Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 78, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 June 1898 — HIS FATE IS SEALED [ARTICLE]

HIS FATE IS SEALED

Admiral Cervera’s Sole Alternative Is to Surrender. TO FIGHT MEANS HIS DESTRUCTION. The Spanizh Admiral’* Presence at Santiago Darina the Bombardment Confirmed by Spanlzh Minister of Marine. Washington, June 3. —Sampson and Schley still hold Cervera in Santiago harbor. The grip of the American navy on the Spanish armada tightens hour by hour. President McKinley and his war officer® rest secure in the knowledge that the Spaniards can escape destruction only by surrender. With the enemy’s ships sunk or captured the end of the war will be in sight. While far from desiring to avoid a battle, Washington officials would be pleased if Cervera concluded to make a handsome addition to our navy by running up the white flag. Schley’s bombardment of Tuesday seriously damaged the forts at the mouth of Santiago harbor, unmasked hidden batteries further in and again showed tlhe -weakness of the Spanish gunners. The American fleet is in su-' perb condition and our men are enduring the stress of war in the tropics Splendidly. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee is likely to lead the army of invasion and occupation , that will take Puerto Rico. Events indicate that the army will form at Jack- 1 •onville, Fla., and embark on trans-1 ports at that point. The war department has decided to make Chickamauga park the rendezvous for the 75,000 troops asked for by President McKinley’s second call.

Was at SantiagoMadrid, June 3. —Despite the statements of the newspapers that Admiral Cervera was not present at the bombardment of Santiago de Cuba on Tues- 1 day, Capt, Aunon, the minister of marine, in an interview declared that Cervera hoisted his flag on the Cristobal Colon in order to direct the Spanish' operations, “the success of which is ' principally due to Cervera, who has 1 given proofs of high strategic ability." London, June 3. —The Standard’s Madrid special says: At Thursday’s cabinet council, the queen regent presid- ( ing, Duke Almodovar de Rio, the for- ■ eign minister, reported that all the cables were working in the Antilles. A dispatch was read asserting that Admiral Cervera was still at Senor Sagasta denfcj tl)e of a night attempt by the torpedo boats I *g a jpst the American fleet. It is ru s , tEftl Capt m|nijter of j tnarjje, ftas received a dispatch con- , cerning the state of Admiral Cervera’s •hips which has not been communicated to the press. Gen. Correa, minister of war, said: “There is no doubt whatever that Admiral Cervera’s squadron Is at Santiago. Although it is not officially known, there Is no doubt that Admiral Cervera was on the Cristobal Colon, as reported in private dispatches.” ’ Not Confirmed. New York, June 3. —A special to the Evening World, dated Port au Prince, Hayti, says that the United States fleet renewed the attack upon Santiago de Cuba Thursday morning. The people of Santiago, it is added, are momentarily in fear of an attack from the land •ide, where there are said to be 3,000 insurgents. A later dispatch says: It is reported from Santiago that the rebel* have attacked the city in three columns and that a bloody tight is going on. Port au Prince, June 3.—No fresh news has been received from Santiago de Cuba. The report of an attack upon the city by the insurgents is not confirmed and appears to be without foupdation.

Still Claim a Victory. London, June 3.—The Madrid correspondent of the Standard says: The Madrid papers are elated over another repulse suffered by the American fleets. According to official advices the forts and batteries at Santiago were undamaged and not a. single Spaniard was killed or wounded and not a single shell struck the Spanish cruiser Cristobal Colon. El Heraldo regrets that the Spanish fleet was not sent to the Philippines instead of to Cuba. Alfonso XIII. Not Captured. Madrid, June 3. —The report that the Spanish troopship Alphonso XIII. had been captured by an auxiliary cruiser is without foundation. It is announced officially that the Alfonso XIII. is now landing her cargo of provisions at Puerto Rico. The captain general of Puerto Rico cables that the question of subsistence has raised no difficulty in the island, as several vessels have entered the ports with provisions. Destitution at Santiago. Cape Hatien, Hayti, June 3.—No direct news has been here from Santiago de Cuba except a reiteration of the reports of the dreadful destitution of the inhabitants there. It Is said that now even the officials are unable to procure a normal supply of food. Another Appeal to the Powers, London, June 3.—The Vienna correspondent of the Daily Mail says: Spain has addressed another appeal to the powers to intervene in the war and Austria is prepared to accede, but only In conjunction with other powers.