CUTTING THE CABLE AT CIENFUEGOS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10058, 9 June 1898, Page 5

CUTTING THE CABLE AT CIENFUEGOS.

A HOT FIGHT.

The United States cruiser Marblehead, the gunboat Nashville, and the auxiliary cruiser Windom steamed Id to the harbour of Cienfuego3 early on May 12th, with orders to cat the cable connecting Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The task was accomplished only after a terrific fight between the wawhipe and several thou*

CABLE NEWS,

sand Spanish troops which lined the shore concealed behind improvised breastworks. When the commanders of the Marblehead and Nashville called for volunteers to man the boats to cut the cable the men responded with a jump. Lieut. Winslow took command of the Nashville's boats. The shore surrounding the entrance to the harbour wai first shelled as the boats proceeded in. The cable, which was deep in the channel, was found with difficulty. One of the relays of the cable had been cut when the Spaniards opened fire. The marines in the boat replied with a machine gun from the forward launch, which sent in a stream of bullets and the heavy shells from the warhips drove the Spaniards from the rifle-pit on the shore, many seeking refuge in the lighthouse. The fort was afterwards torn to pieces by a shell from the Windom. With desperate courage the American sailors stuck to their postsand succeeded in dragging up the second relay of the cable and severing it. Seven men were badly wounded, and one of them named Meagan died on the way back to the ship. Lieut. Winslow was shot in the hand, and a number of others were injured by the fire from the long range rifles and machine guns. The Spaniards used the lighthouse as a fortress, and it became necessary to fire upon it. The Windom undertook it with her seven six-pounders and knocked it over. The Wiudom was not damaged, and none of her men were hurt. The ships were within the 1000 yds range. The {Spanish gunboats returned the fire of the Americans, but their aim was poor. The funnel of the Nashville apparently bore the brunt of the Spanish nre, and it looked like a pepper-box after the engagement. For three hours the bombardment was kept up, and more than 150 shots were fired. Many half-spent shells struck the Marblehead and Nashville, but accomplished little damage. It was reported that 400 Spaniards were killed. The cutting of the cable destroyed communication between Cienfuegos, Batabano and Santiago de Cuba, all on the southern coast, and between them and Havana. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TKUSGRAM.) WAKAL J UAKA, June 8. The Cable Company received advice tonight from Hong Kong to the effect that a British warship, which left Manila on the 3rd inst., has arrived at Hong Kong, bringing news that the Cable Company's staff at Manila were all well. The officials were advised and arranged to take refuge on a neutral vessel in the Bay of. Manila, leaving the office apparatus in the British Bank strong room. The city is closely pressed by rebels. The American warships are protecting all foreigners. The Company's staff in the Visayas Group are all well.