THE SPANISH DEFEAT AT CAVITE

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 136, 10 June 1898, Page 5

THE SPANISH DEFEAT AT CAVITE

ADMIRAL MONTIOJO TALKS.

LONDON, May 33. «m? lie 110n B'koiig eoiTespondent of the limes says: '1 hud a conversation with Admiral Montiojo, who, recognisingthe superiority of the American squadron, admitted that his chief object was to seek the protection of the Cavite forts. He fought in the Reina Maria Cristina till she was on fire and had 52-killed. On the advice of his J'lag Lieutenant lie transferred his flag to the Lsla d e Cuba. Eventually, alter two and a half hours' fightin^ he gave, the signal to scuttle and abandon her. Commodore Dewey seased flro and asked permission of the forts to destroy the burning ship. Admiral Montiojo replied: "The ships are at your mercy; do as you like." TheAmoriean fire was resumed till the Spanish squadron was completely annihilated.

'The captain of the Boston, who carried the tlag of truce, said: "You cornbatted us with four very bad ships, not, warships. We hove never seen before braver fighting under such unequal conditions. It. is a great pity you exposed your lives on vessels not lit for iightjng."

'Commodore Dewey sent a message to Admiral Montiojo as follows: "!' have pleasure in clasping your hand and offering my congratulations on the gallnt manner in which you fought."

'Admiral Monliojo attributes the responsibility of his defeat to the Government at, Madrid. He had only obsolete vessels though he had requisitioned the Government for ships. He had no torpedoes except some which he himself constructed out of ineffective material. His original intention was to remain at, Subig and offer battle, but he returned to Cavite because the Subig forts were inadequate'