AMERICO-SPANISH WAR.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 457, 12 July 1898, Page 2

AMERICO-SPANISH WAR.

Washington, July 8.

The vessel that was beached by the Spaniards in attempting to block the entrance to Santiago Harbor against the American fleet was the schooner Reina Mercedes.

Anguinaldo, the insurgent leader at the Phillipines, has declared a Republic.

July 9.

It is reported from New York that the armistice has been extended until 4 o'clock this afternoon, when, unless the Spaniards surrender, the bombardment of Santiago will be commenced. The trenches in preparation for the siege are being extended, and six batteries are being built 1500 yards from the Spanish lines. The Americans have placed a gun at the San Juan fort, which commands the city. The roads are being improved to enable the Americans to transport their siege guns. The besiegers have been reinforced by 3500 trooiis and four batteries of heavy guns. General Miles and staff have sailed by the Charleston for Santiago.

Statements are published from several sources to the effect ' that Spain is preparing to make overtures for peace.

Congress in adjourning cheered President McKinley and both the army and navy. Members also sang " The Star-spangled Banner."

Commodore Watson's fleet is almost ready to start for Europe. It is expected its object will be lo seize the Canary Islands, where.the Spaniards are hurrying on the defences. Forty thousand tons of coal are being sent to Admiral Dewey's fleet at Manila.

Following the decision to annex Hawaii, the American Government are sending a regiment of troops to Honolulu forthwith.

July 10. General Shafter, the American commander, has informed General Lineras that it is essential that the surrender of Santiago should be unconditional. The armistice was extended to allow General Shafter to arrange the details of the surrender. The civil governors have abandoned the city.

General Shafter has permitted English cable clerks to enter Santiago, to despatch telegrams respecting the proposed terms of surrender.

Suez, July 8.

The vessels comprising Admiral Camara's fleet are now at Suez, with tbe exception of the Pelayo. Admiral Camara's fleet has been permitted to coal here because the ships are returning to Spain. LATEST. WASHCrtITON, July 10. Admiral Sampson jnas imported to the authorities here that he has made an examination of the Spanish cruisers driven ashore in a blazing condition in the recent engagement off Santiago, and states that the Christobal Colon is in perfect order, and can be floated without difficulty. He also hopes to save the. Viscaya and Maria Teresa.

Lieut. Hobson, the liberated hero, confirms the reports of the terriffic results of shells fired from the Vesuvius' dynamite gun.

Reports have reached New York of terrible privations being experienced in Havana, and the population. is starving.