THE BATTLE OFF MANILA.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10043, 23 May 1898, Page 6

THE BATTLE OFF MANILA.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT. THE SPANISH LOSSES. A DESTRUCTIVE SHELL. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Cop> right. Received May 21st, 9.30 a.m. New York, May 20. The French steamer De Lesseps sailed from Colon, in the Isthmus of Panama, with arms and ammunition for Admiral Cerveras* squadron. Port Darwin, May 21. Another account of the battle of Manila gives the Spanish loss as 400 killed and 600 wounded, besides the losses sustained ashore. A graphic description is given of the destruction of tbe Reina Christina, the flagship. The Christina, having got up steam, advanced to attack the American ship Olympia. On the movement being observed, all the guns of the American fleet were signalled to concentrate upon her, and the signal was obeyed with telling effect. Before the Christina reached anywhere near the Olympia she was forced,to retire, and as she did so gave the Olympia a grand opportunity for raking shots. The Olympia sent a huge eight-inch shell through the stern of the Christina, raking her entire length, exploding her boiler. As she drifted helplessly away it was discovered that she was on fire. This single shell killed the captain and sixty men. Altogether the Christina had 140 killed and many wounded. After the destruction of the Christina the Spanish Admiral Pasaron transferred his flag to the Castilla. She was afterwards sunk with a regular storm of shot. The Admiral, who was very slightly wounded, with his two sons, who acted as his aides-de-camp, fled to Manilla. In all eleven Spanish war vessels aud two torfiedo boats ware sunk or destroyed. Admiral Dewey has no desire to take over Manila on his own responsibility. It is thought that the Spaniards will be forced by hunger to surrender. AMEKICA AND FRANCE. London, May 20. Reports from Washington indicate that the possible estrangement between America and France, arising out of the American complaints against the action of the French at Martinique in supplying the Spanish warships with coal, has been averted and a friendly understanding renewed. THE SPANISH SQUADRON. Received May 22nd, 6 pm. Madrid, May 21. There is great elation in Spain at the arrival at Santiago de Cuba of the fleet under the command of Admiral. Cerveras. The Spanish Senate has passed a resolution of congratulation upon the safe arrival of the fleet at the scene of operations. A FRANCO-SPANISH ALLIANCE AIMED AT. SPEECH BY SENOR SAGASTA. WAR TO THE BITTER END. Received May 23rd, 12.30 a.m. London, May 22. A message received through Reuters agency states that the squadron of Admiral Cerveras has left Santiago de Cuba. The squadrons under Admirals Sampson and Schley are coaling at Key West. Madrid, May 22. Senor Castillo has declined to join Senor Sagasta's re-constructed Cabinet as Minister for Foreign Affairs. He will remain as ambassador at Paris in the hope of inducing France to intervene in the war on behalf of Spain in return for material advantages. Senor Sagasta, speaking in the Senate, said that Spain intended to continue the war a l'outrance until an honourable peace was arrived at.