The Florence tribune., 1898-05-14
TELEGRAPHIC REPORT.


 WASHINGTON, May 7.-The following is the full text of the official report received this morning by the navy de- partment from Commodore Dewey:
 "MANILA, May l, 1898. The squad ron arrived at Manila ht daybreak this morning. We immediately engaged the enemy, and totally detroyed the following vessels: Cruisers Isia de Cuba, Reina Christina, Castilla, Don Antonio Ulla, Don Juan, Austria and Velasco; gunboats Elcano, General Lezo and Marquis del Quedo; armored transport Isla Mandano. The Ameri- can squadron is uninjured. Only few of our men were slightly injured. The Spanish loss is very heavy, but is not known. The only means of telegraph ing is through the American consul at Hong Kong. I shall communicate with him. ESignedl DEWEY"
 The seeming iucredibility of the above report, so far as the safety of the American forces are concerned, can only be explained on the superiority of tue American guns, as well as the su- periority of their markmanship. The American squadron evidently fought at long range, with effective results, while the aim of the Spanish was wild and range too great for them. 'Si'AsnS0r5 May 7.--The following additional telegram has been received at tue navy department this afternoon from Commodore Dewey:
 "CAvTE, May Al have taken pos session of the naval station at Cayite. Philippine Islands. ana have destroyed all of it's fortideations. I have also destroyed all of their Notifications at the entrance to the bay, and have pa- roled the garrisons.
 "I control the bay completely and can take the city at any time. The squadron is in excellent health and spirits.
 "The Spanish loss is not known, but is known to be very heavy. One hum dred and fifty men, including the com mander, were killed on the Reina Christina alone, which was Admiral Montejo's flagship. am assisting in protecting the Spanish sick and wounded. There are two hundred and fifty sick and wounded in the hos pital within our lines. There is much excitement in Manila at present. l will protect all foreign residents.
 "(signed) DEWEY"
 WASHINGTON, May7.-The following telegram was sent by Secretary Long to Commodore Dewey to-day:
 "The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your officers and your men for your splendid achievement and overwhelm- ing victory. In recognition of your valuable and brilliant services, he has appointed you Acting Admiral, and will recommend vote of thanks to you and to your men by Congress as 8 foundation for further promotion.
 "(Signed) LoSG."
 LONDON, May 10.-Shanghai special says Admiral Montejo was killed by the populace after escaping from Ca vite. Insurgents are said to be butch ering Spanish women and children near Manila.
 WASHINGTON, May l0.-It is hard to tell whether the naval officers were relieved or disappointed by the news that came late this aftern to both the navy and state departments, that the Spanish flying squadson had arrived at Cadiz, Spain.
 The safety of the Oregon from at- tack is now completely assured, and the way is clear for military opera tions in Cuba without running the risk of having occupying army line of com munication cut off.
 On the other hand it is believed that no enduring peace can be secured until the Spanish navy has been destroyed, and it now appears that to do this our sailors must make up their minds to go after the Spanish. task very much more difficult than that of meeting them near our own shores.
 It was suggested by some of the members of the war board that there was just possibility that the Spanish squadron might take quick passage into the Pacific through the Suez canal and attack Dewey at Manila.
 It is said that contrary to the com mon understanding the Suez canal is open to warships of belligerent pow CTS; that if the Spanish choose to take this course they would have 8 long start of any pursuing fleet.
 From our side of the Atlantic it is scarcely believed the Spanish are will ing to take the great risk of exposing to our attack their own home ports by the withdrawal of so considerable a of their naval strength as would be required to overmatch 1