CABLE NEWS. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH - COPYRIGHT.] THE WAR ABOUT CUBA.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1898, Page 5

CABLE NEWS. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH - COPYRIGHT.] THE WAR ABOUT CUBA.

ADMIRAL CERVERA'S LAST STAND. HE COMES OUT OF HARBOUR AND FIGHTS A BATTLE. AS ONE-SIDED AS THE MANILLA AFFAIR. DESPERATE VALOUR OF THE SPANIARDS. ALL THEIR SHIPS LOST, AND 1500 MEN CAPTURED. THE ADMIRAL WOUNDED AND A PRISONER. [press association.] Washington, sth July. The destruction»of Admiral Cervera's squadron on Sunday has completely altered the situation. Admiral Sampson allowed Admiral Cervera to make his exit from 1 Santiago de Cuba harbour, the flagship leading. The vessels passed the sunken Merrimac in single file, the Viscaya (7000 tons) and Almirante Oquendo (7000 tons) leading, and two torpedo hoat destroyers following, making westward. Shot and shell from the American warships swept, the Spanish vessels. The armoured battleships Indiana (10,288 tons), lowa (11,410 tons), Texas (6315 tons), and Oregon (10,288 tons), pursued the Cristobal Colon (6840 tons) for 60 miles. Admiral Cervera's guns were well served. The Spaniards headed off the coast, and attempted to run between the two ships lowa and Texas. The latter closed up the gap, keeping up a scathing fire. They raced for 3000 yds, and the Spanish vessels were then forced to go ashore all ablaze. The Spanish fleet fought desperately and bravely, but when the vessels were on fire their commanders were forced to go ashore. The Spanish torpedo - boat destroyers repeatedly struck the Gloucester, and attempted to torpedo the Indiana. Shells from the latter sent one a burning, battered wreck ashore, and the other was abandoned, the crew struggling to reach the shore. Admiral Sampson reports that he captured 1300 prisoners, including Admiral Cervera, who was wounded. The American loss was one killed and two wounded. ADMIRAL CERVERA'S HEROIC RESOLVE. THEISPANIARDS PLUCKY TO THE LAST. HOW THEIR COMMANDER WAS RESCUED. (Received July 6, 9.5 a.m.) Washington,. sth July. Prior to leaving Santiago harbour, Admiral Cervera said he would take his chance at sea, and sink fighting in preference tb dying like a rat in a trap. The details of the naval engagement show that the Spaniards never made the slightest offer of surrender even when their vessels were sinking. A boat sent by the American cruiser Gloucester rescued Admiral CeTvera and several officers of the Vizcaya from drowning. The captain of the American vessel warmly congratulated his Spanish prisoners on the gallantry they had displayed. ADMIRA.L SAMPSON'S REPORT. A SHORT AND EFFECTIVE COMBAT. (Received July 6, 9.5 a.m.) Washington, sth July. Admiral Sampson has reported to the Washington authorities that the Cristobal Colon, after a desperate and unavailing fight, headed for the coast, with the United States warships Oregon and Brooklyn in such hot pursuit that the Spanish ship was driven ashore and compelled to surrender. The gunboat Eulate aud the torpedo-boat destroyers Furor (380 tons) and Pluton (400 tons) are ashore near Santiago. During the engagement 350 Spaniards were killed, 160 wounded, and 1600 taken prisoners by the American warships. Within two hours of their leaving Santiago harbour the armoured cruisers Vizcaya (7000 tons), Infanta Maria Teresa (7000 tons), and Almirante Oquendo (7000 tons), together with two torpedo boats, were ashore and ablaze 15 miles west of the Morro Castle. Admiral Sampson has sent a guard to save the Spanish sailors when they reach the shore from being subjected to the ferocity of the Cubans. The whole of the American ships escaped damage during the engagement. THE PRESIDENT'S THANKS TO ADMIRAL SAMPSON. DELIRIOUS ENTHUSIASM IN WASHINGTON. (Received July 6, 9.5 a.m.) Washington, sth July. President M'Kiuley has sent a telegram to Admiral Sampson conveying to him the thanks of the American nation for his signal victory. The population of Washington are frenzied with delight.