The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-06-19
A HOT BRUSH
With SPAN lARDSI

The Steam Cutters of The Massachusetts and
New York, Engaged in Reconnoitering, are
Fired Upon by the Enemy from BIockhouse
--They ReplyvigorOusly, and the Texas and
Vixen Coming TO their Rescue, the Spaniards
are Forced to Seek Safety in flight.
Copyright 1898 by Associated Press.)
OFF Santiago dc Cuba. Friday, June II,
2. p. m.-Ter the Associated Press des-
patch boat Wanda, via Kingston,
jamaica, Saturday, June is. S.45 a. M.
The weeks campaign in eastern Cuba
has resulted in the practical demolition
of the outer Notifications OF Santiago de
Cuba, in anticipation of the arrival Of
the troops, and the occupation of the
fine harbor of Guantanamo in which to-
day are anchored such magnificent ships
as the Oregon and the ST Paul. to-
gether with the Marblehead, Dolphin,
Suwanee and eleven other auxiliary
gunlyoats, Golfers and press despatch
boats, in an average depth Of II
fathoms of water.
The military resistance to the definite
occupation practically ceased since the
bombardment Of Wednesday, An inter-
cepted official report of the Spanish
military commandant indicates that his
military resources are exhausted. His
soldiers are now on half rations. There
are supplies only for the remainder of
June. The commandant has already
seized all the private drug supplies, in
order that they may be devoted TO the
use of the soldiers.
For the past three nights there has
been comparative quiet i'll the camp
which the marines hold on the crest of
the hill near Guantanamo Bay, and
over which the American flag floats. At
dusk volunteers from the warships go
ashore and camp near. the hill, to be
on hand in case Of an emergency, and
the Cubans go far out in the chapparal
in order to prevent the Spaniards frp(n
stealing march on the camp.
General Perez. commanding the east
ern division of the insurgent army, call
ed on Captain McCalla. of the Marble
head yesterday, and reported that he had
5000 men of whom 1,200 would rein
force the marines in a few days.
Many bands of insurgents are now
gathered along the coast, westward to
Santiago de Cuba
The warships have done no firing
since Wednesdays bombardment Of the
Notifications of the inner hafbor. and
the town of Caimanera.
Since the narrow escape Of the Mar
blehead and Texas from destruction by
torpedoes in the channel greater precau-
tions have been observed. Both ships
struck contact mines without exploding
them. Each mine contained 40 pounds
of gnn-cotton sufficient to destroy any
vessel
The bombardment in Guantanamo Bay
was not so heavy as at Santiago, but
it was very heavy. The Spaniards
fired only FIVE shots and then fled.
Three shots struck near the Marble
head. but none hit her. The ships
steamed within 5000 yards of the fort
before opening fire and then they fired
with deadly accuracy.
The Texas stopped in the narrow
channel in order to avoid grounding
but the Marblehead steamed ahead and
swung around the south side of the
harbor Her first shots went wild. but
the little Suwanee. which was follow
ing her. found the range and sent shots
straight into the foundation Of ihe fort
hurting into the air bricks and dust.
The Texas finished the business, two
of her Pinch shells reducing the fort
to picturesque and useless ruin.
NJ a.
tion to the barracks and breast-works
southwest of the harbor, and speedily ,9p-
molished them. sending the Spanish gar
rison flying for their lives.
AS the Spaniards ran down the main.
land, the st. Paul's 5-inch guns were
trained on them. and several of the
soldiers were seen to fall The number
of killed and wounded is not known.
The bombardment lasted an hour and
quarter, and was accomplished for
the purpose of preventing a movement OF
Spanish troops from the town to the
Notifications. The insurgent forces
which have been armed and equipped by
Captain McCalla. not only proved tG bt
daring scouts, but turn out to be brave
fighters and good shots with the Lee
Metford rifles. Our own men are warn
in their praise, and look for unexpected
" strong cooperation upon the part o
1he Cuban army.