Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-07-07

at 1890 yesterday Saturday morn
ing, he demanded the immediate sur
render of the Spanish forces. At 4:30
yesterday afternoon Skaters demand
had not been complied with, so far as
the war officials here were able to as
certain. That the demand will be
compiled with, however, Shafter fully
believes, and that the stars and stripes
will on this 4th of July be raised over
The former capital of Cuba is regard
ed as practically certain. 1t is not
known whether Sampson reduced
MORO and crushed Cervera in the har-
Dor or whether the latter made a vain
dash for the open sea.
Fierce Fight.
Siboney, Cuba, Saturday, July 2, a.
m, by Associated Press Boat Daunt
less, via Port Antonio, July 4.-The
fighting on the right of our line
this Saturday afternoon developed
unexpected and for some hours almost
as severe firing as yesterday (Friday)
when Lawton was assaulting Ell Caney.
The Spanish made an attack in force
on our position, pouring in volley al
ter volley in quick succession and with
remarkable regularity. Our return
fire was certainly effective and con-
ieys had become rarer and less heavy.
Meanwhile the batteries on Grimes
hill kept booming away at the middle
of the enemy's line, materially aiding
the fanking movement. The Smelling
from the Spanish feet was less active
and apparently gave our left little
concern. At this hour the report has
just reached here that LawtCn, aided
by fresher regiments sent him early
in the afternoon, has turned the en-
emy's left and has troops already in
the city, where an almost hand-to-
hand encounter is going on in the
streets of Santiago. The situation
when the Associated Press correspond
ent left the front was such that the
capture of the city tonight Saturday
would not be surprising, although
Shafter himself, when, the correspond
ent left him three hours ago, did
not be long delayed. From the latest
word this afternoon to Gen. Garcia
that the surrender of the city would
not expect it. Shafter, however, sent
reports it is believed that the Amer
leans sustained loss in the two days
of 1900 killed and wounded. The
Spanish losses are much greater At
least 1 900 Spaniards have been killed
and 1000 taken prisoners.
Encouraging Words.
Washington, July 4.-Alger has sent
the following reply to Gen.
Skaters report relative to his inabil-
ity to take Santiago until reinforced:
"The president directs me to say that
you have the gratitude and thanks of
the nation for the brilliant and eff
fective work Of your noble army on
Friday, July l. The sturdy valor and
heroism of the officers and men have
thrilled the American people with
pride. The country mourns the brave
men who fell in battle. They have
added new names to the roll of
heroes.-R. A. Alger, Secretary of
war"
The secretary when asked what
course was to be pursued in view of
Skaters report of the condition at
Santiago said the government did not
propose to make any of its plans pub
lie and give the enemy an opportunity
of knowing what was intended. 1t is
understood that Shafter will at once
receive instructions. The war depart
ment officials have been in conference
at the white house and war depart
ment.
Heroes Who Fell.
Washington, July A conservative
estimate-not officials that our
casualties during Fridays fighting
were nearly if not quite 1000, about Is
per cent. of which were deaths. Satur-