The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-06-16

United States Camp. east side of
Guantanamo bay. Tuesday. June u,
p. m, by the associated press dispatch
boat Wanda, via Kingston. Jamaica.
Wednesday. June Is, 1880 p. m.-The
marines under Lieutenant Colonel Rob-
ert w. Huntington made their first ag-
gressive movement against the Spanish
guerillas to-day. and completely routed
the enemy. The force of marines was
under Captain Elliott, and the cooper
ating Cubans were under Colonel La
borda. The combined forces RACED a
Spanish camp five miles from the
American position. destroying the only
we'll in the vicinity. and killing about 40
Spaniards. One American marine was
slightly wounded. Two Cubans were
killed and four wounded. lois impos-
sible to estimate the number Of Span
iards engaged. owing to the guerilla
methods of fighting, but it Is believed
there were at least 400. The marines
behaved splendidly. their craftsmanship
being excellent. even better under the
severe fire of the enemy.
The captured camp lies about five
miles southeast of the rifle pits of the
marines and was an important base for
the enemy. as it contained the only
well within six-or@ seven miles. Lieu
tenant Colonel Huntington decided on
the attack early IN the day and about
s o'clock the force started across the
mountain. The march up and down
the steep hillside under the glaring
tropical sun was a severe test of en-
durance for the marines, and before the
battle ground was reached 20 men had
received medical attention. All were
able however, to reach the position be-
fore the fighting ceased.
The marines were compelled to march
in single file following the mountain
trail Meanwhile the Cubans darted
backward and forward, to right and
left, on the scout.
1t was noon when, from a hill top.
the Americans caught sight of the
Spanish camp on a ridge below them.
1t consisted of one large house. the off,
GERS quarters. surrounded by numerous
shacks and houses all clustering about
the precious well. The Americans be-
gan a cautious advance and were with
in 200 yards of the enemy before the
crack of a rifle from the Spanish lines
announced that the Spaniards had dis
covered them. The troops quickly
moved into line of battle, with the
Cubans on the left flank. The enemy's
bullets were whirling viciously over
the Americans, but the marines settled
down to their work as unconcernedly
as though at target practice.
Only few Spaniards were in sight.
They were lying behind the huts and
the brush. but the puffs of smoke re-
Americans 10 do effective work. For
20 minutes both sides maintained a ter
rife fire. The Spanish shots were gen.
orally wild and spasmodic. while the
Americans fred away. aiming careful
ly and shooting TO kill.
For the most part. the American fir
ing was done individually, but at times
the officers would direct firing by
squads, always with telling effect. 1t
was beginning to look as though a bay
onet charge down the slope would be
necessary to dislodge the enemy, when
suddenly the latter began to break for a
thicket a hundred yards further on.
Little groups could be seen fleeing from
the camp. separating. darting through
the brush. and zigzagging to escape the
shots. 1t was then that the American
fire became most deadly. Man after
man was seen to fall in a vain rush for
shelter. and the fire from the Spanish
became scattered. and almost ceased.
Two Cubans lay dead and four
wounded, and Private Walker of COM
pany d had to limp to the rear with a
slight wound in his ankle.
The easy victory put the command in
high spirits The little black Cuban
warriors waved their machetes and
howled curses at the Spaniards in sav-
age fashion. Their firing had been
wild throughout. but they all displayed
the utmost contempt for the Spanish
bullets. apparently being absolutely
without fear.
As the enemy began breaking camp
the Dolphin. which lay out at sea, be-
gan pitching shells toward the thicket
for which the Spaniards were making.
Meanwhile Lieutenant MsgilI was seen