The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-27
THE NEW YORK DRY GOODS STORE,
Cor. Main and State Sts, Helena, Montana.

the harbor unobserved by reason of the
smoke. She made her presence known by
opening fire on the Imperial, and succeeded
i'll passing that vessel. The Aconcagua at
once opened fire on the two torpedo boats,
and for a time it looked as though they
would be defeated between the two fires.
FINALLY the Lynch made another for
ward rush toward the Blanco. At a distance
OF forty wards another torpedo was launched.
Cutting the water like an arrow, the missile
sped toward the Blanco. In an instant
there was a terrific explosion. and the water
could see at once that the Blanco WAS sink
ing, but her gus kept firing, and one of
her last shots demolished the smokestack
of the Lynch. AT least five or six shots
were fred from the vessel after the torpedo
struck her. We could see tho ship going
down, and we could hear the shouts of her
officers and men as they attempted to get
out the boats. But the damage caused by
the torpedo had been too great. The YES
sci careened from side to side, and within
five or SIX minutes all of the Blanco En-
calada save her two masts, smokestack and
bridge had disappeared beneath the waves,
and III of her brave crew found a wa5ery
grave.
"The Condell and Lynch next turned
their attention to the Aconcagua. The
Condell steamed for her at right angles to
head her off and the Lynch steamed toward
her stern. The ~Aconcagua defended her.
self as best she could, but was no match for
the torpedo boats. She attempted to make
for the open sea at full speed, but the Con-
dell headed her off. At this momen the
lmperiale signaled that another war ship
WAS in sight. The Condell and Lynch at
once abandoned the Aconcagua and left the
harbor, while the last named vessel sought
a place of safety under the guns of the
shore batteries protecting the town of Cal
dera. The newcomer proved to be the
British war ship Warspite. She dropped
anchor in the harbor within 200 yards of
where the Blanco's masts showed above the
water"
The official printed report to the gov
ernmen concerning the sinking of the
Blanco Encalada. Il copy of which Captain
Nesmlth had with him, contains the fol-
lowing: "When the Almirante Condell,
which was i'll the lead, entered Caldera bay
and sighted the Blanco, she signaled the
Lynch to close up and the lmperiale to re-
main outside to watch for other insurgent
cruisers. Before the fight opened First
lieutenant Pedro Saliva of the Almirante
Lynch called all hands on the deck of his
vessel. He impressed them with the i'm
portance Of the struggle SO near at hand,
and thus closed his remarks: 'lhe under
taking Is arduous, and we risk our lives.
Let the man now speak who does not feel
the courage needful to enter upon il and he
Will be put ashore Every man
took his place. determined to die,
if need be, Tor the cause of Balmaceda.
On the morning of the 23d the tor
pedo boats were within 100 meters of the
EncRlada when she opened fire. The Con-
dell was the first to fire her to%rpedoes. She
up TO within 100 meters of the En-
calada and fired two torpedoes. Both
missed the Blanco, passing fifty feet from
her stern.
The Lynch then steamed up to within
fifty meters of the Blanco. Then Captain
Fuel ties called out to Commander Saliva:
Take careful aim and hit her about amid
ships. She has her powder magazine in
that region and she will be sure to go to
the bottom 4 will replied Saliva, and in
a moment tho two starboard torpedoes
We're discharged.
"Amiu hreathiess silence tho result was
awaited. No explosion folio we'd. just
as Il sailor on the Lynch remarked That
was hard luck, that miss bang! n grenade
on the Lynch's deck and n group of
seven snilors, of whom he who had spoken |
one lay mangled and bleeding.
Commander Saliva called out Capt.
fuentes from tho bridge in the turret, give
her another torpedo, and this time make 1t
sure. IL is our turn now.'
Very we'll, captain replied Saliva, blu
we must get within twenty meters of tho
The signal was given and in another |
moment tho Lynch WAS steaming for tho |
.insurgent vessel. In the turret at the bow |
stood the captain and the third officer wait
for the firing of the torpedo, while
over the torpedo tube was Com
Inander SALIVA. He suddenly Strengthened
himself, pressed "a button and the torpedo |
on its career of destruction. Thore
u terrific explosion and splintors Of