington to Port Royal.
Har O., a..
time in many months from the stats of
the state, war and navy department
building and on the east front a huge
garrison flag foated, all in honor of the
victory of the American fleet at Manila.
Although the British colonial office
had been fully advised of the American
success from Manila, the authorities
in London did not communicate with
the British embassy here, nor did the
foreign offices at Paris, Berlin or other
capitals notify their representatives
here. This is taken to indicate that the
foreign offices will not communicate
events of a strictly military character,
and also that the American occupation
of tn Philippines has not yet assumed
a political aspect at foreign centers.
The Spanish reverse at Manila seri-
ously depletes the Spanish navy at a
tIme when it is most in need of ships
With the burning Of the two cruisers,
Reina Christina and the Castillo,
Spain has lost two of her best second
rate cruisers. The cruiser Castillo was
slightly larger than the Reina Chris
tina. The Don Juan du Austria, which
was blown up, was another good craft
of the gunboat type. Aside from the
Gripping of the Spanish naval strength.
the burning up and the blowing up of
the ships specified, entails an actual
money loss running into the millions.
1t turns out that while Japan has
given notice she will declare neutrality
a decree Of neutrality is not yet actually
issued, so that Yokohama and other ad-
vantageous ports of Japan continue to
be open to the American feet: This is
looked upon by the authorities here as
an evidence of the friendly disposition
of Japan toward the United States. 1t
leaves both the ports of Japan and China
still open to our ships.