The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-19
HOW SAN
JUAN WAS
SHIELDED.

his flag 10 the Iowa and the attack on the
forts began at 5:l5 and lasted three hours.
Although II was known at San Juan
that the American fleet was near, the
Spaniards apparently kept no look out.
The soldiers in the forts ana the people
IN the town were fast asleep when our
warships approached.
The plan Of the Admiral was thoroughly
carried out.
OPENED THE COMMANDMENT.
The feet steamed into the harbor and
opened d tremendous fire on the foruh-
cations. Three times the warshlps made
the circuit outlined in the official plan.
The forts withstoOd the first round, but
the Montgomery. from her station, near
Fort Canuelo. on Cabras Island, wrought
complete destruction. With glasses the
officers of the Montgomery could see the
occupants OF the port jumping over tht
walls and running away.
The Detroit, which went nearest TO
MORO. had 20 train her guns at a high
angle. Her shots. directed at the north
side Of the Moro. cut deep burrows IN the
face Of the fortincations.
The Iowa. leading the feet. delivered
her deadly missiles with great accuracy
upon Morro's northern walls.
The rest of the feet fired in order, hrst
on MORO and then on a Carlos, ac-
cording TO position.
on the second round, the Spanish gun
ners were thoroughly awakened ana
stood by their guns bravely. keeping up a
furious but aimless fire. From their
firm foundation n high elevation they
had a splendid opportunity TO cripple our
fleet. but the Spanish gunners seemed 10
fire regardless OF aim and as II only de-
sirous OF emptying their magazines.
From the Associated Press despatch
boat. we could see the American shells
fall among the forts and among the
troops Of the garrison. raising clouds OF
dust and causing fires to break out.
II was hoped the Spanish feet would
emerge from the harbor as soon as the
firing began. and "a feeling Of deep dis
appointment spread though the feet when
the lookouts reported the harbor was
clear.
TERROR WENT N ALONE.
At the end OF the third round the mon.
itor Terror failed TO understand the or
der TO withdraw and engaged MORO
Castle alone for half an hour.
AS seen from the despatch boat Of the
Associated Press. which occupied a
grand-stand position, the squatty little
monitor In tackllng the towering fort.
was making a magnificent display OF dar-
ing. The Terror moved in as II intending
20 ram the forts and the Spanish gum
ners evidently became greatly excited at
her behavior. for they fred rapidly and
without aim. The Terror was not touch
ed.
The scene was intensely interesting, but
Il was not so exciting as had been eX-
pected. The Spanish aim was so as
toundingly bad that absolutely no anx-
iety was felt for our ships. In fact, when
the Spanish forts hred volleys which hid
them IN smoke. followed a few seconds
later by the gayser-like spOuting and
splashlng not dangerously near the Ter
ror. derisive cheers went UP from the
colored crew Of the despatch boat. stand
ing I'm her bow.
The heavy swells somewhat affected
the aim OF the gunners Of tho Terror,
for some her shells struck the sea IN
front OF the forts. Finally. the Terror
| seemingly grew tired. and slowly with
drew. firing as she teamed away. Then
the ~spaniards became almost frantic
with excitement and blazed away at the
monitor until she was long out OF range.
ONE EFFECTIVE SHOT.
on board the Iowa, a boat was struck
and caught IRE. an exhaust pipe was
derteG. the bridge railing was shattered
and three men were slightly wounded. \.
this was done By the solitary shell whicl
struck the Iowa.
one shell exploded on the New Yort
killed a man. wounded four others, shat
tered two search lights. splintered a cut
ter. tore three holes In a ventilator and
broke a small davlt arm, Pieces OF thi:
shel were gathered up for souvenirs. but
there we're not enough 20 go around. The
New York was hit only once.
NHN-. Al 4H.-rt-A Ia.N aF the Aeon.
ciated Press left San Juan for the island
OF 81. Thomas with the dispatch describ'
ing the engagement. the fleet was prepar-
Ing 10 bury the dead. In addition to the
man killed on board the New rork, q
runners mate on the monitor Amphitrit,
died from the enecSs Of the heat.
OF the New York's four wounded men.
only two were seriously enough hurt 10
call for their transfer TO the hospital
ship Solace. which subsequently, Joined
the feet.
The New York fred go shots. it is
said, during the bombardment.
TOOK TO THE WOODS.
The cable operator at a Juan cabled
10 the operator at 81. Thomas. early on
the morning Of the 18th. announcing that
a vigorous bombardment OF the capital
OF Porto Rico was In progress, adding
that he was going 20 take 20 the woods,
IL is considered probable that most OF
| the inhabitants OF the place followed his
example and fed from the city soon after
they were awakened BY the Iowa's nrst
~eroadsids,