The Penn's Grove record., 1897-01-22
SPANISH GUNBOAT SUNK.
Great Victory for the Patriots in
Southeast Cuba.
BLOWN UP BY A REBEL TORPEDO.

The Relampago Destroyed in n Rivera
Her Commander Kiilei--Gnnner, As
sistant Engineer and Three Marines
Also sIain--The Vessel Was Going to
HAVANA, Cuba (By Cablo) Tho Cuban
insurgents have destroyed AMI srnk the
Spanish gunboat Re'anpaco. The COM
mander Of the warship was killed. The
Spanish officers themselves confirm the news.
Though tho insurgents h1vs no navy, they
do moi hesitate, when the opportunity offers,
to attack tho Spanish warships. The latest
instance OF this kin occurred Sunday morn
ing, when the Spanish gunbost was sunk by
means OF a torpedo. AMI many OF her crew
killed. A detachment Of rebets had made an
attack upon the fort at Guamo, some dis
lance up the Cauto River. Province OF San
tiago de Cuba. and the Spanish troops, fear
ing that they would not be able TO hold out,
asked for assistance from Manzanillo, on the
coast. On Saturday night the guuboats
Centinela and Relampa2o left ManZanillo
uuder orders to ascend the river and protect
the fort.
The commander Of the gunboats used all
possible speed in running up the coast to the
mouth ofthe river, but when they began to
ascend the stream they proceedet very eau
tiously. suspecting that the rebels might
nave planted torpeloes In the channel. All
went we'll until the gunboats were opposite
a place called Mango, when, despite all the
precautions that had been taken, the Relam-
page struck q torpedo. Instantly there was
a terrific EXPLOSION. and masses OF water
were hurled to a great height. TIT hull OF
fYa Kalamazoo was torn omen and she at
once began to sink.
There was no time to lower a boat, and al
most before the extent OF the disaster could
be realized the vessel went down. Those on
board Of her who were not injured jumped
into the water and made their way as best
they could in the direction OF tho Centineia,
aboard of which the greatest excitement pre-
vailed. As soon as 1t was seen that the Re-
lampago was sinking the Csntinela's boats
were ordered away to assist in the rescue OF
the crew of the former.
The rebelsa appeared to no in strong force
along the banks OF the river. and when they
saw the Spaniards in the water, they directed
n heavy rifle fire upon them. The uentinela
opened fire upon the rebels, but as they could
not be seen, aud their positions could only
be discovered by the smoke from their guns,
1t is not believed that any serious losses were
inflicted upon them.
When the Centinela's boats attempted to
rescue inc Ileu s'TuSStNnS III tno n"tSi
tho rebels fired upon them, but the Span
iards bravely persisted in their work of res
cue until all the men had been taken from
the water.
Nearly every survivor OF tho Relanpaeo's
crew was wounded. and there were only a
few of the men belonging TO the Centinela
who had not been hit by a rebel bullet. The
commander OF the Centinela was so seriously
wounded that doubts are entertained OF his
recovery.
The condition OF the survivors was such
that it was impossible for the Ccntinela to
proceed to Guamo. and she therefore re-
turned to Mnnzanillo, where the news OF the
disaster caused intense excitement.
The official report Of the affair states that
the commander, second engineer and three
sailors of the Relampago were killed, and
her boatswain, qusrtermaster, chief engl-
neer, pilot and four sailors wounded. The
boatswain of the Centinela was killed. and
her pilot, second engineer, gunner and six
sailors were wounded.
Both g~unboats were small vessels, intended
principally for river service, and thcy did not
carry large crews.