The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-12

WASHINGTON, July u-Gereral shat-
ter's report from Siboney sent just befors
midnight last night caused officials OF the
War Department to walt all day witn tne
expectation OF hearing that the bombarH-
ment OF Santiago had begun. Ne word
10 that effect came. however, up 10 the
time the Department closed. and though
there is little reason TO doubt that tho
General carried out the programme Oh
which no had notified the Department
IL was regarded as possible that he had
consented TO a further extension under
tho flag OF truce in view OF certain signs
of weakening on the part OF the Spanish
commander
UNSATISFACTORY TEST.
Tests made recently OF the naval ord
nance gave very unsatisfactory results
when It was attempted TO project snelis
over the high hills from the open sea
into Santiago city. Possibly better re-
suits may be- attained tomorrow II tho
attack is resumed then, but there "a
much likelihood that the main reliance
Will be upon sgch OF tho hgnt drauSat
vessels OF Admiral Simpsons fleet as
may succeed in getting close 10 the shore
ana in a better POSITION than the heavy
battleships The oIficials here are saus-
ned that what appears 10 be delay on the
mart OF General 5ndrter was really caus~
ed by his efforts 10 carry out strictly tho
President injunction 10 prevent ths
Spanish army from escaping from san
tIago. .
THEY COULD HAVE ESCAPED
He might have attacked the town sew
eral days ago with the result thds TX
the Spanish were overcome they would
have retreated without obstruction TO ths
northwest beyond the reach OF our SOL
diers 10 follow. His despatch written late
last night indicates clearly that ne has
been trying 10 complete MS line OF m
yestn1ent so as 10 prevent such an escap1
ana as he appears 70 feel satisfied tnas
he has accomplished this the hnai as
sault will not be delayed much longer.
TO SAVE THE TROOPS.
General shafter Is disposed TO save
every life possible in the war. IL Is "a
save our troops that he desires 10 make
a free use OF artillery before the assault
proper begins and also TO secure the CO.
operation OF the navy In the attack. Tha
little artillery duel OF yesterday appears
to have been more serious In It's result
than was at first suspected BY General
shafter himself, for during the afternoon
he was obliged 10 report as one rcsut
the death OF Captain Charles w. Howeli.
Second infantry. one OF the most ganant
and popular officers OF the regular estao-
lishment.
GOOD CABLE SERVICE.
The cable communication between
washington and General Skaters head
quarters has now been gotten into excel
lent condition, so that It has been poss's
Bile to receive at tho department a mss.'
sage within twenty minutes after II hzd
been dispatched by General Shafter. Col.
onel Allen. who Is In charge OF General
skaters end OF the line has reported
10 the department that no Is now en-
gagged in laying cable from Guantanamo
10 PLAYA Del Este, which will still fursh-
| er reduce that time required for the ex-
| change OF communications.
NO OFFICIAL REPORTS
The appearance at the Navy Depart
noent this morning al an early hour OF
Ensign Palmer one OF the officers of the
81 Iouls. which arrived at Portsmouth
Yesterday. led the officials 20 believe
| that he had brought with him the -
ports OF the American naval coHmandcrs
| on the battle. which resulted I'm the de-
struction OF Cervera's squadron. 1t turn
ed out. however. that the 81. Louis had
started from Slboney before the Official
reports on that engagement had been pre-
| pared.
FIgE-pROor WOOD.
Ex-Secretary Herbert had quite cops
ference with Secretary Long this after
noon upon the subject OF fire-proof wood
| for naval construction. lie brought Win
| him a formidable array OF facts sstasfed
| from the newspaper reports OF the bat
tle to show that fire was tho element
that worked the greatest destruction
among the Spanish squadron, and that
| wherever American vessels had been N.Y.
II 0asz