The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-07-06
.SPANIARDS
EXULTANT
Madrid Joyful Over Ger
vera's Sortic.
BELIEVE HE ESCAPED.
Defeated Admiral Praised as the
Savior Of Santiago
BELIEVE HE ESCAPED.
EuLoGIzBD ON EVERY HAND,

Madrid, July 6.--Aimost indescribabie
enthusiasm continues to prevail here
over the supposed escape OF Admiral
Cervera ana his squadron from the har-
Dor OF Santiago. The admirars name Ia
on every tongue, and 1t is claimed that
II was he who saved Santiago by adding
to General Linares' handful OF soldiers
his brave sailors to man the guns ashore
and repei the Americans under General
Shafter."
Such 10 about the exultant eulosy of
Admiral Cervera heard on all sides. this
state Of public feeling being due to the
Official announcements from Santiago.
For instance one statement from San
tiago is as follows: when Admiral
Cervera-found that II was certain Col
onel Escerios' reinforcements were In
proximity to Santiago. the admiral held
a council with the commanders Of his
squadron, disclosing to them q plan to
force the blockade in broad daylight.
The commanders responded unani-
mousiy: Forward 1t was then ar
ranged that the torpedo boat dsstreysrs
should take the lead. feigning an attack
and discharging their torpedoes against
the snemy's ships. the Cristobal Colon
protecting their advance. sheltered by
the batteries OF Moro castle and dis
tracing the enemy's attention. while
the remainder Of the squadron sailed
out Of the harbor.
THE Americans at first were taken
by surprise. Then, recovering. they
opened tremendous fire. especially
against the torpedo boat destroyers.
which vessels Admiral Cervera had In
structed TO steer an opposite course to
the squadron The Americans were de-
ceived and Unanswered towards the
supposed course Of the Spaniards. while
Admiral Cervera went full stsam ahead,
maintained continuous fire until clear
of the American lines. and then steamed
away westward. pursued and breasted
for some distance by the swiftSsT Ameri-
from Morro castle.
In the meanwhile the torpedo boat
destroyers sank under rain Of shall
from the numerous American warships.
IT is presumed part or their crews were
saved by the enemy or swan ashore.
number OF :Sge buoys were provided
on board the torpedo boat destroyers,
whose crews anticipated their vessels
would be destroyed"
The foregoing 10 the popular Spanish
version OF the ssrtie OF Admiral Ger
vera from the harbor of Santiago ana
the sacrifice of the crews Of the torpedo
boat destroyers Is said to be highly ap-
preciated by the queen regent, while the
general public Is overjoyed at their con-
duct.
1t is supposed here that Cervera Is
running for Havana. since he has not
been reported as arrived at Cienfueros.
and there will be tremendous anxiety
here until It 10 known that the admiral
and his squadron are safe I'm Havana
harbor. Hopes are expressed in this
city that the Spanish admiral may cap-
ture or destroy some American vessels
while on his way to Havana.
Foreign news giving contradictory
versions OF the sortie have cast tinee
Of perpiexity and dampness upon the
general rejoicing. In military circles Il
Is considered that General Shafter has
been checked, that Rear Admiral samp-
SON has been baffied and that the aspect
OF the war has been changed; but the
universal expression Of opinion IL that
peace Is impossible until something oc-
ours which is satisfactory to the ma
ffouoI fAaIspw