AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11580, 16 May 1898, Page 5

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

TEE BOMBARDMENT OF ; SAN JUAN. ATTACK ON. CARDENAS. THE OPPOSING SQUADRONS.. Eeceivod May 14, 9.40a.m. WASHINGTON, May 13. Accounts from both American arid Spanish sources state that the Spanish Cape Yerde squadron has arrived off Martinique. [Martinique is one of the French West India Islands, lying some four hundred miles to the south-east from Puerto liico.j Mr Alger, the Minister of War,has arranged for the delivery of fifteen million rations for the troops mobilised at Tampa. ATTACK ON CARDENAS. y AMERICAN VESSELS -S? DAMAGED. WASHINGTON, _ May 13. . The American cruiser Wihnhagtoa, the revenue cutter Hudson, and the torpedo boat Winslow attacked Oar-; den as. The gunboats and fort* shelled the attacking vessels. Through her boiler being struck as the result of an explosion of ammunition, the Winslow was rendered helpless. The Hudson was also badly damaged, but she towed the Winslow into Pedrss. ■ Ensign Bsgley and four American seamen wore killed. [Cardenas is a seaport town of Cubsvon the north side of the island, 120 miles from Havana, and is connected by railway with that city and Matanzas]. Reports from Havana state that four American warships opened fire upon Cienfugas, with the object of landing arms and ammunition for the Cuban rebels’ coast infantry, and the forts compelled the warships to retire. The authorities at Washington are inclined to doubt the aeentacy ~of the report. CHANGES IN THE SPANISH ; CABINET, MADRID, May 13. ; The Senate has adopted a Bill making provision for the war expenditure. Admiral Bermejo, Minister of Marine, Senor Moret, Minister fear Colonies, and Senor Conde d© Diquena, Minister of Public Works, have resigned their positions in the Cabinet. The Premier, Senor Segasta, is reconstructing the Cabinet. THE ANNEXATION OP HAW AIL CONTRADICTORY REPORTS, i WASHINGTON, May 13. ! The committee of the House of Representatives has reported in favour of the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. Although later American account* confirm the surrender of San Joan with great loss of life, the Spanish: Governor of the city cables that the; damage done by the bombardment was inconsiderable, and the loss of life insignificant, THE AMERICAN AND SPANISH .-■MJSBm INVASION OP CUBA SUSPENDED. ; EeceivsS May 15, 5 p.ia. ' WASHINGTON, May 14. ; The American steamer Gnaaie succeeded in landing arms and stores for the insurgents at Cabanas, but the Spaniards prevented the landing of troops. Owing to the proximity of the fleet under Admiral Ccrveraa, General Miles has suspended the invasion of Cuba. The preparations at Tampa have been stopped. Owing to reports that Spanish warships are on the New England coast, New York harbour is completely closed at night. Admiral Sampson is now searching for Admiral Cerveras’ fleet, and Admiral Schley has left Hampton Roads to assist him. The Spanish fleet under Admiral Cerveras consists of four cruisers and three torpedo destroyers, while Admiral Sampson has two battleships, two monitors, five cruisers and the cruising steamer Paris. Admiral Schley commands one battleship, five cruisers and the steamer Illinois. * SEIZURE OP A VESSEL. HONGKONG, May 14. The American squadron at Manila seized the vessel Troup, supposed to he from Newcastle, New South Wales. THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEER ARMY. THE BOMBARDMENT OP SAN JUAN. WASHINGTON, May 14. The Volunteer Army is to be assembled at Chickamauga. The bombardment of San Juan by part of Admiral Sampson’s fleet occupied three hours. One man was killed and seven were wounded on the American aide. Great damage was done to the shore batteries. The Spaniards, however, declare that little harm was done and that there was no loss of life. THE SPANISH PLEET. ANOTHER REPORT. WASHINGTON. May 15. Reports have been received that the Spanish Cape Verde squadron Kras been sighted in the Caribbean §ed, steaming full speed ahead, in A

westerly direction. It is believed tbat it is bound for Cuba. DEFENCES OP MANILA. . . ; Received May 15, 5 p.ro. '• ? PORT DARWIN, May 15. Eastern news shows that the Manila defences are in a poor state. Mines and torpedoes mostly are mythical, the land defences are antique, and there is a scarcity of ammunition and projectiles. It was stated in Manila that the American squadron took from Hongkong one of tho banished insurgent chiefs'under promise to lan,d him at Luzon, where he. was to gather the rebels to assist the American operations.,. Eastern news states that supplies for 'arrived- by-the. Spanish ship Isla flying the, Prefiqh ensign and .diajfcaised .as a ’-'Russian -Vpiunteer b6at. Twenty-five thousand -rebels ,iwore waiting to,attack the city directly the Americans opened firs’. '--Nmnbei's'of nafiiVe auxiliaries deserted the Spanish forces for ■ the rebels. The Spanish authorities previously picked out, and shot six corporals of questionable loyalty. ' 1