The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-21

Washington, May Gothic entrance to
Santiago do Cuba Bay is defended by an
ancient fortress, in which there are but
few modern guns. 1t Is not probable that
the fortress could be depended upon for
effective defense, The SpaniArds would
rely mainly upon the torpedoes in the en-
trance to the bay, which is an exceedingly
narrow channel.
1t is probable, however, that since the
last reports have been received from San
tiago de Cuba sand batteries, mounting
modern guns, have been constructed upon
the shores of the channel, commanding
the entrance to the bay. The bulletin re-
Gently issued by the State Department
describes tie city rs follows:
Santiago de Cuba the second city In size
on the island, is probably the Oldest city
of any size on this hemisphere. having been
founded by VolasqueH in 1914 1t fronts
on beautiful bay, 6 miles long and 2
miles WIDE on the southeas erly const Of
Cuba 100 miles west of Cape Maysi
The population in 1895 was SO GA. The
mean temperature in summer Is S., in win.
ter 50 degrees. 1t is regarded us very I'M
healthy, yellow fever being prevalent
throughout the year, and smallpox cpl
donnie at certain times. Thess conditions
are due to the lack OF sanitary and hygienic
mtusuFcSj Tclu llluLtuT us VIGIL us uCttu
dogs, cats chickens, etc, being thrown in
to the streets TO decay and I'LL the air with
disease germs
"A railroad, called the Sahanlla and
Marote, runs from tho city to San Luis, %
miles distant with branch to a Ito Son.
60. IL miles in length. 1t is largely owned
and controlled by citizens of Tho Quilted
States"
If a battle should occur between the
American and Spanish fleets in the bay at
Santiago it would DO desperate fight.
The main difficulty Of the American ships
would b9 in getting through the channel
entranceinto the bay. No doubt the Span.
ish admiral would dispose his vessels to
command the entrance 20 the bay; but II
our ships could get past that point md en-
gage the enomy in tho wide bay the fl hit
would be on equal terms
Barcelona, May 20 largo forces Of
troop are embarking here for the Philip
pine Islands. There are between 5000 and
10000 men drawn from Catalonia, Anua-
lusih, AraRon and Valencia omblrkng
Madrid, May 20-Admrnl Camara,
Commander Of the Cadiz squadron, is
here receiving instructions relative to the
destination OF ships, which it is explained
"depeuds upon the requirements Of the
war"
The new Minister of Marine has Injected
the greatest activity in his department 1t
Is sold that war munitions from many
quarters have been offered him.
1t Is evident the new Spanish Cabinet in.
tends to push the campaign vigorously
and the Ministers will also negotiate &c,
lively with foreign diplomntsts tu protect
Spain against combination Of her enc
mics.
EiIt is reported from Manila that tho for
oign cosonistS have sent the captain Gen-
eral expressions Of sympathy with Spain.
This Is markedly tbs case with the German
colony, and the action OF he Germans is
said TO be due to the orders received by the
German Consul from Berlin.
Kingston, Jamacia, May 81 The Nor
wegin steamer America Captain Eventh,
from Baltimore, has arrived at Port An
tonic, bringing news Of the capture Of Il
Spanish warship.
When some distance from Jamaica yes
terdGy the America saw an American war
ship towinga vessel that to all appear.
aDces was n Spanish gunboat The YES
sells were too far distant for their names
to BIO distinguished, but Captain Eventh
says that the United States vessel that
was doing the towing was either the st.
Louis or the St Paul
The place where the American warship
and its prize wcr" seen wns off Cape Maysi
the eastern extremity OF Cuba
Madrid, May 9l.-ltis reported that Ad
Iniral Cervera, with his ueet, has lett San
tiago de Cuba
A telegram from Havana says TINT the
insurgents have declared in favor Of spain
and are now making common cause
against the Americans.
Madrid, May 2l,--An explosion occurred
In the fortre IS Of san Julian, at Cartagena,
yesterday, killing ton persons ana injuring
sixty two, including the Governor of The
port.
Kingston, Jamaica, May Clone Of the
scouts at ached to Admiral SIMPSONS
feet has captured Spanish gunboat. This
news was brought here to-day by tho
steamer America, Her captain reports
that while off Cape Maysi yesterday he
sighted either the st Louis or ST. Paul
towing Spanish gIlbuat.
Washington, May q 1t is stated at tho
Navy Department that the st. Louis Is
likely 10 have captured the Don, as she is
known to have been in the Windwurd
Passage OF lato The st, Paul was with
6chley's squadron.