The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-12
HOW CERVERA ESCAPED.
j Jumped Overheard and Was Prevent
ed from Drowning by His Son.

Portsmouth, n. H, July 12.-Admiral
Cervera in an interview said he had
received three cablegrams from the
minister of marine at Madrid ordering
him to leave Santiago. Knowing the
force he would have to encounter, he
felt convinced that obedience to these
orders would spell Suicide" to the i'm
prisoned fleet that faced it. Then came
another dispatch.a peremptOry one, that
left no choice but to obey. It said:
NO matter what the consequences
are, go to sea at once and fight the en-
envy
so I went out" the admiral said.
My plan was to attack your Brooklyn,
sink or disable her if possible then run
to Havana. raise the blockade there
and seek refuge in the harbOr. But I
failed in my purpose, as you know, lost
all 1 had, my fleet and everything. My
cOuntry's misfortune and my own are
very great.
The conversation turned to HObsOn
and his forIOrn hope, and the admiral
had no word of praise to0 high for that
little band of heroes and their world
renowned exploit.
Cervera then spoke of Captain Vain
wright of the Gloucester, and his brave
big hearted executive officer, Lieutenant
H. Mel. P. Huse. Cervera thanked
them both from the bottom of his heart
for the manner in which they had stood
by the fire imperiled Maria Teresa
whose heated guns made a fearful dan
ened to dash the life from everyone
near by. Seeing the danger Cervera
begged Lieutenant Huse to shove off
from the flaming wreck.
THAT gallant and noble officer" said
Cervera, replied. No, admiral, not I'M
til have rescued all of your wound
ed.
I jumped overheard" continued the
admiral, speaking of his own adven-
lures, and my son followed me. I
could make no Roadway and would
l1eq 4, i
me and borne me up with his younger
and stronger arms. While we were
struggling in the water the Cubans on
the shore fired at US, but the Americans
drove them away and would not allow
them to modest US again. Then I was
taken on board the Gloucester and then
to the Iowa.
The admiral was asked about the first
bombardment of Santiago.
1t was a great surprise" he con-
feSSed. He feared that the CristObal
Colon would have been sunk, as the
rest OF the Heet was not within support
ing distance. and the forts at that time
were but imperfectly defended, mount
ing but a few guns.
He could not understand why the
American ships did not close in and
strike the Colon enmasse. as she had
none of her big guns on board.
Did not have her big guns? Where
were they?' was the question that in
terrupted the admiraPs talk.
In Italy, or perhaps in the pockets
of our chief ordnance" was the reply,
given with an expressive shrug.
OF Captain RObley D. Evans of the
Iowa the admiral spoke in glowing
terms. On board that vessel he had
been received more as a cOnqueror than
a captive, had been allowed to retain
his sword and had seen the marine
guard of the ship stationed to receive
him as though he was a visiting ad-
miral instead Of a haIf-drOwned and
sadly beaten hostage of war.
When Admiral Cervera with the as
sistance of his son, swan ashore from
his burning flagship, he was picked up
by the United States converted yacht