THE WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3439, 21 May 1898, Page 3

THE WAR.

THE BATTLE OF MANILA. HOW THE AMERICANS WON. THE SPANIARDS’ PLUCKY STAND. 4000 SPANISH KILLED AND WOUNDED. NOT AN AMERICAN LIFE LOST. NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER.

By Telegraph. —Pres* Aesociation. — Copyright. Received May 21, 12,35 a.m. Pout Daewin, May 20. Hongkong files to hand to-day contain details of the battle of Manila. The American fleet entered the channel leading to the harbour by moonlight. The Spanish forts on the island opened fire. The Americans replied, but held on their course, cruising oil Manila till daylight, when the Spanish fleet were sighted off the fortified harbour of Cavite, eight miles from the town, of Manila. The Spanish fleet comprised 10 ships drawn up in line, backed by the Cavite batteries. The Spaniards fired first, but the Americans reserved their fire till within two and a half miles. Then they crossed the Spanish forte, and fired a broadside and turret guns. This was repeated six times. Then they hauled off for breakfast, victory being considered assured. One Spanish vessel was on fire and seemed crippled, another was ashore, while two smaller ones had been driven to take shelter behind ' the breakwater. A torpedo-boat attempting to attack the American colliers was blown to pieces by the quick-firing guns. After breakfast the Americans engaged the forts and in half an hoar silenced all the guns ashore. The cruiser Antonia de 1711 a bravely fought on. Her docks had been swept of «very soul, but. still her lower guns kept up the fire. ) The hull was eventually riddled and she suddenly sank with every than on board. Three American ships made for the mavy yard, intending to destroy it and tiny vessel likely to give trouble, bnt found the work already done by the Spaniards, who had sunk and burned the gunboats and stores. The arsenal was shelled and almost obliterated. 1 The Americans signalled for the flag to be hauled down at Cavite, and the garrison surrendered in the evening. Later in the day the Americans anchored «f Manila. It is stated that not a single American was killed, though sii were slightly in- i Jured by an explosion of ammunition, and none of the American ships were injured. The Spanish killed and wonnded is ■tated at 4000, besides which the shore batteries suffered badly, but the exact Account of their loss is hot obtainable. Next day two American warships visited Cavite and arranged for the surrender of the forts at the entrance to Manila Bay, and on May 4th the victors were in fall occupation. Hongkong .files show that unavailing efforts were made to induce the Spanish anthorities at Manila to capitulate without a, bombardment before the naval action was entered upon.; These details were received from Manila., by steamer, and when the despatch boat left the terms of surrender of the city had not been settled. THE SPANISH_SQUADRQN. REPORTED AT CUBA. Resolved Ms; 21,12.1 S s.m, Madrid, May 20. It is reported here that Admiral Carreras’ squadron has arrived at Santiago de Cuba, in Cuba.