THE AMERICAN VICTORY AT MANILA.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10042, 21 May 1898, Page 8

THE AMERICAN VICTORY AT MANILA.

DESTUCTION OF THE SPANISH FLEET. NO AMEBICAN LOSSES. FOUR THOUSAND SPANIABDS KILLED AND WOUNDED. Received May 21st, 12.35 a.m. , Port Darwin, May 20. Hongkong files to hand to-day contain the following details of the battle off Manila:— The American fleet entered the channel leading to the harbour by moonlight. Though there were no searchlights the Spanish forts on Corregidor Island opened fire. The Americans replied, but held on their course, cruising off Manila till daylight, when the Spanish fleet were sighted off the fortified harbour of Cavite, eight miles from the town of Manila. The fleet comprised ten ships drawn up in line, backed by the Cavite batteries. The Spaniards fired first, but the Americans reserved their fire till within two and a half miles, then crossed the Spanish forts, and fired their broadside and turret guns. This was repeated six times, and the Americans then hauled off for breakfast, victory being considered assured. One of the Spanish vessels was on fire, a second crippled, and another ashore, while two smaller ones had been driven to take shelter behind a breakwater. A torpedo boat attempting to attack American colliers was blown to pieces by quick-firing guns. The range was too long for the Spanish guns. After breakfast the Americans engaged the forts, and in half an hour silenced all the guns ashore. The cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa bravely fought on. Her decks had been swept of every soul, but still her lower guns kept up the fire. The hull was eventually riddled, and she suddenly sank with every man on board. Three American ships made for the Navy Yard, intending to destroy it, and any vessel likely to give trouble, but found the work already done by the Spaniards, who had sunk and burned the gunboats and stores. The arsenal was shelled, and almost obliterated. The Americans signalled for the flag to be hauled down at Cavite, and the garrison surrendered in the evening. Later in the day Americans anchored off Manila. It is stated that not a single American was killed, though six were slightly injured by an explosion of ammunition. The Spanish killed and wounded is stated at 4000, besides which the shore batteries suffered badly; but the exact account of their loss is not obtainable. Next day two American warships visited Cavite and arranged for the surrender of the forts at the entrance to Manila Bay, and on May 4th the victors were in roll occupation, tending the sick and wounded. Received May 21st, 12.55 a.m. Port Darwin, May 20. Hong Kong files show that unavailing efforts were made to induce the Spanish authorities at Manila to capitulate without bombardment before the naval action was entered upon. These details were received from Manila by steamer, and when the despatch boat left the terms of surrender of the city had not been settled.