Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1898 — Page 6

jREMEMBER THEtMaINE

GREAT VICTORS AT SEA.

Terrible Destruction Dealt the Spanish War Vessels. FLEET IS BURNED AND SUNK. Comodore Dewey’s American Shells Do Awful Havoc at Manila. VENGEANCE FOR TOE MAINE. Madrid Advices Admit Crushing Defeat and the Loss of 200 Men. Our Asiatic Squadron Almost Annihilates the Spanish Fleet in a Terrific Battle Off Cavite. Near the Capital of the Philippine Islanda-One of the Great Naval Engagements of the Age —The Reina Maria. Christina and Castilla Are Burned. While the Don Juan de Austria Is Blown Up-Oth-ers Are Sunk to Save Them from Being Captured. Washington special: The first battle of the war for Cuban freedom has been fought und victory crowns American arms. The Maine has been remembered and its murdered seamen have been avenged in far away waters. The Asiatic squadron of the United States, Commodore Dewey commanding, engaged and completely defeated the Asiatic squadron of Spain in the harbor of Manila, m tho Philippine lnlanas. Reports of the terrific battle at the time this is written are meager. From the general drift of the dispatches it would appear that Commodore Dewey, with his fleet- of five cruisers—the Olympia (flag-

COMMODORE DEWEY, HERO OF MANILA.

■bip), Baltimore, Boston, Concord, and Raleigh—and the gunboat Petrel approached the shore under cover of the darkness on Saturday night and at daybreak Sunday morning steamed into Manila Bay, where he found himself confronted by the Spanish fleet, which had not sailed away, as had been stated, and the shore batteries. Numerically the odds were against him. 'To our six cruisers and one gunboat were opposed eight ernisefs and five gunboats. To our 118 guns were opposed 148 guns. But the American guns were heavier, the American vessels were stancher and stronger, and American senmen and gunners—there are no barter in the world. The action began at once and there were two engagements during the day, the result of which was the destruction of the Reina Christina (the flagship of the Spanish squadron), the Don Juan de Austria, whose commander was killed, and the Castilla. Madrid dispatches say that others were sunk to avoid capture and that the American fleet was severely damaged. There are no intimations, however, that any American vessel was destroyed. If there had been the news would have been sent out by the Spantards speedily and exultantly. Under the protectioa of the guns of the Manila fortifications the Spanish warships opened fire oa the American fleet, for several hours the harbor resounded with the roar of the guns, the crashing of ■teel and timbers, the shrieks and groans •f the wounded. Thick clouds of smoke at times almost obscured the opposing fleets from each other. A well-directed ■hot reached the iron cruiser Don Juan de Austria, a vessel of 1,100 tons. A terrific explosion followed and the ship was blown up. There was a heavy loss of life amonj the Spanish. Captaia Cadarzo, commandtor the Maria Christina, was killed. Copi; .jaodore Montejo, commanding the fleet' shifted his flag from the Maria Christina to the Isle de Cuba, a much smaller steel protected cruiser, just before the Christina sank.

WASHINGTON WILD WITH JOY. News of Victory Off Manila Met with Patriotic Acclaim. The national capital was delirious with joy Sunday night over the news of the glorious naval victory in the Philippines. The bulletin boards in front of the newspaper otflees were surrounded all the evening by enthusiastic, cheering crowds, and nt midnight the broad avenues were still pronged with excited groups discussing the meager details of the battle, while hordes of scrambling newsboys filled the city with the noise of their cries of extras. Not since the dark days of the great civil conflict of a third of a century ago have the people of the capital city been so profoundly moved by war news. Said President McKinley when he was shown the Madrid dispatch regarding the engagement between Dewey’s squadron and the Spanish fleet off the Philippines, "That looks favorable. If the Spaniards admit that much, Dewey must have won a substantial victory." The first news of the battle received in Washington came in a brief cablegram from Madrid about 8 o’clock Sunday evening. As the night wore on the cable continued to sing the news of victory for tlm* squadron of Admiral Dewey and the interest grew into tremendous excitement. Ordinarily, Washington is the quietest of cities on Sunday, but as bulletin after bulletin was posted in front of the newspaper otflees, each successive one conveying information more gratifying then its predecessor, the crowds in the streets became uproarious. Good as well as bad news spread rapidly and by 10 o’clock the streets were crowded with people, all discussing the one exciting topic of the hour. While victory had been expected, the news of it — coming as it did from Spanish sources — gave vent to the patriotism of the people which has been pent up for days. It was a spontaneous outburst of patriotic feeling that scarcely knew bounds. Admiral Dewey’s name was on every lip and his praises were sung in the rejoicings of the people. WIDE NOT ADJOURN, Congress to Remain in Session Durins the Progress of the War. Congress, according to what most of the leaders ijay, is likely to remain in session until the war with Spain is over, even if the struggle should be prolonged until December. It is most important that it should, in view of the possibility of complications with other European nations. A number of Congressmen look for interference on the part of the several powers, whose interests and sympathies are with Spain, and decidedly against the United States or any strong republic. It is probable, however, that during the hot summer weather, should the war continue Until then, brief recesses will be taken, and the members generally will remain close to Washington, so that they can return on short notice.

SPAIN FEELS HUNGER. War Is Causing a Rapid Rise in Prices of Food, A dispatch from Madrid says that the <?ffect of the war on the prices of food is beginning to be felt acutely. An impending rise in the price of bread in Madrid and the provinces is announced. The manufacturers at Palma, Majorca, have been compelled to reduce their work and discharge many employes. Thousands of artisans and their families are in distress. Another dispatch from Madrid says the Spanish Government is bewildered by the attitude of Great Britain. The Spanish officials profess to believe that the people and the Government of England are not in accord, and that the official acts of the British Government are due to some secret compact with the United States. List of Prizes Captured. This is the list of Spanish prizes captured by American ships since the war began: Prize. Captor. Str. Buena Ventura Cruiser Nashville Str. Pedro Cruiser New York Fishing schooner ....Torpedo boat Erickson Schooner Mathilde Torpedo boat Porter Schooner Candldla ....Gunboat Wilmington Str. Catalina .Cruiser Detroit Str. Saturnla Revenue cutter Winona Schooner Antonio Torpedo boat Porter

GENERAL PAN DO.

Spanish commander of Santiago de Cuba, who has ordered that all men between 15 and 50 years old must “volunteer” or be shot.

Str. Panama ..Lighthouse tender Mangrove Sloop paouetteGunboat Newport Schooner PlrenesGunboat Newport Str. Ambrose Bolivar Monitor Terror Str. Guido Monitor Terror Are Massing at Santiago. Advices received at Kingston .Jamaica, show that the Spaniards have abandoned Corjamo, Jignari, and other important interior cities in eastern Cuba, and are sonoontrating at Santiago. The rebels have taken possession of the abandoned towns. The insurgent loaders in eastern Cuba are urgently appealing for food.

WAR

SCENE OF THE GREAT NAVAL COMBAT.

Spanish cruiser Reina Marie Christina, Admiral’s flagship, burred. Spanish cruiser Castilla, said to be completely burned. Spanish cruiser Don Juan de Austria, blown up. Several Spanish ships sunk.

United States vessels lost (Madrid admission) ...; 0 United States vessels damaged (fram licst information) i 0 Spanish cruisers totally lost (Madrid

TWO FORTS SILENCED. Port Cabanas and .Mariel Fired On by the Flagship New York. The flagship New York, while cruising westward along the Cuban coast, went near enough to invite shots from the shore for the purpose of learning with what guns the Spanish could oppose the fleet to the westward of Havana. Mariel declined to reply. Farther west, toward Port Cabanas, were two small batteries, neither mounting modern high-power rifles. These tried to shoot at the torpedo boats Porter and Ericsson, which were running along astern of the New York. The flagship, lying broadside on, promptly replied as soon as she got range, and sent shell after shell into the little parapets which screened the gunners and above which the gunners could be seen. Twelve shots were fired from the New York, and there was no reply after the fourth. The New York's gunners had the range and shot right into the earthworks, tearing up sand and mortal, which fell in showers. With the guns "dismounted, the gunners fled. The fire silenced, the New York moved on her course. It was impossible to tell through glasses whether any were killed, but the New York had gained the desired advantage by drawing fire from these batteries and learning their strength. They were not at all formidable. No shot struck the flagship, the shells falling short or going wide.

Causes Vast Outlays. The call of the President for 125,000 volunteers and the passage of the bill increasing the regular army to 61,000 men has forced a revision of all the army estimates. Paymaster General Stanton has applied to the Secretary of War for fifty additional paymasters and for twentyfive additional clerks in the pay department. He also sent his estimate for a deficiency appropriation of nearly $6,000,000 for the payment of the army during the present fiscal year and for $40,000,000 for the pay of the army for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1899.

No Women Nurses. Surgeon General Sternberg of the army has received applications from over 1,200 physicians, Who have offered their services to the Government. He has been obliged to issue a circular letter declining these offers. He says that comparatively few contract surgeons will be required in the regular army, and he has nothing to do with the volunteers. No female nurses will be sent to Cuba or to hospitals on the gulf coast. Blow Up Wreck of the Maine, The State Department learned Sunday through its secret agents that the wreck of the battleship Maine, lying in Havana harbor, had been destroyed by the Spanish authorities. It is supposed by officials of the administration that this action on the part of the Spanish authorities had been taken to prevent raising of the wreak after tho capture of Havana. This tafermation has intensified the desire to "avenge the Maine.” Patrolling tho Channel. Two Spanish torpedo boats and a large armed ship were sighted cruising at the entrance of the htealish channel. <_

CASUALTIES OF THE FIGHT.

Cadnrzo, captain of the Spanish flagship, and crew of 370, who perished with the vessel. Commanders of the Spanish cruisers Cnstiiia and Don Juan de Austria, with their crews of about 500 men, all told. American losses are unknown.

Summary.

admission) .3 Spanish gunboats damaged* (Madrid admission) ...2 Spanish captains lost (commanding lost cruisers) ». 3

CITY OF PARIS SAFE. Fleet American Liner Reported Cap* tnred Arrives in New York. The American liner Paris arrived in New York Saturday morning from Southampton, after a rough passage of 7 days 17 hours and 45 minutes, with 9 saloon, 42 second cabin and 98 steerage passengers. The Paris left Liverpool the previous Saturday, with a large quantity of guns and ammunition for the Government, and had 152 passengers. Immediately after her departure and before she passed the Lizard reports were circulated from various British points that the Paris had been captured by a Spanish warship and was being taken to Cadiz. When the Paris passed Lizard, she showed her usual signals, and then put out all her-lights, and disappeared in the darkness of the ocean. This did not put an end to the stories. London and other cities in England reported that theswift ship had been overtaken. The Paris was delayed by rough seas, fog and rain, but at no time-during her voyage did she sight a Spanish warship. She discharged her cargo at once and was received by the naval authorities, her name being changed to the Yale.

Northwest Ready for War. In the Northwestern States there are now under arms 37,712 militiamen, according to dispatches, and careful estimates show that 465.060 men stand ready to volunteer, many being already enrolled. It is believed that in case of an emergency call the seven States named in the following table would furnish over 2,000,000 men: ” Number who would Trained Volunteers respond soldiers estimated to a callunder arms, ready, estimated. Illinois 0,472 • 65,000 750,000 Indiana ....5,460 50,000 200,000 Ohio 7,882 100,000 400,000 lowa 2,388 50,000 200,000 Missouri ... 5,000 150,000 400,000 Wisconsin .. 4,000 25,000 100,000 Michigan ... 3,510 25,000 100,000 Total ...37,712 44)5,000 2,150,000 Will Recruit 3,C00 Ncgr. cs Major General Brooke, commanding the division of the Federal army at Chickamauga, has begun tho enlistment of 3,000 negroes. This numbor of colored troops is required under the reorganization bill. Britain May Step In. Owing to the arrest of several Englishmen in Cuba, accused of being American spies, negotiations have been opened for the taking off of British subjects by British men-of-war. Would Wreck Army Trains. Gov. Atkinson received a letter from Dr. James L. Long of Good Hope, Ga„ saying Spanish spies were planning to. wreck bridges and blow up trains bearing troops to Key West. To Inoreasc the Regular Army. Preparations are being made to rapidly recruit the regular army up to its maximum of GO,OOO to 65,000 men under the reorganisation bilh This will require enlistment of about 25,000 men. With Havana out of beef a bull fight should he an appetizing spectacle there.

CARRIES ORDERS TO GOMEZ. United States Officer Reaches Camp of the Insurgent Commander. Lieut. Henry H. Whitney of the Fourth United States Artillery reached Gen. Gomez’s camp Friday night with an escort provided by Col. Bermudez, who met him on the coast, near Caibarien, Tuesday morning. Lieut. Whitney carried letters to the insurgent commander-in-chief and instructions from Gen. Miles of the United States army. These instructions direct the Cuban army to move to a point where they will unite with an army under Brig. Gen. Nunez, which is to be equipped by the United States. Nunez’s army will bring along complete equipments for 30,000 men. A point on the northern coast is to be seized and fortified as a base of supplies. The commander-in-chief and Lieut. Whitney naturally declined to reveal to correspondents the point selected for the base, but the Cuban officers say it is Cardenas. From the same source it is gathered that the first offensive action of the allied troops is to be against Matanzas, which is only twenty-five miles from Cardenas. The idea is that Captain General Blanco will not dare weaken the force he has gathered for the defense of Ha.vana to relieve Matanzas. This point once taken, the base of operations will be transferred to that city, and the investment of Havana will follow. COST OF TWO MONTHS’ WAR, The Increased Expenditures Will Be Approximately *90,000,000. The Secretary of War estimates that deficiencies in appropriations required for the use of the War Department for the remaining two months of the present fiscal year will aggregate $34,019,997. The several items in the deficiency appropriation usked for are as follows, cents omitted: Signal service of the army $21,000 Pay, etc., of the army (volunteers) ~ 5.766.061 Pay, etc., of the army (regulars).. 1,425,253 Subsistence of the army 2,739,643 Regular supplies, quartermaster’s department 1,000,000 Incidental expenses, quartermaster's department .. 750,000 Horses for cavalry and artillery.. 1,500,000 Barracks and quarters 300 000 Army transportation 6,000,000 Clothing and camp and garrisou equipage . 10,000,000 Contingencies of the army 20,000 Ordnance department 3,747,405 Medical and hospital department. 750,000 Equipment of engineer troops .... 50,000 Torpedoes for harbor defense.... 500,000 Expeditionary force to Cuba...., 150,034 Total ... $34,019,997

WAR BULLETINS.

Henry Watterson’s sons have enlisted. Spain has sent troops into Porto Rico from Cuba. Gen. Blanco has practically abandoned the minor cities of Cuba. ' The St. Paul has been ordered to sea for scouting duty. A thousand Johns Hopkins students have enrolled for military service. The Spanish torpedo boat destroyers continue cruising in the straits of Gibraltar. The harbor at Key West is so full of prize ships that no more can be accommodated there. The Philadelphia cemetery association

PORT OF MANILA, CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES.

offers to fill the graves of militiamen killed in the war. The Treasury Department has‘ordered the Saturnina, Spanish, seized in Bolixi harbor, released. The naval prize court began its sittings at Key West Wednesday. Proceedings are secret. A dispatch from Manila says the Spaniards have captured the American bark Saranac, loaded with coal. Work on the old monitors is being rapidly pushed to completion at League Island navy yard, Philadelphia. The four-masted American .ship Shenandoah, reported captured by’ the Spanish, arrived in Liverpool safely. The accident to the Cushing was the first serious breakdown she has experienced in her nine years of service. A Worcester’ (Mass.) foundry has just secured a Government contract for making 10,000 shells of 3.6 caliber. The French residents of San Juan sought refuge on board the Frenclj cruiser Admiral Rigault de Genouilly. Famine and smallpox are killing men, women and children in Porto Rico. The conditions in the interior are horrible. Yokohama journals urge Japan to consent to America buying Japan’s two cruisers now building tn the United States.

FREEDOM FOR CUBA/

MATANZAS IS SHELLED

Spanish Batteries Are Speedily Blown to Pieces. DEATH AND RUIN DEALT OUT American Warships for Thirty Minutes Belch Forth a Storm of Iron. • New York, Puritan and Cincinnati Are the Vessels Engaged In the First Serious Engagement of the War— F punish Land Defenses Seriously Damaged and Loss of Life of the Defenders Is Reported-No Casualties on Fleet—Morro Castle Fires. Key West special: The flagship New York, monitor Puritan, and cruiser Cincinnati, under Admiral Sampson, on Wednesday afternoon bombarded the Spanish batteries that were in position and in course of construction at the entrance to Matanzas harbor. They were pretty thoroughly destroyed. The flagship was first fired upon by the batteries on Point Rubai Cava and Point Maya, while the Puritan, New York and Cincinnati were reconnoitering for the purpose of locating and ultimately destroying the works the Spaniards were

EMILIO AQUINALDO. Insurgent leader of the Philippines.

building. The New York steamed in between the batteries, and opened both broadsides, on the Spaniards. The Puritan engaged the Cape Maya battery and the Cincinnati went to starboard of the New York, close up to the land, and sent a broadside of shells into Ruba Cava. The batteries returned the fire, but not one of the shots took effect. They fired

Ixplosive shells, and they all fell wide of the mark, no damage of any kind result* ing. A shrapnell shell exploded above the New York, and one shell exploded just beyoud the stern. All others were wasted. The batteries were reduced in jusF twenty minutes. The final shot from the enemy came from Ruba Cava, and drew from the Puritan a reply from one of her twelve-inch guns, which struck the battery and blow-up a section of it. The United States ships did not retire until the Spanish refused to renew the engagement. They left the batteries in ruins. 1 During the engagement not a soul could be seen on the shore, and the puffs of smoke came up from the batteries as if by magic. MEN WHO FIGHT FEVER. Senate Military Committee Wants 10,000 Immnnea Enlisted. The Senate Committee on Military Affairs made* a favorable report on a bill Authorizing the enlistment of an additional brigade of volunteer engineers. In connection with the offers made by recently organized troops in the South who have had yellow fever, the President is empowered to enlist without regard to apportionment among the States a volunteer force not exceeding 10,000 men, possessing Immunity from diseases incident to tropical dimates.