WHAT THE CABLES SAY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 2, 13 May 1898, Page 19

WHAT THE CABLES SAY.

Intelligence concerning the hostilities between Spain and the United States of America is being ladled out through the wires to ' the Colonial newspapers with a niggardly hand. What the Americans are doing at Havana for the last several weeks beyond keeping up a strict blockade is a mystery, but a more inystu'ious thing still is the movements of the Spanish Cape Vt-rde squadron. Over a fortnight ago it was stated to have lett Cape Verde and headed south, but the world is in absolute ignoi'ance as to its subsequent movements. Shipmasters have reported sighting it at widely divergent points of the globe at one and the same time, and altogether it might readily be conceived that the squadron had been converted into a fleet of " Flying Dutchmen." On Monday last the cables announced that the Cape Verde squadron had come into conflict with the American flying squadron in mid Atlantic, but this intelligence yet remains unconfirmed. Details of the fighting at Manila have at length come to hand, and it appears that the Spanish fleet made a gallant stand. The American Admiral reports that the Spanish were at a tremendous disadvantage, being out-manoeuvrci and out-weighted. Nevertheless, aided by the forts, they fought heroically. The Olympia leading, the first five ships of the American fleet passed the inland forts unobserved, but sparks emitted from the Boston's funnels alarmed the garrison, which fired three shots ■without doing any damage. Before the fort was silenced the vessels swept on without stopping. Two mines were exploded ineffectually. The Americans reached the front of Manila and discovered the Spanish squadron drawn up in line of battle opposite Cavite, under protection of the forts, without steam up. The fleet consisted of 10 large and and six small vessels. The Spaniards opened fire at 5000 yards, but the shots were ineffectual. The Olympia reserved her fire until within 4000 yards, when she replied with her Sin guns, the crew shouting " Remember the Maine I " After three hours' terrible fire most of the Spanish vessels were sunk. One of the Spanish warships — the Don Antonio de Colloa — made a magnificent fight. She sank with all on board, with her colours nailed to the mast and her lower guns firing to the last. After a two hours' interval for rest the American fleet again engaged the enemy, and within an hour aud a half all the Spanish vessels were destroyed. The Spanish admiral also achieved undying fame. The American admiral allowed him an opportunity to surrender, but he expressed himself determined to fight and, if needs be, to die. In the battle he was slightly wounded, but remained on board the vessel until it was almost sinking. It is stated that he then transferred his flag to another ship and kept on " banging " at the Americans with renewed vigour. At one stage of the fight the Reina Christina advanced to attack the Olympia. but a rain of shells compelled her to retire. Her riddled boilers exploded, and she was soon ablaze. President McKinley has forwarded a message to Congress, in which he asserts that it is impossible to measure the victory already gained over the Spaniards by ordinary standards. The moral outweighs the material advantage. The nation's heart throbs with gratitude at the triumph of a just cause. He recommends Congress to thank Admiral Dewey for distinguished conduct, also to convey thanks to his officers and men for their gallantry. A resolution was subsequently adopted by Congress. Admiral Dewey has offered, on behalf of America, to administer the Philippines through the Spanish authorities if acts of war are avoided. He realises that it is impossible to trust the insurgents, vho were reported to be helping him in the formation of a provisional Government. Meantime the utmost discontent exists in Spain as the result of the fight. Riots have occurred all over the country and the Government is alarmed. The next step on the part of the Americans is to invade Cuba. It is proposed to land 61,000 troops as a first instalment, consisting of 16,000 regulars, 14,000 volunteers, and 25,000 volunteer reserves. General Miles will be in command of the invading army. He will land forces at several points and sweep the Spaniards from the provinces, relieving the distress amongst the Cubans. The attack on Havana will be reserved until later. General Miles leaves Florida with the first division on Sunday.