Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-07-11

questions bearing upon that point, General
Corbin said: II have not the slightest in
formation as to the reasons General Shat
ter had for beginning the bombardment
al the hour he names, but il was probably
because he was ready just at that time.
You can speculate about that as well as
can f.F
Information received by the war depart-
ment during the few days Of truce inei-
Gates that he has materially strengthened
his position. During the past week he has
received reinforcements of both artillery
and infantry. Randolph's battery of twen-
ty-four guns, which left Key West last
Tuesday at midnight. is. now in position
before Santiago: and, as one of the war
department officials expressed 1t, When
those long Toms of Randoiph's begin 10
talk, something will happen in Santiago.
General Shafter has nearly fifty siege
mortars. besides light artillery. at his dis
posal. These guns. taken in connection
with the work that can be done by the
fleet, will. it is believed, carry terror and
destruction TO Santiago.
Anxiety has been expressed by the war
department officials as to whether General
Shafter had a sufficient force to prevent
the evacuation of Santiago. by the enemy.
This anxiety was aIlayed about half past
Il tonight by the receipt of dispatches
from General Shafter.
The belief is held by the best informed
officials that General Toral, the Spanish
commander, will surrender when he finds
it will be impossible for him to evacuate
the city. Upon what grounds this belief
is based could not be ascertained, but that
llSUTfldtlOI 10 lEdt erect Is In the lanQS
of the war officials there is no doubt.
General Skaters dispatch tonight shows
that he is engaged now ir Strengthening
his operations with final assault upon the
city.
The news of the bombardment came at
the close of busy Sunday in the war
department. Previous to the receipt of
this dispatch. the secretary of war had
heard twice from General Shafter. In the
early morning came telegram saying that
he had ridden over the American lines
and was gratified at their condition. A
second dispatch said that the lines were
impregnable. thus removing any fear of
successful sortie. by the Spanish troops
should the maneuver of this kind be at
tempted. Both kilograms. which also en-
phasized the fact that General Skaters
physical condition had greatly improved.
were promptly shown to the president and
occasioned him considerable qualification.
When questioned as to whether he be-
leved that there had been bombardnent
of the city. General Corbin replied: You
know as much about it as I do. I have
kept nothing back. should say, however,
that the firing to-day was but the prelim-
mary to the more serious business of to-
morrow"
This being the case. the attempt to take
Copyright. Isss. by the Associated PressD
BEFORE SANTIAGO. Saturday, July 3.
6p. m.-Everything on the firing line is now
ready for the commencement of hostilities,
in case the Spanish generals do not sur
render. The dynamite gun. which has been
in position for several days. is now in bet
ter working order than at the time of the
battle of San Juan. and it is predicted that
its charges. consisting of twenty pounds of
guncotton and gelatine, will work havoc in
the Spanish trenches when it opens fire.
Twelve mortars in one battery are
mounted and ready for use and they are
relied upon to do effective work in she'll
ing the city.
ed on FL Paso ridge. 2io0 yards from the
towr, and the Capron and Grimes bat
teries are l,5oe yards to the north of the
road III the rear of General Lawtori's di-
vision. In firing. the field guns will be
compelled to shell the town over the heads
OF our men, but the artillery officers say
it can be safely done without injury to
our soldiers. The dynamite gun has been
so placed that it will be able to enfiIade
the Spanish lines.
On the other hand. during the truce
which, so far as regards the continuing o
been no truce whatever the Spaniard.
have not been idle. They have beer