The Advocate and news., 1898-05-04
Spain Loses
Asiatic Fleet.
American Fleet Wins Easily In the
Philippines, Practically Destroying
the Spanish Vessels.
MANILA WILL SOON BE OURS,

The latest reports from Manila indi-
cate that the Spanish squadron has been
practically wiped out and that the Ameri-
can naval victory was one of the great
est in the history of the country The
authorities at Washington are highly
pleased with the reports. The story Is
best told by the dispatches which follow.
New York, May "A dispatch to the
Herald from London says:
The Asiatic squadron of the United
States, Commodore Dewey commanding,
Sunday engaged and completely defeated
the Asiatic squadron of Spain in the har-
bor OF Manila, in the Philippine islands,
practically destroying 1t.
All the news Of the great naval bat
tie thus far is coming from Spanish
sources. This shows conclusively that
Manila has not yet been taken by the
American forces and that the cable lines
are still under the control of Spain.
From the fact that even the advices
received from Madrid show that the
American worships Jared the best, there
is hardly any doubt that when complete
details are obtainable it will be learned
that it was a crushing defeat for Spain.
Reports Of the battle thus far are COM
ing in piecemeal. During the two en-
gagements that took place, Commodore
Montejo commanding the Spanish fleet,
lost three of his largest ships. His flag
ship, the steel cruiser Reina Christina,
and the armored cruiser Castillo were
burned, and the cruiser Don Juan de
Austria was blown up Several other
Spanish ships were badly damaged. One
report adds that several other Spanish
ships were sunk by their commanders
to prevent their falling into the hands
Of the Americans.
There was heavy loss OF life among
the Spanish. Captain Darso, command
ing the Reina Christina, was killed. Com
modore Monteja, commanding the fleet,
shifted his flag from the Reina Christina
to the Isla de Cuba, much smaller steel
protected cruiser, just before the Chris
tina sunk. The blowing up of the Don
Juan de Austria was attended by great
loss OF life among the crew, her com
mander also being killed.
Commodore Dewey's squadron, leaving
Subig bay, few miles from Manila.
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, pro-
ceeded towards Manila. Under the cover
of darkness he entered the harbor of Ma
Mia, the batteries located there announc-
ing his arrival.
Both fleets lined up for battle about
daybreak. The guns of the American
warships began firing for the fortress of
Cavite and the arsenal Of Manila.
Under the protection of the guns OF
these Notifications the Spanish Warships
opened fire on the American fleet. For
several hours the harbor resounded with
the roar Of guns, the crashing Of steel
and timbers, the shrieks and groans of
the wounded. Thick clouds OF smoke at
LINES almost obscured the opposing fleets
from each other.
A well-directed shot reached the iron
cruiser Don Juan de Austria, a vessel
OF LOO TONS A terrific explosion FOL-
lowed and the ship was blown up.
All the time during the first engage
ment the American ships were under
way, their maneuvering being intended
10 render the Workmanship Of the Snan-
lsh gunners less effective.
The American squadron about 9 O'Clock
drew of to the west side of the bay and
LOOK refuge behind some foreign shin
ping. The ships had evidently suffered
considerable damage. After some hastv
repairs they returned to the conflict
Durlng this engagement the guns OF
CaVlte maintained a steadier and strong
er nre upon Commodore Dewey's ships