The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-02
When the Spanish Defenders Abandoned Their
Works and Retreated Into the City.
General Shafter's Loss Estimated at Five Hundred
Killed and Wounded-Good Work by the Dy-
Mantle Cruiser Vesuvius.

skirmish is expected, but nothing serious
The captured pacificos all allege that the
Spanish main force, which was here four
days ago, has now been withdrawn into
Santiago, in pursuance of a general plan of
concentration. Spies report General Linares
continues to retreat from Baiquiri to San
tiago. This plan is said to be much against
his own wishes, but to be forced upon him
by his superior officer, General Toral, COM
manding at Santiago
1t is evident the Spanish stand is to be
made inside the strong intrenchments about
the city. With well-armed men, eager for
final clash, this stand might well be des-
perate. The temper Of the Spaniards is
hard to ascertain. Owing to the Cubans
biased estimate Of Spanish ability, they
predict a merely nominal resistance but the
Americans think otherwise. AT any rate,
the Spanish are eating horses and the civil
ians are gathering mangroves in a suburban
wood, where some twenty have been cap
tured by the American patrol. The Span
iards have, therefore, the spur of hunger.
Whether it has broken their fighting spirit
few days may tell.
The capture of Caney and possibly the oc-
cupation of the commanding plateau is now
thought to be the limit of to-morrow's
ries provisions sufficient to last until July
4. With the present supply train service
continuing without any accident he will cas-
lily have food enough to last to July r. BY
that time according to one well-informed
officer, and perhaps sooner, Santiago will be
taken. This move of the Fifth Division will
completely turn the Spanish eastern flank.
General Kents command will be able to
move up parallel to it's present position,
acting as wall against the horde of Span
iards from three strong lines south and
east. Should serious effort be made to
prevent General Lawton's gaining the de-
sired plateau and Spanish interior force
thereby be weakened General Kent and
General Wheeler may be thrown forward
and general engagement be precipitated
large detail has been at work all day
improving military road to Caney, with a.
view of the artillery and the supplies for the
other force cutting through the woods par
allel to old Santiago road. 1t is also possible
that this opening may bring the siege guns
inland from the railway that are now work.
ing up the coast in the hands of our troops
The condition of the American troops is
excellent Despite the hard rains and the
hot sun, only eighteen men out of General
Lawtons 5,593 were reported i'll on to-day's
sick call. The other commands are equally
we'll off. The men are full of snap and
eager for the big fight. In preparation for
the final assault upon Santiago sixty tried
men in each brigade, noncommissoned off,
GERS and privates, have been promoted TO be
wire-clipperS, and they will precede the first
firing line about two hundred or three hum
dred yards for the purpose of cutting the
barbed wire fences of obstruction to the
way to the city. Their mission is a most
hazardous one, as they will be exposed to
the fire of our own men we'll that of
the enemy The pacificos who have been
brought into the American camp during the
last few days are in a pitiable condition
Men, women and children are absolutely
starving, and they welcome American shell
ter.
General Shafter has established his head
quarters with General Lawton and to-day
hoisted the corps flag. To-day the signal
corps used observation balloons, obtaining a
perfect view of the Spanish intrenchments,
the city and the harbor.