SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

Western Star, Issue 2220, 8 July 1898, Page 7

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

DETAILS OF TUB FIGHT AT SANTIAGO. Washington. General Sbafter reports that he has been obliged to suspend further attack on the Spanish lines until be has received reinforcements. He points out that his situation has been rendered precarious by the faulty nature of the commissariat arrangements and the tremendous fighting capacity of the Spaniards. The Spanish forces, he adds, occupy an almost impregnable position. j Both the New York Herald and the Daily Telegraph report that Admiral Sampson's fleet has passed Fv>rt Mono a-id that his vessels are crowding into Santiago harbour. It is reported that all the ships, except one, of Admiral Cervera's squadron were run ashore on fire, and that their magazines exploded. The brigade under Brigadier-General Hawkins, assisted by dismounted cavalry, made a magnificent charge up the hill on Caney. The Spaniards, using Matser rifles, threw a murderous charging troops, who ihemuelves to the ground to escape the fire, and often showed signs of. retreating. Then they recharged up the hill. The grouud was strewn with the dead and wounded. Several hand to hand fiffMatook place in the trenches before J* _ . » 3-1 t. ml..

the Spaniards were driven oat. The Michigan Volunteers and Boosevelt's Cowboys displayed reckless valou-. TV dostrucion of Cervera's squadron on Sunday has completely altered the situation. Sampson allowed Cervera to make his exit, the flagship leading. The passed the sunken collier Merrimac in single file, the Vizcaya, and Almirante Aquendo and two torpedo boat destroyers making westward. Shot and shell from the American warships swept the Spanish vessels, and . pursued the Christabel Colon for 60 miles. Cervera's guns were well served The Spaniards headed off the coast and attempted to run between the lowa and Texas, but the latter closed up the gap keeping up a scathing: fir©. The Spanish Bbips raced for 3000 yards and were then forced to ro ashore all ablaze The Texas and Indiana attacked Viscaya and Almirante Aquendo. The Spanish fleet fought desperately and bravely, but when on fire their entire length were forced to go on shore twenty miles from the Btart. The i Spanish torpedo boat destroyers repeatedly struck the Gloucester and attempted to torpedo the Indiana. Shells from the latter sent one destroyer, a burning battered wreck, ashore; the other was abandoned, the

crews struggling to reach shoreSampson reports that he has captured 1300 prisoners, including Admiral Cerveras, who was wounded. The American loss was one killed and two wounded. The inhabitants of Santiago, to the number of 20,000, are leaving. The city will be bombarded unless the Spaniards capitulate. _ Lieutenant-Geoeral Paudo, with 5000 Spanish troops marching to reinfoice tbe troops at Santiago is now sir miles from the city. Garcia with 3000 rebel troops, and General Lawton's brigade have been detailed to prevent bis advance. The Spanish losses are believed to be 2000. The trenches around Santiago are filled with the dead. Prior to leaving Santiago Admiral Cervera said he would take bis chance at sea and sink fighting in preference to dying like a rat entraped. Details of the naval engagement show that the Spaniards never made the slightest offer of surrender, even when their veaBels were sinking. A boat sent from the cruiser Gloucester rescued Admiral Cervera and several officers of the

Viscava from drowning. President McKinley has sent a telegram to Admiral Sampson conveying the thanks of tbe American nation for his signal victory. Tbe population in Washington are in a frenzy of delight. None of the American ships wore injured during the engagement. During the fight around Santiago Spanish sbarp-ehooters, perched in trees and using smokelesss powder did much execution. They aimed principally at American officerc, killing and wounding many. Some companies were completely depleted of officers. General Paudo, after desperate fighting and forced marches', has entered Santiago, thus increasing the defenders to 18,000. Sbafter declines tbe cousul's request to protect the residents. Cerveras telegraphed news of the naval disaster to Madrid, stating that his men were not captured but lost. Watson's squadron starts at the end of the week for the Spanish coast. The Daily Telegraph reports great excitement in Madrid and that disorder is spreading to the country. Military reinforcements are being gent to Santiago and will sail forth-

with. Mr White, American ambassador at Berlin the coarse of a speech said mr present straggle was unprecedented as a drawing together of America and Great Britain—our Mother Land. America may yet recognise Germany- as a second mother from whom she was always certain to receive fair treatments Manila news states that the rebels are in nossession of nearly the whole of Manila province and the city is cut oft from railway and other communication. The rebels captured the water supply, and can stop the supply, but influence has been brought to bear to prevent this. It is believed they could capture the city at any time but Admiral Dewey wishes to postpone soch a step until the arrival of American remforcements as he does not want to bold tte town with the present ferces. 'ine rebels hold man? of the larger towns and a number of small places. They have captured 3000 prisoner?, i ""• ing two brigadier-Generals and 9» other officers. The first instalment of American troops have arrived at Manila aud are camped at Cavifct*.