The herald., 1898-05-30
IS INTERESTING ENOUGH
BUT THERE Is NOT A WORD OF
TRUTH IN IT
NEWS FROM CERvERA'S FLEET
Shows That the spaniard Bought Some
Munitions but Lacks Provisions
for His Own Men
Associataed Press special wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, May 29.-Oficials Of the
navy department not only discredit the
reports of a naval engagement near ia
maica on Friday, but declare with the
utmost positiveness that 1t did not oc-
cur. Advices from Admiral Sampson and
Commodore Schley clearly indicate that
the statements contained in the Madrid
story are without the slightest foundation
In fact.
Secretary Long was shown a copy Of the
dispatch tonight. After reading it he said:
1T is an interesting story, although it
entirely lacks the element of truth. You
will notice that 1t is regarded with suspi-
cion even in Madrid. 1t comes to us from
Paris, where it was received from some
unnamed place, after being filtered through
the Spanish capital. No; there is abso-
lutely no truth in it,
Secretary Long declined to make fur
Their comment upon 1t. Official advices
were received tonight from Commodore
Shley. They contain no information of
special Importance, as Is reported from
Madrid, although it is known that they
were written after the battle is said to have
occurred.
The advices from Commodore Schley in
dictate that he is now on station for sew
eral days. guarding the entrance to the
bay of Santiago de Cuba. That he has
Cervera and his feet bottled up in the bay
Is regarded by naval officers as beyond any
doubt.
Commodore schley has not only his own
squadron, but two or three vessels be-
sides at his command. and 1t is not believed
to be possible for the Spanish admiral to
escape with his fleet. No information is
obtainable as to the intentions Of Commo-
dore Schley. Whether he will endeavor to
force an entrance to the bay and seek a
battle with the Spanish squadron Is not
known, but such a course at present is not
regarded as likely. 1t would be better, in
the opinion of some of the naval officials,
to keep Cervera and his vessels safely in
the harbor. where they are absolutely as
useless as they would be at the bottom of
the sea.
Cervera is Hungry
PORT AU PRINCE. Hayti, May 29.-
Copyrighted, 1898, by the Associated
Press.) Two Italians who set out from
Santiago de Cuba in small boat on May
~ anu lduOeQ near MOLE 81. NICHOLAS OF
the 22d, arrived here today bringing in
formation as to the situation at Santiago
de Cuba. The state Of affairs there IL
critical, particularly so, because of the
lack OF food. The whole population is ter
ribly discouraged and keenly DESTROYS OF
peace.
The arrival Of the squadron under Ger
vera without food supplies for the city
deepened the general dependency.
The squadron has disembarked 800 men,
artillerymen and engineers, and landed
10000 Mauser rifles, great q nifty of
ammunition and four big guns, destined for
the Notifications.
In spite of the strict silence maintained
by the officers and the commanders the
general expression. was, when the Italians
left, that the squadron would set out for
San Juan. Porto Rico, to obtain supplies
and land ammunition there.
Talking Of Peace
MADRID. May 29.-Midnight.-The pa
pers continue to talk Of the possibilities OF
peace.