The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-08-12
OCCUPATION Of GUAM
How the Cruiser Charleston
Took the LadroneS.
SPANIARDS DIDN'T KNOW
War Had Been Declared Till
Shells Began to Fly.

United States Transport Australia, Jun
H-The first expedition TO the Philippine
Islands is now lying at anchor in the har
bor of San Luis d'Apra. the chief por
Of the island of Guam Cor Gujan)), tn
largest Of the Ladrone islands, lately on'
of Spain's Pacific possessions, but nov
under the dominion Of the United States
The stars and stripes are flying from th'
old fort in the harbor, and the Spanish
garrison of fifty-four men, with five Off
GERS and governor, are now prisoners OF
war on board the steamer City of Sydney.
The feet is now weighing anchor TO de-
part for Manila, where 1t expects 10 ar
rive about the first of July. The island
has been left under the governOrship Of
the only American resident, a young man
named Thomas Wilson, who was born on
the island some twenty-eight years ago
of California parents, and has a trading
post in the chief town, San Ignacio dag
ana. The fleet consists of the cruiser
Charleston and the transports Australia,
Picking and Sydney, having on board
$500 troops, composed Of the Second Ore
gon and the First California volunteers,
and the Fourth regulars, under General T.
NJ Anderson.
Early on Monday morning, the 10Th inst,
the feet rounded the northern extremity
of Guam island and headed southwark
towards the harbor, the Charleston well
n h. A ind inc
and frequent tropical downpours Obscured
The landscape and made observation diff
fcult. The chief town, Agana, containing
the residence of the governor and the gar
rison, lies on the north side of a coral
peninsula, jutting far out in the ocean.
The Charleston worked slowly IN towards
the town as far as she dared to go be-
cause of coral shoals, and when satisfied
that the two Spanish gunboats which are
supposed to be somewhere among these
outlying islands, and which were one Of
the chief objects of her quest, were not
there. she turned her Prov seaward again
an Grounded the end Of the coral spit,
and passing through a narrow channel be-
tween the reef and a high bluff Of volcanic
basalt, slowly pushed her way into the
haTbor of san Luis. which is the chief
harbor Of the island. and whose landing
place. Unapa, is about four miles across
The peninsula from Agana. The three
transports lay to off the entrance beyond
the reach of cannon shot. their upper
decks and rigging black with the crowds
of soldiers eager to see the expected bat
tie.
Well within the harbor was seen a yes
sci, which, under the glass. proved to be
small whaling brig flying the japanese
flag. 1t was painted white, and when
first seen created considerable excitement.
being mistaken for one of the Spanish
gunboats. Near the shore, on the opposite
side of the bay, which is here about two
miles wide, was seen a low fort apparent
'y built Of stone and faced with earth.
with trees growing from the embankment
around it. When she was within two
miles of the fort the Charleston opened
upon it with her three-pounders, firing
thirteen shots in rapid succession, four of
which were seen to strike the fort Cheer
after cheer went up from the transports
as these shots were fired, but no answer
ing shot being seen the excitement died
down, and was followed by a long wait
10 learn what the real situation was. 1t
proved in some respects to be an amusing
one. The Charleston ceased firing be-
cause the fort made no reply. Its shots
had only been fired for the purpose of IN
masking the enemy. and as none was I'M
masked, she waited for further develop
ments.
1t was afterwards learned that the fort |
was an old structure. built ninety years I
ago Of coral, and never had cannon
mounted in it. and had not been occupied |
Tor half century. having been originally /
constructed as a defense against the ma /
1ives and not for the protection Of the /
harbor against warships. Don Quixote's /
famous charge on the windmills had been /
oclipSed by the American navy.
soon. however, there were develop |
ments. Some time before the fleet enter
cd the harbor they had been observed /
from the landing a Unapa. and the port
officer had ordered out his gig for the
purpose Of going aboard in his capacity
as quarantine official. In addition to this
an old brass cannon had been loaded for
the purpose Of returning the expected sa-
lutte The port officer was about half way
out to the ship when the firing began.
and did not notice that solid shot was be-
Ing fired. This intelligence. however. was
speedily conveyed to the men in charge
OF the shore cannon by a horseman. who
had ben riding somewhat in the rear Of
the fort, and was consequently made
aware that cannon balls were
sailing in his direction. He rode post
haste 70 the landing and asked them what
they were going TO do with the cannon.
and was told they were about to answer
the salute. Whereupon he remarked that
It was queer salute that was accom-
panied by solid shot.
This put a new phase on the matter ~
the Spanish officials. and immediately tba
governors adjutant embarked in n h,a-
and FASTENED after the health officer for
The purpose Of going aboard the Charles
ton to inquire the meaning Of such m
friendly conduct The health officer was
The first TO arrive on beard When he
climbed over the side. he was escorted to
Captain GLASS; stateroom, and learned
Tor the first time that the vessel he had
thoughts Of Qusrandning was a varshin |
" the American navy intent on capt1-ine
The island \ few minutes later the in
iignant a6iutant climbed over the side
md received the same information. He
vas further told 10 return Immediately
o the shore and bring the governor on
board. Meantime the transports were sig
hailed TO follow the Charleston into the
larbor, which they quickly did. the vessels
being anchored within a Jew hundred
iards of each other
At 8 O'Clock the adiutant rafr,rrsf On