The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-10
CRISIS HAS BEEN REACHED
AND AMERICANS ARE PREPARED TO
ATTACK THE STRONGHOLD.
Dispatches from the Front-Nothing
to Indicate that Sampson Bonn
barded the Forts Yesterday.

WASHINGTON, July 9-The great battle
expected to-day did not take place, although
the armistice expired at noon, with the
forces on both sides at Santiago lined up
for battle. The reason was that the Span
ish commander, who had been in corre-
epondence by telegraph with his home gov
ernment, was seeking 20 make terms with
General Shafter by which he might save
his army from capture. He was willing to
give up Santiago without resistance, if al
lowed to retreat with all of his men and
arms across the island, but this idea was
not entertained for a moment by our gov
ernment. On the contrary, every effort will
be put forth to seal up all avenues of es-
cape from Santiago and to compel the final
surrender Of the Spanish army To have al
lowed them to make their way unmolested
into the interior would have amounted simp-
ly to reinforcement of the garrison of Ha-
vana by these thousands of trained soldiers,
who had proved their courage as worthy
foemen in the fighting in the trenches. On
the other hand, to compel their surrender
it is believed, would certainly produce an
enormous moral effect both in Havana and
in Spain itself, and thus tend to the early
conclusion of the war.
Secretary Alger and Adjutant General
Corbin were in quick communication with
General Shafter, at Santiago, during the
day. Both officials however, decline posi-
lively to give out for publication any dis
patches relating tn the negotiations that
are going on between General Shafter and
General Linares, or to confirm any Of the
exciting rumors that were flying through
the corridors all day. Nevertheless, it was
evident from their manner that crisis had
co..
cerned, and that. matters stood at the
close of the day, there was no reason to be
dissatisfied with the outlook
1t Is known that General Shafter has lost
nothing by the armistice: his men are
rested. the commissary has improved, the
roads have been cleared and his artillery is
now almost completely placed in a most
effective manner. None of these things ex-
listed at the beginning of the armstice. On
the other hand the Spanish forces have
largely diminished their slender stock of
provisions and have steadily lost in conf
dence. AS soon as they are convinced that
they will be humanely treated and fed and
will not be subjected to inhumane treat
ment land the War Department proposes
that they shall be thus protected), it is ex-
pected there will be many assertions from
the Spanish lines.
NOT ON SHORT RATIONS.
One of the dispatches received by Secre-
tary Ager from General Shafter to-day
said that six batteries of artillery had been
unlOaded and got to the front to-day
and that only one of the lighters sent to
General Shafter had reached its destination.
The secretary said that the general said
lighters were needed to unload provisions
for the troops. In view of published anega-
hot III
General Shafter was wired as to proof of
the assertion. His telegram to-day said that
only on one day were any troops on half
rations and on this day the only troops
which suffered were a few at the farthest
point from supplies. The general says there
was considerable complaint on account of the
lack of tobacco. but added that there was
sufficient food. tobacco and other necessary
supplies on the ships to last at least two
months and they will be brought ashore at
the earliest possible moment Everything
he reported to be in the most satisfactory
condition and at the time of sending the dis
patch he expected fighting might be re-
sumed perhaps this afternoon or evening
Secretary Alger ano General Corbin both
refused to make any further statement as to
the nature of the communication they had
received from General Shafter, but it is I'M
derstood here that the town offered to
capltulate on conditions, and that these con-
olIions so far have not been accepted.
Inc War Department received two dis
patches from General Shafter over night. as
follows:
C,ab Wlth Army Corps in the Field, July s.
S ao4S operators were permitted to 20 in |
T. sSslItay morning. The English cable was
ia working order and some of the oDerarors
49, 49, III me city. General Toral wanted
a'TIe' as lney We're the principal men This
~ bevs To 10. peen cut, and the men I sent
~ H.@NS ~ taken II up again. English ca |
pie mas been working all the time through |
report received to-day of loss on .Jnlv ! o,,S |
Wo h5ied o of5Ssrs, 2es s enlisted men
ing the names of the killed and woundeds aro |
being rapidly prepared. and it is honed tn /
get them off tomorrow"
SKATER WILL GOVERN SANTIAGO |
The statement telegraphed the press from
the army in the field to the effect that the |
Cubans under Garcia have undertaken Ia |
designate Governor for Santiago after its 1
Ia4 has attracted q good deal of attention |
mere The dispatch went on to state that /
the man chosen for the place was Col
Denetrio Castillo, of Garcia's army. and |
mat General Shafter, on being notified of |
lhe choice. had referred the matter Il, |
washington. No such reference has peep |
mace and the officials here do not EXPECT |
Tor an instant that General Shafter will |
make It. If Santiago falls under his at
tack General Shafter. and no one else. will |
assume command OF Santiago and retain /
lhst COMMAND as long as he stays in that
vicinity and until he is relieved by orders
AFom Washington. 1t is not contemplated |